Coit Tower, San Francisco - Coit Tower, looking north in San Francisco from a drone
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Coit Tower San Francisco

Iconic 1930s tower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco and vibrant WPA murals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos.

CrowdLow
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Coit Tower, San Francisco - Coit Tower, looking north in San Francisco from a drone

Coit Tower San Francisco

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic 1930s tower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco and vibrant WPA murals.

4.5
(15k reviews)

"Breathtaking and stunning views, the pictures speak for themselves."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk Up the Steps

Consider walking up from North Beach via Filbert or Greenwich steps for a great workout and views.

🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site

Tickets are generally purchased at the tower. SF residents get a discount.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 15,692 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Observation Deck

360-degree vistas of San Francisco, the bay, and beyond. A must-see for any visitor!

TikTok
WPA Murals

WPA Murals

Ground Floor Lobby

Vibrant 1930s murals depicting life in California. Free to view and historically significant.

Reddit
Telegraph Hill Steps

Telegraph Hill Steps

Filbert Street & Greenwich Street

Challenging but rewarding climbs offering unique perspectives and charming gardens.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Elevator Status & Stairs

The elevator to the top can be out of service, requiring a climb up ~200 steps. While the murals are on the lower floors, the panoramic views are from the top. Be prepared for a workout if the elevator is down! TikTokReddit

Tickets & Local Discounts

Tickets are available on-site. SF residents receive a discount. Some Reddit users suggest checking with local libraries for potential free tickets. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos.
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny Afternoons
Why
Clearer, more expansive views.
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the city.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mejor lugar para ver una vista panorámica de todo San Francisco 📍Coit Tower Descripción: 🎟️Los tickets los compras ahí mismo. 🎟️Ticket $7 si vives en SF, $10 si vives fuera de SF 🚙Parcking gratis 🕢Horario L-D de 10-4pm #photography #thingstodoinsf #coittower #vistapanoramica #coittowersf #coittowerview #thingstodoinsf #sanfranciscolife #sanfrancisco #sanfran #sanfranciscobayarea #thingstodoinsfb...
@damarisreyna69
12.6K likes • 171.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk Up the Steps

Consider walking up from North Beach via Filbert or Greenwich steps for a great workout and views. Reddit+1

🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site

Tickets are generally purchased at the tower. SF residents get a discount. TikTokReddit

Ever wondered about the story behind Coit Tower? If so, here you go! #coittower #sanfrancisco #sfhistory #sffiredepartment #greenscreen
@hblazei
5.6K likes • 37.7K views
We’re still open even when it’s raining and visit @coittowercafe PS, the elevator is working!
marthabrooder
47 likes • 0 views

🖼️ Admire the Murals

The WPA murals on the ground floor are free to view and a significant artistic highlight. Reddit

🐦 Watch for Parrots

Keep an eye out for the famous wild parrots that inhabit the Telegraph Hill area. TikTok

reddit.com

Is visiting Coit Tower worth it?

I’m thinking of taking my boyfriend there when he visits but not sure if it is worth it. Any thoughts or experiences?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk Up the Steps

Consider walking up from North Beach via Filbert or Greenwich steps for a great workout and views. Reddit+1

🎟️ Buy Tickets On-Site

Tickets are generally purchased at the tower. SF residents get a discount. TikTokReddit

🖼️ Admire the Murals

The WPA murals on the ground floor are free to view and a significant artistic highlight. Reddit

🐦 Watch for Parrots

Keep an eye out for the famous wild parrots that inhabit the Telegraph Hill area. TikTok

☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby

Explore North Beach cafes before or after your visit for a local experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(15k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Coit Tower for its stunning panoramic views and the historically significant WPA murals. Many find the climb up the steps to be a rewarding experience, offering a unique perspective of the city. While the elevator can be unreliable, the overall value and beauty of the site are highly regarded.

"Visit this place if you're in SF, the murals on the ground floor are free. They're amazing and so cool to see the themes throughout society in that time. It's $10 to go up and the elevator wasn't working when I was there. It's good excuse use and the murals are reason alone to take the stairs. I went for the Diego Riviera mural, but there's so many others that are equally amazing."

Bas Brouwers

"Good steep climb from street level makes you appreciate the view. There's lots of interesting historic information about why the building was built at the base. Didn't pay 10 bucks for the elevator ride cuz I figured the view was good enough from below. Was happy to be there on a sunny day!"

Michael Schwartz

"This was one of my favorite things we did while visiting the beautiful city of San Francisco.
They have a elevator but it was out of order.
Since we both have knee problems it took us quite some time to climb up there...But it was so worth it!!!
The best 234 steps I ever took.
Breathtaking and stunning views,
the pictures speak for themselves."

SEG

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Fascinating WPA murals
Challenging step climbs

What People Dislike

Elevator often out of order

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Coit Tower is located at 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd. You can reach it by car, though parking can be challenging. Public transport options include buses that stop near the base. Many visitors enjoy walking up from North Beach via the Filbert or Greenwich steps for a scenic and active approach. TikTokReddit+1

Limited free parking is available at the base of Coit Tower, but it fills up quickly. Street parking in the surrounding residential areas can also be difficult to find. Consider ride-sharing or public transport if driving is not feasible. TikTok

Yes, walking to Coit Tower is a popular option, especially from North Beach. The Filbert Steps and Greenwich Steps offer a more challenging but rewarding ascent with beautiful views and gardens. Be prepared for a steep climb! Reddit+1

Many visitors recommend combining a visit to Coit Tower with a walk through North Beach or Chinatown, then ascending via the Filbert Steps. This offers a comprehensive San Francisco experience. Reddit

Yes, several Muni bus lines stop near Coit Tower, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the Muni website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no fee to enter the ground floor to view the murals. To go to the observation deck via the elevator, there is a fee. Tickets are typically $7 for San Francisco residents and $10 for non-residents. TikTokReddit

Tickets for the elevator to the observation deck are usually purchased on-site at the tower. Some Reddit users have mentioned checking with local libraries for potential free tickets, especially for residents. TikTokReddit

Generally, you can purchase tickets on the day of your visit at the tower. Advance booking is typically not required unless there are special events or peak season considerations. Reddit

Coit Tower is typically open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. However, it's always a good idea to check the official website or call ahead for the most current hours, as they can vary. TikTok

Yes, San Francisco residents often receive a discounted ticket price for the elevator ride to the observation deck. Be sure to bring a valid ID to prove residency. TikTokReddit

🎫 👀 Onsite Experience

Inside Coit Tower, you'll find the impressive WPA murals on the ground floor, which are free to view. The main attraction for many is the elevator ride to the observation deck for panoramic city views. Reddit+1

Unfortunately, the elevator at Coit Tower can sometimes be out of service. If this happens, you'll need to climb approximately 200 steps to reach the observation deck. InstagramReddit

The views from Coit Tower's observation deck are spectacular, offering 360-degree panoramas of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the surrounding cityscape. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The WPA murals on the ground floor are a significant artistic and historical feature of Coit Tower, depicting scenes of California life. They are free to admire. Reddit+1

Yes, the Telegraph Hill area around Coit Tower is known for its resident flock of wild parrots. Keep an eye out for them as you explore the grounds. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The observation deck offers incredible panoramic shots of the city. The Filbert Steps also provide unique angles of the tower and surrounding landscape. Don't forget to capture the details of the WPA murals. TikTok

Coit Tower is excellent for photography, especially for cityscapes and architectural details. The murals offer a different artistic subject. Aim for clear days for the best views. TikTok

Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' provide beautiful lighting on the city. TikTok

Yes, photography of the WPA murals on the ground floor is generally permitted. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash if it's disruptive. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, but check tower regulations. TikTok

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