The weather in San Francisco has a reputation for being foggy. Fog frequently occurs throughout the year due to the unique coastal systems and currents nearby. On hazy days, visibility is reduced and extra care needs to be taken when walking. The fog tends to lift earlier in the day on the Bayside as compared to the west coast, so Mint Hill is more likely to clear sooner. Rain and cool weather can occur in winter and a warm jacket will keep you more comfortable when traveling on foot.
Mint Hill is named for the US Mint, located on top of a hill in the area. There is also a large Safeway with a huge neon sign that causes some locals to refer to the area as “Safeway Heights.” Mint Hill is a highly developed urban and residential neighborhood with lots of traffic and dog walkers need to make sure their dogs are comfortable with the noise and activity in the area so they are not frightened.
Haight Street borders the region on the north, Duboce Avenue on the south, Weber Street on the west, and Octavia Boulevard on the east. Busy Market Street transects the area at an angle and has trolley tracks running along it.
There are apartments and tightly packed single-family homes in the region with historic architecture. The district is very hilly and there are steep inclines throughout the community that will require some effort for pedestrians who need to climb up and down steep hills.
There are several smaller parks in the region including the Page and Laguna Mini-Park, Koshland Community Park, and the Page Street Community Garden. Dogs are restricted from some facilities in these parks but can enjoy the green spaces from pedestrian paths on a leash.