You’re standing at the corner of Van Ness and North Point, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably just trying to figure out which bus gets you to the Golden Gate Bridge or how far of a walk it is to the nearest sourdough bread bowl. It’s a weirdly pivotal spot in San Francisco. One way, you’ve got the industrial-chic ghosts of Fort Mason. The other way? The pure, unadulterated tourist chaos of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a transition zone.
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Most travelers treat this intersection as a pass-through. They see the Muni signs—the 49, the 28, the 30—and they just keep moving. But there is a lot of history literally buried under your feet here, and if you know where to look, some of the best "locals-only" secrets are hiding right in plain sight.
The Gateway to the "Avenue of Millionaires"
Before the 1906 earthquake, Van Ness Avenue wasn't just a busy six-lane thoroughfare for the 101. It was the "Avenue of Millionaires." Think massive Victorian mansions, sweeping lawns, and the kind of opulence that makes modern-day billionaires' row look a bit tame.
Everything changed when the fire started.
To save the rest of the city, the US Army used Van Ness as a massive firebreak. They dynamited those gorgeous mansions to stop the flames from jumping west. It worked, but it killed the "glamour" of the street for a century. Today, when you stand at Van Ness and North Point, you’re at the northern terminus of that historic line.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find the remnants of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. That event was basically San Francisco’s "we’re back" party after the earthquake. The Palace of Fine Arts is the last man standing from that fair, and it’s a short, breezy walk from this corner. If you haven’t seen the swan-filled lagoon there, you’re doing SF wrong.
Transit Hacks: Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s talk logistics. San Francisco hills are no joke. If you try to walk from Van Ness and North Point up over Russian Hill to get to North Beach, your calves will never forgive you.
Here is what you actually do:
- The 30 Stockton: This bus is legendary. It’ll take you through the Marina, into the heart of Chinatown, and down to Union Square. It’s the ultimate "scenic route" for the price of a standard fare.
- The 49 Van Ness/Mission: Since the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes opened a few years back, this is actually the fastest way to get through the center of the city. No more getting stuck behind Uber drivers double-parking.
- Fort Mason Center: Don’t just look at the gates. Walk in.
There’s a reason locals hang out here. You’ve got the Interval at Long Now—which is part bar, part library, part clock-museum—and it’s easily one of the coolest spots in the city to grab a drink. It’s quiet. It’s nerdy. It’s perfect.
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Why the "North Point" Side is a Culinary Minefield
Look, Fisherman’s Wharf is right there. We all know the trap: overpriced clam chowder served by someone who hates their life. But at the intersection of Van Ness and North Point, you’re actually in a sweet spot between the tourist traps and the legitimate Marina food scene.
If you walk a few blocks south to Chestnut Street, you’re in brunch heaven.
Check out Sweet Maple. People wait an hour for their "Millionaire’s Bacon," and frankly, it’s worth the hype. It’s thick-cut, covered in brown sugar and black pepper, and sort of life-changing.
But if you want to stay closer to the water, Ghirardelli Square is right there. Yeah, it’s for tourists, but locals still sneak in for the hot fudge. Pro tip: Skip the main line and look for the smaller "to-go" counters tucked in the back. You get the same chocolate without the forty-minute wait.
The 2026 Reality: New Developments and Changes
As of early 2026, the area around Van Ness and North Point is seeing a weirdly high amount of activity. The city recently lifted some "formula retail" bans along Van Ness, which means we’re starting to see more big-name shops moving in where quirky (but often empty) storefronts used to be.
There’s also a massive 67-story skyscraper approved further down South Van Ness. While that won't block your view of the Bay from the North Point end, it’s a sign of how much this corridor is densifying.
The neighborhood is getting more crowded. Traffic is... well, it's San Francisco traffic. But the vibe is shifting from "gritty transit corridor" to something a bit more polished.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Spot
People think it’s just a bus stop.
They think it’s the place you go to get to Alcatraz (which, okay, the ferries aren't that far away). But the real magic of Van Ness and North Point is that it’s the edge of everything. You have the wild, windy beauty of Aquatic Park where people actually swim in that freezing 55-degree water without wetsuits. Seriously, watch them from the pier; they’re terrifyingly brave.
You also have the USS Pampanito and the SS Jeremiah O'Brien just a short walk east. These aren't just "museum boats." They are incredible pieces of living history that survived World War II.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you find yourself at this intersection, don’t just stare at your phone waiting for the bus.
- Walk North: Hit the Aquatic Park Pier. It gives you a view of the Golden Gate Bridge that isn't crowded with ten thousand influencers.
- Fuel Up: Grab a coffee at one of the smaller kiosks near the Maritime Museum instead of the big chains.
- Explore Fort Mason: Check their calendar. There’s almost always a weird art show, a farmer’s market, or a craft beer festival happening in the old warehouses.
- Avoid the Crowds: If the cable car line at the Hyde Street turnaround looks like a three-hour wait, walk back to Van Ness and take the 49. You’ll save time and see more of the "real" city.
The area around Van Ness and North Point is more than a GPS coordinate. It’s where the old "Avenue of Millionaires" meets the modern-day waterfront. Take twenty minutes to actually explore it before you hop on that bus. You'll find that the "in-between" places in San Francisco are usually the ones with the best stories.