West Portal, San Francisco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Portal
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Ulloa Street in West Portal in 2017
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 West Portal
Location in San Francisco County
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| Area | |
| • Total | 2.705 sq mi (7.01 km2) |
| • Land | 2.705 sq mi (7.01 km2) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,630 |
| • Density | 9,230/sq mi (3,560/km2) |
| ZIP Code |
94116, 94127, 94132
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| Area codes | 415/628 |
West Portal is a small neighborhood located in San Francisco, California. It is mostly a residential area, meaning many people live there. The main street, West Portal Avenue, is a popular shopping district in the southwest part of San Francisco.
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Where is West Portal?
West Portal is found at the southern edge of the hills in central San Francisco. The neighborhood gets its name from the western end of the Muni tunnel. This tunnel goes under Twin Peaks and opened in 1918. A subway ride from West Portal Station to Castro Station takes about seven minutes.
Getting Around West Portal
The West Portal Station is a key transit hub. From here, the L Taraval train goes west along Ulloa Street. The K Ingleside and the M Ocean View trains travel south along West Portal Avenue. The neighborhood is also served by the 48 and 57 Muni bus lines.
What is West Portal Like?
West Portal is often described as having a "village-like" feel. This is because it is small and has many local shops, restaurants, and cafes. The neighborhood has its own branch of the San Francisco Public Library.
Local Businesses and Services
Even though it's small, West Portal has many useful places. You can find banks, different types of restaurants, coffee shops, and salons. There's also an elementary school, a drug store, a bakery, and an ice cream shop. West Portal Avenue is home to many unique, locally owned businesses. These include a record store, a book store, a toy and craft shop, and clothing stores. You can also find a produce market, a candy shop, and a hardware store. Many professional services like dentists, lawyers, and optometrists are also available.
Nature and Views
The frequent fog in West Portal helps keep the area green, even during the dry summer months. On a clear day, West Portal Park offers amazing views. This park is located above the Twin Peaks Tunnel. From there, you can see the Marin Headlands and the Farallon Islands in the Pacific.
Public Transportation
The neighborhood is well-connected by the Muni train lines. These include the L Taraval, M Ocean View, S Shuttle, K Ingleside, and T Third Street lines.
