The City by the Bay has always attracted the biggest and most eccentric dreamers—and it’s no wonder, just look at the place. Surrounded by water—the cool Bay to the east, the great Pacific to the west—San Francisco is rich in natural beauty and magnificent man-made structures, from the great Golden Gate to the charming Victorian architecture dotting the landscape. But the city doesn’t give away its most breathtaking views for free: No, you gotta work for it. Get those legs and glutes in shape, and get ready to climb some steep hills. And if you’re up for it, how about a quick 1.25-mile swim to one of history’s most iconic prisons? All that work will reward you with some of the best views in San Francisco. Prepare to be blown away.
- Baker Beach
Stephanie Garr/Big & Small Travel For a truly iconic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, head straight to the expansive Baker Beach, sandwiched between the luxurious Sea Cliff neighborhood and the Golden Gate. It almost feels like a hidden gem, sitting at the foot of the rugged Presidio cliffs, with spectacular views of the Marin Headlands just across the water. Also the original home to Burning Man, Baker Beach may offer another view you won’t expect: it’s a favorite spot for nudists. Tip: Take a scenic hike further east on the beach-to-battery trail to the smaller, more intimate Marshall’s Beach, to get even closer views of the bridge.
- Twin Peaks
Flickr/Giuseppe Milo Rising up 925 feet are two of San Francisco’s most famous hills—and the highest points in the city (aside from Mt. Davidson). The undeveloped area is both an urban sanctuary and a tourist hotspot. A road will get you to the peaks, but a hike to the top is much more rewarding and offers a stunning 360 view of the city and its surrounding areas.
- Coit Tower
Yelp/Tim B. Sitting atop Telegraph Hill, the concrete column itself may not be the city’s most sparkling landmark, but wind around the hill to get to the base of Coit Tower for some sweeping views of the bay. Head up to the tower’s observation deck for a full 360-degree look at the 7x7 city below. Also watch for the multi-colored wild parrots residing here (or listen for them—you can’t miss those noisy squawks).
- Lands End
Flickr/Travis Leech Take in the great Pacific Ocean at this gloriously windswept nook at the edge of the city. Walk along the Coastal Trail to find a hidden labyrinth and catch glorious peeks of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lands End is also home to the Sutro Baths ruins—a popular spot for engagement photos.
- Bernal Heights Hill
Flickr/Todd Lappin Another hilltop gem offering 360-degree views, Bernal Heights Hill is located just outside of the hustle and bustle, and is a favorite summit for local joggers and walkers to climb. Wildflowers checker the hill, and at the top you’ll get exceptional views of downtown, San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and San Bruno Mountain.
- Dolores Park
Flickr/Markus Spiering OK, this one doesn’t require too much walking, we promise. Another favorite meeting and picnic spot for locals, this Mission District gem is lined with luscious palms and offers plenty of patches of green to lie out on during a sunny day. Head there on a weekday, and look out onto downtown and think about all those suckers working inside.
- Alamo Square
Flickr/Andy Langager One of San Francisco’s most picturesque parks (sitting on yet another hilltop), Alamo Square in the Western Addition neighborhood gives you a prime view of “Postcard Row,” the line of pastel-hued Victorian houses, aka the Painted Ladies. The downtown skyline peeks out behind them, as if in awe itself.
- Mount Davidson Park
Flickr/Daniel Ramirez This wooded area is truly an urban refuge, tucked in the southern edge of town, and boasting the city’s highest peak. Trails weave their way through the forest, with the summit offering some of the finest panoramic vistas in the Bay Area.
- Golden Gate Bridge
Flickr/Loic Lagarde You’ve had plenty of looks at the Golden Gate, now it’s time to walk across its mile-long span to see the city, the Bay, the ocean, and beyond from a totally different vantage point. This is one of the most internationally recognized symbols, after all.
- Alcatraz
Yelp/Grant M. Head into the Bay to visit the infamous penitentiary and see how far solid land (and freedom!) looks from here. You’ll get close-up views of both the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridges, and sweeping views of downtown San Francisco.
Impressive, huh? Of course, the great thing about this city is that you can get a pretty decent view almost anywhere, but we’d like to know what you think are the best views in San Francisco. Let us know in the comments!
Stephanie Garr/Big & Small Travel
For a truly iconic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, head straight to the expansive Baker Beach, sandwiched between the luxurious Sea Cliff neighborhood and the Golden Gate. It almost feels like a hidden gem, sitting at the foot of the rugged Presidio cliffs, with spectacular views of the Marin Headlands just across the water. Also the original home to Burning Man, Baker Beach may offer another view you won’t expect: it’s a favorite spot for nudists. Tip: Take a scenic hike further east on the beach-to-battery trail to the smaller, more intimate Marshall’s Beach, to get even closer views of the bridge.
Flickr/Giuseppe Milo
Rising up 925 feet are two of San Francisco’s most famous hills—and the highest points in the city (aside from Mt. Davidson). The undeveloped area is both an urban sanctuary and a tourist hotspot. A road will get you to the peaks, but a hike to the top is much more rewarding and offers a stunning 360 view of the city and its surrounding areas.
Yelp/Tim B.
Sitting atop Telegraph Hill, the concrete column itself may not be the city’s most sparkling landmark, but wind around the hill to get to the base of Coit Tower for some sweeping views of the bay. Head up to the tower’s observation deck for a full 360-degree look at the 7x7 city below. Also watch for the multi-colored wild parrots residing here (or listen for them—you can’t miss those noisy squawks).
Flickr/Travis Leech
Take in the great Pacific Ocean at this gloriously windswept nook at the edge of the city. Walk along the Coastal Trail to find a hidden labyrinth and catch glorious peeks of the Golden Gate Bridge. Lands End is also home to the Sutro Baths ruins—a popular spot for engagement photos.
Flickr/Todd Lappin
Another hilltop gem offering 360-degree views, Bernal Heights Hill is located just outside of the hustle and bustle, and is a favorite summit for local joggers and walkers to climb. Wildflowers checker the hill, and at the top you’ll get exceptional views of downtown, San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and San Bruno Mountain.
Flickr/Markus Spiering
OK, this one doesn’t require too much walking, we promise. Another favorite meeting and picnic spot for locals, this Mission District gem is lined with luscious palms and offers plenty of patches of green to lie out on during a sunny day. Head there on a weekday, and look out onto downtown and think about all those suckers working inside.
Flickr/Andy Langager
One of San Francisco’s most picturesque parks (sitting on yet another hilltop), Alamo Square in the Western Addition neighborhood gives you a prime view of “Postcard Row,” the line of pastel-hued Victorian houses, aka the Painted Ladies. The downtown skyline peeks out behind them, as if in awe itself.
Flickr/Daniel Ramirez
This wooded area is truly an urban refuge, tucked in the southern edge of town, and boasting the city’s highest peak. Trails weave their way through the forest, with the summit offering some of the finest panoramic vistas in the Bay Area.
Flickr/Loic Lagarde
You’ve had plenty of looks at the Golden Gate, now it’s time to walk across its mile-long span to see the city, the Bay, the ocean, and beyond from a totally different vantage point. This is one of the most internationally recognized symbols, after all.
Yelp/Grant M.
Head into the Bay to visit the infamous penitentiary and see how far solid land (and freedom!) looks from here. You’ll get close-up views of both the Golden Gate and the Bay Bridges, and sweeping views of downtown San Francisco.
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