The Five Best Views of San Francisco

Coit Tower

One of the best known views of San Francisco is from Coit Tower. This 180 foot structure that sits atop Telegraph Hill affords views of Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the East Bay and it is the most accessible of the Bay Area vistas. The tower, completed 1933, is named after its benefactress, Lillie Coit. Depression era murals cover the walls on the first floor of the tower and are considered some of the best examples of WPA (Work Progress Administration) art.

There is limited parking, so at peak times (weekends and during the summer) there can be a long line of cars waiting for a parking place. Alternatively, you can either walk up Telegraph Hill or take the #39 MUNI bus that leaves from Washington Square.

The murals on first floor of Coit Tower are free. There is a $3 charge to take the elevator up to the top of the Tower. The Tower is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Yerba Buena / Treasure Island

The view from Yerba Buena/Treasure Island provides a terrific view of the San Francisco skyline. Yerba Buena (the original name of San Francisco) is the island that the Oakland Bay Bridge tunnels through on its way to the East Bay. Treasure Island is a man-made island that sits adjacent to Yerba Buena Island to north. Treasure Island connects to Yerba Buena Island with a causeway. The island was created for the San Francisco Golden Gate Exhibition that ran from 1939 to 1940. At one time, it was the world’s largest man-made island. During World War II it was converted to a Naval Station. Clipper Cove, between Yerba Buena and Treasure islands was once used as seaplane harbor for Pan American Airline’s clipper service to Asia.

The island is accessible by car or with the #108 MUNI bus that leaves from the Transbay Terminal.

Mt. Tamalpais

On a clear day, the view from the top of Mt. Tamalpais (2,571 feet) is breathtaking. The mountain, known as Mt. Tam by the locals, is across the Golden Gate Bridge north of San Francisco in Marin County. The drive to Mt. Tamalpais State Park is about 45 minutes. There is a $6 fee for the parking lot near the summit.