About Polk Street

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  Street sign at the corner of Sacramento and Polk
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  Polk Street looking South from the corner of Sacramento and Polk
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  Polk Street shops

If you are looking to escape the crowded downtown San Francisco chain stores and you're ready enjoy a warm, friendly neighborhood atmosphere, Polk Street is the place.

Polk Street runs from Ghiradelli Square at Beach Street at the North end South to Market Street near City Hall and the Civic Center. Located on the West side of Nob & Russian Hill, the area is in a San Francisco microclimate relatively immune to foul weather.

There are hundreds of shops selling almost anything imaginable. Whether your looking for books, lingerie, videos, hardware or just looking for a nice neighborhood environment to enjoy a meal, Polk Street has what you are looking for.

The history of Polk Street is almost as old as San Francisco itself. Polk Street was named after James K. Polk, the eleventh president of the United States. Fires in the 1906 earthquake destroyed most of the buildings on Polk and many of the older present-day buildings were built on top of the ruins of the destroyed buildings.

Every year, one can join in on the fun at the Polk Street Festival. The streets are closed off and you can enjoy live music, dance, food and arts.