St. Mary’s Park: An Underrated Bernal Heights Treasure
Been living in San Francisco for years? You might still be surprised by the quiet pocket neighborhood tucked near the intersection of Highway 280 and Alemany Boulevard. Easy to overlook in favor of more central parts of the city, but those in the know are well aware that St. Mary’s Park is one of the most interesting and historic corners of San Francisco.
A Neighborhood That Has Stayed Itself
Built into a steeply terraced hillside, St. Mary’s Park offers baseball, basketball, tennis, a rec center, picnic tables, hiking paths, and a playground with sweeping views. The third tier is home to St. Mary’s Dog Park, perched above the freeway and accessible via a footbridge, a favorite for dogs and their people alike.
The history runs deep here. In 1862, Archbishop Alemany purchased this land from Jesus Bernal himself, and a Catholic college stood on these very slopes until 1889. The WPA helped shape the land into a public rec center during the Depression, and a historical marker on College Avenue still commemorates those roots with a plaque, bell, and cross. Source: FoundSF
The Locals Worth Knowing
St. Mary’s Pub & New College Hill Market are true pillars of the district, not chasing modern food trends, just providing the reliable, welcoming atmosphere that makes this corner of San Francisco feel like a small town.
Selecta Autobody on Mission Street has been a neighborhood fixture for over 50 years. Family-owned and one of the first green auto body shops in the city, Selecta has built its reputation on quality craftsmanship, transparency, and long-term customer relationships that are increasingly rare.
Tree Frog Treks is a leading nature and science education organization in San Francisco, famous for its “Wild Science” approach. For over 25 years, they have been getting kids out of the classroom and into the dirt to explore the natural world. Their programs are centered around hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and face-to-face encounters with a unique collection of rescued reptiles and amphibians, known as their “Animal Ambassadors.”
A Saturday Tradition
No visit to this part of the city is complete without a stop at the Alemany Farmers Market. Running since 1943, it holds the title of oldest continuously operating farmers market in California — and earns its nickname “The People’s Market” every single week. Dozens of independent farmers, local food producers, and affordable prices make it a world apart from the city’s flashier markets.
Walk down from the park to the market on a Saturday morning. It’s one of the best ways to experience what makes this neighborhood tick.
Your Gateway to the 94110: The Bernal Heights Business Directory
Author: Mike Doherty: Bernal Connect
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas that benefit communities and the environment.
