San Francisco's New Film Voicemails for Isabelle: Every Spot You Can Visit in Real Life

Sydney Winstead • June 22, 2026

Official promotional poster for Voicemails for Isabelle. Image © Netflix.


Netflix's Voicemails for Isabelle isn't just a love story—it's also a love letter to San Francisco. While much of the film was shot in Vancouver, director Leah McKendrick made sure some of the city's most iconic locations made it on screen. From waterfront views to hidden neighborhood gems, here's your guide to exploring the real-life places featured in Voicemails for Isabelle.


1. Palace of Fine Arts


One of San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts serves as a stunning backdrop in the film. Originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, it's one of the most romantic spots in the city and a favorite for photographers.


Local Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and the best lighting.



2. Pier 39 & Fisherman's Wharf


The film's playful energy shines through during scenes around Pier 39, including the iconic carousel. While locals often avoid the area, it's packed with waterfront views, street performers, sea lions, and plenty of classic San Francisco charm.


Don't Miss: Watching the sea lions from the viewing docks.



3. Chinatown


San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in North America and one of the largest outside Asia. In the movie, it's a backdrop for wandering, eating, and soaking in the city's culture.


Worth Stopping For:


Good Mong Kok Bakery

Hang Ah Tea Room

Golden Gate Bakery (if you're lucky enough to catch them open)

4. Lombard Street (or as Wes calls it, "the squiggly street")


Known as the "crookedest street in the world," Lombard Street makes a brief appearance and remains one of the city's most photographed locations.


Best View: Walk to the top rather than viewing it from the bottom.

5. Golden Gate Park


Spanning over 1,000 acres, Golden Gate Park offers a quieter side of San Francisco and serves as a backdrop to several moments throughout the film.


Favorite Spots:


Conservatory of Flowers

Stow Lake

Shakespeare Garden

6. Ghirardelli Square


Located along San Francisco's waterfront, Ghirardelli Square appears as Jill and Wes explore the city together. Once home to the famous chocolate factory, it's now a lively destination filled with shops, restaurants, and beautiful bay views.


Treat Yourself: Grab a hot fudge sundae and take a stroll along the waterfront.

7. Haight-Ashbury


Haight-Ashbury makes a brief appearance during Jill and Wes's adventures around San Francisco. Famous for its ties to the 1960s counterculture movement, the neighborhood offers a colorful mix of Victorian homes, vintage shops, and local character.


Browse: Vintage stores, record shops, and the iconic streets that helped define San Francisco's free-spirited culture.

8. The Golden Gate Bridge Bench Scene


One of the most memorable moments in Voicemails for Isabelle is the bench overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. While the exact location hasn't been officially confirmed, many viewers believe it was filmed in the Marin Headlands near Battery Spencer.


The view perfectly captures the film's reflective and romantic tone.


Best Places to Recreate the View:


Battery Spencer

Marin Headlands

Kirby Cove

9. The Marina District


Before the food truck's success, Jill finds herself parked in the Marina District after taking a wrong turn. What starts as a frustrating setback becomes an important part of her journey, leading to unexpected connections and opportunities. The neighborhood's waterfront views and laid-back atmosphere provide the backdrop for several food truck scenes throughout the film.


Explore: Marina Green, Chestnut Street, and Crissy Field for the same sunny waterfront atmosphere seen in the movie.

10. Hippie Hill


The grand reopening of Jill's food truck takes place at Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park, marking a turning point after her early struggles in the Marina. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, drum circles, and views across Golden Gate Park, Hippie Hill provides the perfect backdrop for the community celebration surrounding the truck's relaunch.


Worth Seeing: The hill itself, the nearby Conservatory of Flowers, and the eastern end of Golden Gate Park where locals gather on sunny afternoons.

11. The Food Truck Finale


The movie's ending centers around Jill's food truck, and while the exact filming location hasn't been publicly identified, the scenes strongly resemble the Marina District and Crissy Field area.


This stretch of waterfront is where locals picnic, bike, and enjoy some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.


Add These to Your List:


Crissy Field

Marina Green

Fort Mason

A Hidden Connection: The Inner Richmond

One of the lesser-known details about the film is that director Leah McKendrick grew up in San Francisco's Inner Richmond neighborhood and filmed portions of the movie near her childhood home.


Unlike the city's famous tourist attractions, the Inner Richmond offers a more authentic glimpse into everyday San Francisco life.

Local Favorites:

  • Clement Street
  • Green Apple Books
  • Mountain Lake Park


Plan Your Own Voicemails for Isabelle Day

Start your morning at the Palace of Fine Arts, grab lunch in Chinatown, spend the afternoon exploring Golden Gate Park, and finish the day watching the sunset from the Marin Headlands.


Whether you're a fan of the film or simply looking for a new way to experience San Francisco, these locations showcase both the iconic landmarks and hidden corners that make the city unforgettable.


Ready to create your own San Francisco story? Explore our available listings and start your next chapter in one of the country's most iconic cities.


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