The Inside Scoop by our Local Expert
Cow Hollow is a neighborhood in San Francisco, California; it is south of the Marina District and north of the Pacific Heights neighborhood. This is a fairly small neighborhood, only about one-third of a square mile. It has a fairly young, affluent population. Cow Hollow got the name because, in 1776 when it was settled, this was a grassy area with freshwater springs. They soon found that it was a perfect area to raise dairy cows. The name stuck and it has been called Cow Hollow ever sense. In 1871, the dairy cows were no longer allowed in this area. Instead, many beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes were built here and the area became quite fashionable. Now this area is one of the popular neighborhoods in San Francisco. If you drive down Union Street, you are driving down the main street of Cow Hollow. This street is also the main shopping area. You will pass the beautiful old Victorian homes, wonderful restaurants, bars, and expensive boutiques. In the daytime it is a quiet neighborhood with young mothers pushing strollers down the streets. In the evening, you find a more active and lively crowd enjoying the popular bars and restaurants.