It’s not hard to decipher which natural landmark this pretty hilltop neighborhood, which lies at the geographic center of San Francisco, was named after. With an elevation of about 922 feet that makes it the second highest landmark in San Francisco, the north and south Twin Peaks are about 660 feet apart from one another, with Twin Peaks Boulevard running a figure eight around them. Many of the homes in this area are built like staircases into the hills, and those along the summits and on the slopes offer stunning views of the Bay. 

As expected in a neighborhood with such distinct topography, there is plenty of beautiful land to explore within well-preserved recreation areas such as Twin Peaks Summit, Midtown Terrace Playground, and the Sutro Recreation Center, as well as along the many long pedestrian stairways that wind around the hills. The homes in this area vary in architectural style, and there are more apartment complexes here than in other parts of the city, many offering panoramic views. Thanks to the Twin Peaks Improvement Association, with prohibits further development in the neighborhood, noise and commercial activity are limited, but several great shopping destinations in adjacent neighborhoods are just minutes away. © 2016 Maryann LoRusso 

With an elevation of about 925 feet and located near the geographic center of San Francisco, the Twin Peaks are the highest points in the city next to Mount Davidson.

With an elevation of about 925 feet and located near the geographic center of San Francisco, the Twin Peaks are the highest points in the city next to Mount Davidson.

Sutro Tower, projecting from nearby Clarendon Heights, is one of the most recognized city landmarks.

Sutro Tower, projecting from nearby Clarendon Heights, is one of the most recognized city landmarks.

Twin Peaks is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered Mission blue butterfly. Many other bird, insect and vegetation species thrive in this area.

Twin Peaks is one of the few remaining habitats for the endangered Mission blue butterfly. Many other bird, insect and vegetation species thrive in this area.

Built as a streetcar tunnel in 1918, the Twin Peaks MUNI Tunnel runs beneath the hills, linking downtown San Francisco with West Portal and the southwestern part of the city. 

Built as a streetcar tunnel in 1918, the Twin Peaks MUNI Tunnel runs beneath the hills, linking downtown San Francisco with West Portal and the southwestern part of the city. 

The brick-paved, landscaped Pemberton Place Steps run from Clayton up to Crown Terrace. Not far away, near Corbett Avenue and Iron Alley, are the Iron Steps (which are actually made of wood), and further south on Corbett, the Argent Alley stairway descends to Market Street. 

The brick-paved, landscaped Pemberton Place Steps run from Clayton up to Crown Terrace. Not far away, near Corbett Avenue and Iron Alley, are the Iron Steps (which are actually made of wood), and further south on Corbett, the Argent Alley stairway descends to Market Street. 

Rooftop Alternative on Corbett Avenue is one of the city’s highest-rated elementary schools.

Rooftop Alternative on Corbett Avenue is one of the city’s highest-rated elementary schools.