10 Best Views and Viewpoints of San Francisco
Where to Take the Best Photos of San Francisco?
There are countless viewpoints in San Francisco, but these are the best, in our humble opinion. San Francisco combines the vibrancy of a big city with scenic nature walks, all spread along the Pacific Ocean. It’s these extremes packed into such a small area that makes San Francisco such a unique and fascinating destination.
Many of these viewpoints are very popular. Everyone wants photos of the Golden Gate Bridge, so be patient and expect to queue for that perfect shot. For a more peaceful view, head out early. From the famed natural peaks and breathtaking landscapes to lesser-known city landmarks, follow us for a ride to the most beautiful viewpoints in San Francisco.
1. Twin Peaks Summit
360-degree views from almost 1,000 ft above San Francisco
Good for: Photo, Budget
Twin Peaks is one of the tallest viewpoints in San Francisco. It’s located in a residential neighborhood close to the city and is free to access. The whole area is a popular spot for hiking, dog walking, and enjoying the sweeping views.
You can drive up to the summit to see many of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks in one panoramic frame with the Pacific Ocean in the background. It’s an extremely popular vantage point, even at night. Dress appropriately because it gets chilly. Read more
Location: 501 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Twin Peaks Summit
2. Coit Tower
A beautiful 1930s Art Deco tower
Good for: History, Photo
Coit Tower is a looming feature rising above the trees in Pioneer Park. It’s 210 ft tall, which is hardly sky scraping, but allows for a surprisingly unobstructed panoramic view of San Francisco city skyline and out into the Bay. This landmark was built in memory of firemen who died in the line of duty, and the design resembles a fire hose.
Don’t miss the murals painted by famous artists on the ground floor of the tower. They portray everyday scenes from the early 20th century. Read more
Location: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Open: April–October: daily from 10 am to 6 pm. November–March: daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Coit Tower
3. Golden Gate Overlook
The enduring icon of San Francisco
Good for: Photo, Budget
Located off Lincoln Boulevard in the Presidio of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Overlook offers one of San Francisco’s most convenient viewpoints. You can catch the Presidio GO Shuttle system free of charge from many spots in the city and it will drop you close to this viewpoint.
The Overlook provides a unique perspective almost parallel with the bridge, setting it apart from the side-on views commonly found at other popular spots. This distinctive angle offers an exceptional opportunity to fully appreciate the architectural majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge. Read more
Location: Langdon Ct, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
Golden Gate Overlook
4. Hawk Hill
Uninterrupted views of the Bay Bridge
Good for: Photo, Budget
Hawk Hill, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, boasts striking views of San Francisco’s iconic bridge, Lands End, and Ocean Beach on clear days.
The drive is fairly easy, but traffic can be intense on weekends so plan your visits during weekdays for quieter views. Every fall, this is a good spot to see hawks and raptors on their migration south. It’s also popular for hiking and bike riding. There are no shops, so bring a few supplies with you and be prepared for brisk winds. Read more
Location: Hawk Hill, CA 94941, USA
Hawk Hill
5. Alcatraz Island
A convict’s view of San Francisco
Good for: History, Photo
The infamous island prison, Alcatraz, is a 15-minute ferry ride from San Francisco. Also nicknamed “The Rock,” this historical landmark has evolved into a fascinating museum, rich with intriguing features waiting to be explored.
The island offers several vantage points that boast breathtaking views of the city and the bay. Wander along the numerous trails that crisscross the island, each leading to a unique viewpoint. Pause at the many scenic spots to capture panoramic shots of San Francisco from across the Bay. Read more
Open: Sunday–Monday from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Tuesday from 9 am to 9.30 pm
Phone: +1 415-561-4900
Alcatraz Island
6. Lands End Park
A viewpoint without the dizzying heights
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Located on the northwest corner of San Francisco, the Lands End Park is a popular recreational spot and a breathtaking haven for nature enthusiasts and view seekers alike. There are miles of coastal paths and walking trails to enjoy, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and several shipwrecks dating back hundreds of years.
At Lands End Park, the Lands End Lookout offers panoramic views of the Gulf of the Farallones and the Pacific Ocean. Well-maintained hiking trails make this awe-inspiring viewpoint easily accessible, and the trails are easy to traverse for beginners. Read more
Location: 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
Phone: +1 415-426-5240
Lands End Park
7. Bernal Heights Park
A beautiful viewpoint, minus the crowds
Good for: Photo, Budget
Bernal Heights Park is a hilltop expanse of grass and trees rising out of the western suburbs. This park offers an excellent vantage point for witnessing the spectacular beauty of a San Francisco sunrise.
The view from Bernal Heights is similar to the more famous Twin Peaks, but without all the crowds. From here, you can enjoy a stunning vista of the vast suburbs below, with the towering skyscrapers of the Financial District in the distance, and the magnificent expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching out beyond. Read more
Location: Bernal Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Bernal Heights Park
8. Alamo Square Park
The past and the future combined in one shot
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Alamo Square Park, known for its breathtaking views, has been immortalized in movies, TV shows, picture postcards, and even souvenir plates. The juxtaposition of the row of pretty Victorian and Edwardian timber houses in the foreground, with the towering modern skyscrapers behind, beautifully represents the mix of old and new in San Francisco in one panoramic frame.
Finding Alamo Square Park is easy, as it’s conveniently located just a few miles away from 2 of the city’s popular landmarks, the Financial District and Fisherman’s Wharf. Read more
Location: Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to midnight
Alamo Square Park
9. Battery Spencer
For an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Battery Spencer is the place to head to for capturing that iconic photo of the Golden Gate Bridge stretching into San Francisco. It’s a view you’ve probably seen dozens of times before. The high-cliff viewpoint makes for jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, plus Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and Fort Baker Bridge.
Once you’ve snapped photos to your heart’s content, be sure to walk around the battery. You can explore inside the old abandoned military fort and see where the soldiers lived and defended San Francisco Bay from 1896 to 1942. Read more
Location: Conzelman Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
Battery Spencer
10. Point Bonita Lighthouse
An active mid-19th-century lighthouse
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Perched on a rocky outcrop on the north side of the entrance to San Francisco Bay, Point Bonita Lighthouse offers amazing views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. Reaching the lighthouse requires a half-mile walk along a steep trail through a rock-cut tunnel and then over a suspension bridge, but it’s worth the effort.
The tunnel leading to the lighthouse operates within restricted hours on certain days of the week, so be sure to check the schedules. If your trip doesn’t align with the opening times, you can still see the lighthouse and enjoy all the views from above the headlands. Read more
Location: San Francisco Bay entrance, Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
Open: Hours vary by season
Point Bonita Lighthouse
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.