I don't know about you, but whenever I visit a new city, I always make it a mission to get at least one really great shot of that city's skyline. It must be the small-town, country girl in me that's always fascinated by the fact that other places even HAVE skylines (because we certainly don't have them in rural Ohio…).
And, even though San Francisco isn't a huge city, it DOES have a pretty recognizable skyline, with the 853-foot Transamerica Pyramid at its center.
So, as I wandered through San Francisco's various neighborhoods over the course of a week, I kept an eye out for the best places from which you can see the city's signature skyline.
The best views of San Francisco
These are 5 of my favorite views of San Francisco:
5. Twin Peaks
If it's all of San Francisco you want to see, head up to Twin Peaks on a clear day (which of course is sometimes easier said than done in SF, where fog and clouds often shroud this lookout point). I was lucky enough to hit up the City by the Bay during a week of uncharacteristically sunny and warm weather, and so got quite a good view from Twin Peaks.
Cost: Free
4. From Alcatraz
If you're heading out to explore Alcatraz island, make sure to also look over your shoulder back toward San Francisco a few times. The island is only 1.5 miles from downtown, meaning you can get a great view of the skyline from the ferry and the island itself.
Cost: $28 to visit Alcatraz
RELATED: The Two Sides of Alcatraz
3. Coit Tower
If it's the quintessential San Francisco skyline photo you want, head to the observation deck of Coit Tower, situated atop Telegraph Hill. You can get here by car or bus or, if you really want a challenge, by the Filbert or Greenwich steps. Inside the tower are some amazing WPA murals, and the views from the top on a clear day really can't be beat.
Cost: $7
2. Alamo Square Park
If it's a slightly different view of the city you want, be sure to visit Alamo Square Park. Most people come here to photograph the famous line of Victorian houses known as “the Painted Ladies,” but if you stand at the highest point of the park in front of these houses, you can snap a fantastic photo with the San Francisco skyline in the background, as well.
Cost: Free
1. Dolores Park
My favorite spot to view the city from is fairly unconventional. In fact, many visitors to San Francisco probably don't even know about it. Located in the heart of the Mission District, Dolores Park doesn't really look like it would give you great views of downtown. But simply walk to the highest corner of the park and turn around to be surprised. I loved this spot most because it seemed the most “San Francisco” to me. Only here can you find this many people out sunbathing on a Wednesday afternoon.
Cost: Free
Want to explore San Francisco on your next visit? Check out these awesome tours from Urban Adventures:
- Teas, Temples, and Beatniks
- Flavors and Murals of the Mission
- Bridge and the Beach
- North Beach Pub Tour
Which of these views is your favorite? Do you know of any other great ones in San Francisco?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
Bernal Heights also has a good view and, as a bonus, is a great dog park.
Good to know! Someone told me there are more dogs than children in San Francisco… hence the large number of great dog parks!
Loving your SF posts! Just got back from a week trip there about a month ago so this is fun reliving it. I definitely agree with your #1, Mission Dolores Park really surprised me with its view. Looks like you were there on a very pretty blue sky day too. Wish I’d made it to Twin Peaks, love how you can see “all” of SF. Another place I went that had awesome city views and included the GGB was up in the Marin Headlands but it definitely needs to be one of those elusive clear days.
Thanks, Cat! Yes, I scored an amazing week weather-wise for my trip… I only had 2 cloudy mornings, which gave way to sunny afternoons. The rest of the days were amazingly clear!
Great post. Love that you discovered unconventional viewing areas that hardly ever get mentioned.
I got to explore at LOT of San Francisco, including some parts most tourists never visit. It was a great trip!
Great article!!!! I saw the picture of Alamo Park and I had a flashback. I went to S.Francisco 2 years ago with my girlfriend and I remember the Alamo Park very well because I enjoy my time sunbathing at the Park I stayed at the Hotel Kabuki (http://www.prontohotel.com/usa/san_francisco/hotel-kabuki-a-joie-de-vivre-boutique.htm) standing a few stroll away Alamo park.
Well I’m glad this post could help bring back some good memories for you! 🙂
The one of Alamo Square Park is my favorite–because it reminds me of watching Full House as a kid! 🙂
Yes that’s the whole reason I went there! 🙂 That, and it’s a really pretty spot, especially on a sunny day!
Gorgeous shots! Dying to spend more time in SF. Such a stunning city!
Thanks, Andi! And yes, it is a pretty awesome city, especially under such great weather conditions!
Beautiful shots! I don’t ever get tired of that view. There are so many places offering views of San Francisco but my favorite you shared he was Alamo Square. Don’t ever get tired of the Painted Ladies with the city behind. Beautiful.
Alamo Square Park really is a fantastic spot in the city!
aahhh, home…..
Lucky you!
Doh! Coit Tower. How did I miss that when I was there?! Great shots, I’ll get mine next time! 🙂
It’s easy to miss if it’s foggy! But if you catch a nice day, it’s well worth it!
If you’re looking for a hidden gem without the crowds, Kite Hill Park is located between Dolores and Twin Peaks and offers a pretty spectacular view of San Francisco (on a clear day!). It was right near where we were staying in The Castro and loved it up there.
Ooo, thanks for the tip! I didn’t even hear of that one in the city.
What a great list! Thanks for this – I might be heading to San Fran in August so this will be incredibly useful! Looking forward to more posts on San Fran!
Hopefully you get a few nice days like I did so you can see some of these great views!
Awesome photos – I got to take some skyline photos as well when I was there from Alcatraz and Coit Tower…another great spot for photos is from the Golden Gate Bridge, if you get to walk it (did that twice) and the weather is great 🙂
The Bridge also gives great views, but yes, only on a nice day! When I biked the bridge, it was pretty cloudy/foggy over the city.
So you finally got to see the “Full House” house! I love San Francisco. My favorite city in America (I won’t say the whole world because I have yet to travel much of it). If you want a delicious burrito, go to Taqueria Cancun in the Mission. I went there twice in one trip, it was that good (recommended to me by a Bay Area native — I’m from the east coast; I know nothing about Mexican food).
Actually, the “Full House” house is not in Postcard Row, like a lot of people think! I did go and find it, though… more on that later! 😉
And yes, I was told if you want a burrito, definitely go to the Mission!
Beautiful photos – I think my favorite view is from Coit tower. I unfortunately didn’t see any good views when I went. San Fran was mired in its famous fog.
Thanks, John! I know how incredibly lucky I got with the weather in SF. I like to think it was just the weather’s way of saying sorry for being so crappy while I was in Iceland. Lol.
Nice list! May I also add the observation floor at the top of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park? 🙂
Of course you may add it! I sadly didn’t make it to Golden Gate Park (unless you just count driving through a few times, which I don’t), so I’ll take your word on it!
Agree with Henry on this one. The view from the top of the DeYoung is stunning. You’ve collected some great views here, Amanda, and reminded me why San Francisco is still my favorite city in the world.
I can definitely understand now why so many people love San Francisco!