Hayes Valley

The best thing to ever to happen to Hayes Valley? The Loma Prieta earthquake that resulted in the tear-down of the freeway that once dominated this neighborhood. Today, the freeway is gone, replaced by Octavia Boulevard and its community green.

Anchored by the imposing high-culture edifices of the San Francisco Ballet, Opera, and Symphony, Hayes Valley provides plenty to do following the closing curtain. Late night finds concertgoers heading to belle epoque styled Absinthe and its bar that says open to 2 a.m. Up-and-coming culinary artists ply their trade, opening restaurants that beg to be discovered by foodies.

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