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Guide To The Best Views In San Francisco
I think we can all agree that San Francisco is one of the most photogenic metropolis’ in the world. With its endless hills, lush green spaces and lets not forget the undoubtable beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, there is no shortage of inspiring views in this city.
I’ve outlined the best spots in the city to experience all the incredible views that San Francisco has to offer. Some are a bit more complicated to get to, so I’ve also included the best ways to get to them. Let’s get into it!
Dolores Park
Where: The Castro
How: Walk from either Castro or Mission Muni stops.
One of my favourite places in San Francisco is Mission Dolores Park. It’s the perfect spot to sit and hang out with friends, have a picnic, read a book, and take in the great city views it offers. Dolores Park is located on a hill, and if you’re able to get a spot at the top, you’ll be treated to an incredible view of the city. I’d suggest sticking around until sunset for a beautifully coloured San Francisco skyline, it’s so, so worth it!
Twin Peaks
Where: Midtown Terrace, west of the Castro.
How: Drive up to Christmas Tree point or walk up Twin Peaks boulevard from either Burnett or Portola Drive. I prefer to walk up, as it gives you the opportunity to see more and take your time.
Twin peaks is the highest point of the city, and allows for vast views of the entire city. I went up on a foggy day (and windy – be careful!), so my view was slightly obstructed at the top, but it was still so worth it. You truly feel like you’re on top of the world, so I’d highly recommend making the trek up to Twin Peaks during your SF stay.
Lombard Street
Where: Russian Hill, on Lombard between Hyde and Leavenworth.
How: This part of Lombard is accessible by cable car, bus (49 stop is Van Ness and Chestnut – a few blocks away), and of course by walking, depending on where you’re coming from.
Ah, Lombard Street. While it is certainly a must to get a picture at the bottom of the street looking up at the winding road, you get really great views of the city and the waterfront if you start at the top of the street (Hyde St) and then work your way down the spiralling street. Take the time to look at the houses and the flowers on this street as well (if you come in the summer months) there’s so much to take in!
Corona Heights Park
Where: Ashbury Heights, north of the Castro.
How: Walk up Castro from Muni stop and turn on 16th-15th St to reach a trail up to the top of the park.
I’d rate Corona Heights (or Buena Vista Park – they are very close in proximity) as one of the best places to get a view of San Francisco from a high vantage point. What’s great about Corona Heights Park is that it is very easy to get to and gives you a 360 degree view of the city. My roommate brought me up to this park on one of the first days I was in San Francisco, and it was an especially high point of my six month stay in the city.
Alcatraz Ferry or Angel Island
Where: Ferries for both islands depart from Fisherman’s Wharf.
How: You can get to Fisherman’s Wharf by walking, bus or by shuttle from Embarcadero Muni station.
While I highly recommend both the Alcatraz Island tour as well as taking the ferry to Angel Island for a day of nature walks, leaving San Francisco by ferry is a great opportunity to snap some pictures of the city’s skyline from the waterfront! For more details about the Alcatraz Prison tour and the Angel Island ferry (and why they are a must do!), check out my Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide.
Lands End Trail Eagle’s Point
Where: Sea Cliff, along Lands End Trail
How: Walking the Lands End Trail is the best way to get to Eagle’s Point, though you can also drive. Bus #1 also stops at California St and 32nd Avenue, and from there it is about a 5 minute walk to Eagle’s Point.
The best way to get to Eagle’s Point, if you’re up for a long walk, is to take the trail from Sutro Baths, as you get some great views of the bay the entire walk. However, if you’re planning to visit the Legion of Honor, you can reach the Lands End Trail from there as well. Eagle’s Point does facilitate cars if you park on the street, so you could also drive up to the view point if you’re not up for a long walk! Whichever way you get there, you’ll be happy you did. You’ll get some great views of the bay, along with a photo-op of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Baker Beach
Where: North SF, next to the Presidio Park
How: You can walk, drive, or take a bus to Baker Beach. Bus 29 will bring you to Bowley and Lincoln in the Presidio, and from there it is about a 5 minute walk.
One of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, Baker Beach is a great spot to enjoy the water, picnic, and get some great views of the bay area and Golden Gate Bridge. Baker Beach is a clothing-optional beach, so the closer you get to the bridge, the more nudity you will likely see, so be mindful of that. It’s also a great idea to walk along the California Coast Trail off of the beach to get to the Golden Gate Bridge for seemingly endless views of the bay.
Golden Gate Bridge
Where: North of the city.
How: Golden Gate Bridge welcome centre accessible via walking through the Presidio, or by bus.
Regardless of how you get there, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge up close and personal during your stay in San Francisco is simply a MUST! If you’re planning on walking to the welcome centre to snap some pictures and take in the view, you can come from either Crissy Field via Battery E Trail or from Baker Beach via the California Coast Trail. I’d also recommend walking across the bridge and getting some pictures of the city from the Vista Point lookout. It really is a magnificent sight to see, and as most sights in SF, annoyingly photogenic.
Located on the California Coast, it’s no wonder why San Francisco offers so many opportunities to take in beautiful views. While I’d recommend stopping at all of these places during your stay, I will also invite you to really take your time while moving through this city. San Francisco is one of the most colourful and vibrant cities I’ve ever experienced, so be sure to take your time and observe, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are some other posts you might find helpful (and the ones linked throughout this post, in case you missed them):
Ultimate San Francisco Travel Guide
11 Best (And Affordable) Must-Haves For City Travel
7 Not-To-Be-Missed San Francisco Eats
