Polk Gulch

San Francisco

Polk Gulch featuring street scenes, a city and cbd
Polk Gulch showing a city and street scenes
Polk Gulch which includes a house
Polk Gulch featuring street scenes, a city and city views
Polk Gulch featuring road cycling, cycling and central business district

Pre-gentrification San Francisco is alive and well in this lively stretch of Polk Street, conveniently located in the heart of the city.

Explore the melting pot of Polk Gulch. As the rest of San Francisco becomes increasingly gentrified, this southern section of Polk Street remains refreshingly authentic.

Ever since San Francisco’s genesis following the California Gold Rush, Polk Street has been a bustling part of the city. See vestiges of that as you pass mom-and-pop shops. Don’t expect the cute boutiques of the Marina or the luxurious shops of Downtown Polk Gulch has an altogether grittier vibe.

Polk Gulch isn’t entirely immune to the relentless march of gentrification that has taken San Francisco by storm. Check out a swath of new restaurants, shops and bars that line the street.

Today the Castro is indisputably San Francisco’s main gay neighborhood. Polk Gulch previously held that distinction. Discover vestiges of that era in its nightlife scene, which has a variety of lively bars and clubs. Step back in time at favorite gay bars including the Cinch Saloon and Gangway, just off Polk.

Although Polk Street was named after U.S. President James Polk, Polk Gulch earned the latter part of its name because the street was built over an old stream. Many people also refer to this area as Lower Nob Hill or the Tendernob, an amalgamation of the area’s two bordering neighborhoods, Nob Hill and the Tenderloin.

Walk a few blocks northwest of the Civic Center MUNI/BART public transportation station to reach Polk Gulch. Parking on Polk can be difficult, so check side streets or seek out a parking garage if you have a vehicle. This portion of the street has a good bike lane.

Find Polk Gulch on Polk Street, roughly between Geary Street and Union Street. If walking the San Francisco hills has been challenging, the flatness of Polk Street may provide welcome relief. To experience it to its fullest, explore Polk Gulch on foot so you can pop into shops and restaurants at your leisure. As you head north toward Russian Hill, the area becomes increasingly upscale. Take care if you head south toward the Tenderloin, which has the highest crime rates in the city.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Polk Gulch

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is €140 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€140
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,328 reviews)
"Lovely stay. Bed was confortable. I really liked the parking option as is cheaper to buy here than at the property."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is €158 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
€158
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,585 reviews)
"This was the second time I have stayed at the Hotel Riu Fisherman’s Wharf. The hotel is in a good location walking distance to the wharf. The rooms are clean and they offer an enormous breakfast!"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is €136 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€136
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,496 reviews)
"Great location! Right next to china town and the financial district! Walk right out into the entrances of these cool areas. Very fun building. Room was amazing. Clean bright, huge window, spacious, especially compared to surrounding hotel options. Will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
The price is €213 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
€213
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,754 reviews)
"My family and LOVED our stay at this beautiful hotel. It was very clean, fun, and there is so much to do in the hotel itself including workout at the best hotel gym’s I have ever seen, shop at the mini market, dine at the amazing restaurant, or relax in one of the many chairs/sofa’s/ tables scattered ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG

4 out of 5
999 California Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is €185 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
€185
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,051 reviews)
"I always stay there in SF."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is €100 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€100
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,930 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and welcoming. However, parking got a little tricky at night. The whole lot was full so we had to circle around the lot a few laps to find a spot."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Polk Gulch

Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill
Default Image

Russian Hill

4/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers choose Russian Hill for its pristine beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop and check out top sights like Macondray Lane.

Russian Hill
Chinatown featuring street scenes

Chinatown

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Chinatown. Dragon's Gate is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Chinatown-Rose Pak Stop or Powell St & Clay St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Chinatown
Union Square which includes a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square
Default Image

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
North Beach which includes a city and skyline

North Beach

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

Travellers love North Beach for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

North Beach

Polk Gulch

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