Coit Tower

Address:San Francisco, California

Get a bird's eye view of San Francisco, atop the 210-foot high Coit Tower in San Francisco's Pioneer Park. Located on top of Telegraph Hill, you will enjoy beautiful views of landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison. Inside the tower, murals depict life in San Francisco as it was in the 30s. Coit Tower is a very popular tourist attraction, so traffic can get pretty backed up getting to the top of Telegraph Hill, especially during peak hour. Once at the top, you are rewarded for your wait. There's no cost to view the murals, walk the grounds, or enjoy outside vista points, however there is a fee to get to the top of the tower. At night, the tower is closed but you can still get up to the observation deck. Bring a light sweater with you even in the summer, as it can get cold at the top of the tower.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to bypass the traffic to Coit Tower, walk to the top of Telegraph Hill. The steep climb is made possible by the Filbert Steps: Wooden and concrete stairs and footpaths that lead to the top of the hill from various directions. A trip to the top of the tower and a walk around the base to see the murals won't take more than an hour or two. The lobby murals continue behind a door next to the gift shop, up the stairs and around the second floor. This area is closed to the public, except during free, guided Coit Tower tours given by City Guides ever Saturday.

Because of Telegraph Hill's location, parking is only accessible by Telegraph Hill Boulevard. To drive to Coit Tower, follow the signs uphill from Stockton Street in North Beach. For public transport, the MUNI line 39 bus from Washington Square goes directly to Telegraph Hill. You can walk up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, by following Lombard Street from North Beach.