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A tiny park between Buena Vista Park and Twin Peaks, Tank Hill offers a beautiful view out to the west.
With more than 50 hills, from the nub under Coit Tower to soaring Mount Davidson, San Francisco is considered the second hilliest city in the world. Some are right in the metropolis while others feel worlds away. If you’re after the loftiest vantage points over the City By the Bay, look no further than these top nine hilltop views in San Francisco.
Bernal Hill
A popular spot for picnics and dog tricks as well as watching fireworks explode over the Bay, Bernal Hill is a grassy knoll with a local’s vibe. Grab a pour-over at Pinhole Coffee in Bernal Heights, then drive or walk up the steep slope for one of the best hilltop views in San Francisco, which stretches from Twin Peaks to the Bay Bridge.
Buena Vista Park
This woodsy park lives up to its name: Tree-framed outlooks take in the Golden Gate Bridge, the Financial District and the University of San Francisco campus. No wonder it’s such a popular retreat from the frenzy of the Haight District.
Corona Heights Park
Formerly a stone quarry and brick factory known as Rock Park, Corona Heights Park is now a rugged outcropping that features a playground, basketball and tennis courts, a large grass field, a dog run and the Randall Museum, which focuses on the culture and environment of the San Francisco Bay. The best photo opps are available from the boulders at the park’s crest.
Dolores Park
The clear favorite for parties, barbecues and weekend debauchery, Dolores Park is also blessed with awesome views of the San Francisco skyline and Mission Dolores, particularly from its southern flanks. While there’s always a celebration here (beware of the peddlers with baked goods), Pride weekend is especially colorful.
Mount Davidson
At 928 feet, Mount Davidson is the highest natural point in the city, affording expansive hilltop views of San Francisco. Located south of Twin Peaks and west of Glen Park, Mount Davidson is accessible via car and the 36 Teresita Muni line. It’s most well known for a giant cross at the summit, but it’s also great for hiking, bird watching and studying local geography.
Mount Sutro
Often shrouded in mist and fog is an 80-acre forest of ancient eucalyptus that dominates much of the western San Francisco skyline. These trees were planted by former mayor Adolf Sutro, and some are more than 100 feet old and 100 feet tall. Volunteers from Sutro Stewards manage the hiking trails and fight to protect the forest from development.
Tank Hill
Just downhill from Twin Peaks is a tiny spot of land that’s big on city views—including the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo and even Stinson Beach and Bolinas on ultra clear days. But the best part about Tank Hill, aside from its relative obscurity, is that it can be reached on a two-mile round-trip urban hike from Cole Valley. Plan your route around the Farnsworth Stairs.
Telegraph Hill
Famous for its wild parrots and an observation tower said to be inspired by a fire hose, Telegraph Hill is a tourist attraction that every traveler should visit at least once. Start in North Beach and climb Filbert Street up to Coit Tower, then descend the wooden Filbert Steps, looking for the neighborhood’s colony of cherry-headed conure parrots along the way. Reward yourself at Levi’s plaza with shopping or dining for your efforts.
Twin Peaks
A popular choice for sunrise, sunset and late-night interludes, Twin Peaks is the name for two neighboring mounds near the Sutro TV tower. Travelers can see just about everything from here, making it a great place to get their bearings on San Francisco, the East Bay and the South Bay beyond. At North Peak (Eureka Peak), there’s a vista point named Christmas Tree Point for the trees the early settlers felled.
- Contributed by Serena Renner
The Best Hilltop Views in San Francisco from San Francisco Things to Do