A city of diverse neighborhoods and topography, no trip to San Francisco is complete without visiting some of the best view spots. Whether you are at the top of Twin Peaks, Coit Tower or the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay and twinkling lights of the city are breathtaking. Golf in San Francisco also offers some excellent views, in particular, the view of San Francisco Bay from No. 17 at the public Lincoln Park Golf Course. Though the course itself can be in rough shape, the view is worth the price of admission. Other public play courses, including the Presidio, have nice water and city views.
Twin Peaks
Though known more by the locals than tourists, Twin Peaks, above the Noe Valley and Castro sections of San Francisco offers one of the best city views around. Access to Twin Peaks is by car, bike or foot and the walk up to Twin Peaks is vigorous, but worth the effort. If you are lucky, there will be cart vendor selling snacks and drinks at the summit, but otherwise, this is strictly a view spot and home to some of San Francisco's communications towers. The site offers views in all directions, including the Bay, both bridges and Golden Gate Park. To get to Twin Peaks, follow Portola Street to Twin Peaks Boulevard and make a right. The road will dead end at the summit.
Coit Tower
Located on Telegraph Hill, just outside of the North Beach neighborhood, Coit Tower offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, including the Bay and Golden Gate bridges, Alcatraz, Angel Island and several neighborhoods. The Art Deco tower, built in 1933, features al fresco murals inside the base. Views are excellent, even from the base, but once in the tower, you can walk up the steps or take the elevator to a viewing platform. Admission is $4.50 per person and the tower is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 362-0808
Golden Gate Bridge
For a unique view of San Francisco, take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and you'll be rewarded with a dizzying view back across the Bay. Besides that, you will be 220 feet above the water, where you'll get a great feel for the enormity of the bridge and an unobstructed view of the city, Alcatraz, Angel Island and Marin Headlands. The pedestrian walkway is open during daylight hours at no charge and there are vista points where you can park on the south and north sides of the bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge
P.O. Box 9000, Presidio Station
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 921-5858
About The Author
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
