Telegraph Hill San Francisco
Telegraph Hill offers iconic San Francisco views from Coit Tower and a chance to spot wild parrots, nestled above vibrant North Beach.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds at Coit Tower
Telegraph Hill San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds at Coit Tower

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Telegraph Hill offers iconic San Francisco views from Coit Tower and a chance to spot wild parrots, nestled above vibrant North Beach.
"The views from Coit Tower are absolutely breathtaking, making the steep climb totally worth it!"
🚗 Parking is a Challenge
Street parking is extremely limited. Consider a parking garage or going car-free.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Telegraph Hill is steep! Be prepared for inclines and stairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coit Tower
Summit of Telegraph Hill
Iconic landmark offering stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco and the bay. Explore historic murals inside.

Telegraph Hill Parrots
Various locations on Telegraph Hill
Spot the famous wild parrots that call Telegraph Hill home. Listen for their calls and keep an eye out during your walks.

North Beach Exploration
Base of Telegraph Hill
Wander through the vibrant streets of North Beach, known for its Italian heritage, Beat Generation history, and lively atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Telegraph Hill Parking
Embrace the Hills and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is a Challenge
Street parking is extremely limited. Consider a parking garage or going car-free.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Telegraph Hill is steep! Be prepared for inclines and stairs.
🐦 Look for the Parrots
Keep an eye and ear out for the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities of the city and bay.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is a Challenge
Street parking is extremely limited. Consider a parking garage or going car-free.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Telegraph Hill is steep! Be prepared for inclines and stairs.
🐦 Look for the Parrots
Keep an eye and ear out for the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.
📸 Capture the Views
Numerous viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities of the city and bay.
🗺️ Explore North Beach
Easily accessible from Telegraph Hill, enjoy the Italian charm and vibrant nightlife.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views from Coit Tower and the unique charm of Telegraph Hill, especially the elusive wild parrots. The vibrant atmosphere of adjacent North Beach is also a major draw. However, the extreme difficulty of street parking is a consistent point of frustration for many.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Telegraph Hill by public transportation, including buses like the 39 Coit line, which serves residents and tourists. Walking from nearby neighborhoods like North Beach is also a popular option. If driving, be prepared for significant parking challenges.
Yes, many residents live car-free on Telegraph Hill and find it manageable. Ubers are readily available for trips to other parts of the city, and public transit is accessible for Fidi, the Ferry Building, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, and Chinatown.
The 39 Coit bus line is a convenient option for reaching Coit Tower. You can also walk up the hill, but be prepared for a steep climb. Parking near Coit Tower is limited and often reserved for neighborhood permit holders.
Yes, public transit options are available to SOMA from Telegraph Hill. The specific route and travel time will depend on your exact destination within SOMA. Checking a transit app is recommended.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from Fisherman's Wharf to the base of Telegraph Hill, particularly to the North Beach area. Be prepared for a gradual incline as you approach the hill itself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While the grounds around Coit Tower are free to access, there is a fee to enter the tower itself and go to the observation deck. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak times.
Coit Tower typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check the official San Francisco Recreation and Park Department website for the most current hours of operation.
Telegraph Hill is a neighborhood, not a ticketed attraction, so there is no entrance fee to explore the area. However, specific attractions within or near Telegraph Hill, like Coit Tower, may have admission fees.
Yes, the murals inside the base of Coit Tower are generally accessible to the public without an additional fee, as they are part of the tower's public access areas.
While Coit Tower offers the most prominent viewpoint, many streets and stairways on Telegraph Hill provide excellent, free views of the city and bay. Simply exploring the neighborhood will reveal many scenic spots.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Beyond Coit Tower, explore the vibrant North Beach neighborhood at its base, look for the famous wild parrots, and discover hidden stairways and viewpoints offering unique city perspectives.
The adjacent North Beach neighborhood offers a fantastic array of Italian restaurants, cafes, and bars. Caffe Sport is a local favorite for its pesto.
The observation deck of Coit Tower provides the most expansive views. However, many residential streets and public stairways offer charming, albeit less grand, vistas of the city and bay.
Telegraph Hill is generally considered safe for tourists, especially during the day. As with any urban area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid leaving valuables visible in your car.
Telegraph Hill is one of San Francisco's original seven hills and was named for a signal station that once stood on its summit. Coit Tower, built in 1933, is a memorial to the city's firefighters.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Coit Tower offers panoramic cityscapes. For unique perspectives, explore the residential streets for charming architecture and bay views. Don't forget to try and capture the wild parrots!
Late afternoon during the golden hour provides beautiful lighting for city and bay photos. Sunrise can also offer a serene and less crowded experience.
While challenging, try to photograph the parrots in their natural habitat on the trees and rooftops. Patience is key!
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city views from Coit Tower. A telephoto lens can be useful if you're hoping to photograph the parrots from a distance.
Photography is generally allowed inside Coit Tower, particularly of the murals. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions and respect other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
🚗 Car-Free Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Coit Tower
While the elevator to the top observation deck is currently out of service, the climb up the 13 flights of stairs is a rewarding experience for those able to make it. The views from the top are truly breathtaking and offer a unique perspective of San Francisco's sprawling landscape. Even without access to the very top, the murals and the surrounding area provide ample interest.
Pro-tip: Arrive early on weekdays to avoid the longest queues, especially if the elevator is operational. The surrounding grounds also offer lovely spots to relax and take in the scenery.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Spotting the parrots can be a delightful treasure hunt. Listen for their distinctive squawks and look up into the trees and on rooftops. They are most active in the morning and late afternoon. While it can be challenging to get close-up photos, their presence adds a magical, almost tropical, feel to the San Francisco cityscape.
Local residents often share tips on where the parrots are frequently seen, and many visitors enjoy the simple pleasure of observing these exotic birds in their urban habitat. It's a reminder of the surprising biodiversity that can thrive even in a bustling city.
Telegraph Hill vs. Nob Hill: A Neighborhood Comparison
Nob Hill, on the other hand, is renowned for its grand architecture, luxury hotels, and a more upscale ambiance. It boasts better access to amenities like supermarkets (Trader Joe's, Whole Foods) and gyms, making it more convenient for daily living if you have a car. While parking is also challenging, some areas might offer slightly more options than Telegraph Hill. Both neighborhoods provide good access to SoMa and offer opportunities to meet people, but Nob Hill might feel more geared towards residents, while North Beach (adjacent to Telegraph Hill) leans more towards tourists and nightlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit