10 BEST VIEWS OF SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco is underrated when it comes to rooftops and great views of the city, but if you know where to go you will find pretty incredible views. Since living in San Francisco for less then a year I have found that there are not many rooftops like New York but I’ve been able to find so many great spots that are just as amazing! I have compiled a list of the 10 best views of San Francisco!

1. Coit Tower

A visit to Coit Tower is a must! It has the most amazing 360 panoramic views of San Francisco in my opinion. From the top of the tower you can even see the crooked Lombard St!

Coit Tower

2. Ina Coolbrith Park

Ina Coolbrith Park is located in Russian Hill on top of a steep hill. It’s a well known secret to locals! Once you arrive you will see one of the prettiest views of San Francisco! There are clear views of Alcatraz, Coit Tower and downtown over looking the Transamerica building and the Bay Bridge. As I was leaving the park during my visit, my boyfriend Ryan and I saw a sign for an open house. We decided to walk in and saw one of the most amazing home!! Having Ina Coolbrith Park as a backyard definitely won me over!

Ina Coolbrith Park

Ina Coolbrith Park

3. Billy Goat Hill

Billy Goat hill is a park with views of the city and the bay. It’s a little far from the city but it’s a great way to get out of the city for a little. I came here to find a swing but it no longer exists! I was pretty bummed when we got here and noticed there was no longer a swing.. but there is a small trail if you’re looking for a small hike.

Billy Goat

4. Bernal Heights Park

This is a popular dog park that offers breathtaking 360-degree panorama and clear views of San Francisco. The trail is easy and great for all skill levels. When you arrive on top of the hill you will find a swing!

San Francisco

Bernal Heights

5. Mount Davidson & Twin Peaks

Mount Davidson is the highest natural point in San Francisco. It’s a great place to take photos and see gorgeous views of the city from afar. I also saw many photographers here taking awesome photos.

Mount Davidson

Twin Peaks is very close to Mount Davidson so visiting both in one day is convenient. I loved the views at twin peaks because of the horseshoe-shaped road!

TIP: Bring a sweater or jacket, it’s ALWAYS windy there!

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks

6. Grand View Park

I had no idea this park existed!! I visited the 16th Ave Tiled Steps many times and had no idea there was a park at the top of the stairs. After figuring this out, I made sure to visit and it boasts amazing 360 views of the city.

7. Battery Spencer

Battery Spencer in Marin Headlands is probably one of the most iconic photos of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s a picture-perfect photo for a postcard!

Golden Gate Bridge at Battery Spencer

8. The Painted Ladies

Behind the Painted Ladies is a stunning view of the skyline! It’s located at Alamo Square and if you grew up in the early 90’s these houses will remind you of the homes on the show Full House! I love these colored houses especially with such a great backdrop of the city skyline!

The Painted Ladies

9. Top of The Mark or Loews Regency San Francisco

I decided to put two options for number nine since both have similar views. Top of the Mark is a lounge on the 19th floor at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. The Loews Regency is on the 40th floor of the roof deck. Both are great options and have one of the best views of the Transamerica Building.

10. California Street

California Street is famous for the hilltop street looking down towards the Bay Bridge. The cable car also runs through this street if you’re headed to the Ferry Building or Financial District. This is also a great place for photos during sunset! Located at California Street between Powell & Stockton.

San Francisco

RELATED SAN FRANCISCO POSTS:

10 Best Views of San Francisco

A Local’s Guide To San Francisco

Day Trips From San Francisco

Best Places to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

Best Restaurants in San Francisco

Where to Brunch in San Francisco

Do you have a favorite city view of San Francisco? Comment below!

BEST VIEWS OF SAN FRANCISCO

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25 comments

  • MITCH

    August 1, 2016 at 8:37 am

    I’ve only been to Twin Peaks! Would love to visit The Painted Ladies, those houses are so adorable…

    Oh Dear Bumblebees

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 9:14 am

      Definitely a must visit to the Painted Ladies! Alamo Square is the park across the street, a great place to hang out too.=)

  • Cori

    August 1, 2016 at 8:59 am

    Love these tips! I’ve never done the Twin Peaks. I’ll have to add it to my list.

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 9:14 am

      I didn’t know about them until I moved here! Definitely check it out the next time you’re back in Sf. =)

  • Paige Wunder

    August 1, 2016 at 9:01 am

    All 10 of these views are really beautiful and unique! I’ve never been to San Francisco, but based on these photos, I can see I need to get there soon! As I scrolled down I kept thinking, that’s my favorite, no that one, no that one… but I think California Street is my favorite! So beautiful!

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 9:15 am

      Yay I’m glad you like the views!! I hope you get to visit soon!

  • Becky

    August 1, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Wow – great post! Some places to visit next time I am in SF

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 9:15 am

      Thanks Becky!! Glad there are a few places you can visit next time you’re in town. =)

  • Kalyn Franke

    August 1, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Absolutely beautiful photos! I want to go to San Francisco on honeymoon next year so now I’m super excited. 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 9:53 am

      Yay!! You will love it here! Let me know if you need any tips or have questions =)

  • Angela Tolsma

    August 1, 2016 at 9:54 am

    Oh gosh! I haven’t been to San Francisco yet but I will definitely remember these for when we go!! Beautiful photos!

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 12:17 pm

      Yay! Hope you get to visit soon!

  • Carmen | MarriedbyHisGrace

    August 1, 2016 at 10:31 am

    Wow, I wish I saw this post last week. I just got back from San Francisco a few days ago. I saw most of these fews but there are few places you mentioned I didn’t even know about and I am from the Bay Area. = ) Great Pics!

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 12:18 pm

      Thank you Carmen! You will just have to visit these places when you come back. I noticed a lot of people don’t know half of these places. Glad I can share my secrets! =)

  • Travel Pockets

    August 1, 2016 at 1:46 pm

    I lived in San Fran for a year and never knew how to get to the GGB for a perfect photo. And why did I never get a photo of California Street?!?!? I have to revisit San Fram and go to all these suggested locations. Thank you!!!

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 4:54 pm

      Yes just means you have to come back to visit and see all these other spots you never got to do! =)

  • Shem

    August 1, 2016 at 7:21 pm

    Such a great summary of all the great views in SF! And I love that there’s still several I haven’t checked out yet. If you’re down to revisit or explore some new ones, let me know 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 7:22 pm

      Yes I’m always willing to check out new and re-visit places! =)

  • Patricia

    August 1, 2016 at 9:04 pm

    Wow! I love them all. From Battery Spencer to the Painted Ladies to Ina Coolbrith Park — I want to visit them all. Alas, I’ve seen none of them in person because I’ve only been to SF for a convention. Clearly, it is time for a return trip!

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      Come back to visit soon Patricia! =)

  • Abbi

    August 1, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    I’ve never been to San Fran but would love to! Your photos are absolutely stunning – and great tips for other keen photographers! Nice work 🙂

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 1, 2016 at 11:19 pm

      Thanks Abbi! Glad you enjoyed the post =)

  • Alex Cote

    August 13, 2016 at 4:31 am

    I’m dying to go to San Fran, actually Cali in general, and your posts are almost inspiring my wanderlust! Will have to make a trip next time I’m state-side!

    1. Tour de Lust

      August 13, 2016 at 11:15 am

      I’m glad!! I hope you can come visit soon!

  • Suzan

    August 24, 2020 at 1:47 am

    My friend and I are in San Fran about once a month but we always end up doing the same things) Would love to check out some of these places

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