Scaling the Heights: A Guide to Pacific Heights & Billionaire’s Row

High above the fog line, where the Victorian architecture is as sharp as the sea breeze, lies Pacific Heights—San Francisco’s most prestigious neighborhood. This isn’t just a collection of beautiful homes; it’s a living museum of the city’s resilience, wealth, and world-class views.

Whether you’re joining us for a City Tour, an Evening Tour, or our Alcatraz Combo, this hilltop sanctuary is a highlight of every route. Here is everything you need to know about the neighborhood where “millionaire” is considered a starter title.

Pacific Heights: The Crown Jewel of the City

Pacific Heights is more than just a zip code; it is the ultimate San Francisco “flex.” This elegant hillside enclave is defined by its quiet, tree-lined streets and some of the most beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian mansions in the world.

While the neighborhood is famous for its staggering wealth, it’s the community vibe that makes it special. As you cruise through in your Lucky Tuk Tuk, you’ll see locals walking their dogs toward Alta Plaza Park or heading down the hill to the boutique shops of Fillmore Street. It is a place where old-world elegance meets modern Silicon Valley influence, all tied together by a 360-degree view of the city skyline and the Bay.

The “Who’s Who” of Billionaire’s Row

The crown jewel of the neighborhood is a three-block stretch of Broadway between Lyon and Divisadero Streets known as Billionaire’s Row. This small stretch of pavement holds some of the highest-valued real estate in the United States.

The Current Titans

As of 2026, the neighborhood remains the ultimate power address for the global elite:

• Laurene Powell Jobs: The widow of Steve Jobs lives in the neighborhood’s most expensive residence. In 2024, she purchased 2840 Broadway for $70 million, setting a city record.
• Jony Ive: The legendary former Apple design chief responsible for the look of the iPhone and iMac resides nearby.
• Mimi Haas: The billionaire Levi Strauss heir and philanthropist lives on this prestigious block.
• Jeremy Stoppelman: The CEO of Yelp is another prominent tech leader who calls the Row home.
• The Getty Family: Gordon Getty, the billionaire composer and businessman, remains a neighborhood pillar.

Legends & Former Residents

The history of these homes is just as fascinating as their current owners:

• Larry Ellison: The Oracle founder recently sold his longtime mansion at 2850 Broadway in January 2026 for $45 million.
• Danielle Steel: The world-famous author lives in the massive 55-room Spreckels Mansion, which occupies an entire city block.
• Dianne Feinstein: The late U.S. Senator lived on Lyon Street, right at the landing of the famous Lyon Street Steps.
• Nancy Pelosi: The former Speaker of the House maintains a historic residence in the area.

5 Fun Facts About Pacific Heights

• Safety First: Because the neighborhood is built on solid bedrock, it suffered significantly less damage in 1906 than the landfill-based areas of the city.
• Consulate Row: Many of these massive estates now house foreign consulates for countries like Italy, Germany, Greece, South Korea, and China.
• The School of Royalty: In the movie The Princess Diaries, the “Anthony R. Travenia High School” is actually a private home at 2598 Lyon Street.
• A “Heart” of Gold: The “Migrant Heart” sculpture on the Lyon Street Steps is part of the Hearts in San Francisco project benefiting the local hospital foundation.
• The “Gold Coast”: Long before it was Billionaire’s Row, it was known as the “Gold Coast,” named for the 19th-century timber and gold rush barons who first built here.

The Lyon Street Steps: A Stairway to Heaven

At the western edge of Billionaire’s Row, you’ll find the Lyon Street Steps. This isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a destination in itself.

• The Landscaping: The steps are flanked by perfectly manicured hedges and seasonal blooms, reminiscent of a European garden.
• The Workout: You’ll likely see local fitness buffs sprinting up the 288 steps—it’s the city’s most scenic outdoor gym!
• The View: From the top, you have a direct view of the Palace of Fine Arts dome and the sparkling blue of the Bay.

Why Take a Tuk Tuk?

Let’s be honest: Pacific Heights is steep. Walking to Billionaire’s Row is a 40-minute trek that involves some of the most punishing inclines in the city.

With Lucky Tuk Tuk, you get effortless climbing, unobstructed open-air views of the towering mansions, and insider stories from our guides who know exactly who lives behind which gate.

Ready to see how the other 0.1% live?

Book your Lucky Tuk Tuk tour today and let us take you to the top of the world!

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