Best Views in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most scenic cities in the United States. Its many hills and waterfront provide multiple opportunities to admire the horizon and test one’s photographic ability. Of course, the fog that often descends on the city can obscure the horizon, but sometimes it can also make San Francisco’s views all the more striking. If these are the sights you are hoping to see, you will not be disappointed. Let’s go discover the best views in San Francisco!

San Francisco Viewpoints

Here is a short list of the main scenic spots in San Francisco, where you can take the most iconic photos of the city:

Golden Gate

San Francisco’s emblematic red bridge provides splendid views of the bay. If you decide to ride your bicycle across the bridge, you won’t be able to resist stopping multiple times to admire the striking views it offers, but there are other excellent opportunities to photograph it from favorable vantage points in other locations, such as Battery Spencer on the far north end of the bridge on the Marin Headlands, or Hawk Hill, also on the same peninsula but farther away, which is also an ideal place for observing birds-of-prey.

South of the bridge, in the Presidio, you can see the bridge in all its majesty from different spots, such as Golden Gate Overlook and Crissy Field, but there are also other incredible places that look directly out over the ocean, such as Baker Beach. For all the best vantage points of the bridge, read our guide on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

Lombard Street

San Francisco’s most renowned street owes its fame to its winding road adorned with plants and flowers, as well as the panoramic view from the top of Russian Hill. From here you can catch a glimpse of Coit Tower, atop Telegraph Hill, and the Bay Bridge, the bridge that joins San Francisco and Oakland. The best way to reach Lombard Street is by cable car, the city’s traditional streetcar. Once you get off at the right stop you can admire the scenery and then walk down the bends of the most famous section of this city street. For more information, check out our guide on Lombard Street.

Alamo Square

There are many iconic sights that have ended up on postcards of San Francisco, and one of them undoubtedly the view from Alamo Square Park, where you can admire both the famous Painted Ladies, pastel-colored Victorian-style homes, and the San Francisco skyline behind it, where you can easily spot the Transamerica Pyramid, the city’s most distinctive skyscraper. For complete directions to the park and tips for where to take your picture read our guide on the Painted Ladies of San Francisco.

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks refers to two hills in San Francisco, Eureka and Noe Peaks, which rise above the residential neighborhood of the same name and, because of their height (about 900 ft), they provide unparalleled views of the city. This is probably the best spot to view the San Francisco skyline in its entirety. The location of Twin Peaks is quite far from San Francisco’s main attractions, yet it is accessible by both car and public transportation. To learn more read our guide on Twin Peaks San Francisco.

Alcatraz

San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island is one of the city’s main attractions. There is a boat tour that takes you to the island, where you can visit the infamous prison where Al Capone was among its most best known inmates. Although the main reason for embarking on this tour is to visit the penitentiary itself, during the boatride, you will also have the opportunity to admire the San Francisco Bay and in particular the city’s skyline, as well as the Golden Gate Bridge and Treasure Island. To plan your visit to Alcatraz check out our guide.

PS: If you don’t want to go to Alcatraz but still want to enjoy the view of the skyline from the bay you can take the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito, or opt for one of the available cruises. To learn more check out our guide on tours of San Francisco.

Lands End

Southwest of the Presidio, along the Pacific, lies Lands End, a park full of trails, waterfront overlooks, and historical evidence. The numerous scenic points along the trails get crowded, the most famous being Lands End Point, an overlook with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge where, among other things, there is also a stone labyrinth designed by artist Eduardo Aguilera. If you prefer not to walk, you can also just drive directly to the Lands End Lookout to witness a very impressive view of the Sutro Baths. For all the information you need, feel free to read our guide on Lands End.

Coit Tower

San Francisco also has its own observation tower, which was built in 1933 and designed by architect Arthur Brown, Jr. The tower stands above Pioneer Park on Telegraph Hill in an exceptional position to admire both the San Francisco skyline (the view is one of the best) and the San Francisco Bay, as well as the two bridges (Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge), Alcatraz, Treasure Island and Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands, where Point Bonita is located, which we discuss below. Read more in our article on Coit Tower.

PS: When you visit Coit Tower take the opportunity to look at the beautiful murals at the base of the tower!

Point Bonita

We conclude our overview with a scenic spot outside of San Francisco, Point Bonita, a promontory on the Marin Headlands, north of the Golden Gate Bridge, with a truly scenic lighthouse. In addition to the opportunity to visit the lighthouse, you can enjoy the splendid view that extends from the Gulf of the Faraglioni to the Golden Gate Bridge. The lighthouse can be reached either by public transportation or by car. Read our guide on Point Bonita Lighthouse to learn more.