Telegraph Hill, San Francisco - city skyline under blue sky during daytime
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Telegraph Hill San Francisco

4.6
·491k reviews·San Francisco, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds at Coit Tower

CrowdLow
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Telegraph Hill, San Francisco - city skyline under blue sky during daytime

Telegraph Hill San Francisco

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds at Coit Tower

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The views from Coit Tower are absolutely breathtaking, making the steep climb totally worth it!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coit Tower

Coit Tower

Summit of Telegraph Hill

Iconic landmark offering stunning 360-degree views of San Francisco and the bay. Explore historic murals inside.

Instagram
Telegraph Hill Parrots

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.

Instagram
North Beach Exploration

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.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Telegraph Hill Parking

Street parking on Telegraph Hill is notoriously difficult, often requiring circling for extended periods or parking several blocks away. Many residents recommend paying for a garage or parking spot, or even going car-free if possible. Be aware of street cleaning schedules to avoid tickets. Reddit

Embrace the Hills and Views

Telegraph Hill is one of San Francisco's original seven hills, so expect steep inclines. While challenging, these hills offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and bay. Consider it a built-in workout with rewarding vistas. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds at Coit Tower
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

10 Free & Iconic Places to Visit in San Francisco Save this for your next SF trip✨ 📍Bernal Heights – One of my favorite local hikes with panoramic city views 📍Marshall Beach – A quiet beach with the most dramatic Golden Gate angle 📍Panorama Park – 360° views of the Bay, skyline, and both bridges 📍Lombard Street – The famously crooked street (worth the walk!) 📍Golden Gate Picnic Spot – Chill near ...
@journeywithlina_
25.4K likes • 352.9K views

🚗 Parking is a Challenge

Street parking is extremely limited. Consider a parking garage or going car-free. Reddit+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Telegraph Hill is steep! Be prepared for inclines and stairs. Instagram

I’ve been living in San Francisco for over 6 years and here are my favorite things to do in the city 🫶🏼🌁✨ #sanfrancisco #sanfranciscotravel #californiadreaming #sfhiddengems #sftravel
@sar.owly
24.2K likes • 338.5K views
Telegraph Hill is one of San Francisco’s 44 hills and one of its original “Seven Hills”. Most of y’all would probably know it for Coit Tower, a historic landmark of the city. And also for the fact that it’s situated right next to North Beach. But besides that it’s one of the neighborhoods in the city which has jaw dropping views wherever you look. A walk around the hill will make you discover st...
storiesinsf
3.6K likes • 51.2K views

🐦 Look for the Parrots

Keep an eye and ear out for the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Numerous viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities of the city and bay. Instagram

Have you visited Coit tower that sits at the summit of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco? ✨It was built in 1933 and was named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy patron of the city’s firefighters ✨You can see murals inside the base that were painted in 1934 to depict life in California during the Depression ✨Currently the 90 years old elevator is unable to use and you’ll have to climb 13 fligh...
aroundbayarea
1.2K likes • 38.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is a Challenge

Street parking is extremely limited. Consider a parking garage or going car-free. Reddit+1

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Telegraph Hill is steep! Be prepared for inclines and stairs. Instagram

🐦 Look for the Parrots

Keep an eye and ear out for the famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Numerous viewpoints offer stunning photo opportunities of the city and bay. Instagram

🗺️ Explore North Beach

Easily accessible from Telegraph Hill, enjoy the Italian charm and vibrant nightlife. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Coit Tower murals
Wild parrots

What People Dislike

Extremely difficult parking
Steep hills

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 📍 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. Instagram+1

The adjacent North Beach neighborhood offers a fantastic array of Italian restaurants, cafes, and bars. Caffe Sport is a local favorite for its pesto. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

📸 📸 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! Instagram+1

Late afternoon during the golden hour provides beautiful lighting for city and bay photos. Sunrise can also offer a serene and less crowded experience. Instagram

While challenging, try to photograph the parrots in their natural habitat on the trees and rooftops. Patience is key! Instagram

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. Instagram

Photography is generally allowed inside Coit Tower, particularly of the murals. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions and respect other visitors. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Telegraph Hill offers a unique urban adventure for families. While the steep hills can be a workout, the views from Coit Tower are captivating for all ages. Keep an eye out for the wild parrots, which are sure to delight children. Instagram The adjacent North Beach area provides kid-friendly dining options, and the general exploration of the neighborhood can be an exciting experience. Consider using a stroller with good suspension or a baby carrier for younger children due to the inclines. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers

Telegraph Hill is a fantastic choice for solo travelers who enjoy walking and exploring. The steep stairways and hidden paths offer a sense of discovery, and the panoramic views are incredibly rewarding. Instagram Relying on public transport or walking is highly recommended, as parking is a major hassle. Reddit Embrace the opportunity to get your steps in while soaking in the San Francisco atmosphere and potentially spotting the famous parrots. Instagram

🚗 Car-Free Explorers

For those choosing to go car-free, Telegraph Hill is an excellent base. Public transportation is accessible, with the 39 Coit bus serving the area, and ride-sharing services are readily available for longer distances. Reddit You'll save money and avoid the significant stress of finding parking. The neighborhood's walkability, combined with its proximity to other attractions like North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf, makes it ideal for exploring without a vehicle. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Coit Tower

Perched atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is a beloved San Francisco landmark offering unparalleled panoramic views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the surrounding bay. Built in 1933, the tower itself is a striking art deco structure, standing 210 feet tall. Inside its base, visitors can admire a series of WPA-commissioned murals painted in 1934, depicting scenes of life in California during the Great Depression. These murals are a significant artistic and historical treasure. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

One of the most charming and unexpected aspects of Telegraph Hill is its population of wild parrots. These vibrant birds, often identified as cherry-headed conures or Nanday conures, have made the neighborhood their home for decades, adding a unique soundtrack and splash of color to the urban environment. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Telegraph Hill vs. Nob Hill: A Neighborhood Comparison

When considering a move to San Francisco, Telegraph Hill and Nob Hill are often compared. Telegraph Hill, with its proximity to North Beach, offers a lively atmosphere, excellent Italian dining, and a more bohemian feel. It's known for its steep streets, stunning views, and the iconic Coit Tower. However, street parking is extremely difficult, and grocery shopping often requires a trip to nearby neighborhoods or utilizing delivery services. Reddit+1

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. Reddit+1

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