San Francisco is built on more than forty hills, and many of them offer a view worth the climb. Fog decides everything: if the hilltops are in cloud, choose a lower viewpoint or come back later.
Eight viewpoints
- Twin Peaks: the highest and most complete view of the city, with Market Street running straight to the bay.
- Coit Tower: the bay, the bridges and North Beach from the top of Telegraph Hill.
- Battery Spencer: across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin, the classic view down on the bridge with the city behind it. Best by car or bike.
- Bernal Heights Park: a grassy hilltop in the south of the city, with a swing on the summit, popular with dog walkers and sunset watchers.
- Corona Heights: a rocky outcrop above the Castro, with a view down Market Street almost as good as Twin Peaks and far fewer people.
- Ina Coolbrith Park: a small terraced garden on Russian Hill looking across to Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge. Quiet and easy to miss.
- Alamo Square: the Painted Ladies with the downtown skyline behind them.
- The de Young tower: a free glass observation floor above Golden Gate Park.
Tips
Sunset is the most popular time; arrive half an hour early. Many viewpoints are windy and cold even on warm days. Do not leave anything in a parked car at popular lookouts.
More views worth finding
- Grandview Park, a sandy hilltop in the Sunset District reached by the mosaic-tiled 16th Avenue Steps, with views over Golden Gate Park to the ocean.
- Billy Goat Hill, a small, wild hilltop in Glen Park with a swing and a wide view east.
- Telegraph Hill's Greenwich Steps, looking over the bay from the gardens on the way up to Coit Tower.
- Treasure Island, an island in the middle of the bay with a classic skyline view, especially at night.
- The Marin Headlands, north of the bridge, with high, wild views of the bridge and city from Hawk Hill.
Views from the water
A ferry ride gives some of the best views of all. The Sausalito ferry passes Alcatraz and the Golden Gate; the Oakland ferry passes under the Bay Bridge. At dusk, the skyline lights up behind you.
Views with a drink
Several hotels on Nob Hill and downtown have top-floor bars with panoramic views. They are a good way to see the city at night in comfort, especially on a cold or foggy evening.
Photography tips
- Arrive early for sunset; popular spots fill up.
- Fog can be beautiful: try for shots of towers and hilltops above a low cloud layer.
- A light jacket and a small tripod help on windy summits.
- Blue hour, just after sunset, is often better than sunset itself for skyline shots.
Frequently asked questions
Which viewpoint is best for first-time visitors?
Twin Peaks for the overview, Coit Tower for the bay, and Battery Spencer for the bridge.
Which viewpoints can I reach without a car?
Coit Tower, Alamo Square, Corona Heights, Ina Coolbrith Park, Bernal Heights and the de Young tower are all easy by transit and on foot.
What about fog?
Check webcams or look at the hills from downtown before you go.