Sometimes called Rockridge-adjacent or Rockridge’s favorite step-sister, Temescal offers the convenience of proximity to Rockridge BART and the shops and restaurants on College Avenue, while being a vibrant artistic and social community in its own right.
Recent years have seen a renaissance in the culinary scene and boutique shopping along Telegraph Avenue between 51st and 40th Streets at the heart of Temescal. The neighborhood also hosts annual events including street fairs, outdoor cinema, and more. Known for its high concentration of craftsman bungalows, Temescal housing is generally more affordable than on the other side of 51st Street in Rockridge.
In part, the beauty of the neighborhood is due to the influence of Italian immigrants who settled in the area in the early 1900s. Culturally, the Italians prized beautiful backyard gardens—featuring edibles and herbs for cooking. Temescal’s microclimate is a sun belt. You will find lemon trees and rosemary and heirloom tomato plants as well as a predominance of thriving antique rose bushes. It is almost always warmer and sunnier in Temescal compared to many of its adjoining neighborhoods.
Guide to Temescal’s history, activities, shops, and restaurants on SFGate.com