10 of the Best Views in San Francisco and Where To Find Them

There’s a reason travelers flock to this famous bridge the moment they arrive: It’s one of the most scenic spots in San Francisco. From here you can see across much of the shimmering—or foggy—bay, including Alcatraz and the sloping hills of the city. A graceful structure painted “international orange,” the bridge is classic San Francisco. For the best views, hop on a tour including the scenic overlooks on either end, or walk or bike across. To make a day of it, you can start near Fisherman’s Wharf, ride through the Marina District, and cross to the Marin County side of the bridge and back.

Speaking of views, the de Young Museum, with its asymmetrical structure and copper facade, is among the city’s most eccentric buildings. This interior observation deck in San Francisco lies in the heart of Golden Gate Park, within walking distance of the Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flowers. Visit each attraction before stepping inside the museum and heading up the Hamon Observation Tower, where floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the park, the Pacific Ocean, and downtown. Access to the viewing tower is free, but museum admission includes entry to the Legion of Honor near Land’s End, another prime photography location.

The highest natural point in San Francisco is Mt. Davidson, an overlooked hiking destination in the geographic center of the city. But better photo ops are found on Twin Peaks, home to the Sutro Tower antenna, a fixture of the SF skyline. This pair of roughly 920-foot (280-meter) summits offer bird’s-eye views of the entire Bay Area. Noe and Eureka summits are best reached via the Twin Peaks secret stairs and urban hiking trails, while Christmas Tree Point, where most tour groups visit, has views from the parking lot off of Twin Peaks Boulevard.

Climb Telegraph Hill via the Filbert Street Stairs to Pioneer Park and reach this fluted art deco masterpiece for sweeping views of the city and bay, including Alcatraz Island. You can stop for photo ops at the tower’s parking lot or take the short elevator ride up 210 feet (65 meters) to the observation deck. While inside, don’t miss the marvelous Public Works Administration–era murals depicting life in California during the Great Depression. Small-group docent-led tours of the tower and frescoes are available for a small fee.

There are two seats—and little else—at the Jack Early Park observation deck. This diminutive lookout point at the top of a secret stairway on Telegraph Hill sits within walking distance of Washington Square, the heart of the North Beach neighborhood. That should tell you everything to know about the relative seclusion of this viewpoint, among San Francisco’s true hidden gems. On a clear day, climb the short staircase to see across Fisherman’s Wharf to Angel Island and beyond. Nightowls beware: The staircase closes at night.

Few tourists make it to Bernal Hill—also called Bernal Heights Hill or Bernal Heights Summit—a local landmark where Mission District and Bernal Heights residents often walk their dogs up dirt trails. The windswept summit, a 475-foot (145-meter) viewpoint with a 360-degree vista (usually above the fogline), lets you see from the Golden Gate Bridge to San Bruno Mountain and the East Bay hills. The climb to the top takes no more than 20 minutes, leaving enough time to grab a bite in the Mission nearby.

Ferries provide fun, efficient transportation across San Francisco Bay, but they can also double as waterside observation points. Pack a raincoat to protect yourself from sea spray and board a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz, Sausalito, and beyond. Or sail under the Golden Gate Bridge—some San Francisco boat cruises offer brunch, while others set out during sunset when the views are more atmospheric. You can catch most ferries from Pier 39 or the Ferry Building at the east end of Market Street.

A little-known secret: Downtown San Francisco has several hidden terrace gardens on office building roofs that are open and free to the public. These spaces, called “POPOS” for “Privately Owned Public Open Spaces,” provide great views of downtown in addition to respite from bustling city life below. Some of the best POPOS are the 11th-floor terrace at the One Kearny Building (the lobby entrance is on Geary Street) and the rooftop deck at 343 Sansome, just steps from Chinatown and the Transamerica Pyramid. Salesforce Park, we’re looking at you, too!

This hill—named after the red-tailed hawks and other raptors that circle above it—isn't within San Francisco, but it offers some of the best city views from the Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County. This hill is one of four vista points located on Conzelman Road, where on clear days you can see as far as the East Bay and the Farallon Islands.

When you want to see all of San Francisco but you’re pressed for time (or have cash to spare), you can top all the vista points on this list by soaking up views from the comfort of a private airplane. Take to the sky for 1-hour flights over San Francisco as you spot top landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and Twin Peaks, among others. Some flights pass by the pretty beach town of Half Moon Bay down the coast or take off at sunset for golden-hour views.