Coit Tower
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If you live in San Francisco, or you're just a visitor, chances are that you've seen the infamous Coit Tower at some point as you moved around the city. Coit Tower has a fascinating history, as it was built in 1933, using money left by a socialite that had a deep love for San Francisco. Stipulation for the money that she left to the city was that the money we used to beautify her beloved city. Hence the Tower being named for her. The drive up telegraph is picturesque. Keep in mind once you get to the tower, there is extremely limited parking. It's free to walk around the grounds, the exterior of the tower, and it's so incredibly beautiful that on a fairly clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Tower from the grounds. Tours are offered and the cost is around $11 per person depending on age. If you live in San Francisco, your ticket is discounted. The interior tour of the Tower is fascinating and filled with art and murals, that created political and civil controversy even back in the 30s! The views from the top of the tower, allow you to see literally all over the city. It literally and figuratively is a breath of fresh air. There is an elevator that will allow you to get to the top if you choose not to walk. Most everyone takes the elevator. There is a European style restroom outside, along with a snack shack, which is where you can purchase the tour tickets. This is definitely a recommended visit. If you do decide to go, timing is everything and if you can go when it's super clear not foggy, you'll be able to see some of the most spectacular sites
I lived here for several years and never went to this historic tower, but today, while visiting the city again, I went. I loved it! The elevator has recently been repaired, which made the elevation to the top much easier. The views from the top of the tower are gorgeous, and you get a full 360 degree view of the city and bay. The admission price was only $11 for the elevator to the top, and it is well worth this nominal price. The lobby of the tower is covered in depression area murals everywhere you look. These murals show life in SF from the time they were painted, and they are amazing. Everywhere you look, there is something beautiful at Coit Tower, originally built to honor firemen. There is a restroom inside the lobby of the tower, as well as a European style toilet outside, as well as an inexpensive coffee shop. You will love it. Enjoy!
This iconic San Francisco building is worth the visit. The walk up the ~26 flights of stairs gives beautiful views of the bay and homes near the tower. You can drive directly to the tower, but parking is very limited. If you are able bodies the stairs is a great way to travel to the tower. You can pay to take an elevator to the top and see the view (highly recommend) or remain in the main floor to explore the brief information about the tower and view the detailed murals.
I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. There was not that much of a rush. Price was $11/person. Elevator was out of order. So I had to walk up 13 flights. That was not fun. From top, I could see whole SFO, including golden gate bridge and alcatraz island.
After checking out Chinatown, we decided to head up the hill and get a view of the city from Coit Tower. We lucked out when we got to the top of the hill and caught a parking spot as someone else was leaving. There are very few spots at the top lot, otherwise, you need to park lower, and hike up the stairs. Once inside the walls are lined with murals from the Great Depression, showing the important industries that helped shape the city and state. For a small price you can get a ticket and climb 234 steps to the top of the tower to a 360 degree overlook of the city. The art deco tower was built as a monument to the firefighters who saved the city from the great fire. The view at the top is great, and you can see out from all sides. Great experience, and somewhere worth checking out for a good view
While this tower atop Telegraph Hill may not be on visitors' must-do lists, it is a worthwhile visit with the best view in the city, and the murals inside are an important slice of American history. We walked up from Montgomery BART to get a walk in through North Beach. If you can handle the cardio to hike up the hill and steps, do it! The building and 1930s public works murals are free. The view is great from there. But for an extra cost, you can go up 210 feet to the open air viewing platform, and those views are astounding. The gift shop has local art, at relatively affordable prices.
Super cool place. Take time to learn the history (the plaque at the bottom of the stairs out front is excellent info). Great views of the city 360°!
This is where I wanted to go for Mother's Day this year. We look at it from our hotel when we visit so why not? It's worth the steps. We walked there and then up the tower and it was super comfortable. The steps are wider and it's def not like a lighthouse. You can stop at each floor to break if you want but really not a bad walk (trust me I'm pregnant and I did it). The murals are great and the service was friendly. In exception to one lady who meant well but was kinda less friendly to us because we had a toddler (concerned he would touch a mural even though he is well behaved and did not). The views are wonderful from the top and the walk down is incredibly easy. They have a penny machine as well as a little gift shop. There's a little park type area around it and the flowers smell beautiful. The public transit is only to and from the wharf but if you want a workout and are some what in shape you can walk there
Get an UBER, LYFT, or TAXI. Honey, the parking is limited as we already know about SF. If there is parking it is limited to 30 min. So I suggest getting dropped off at this location. You will be driving through a neighborhood to get there. They do have a coffee and snack stand outside of the Tower. There is a gift shop in there. You have the option to take the stairs or take the elevator. Make sure , Make sure, Make SURE to get your ticket to go up the tower from the gift shop counter, or Admissions counter. It could be a 5 to 35 to 1 hour wait - depending on what time of day you go visit. It's beautiful up there. Signed, Your Elite Yelper / Your Guy Haira'pist Blessings
There's a long walk up , and a easy way . We took the long route. The view was beyond the expectation. The old brick/stone work in the area is some of the best of the historical era, in the early 1900s. The Coit Tower has a great view of the bay and the city scape. Worth the many steps to head up the pathway to make it to the top.
Lovely place to get a view of the city. First things first, their elevator wasn't functioning which was unfortunate. It meant climbing up 13 floors which may not take that long but was hard for older adults. Tickets were 10 dollars for adults and 7 dollars for senior citizens. Cash otherwise 3.5% credit card charge. As you climb up the staircase, there are beautiful San Francisco murals on the walls for the first two floors. The view from the top is great, a 360 degree view of the city since the tower is almost centrally located. You can catch the golden gate bridge, the pier, Alcatraz, the city towers, all of the sights. Parking is limited, a small circular plot right outside the tower. Allowed on weekdays (and free) but not on weekends so plan accordingly.
A SF landmark to check out. Especially the views of SF downtown. Going up can be round and round and parking can be small, tight and packed. Highly recommended to go early or late in the day for better parking plus great sunrise or sunset over the city. Also suggested to get online tixs in advance or you have to wait inline, especially during weekends and holidays. The views are spectacular on a clear day. You can see everything very clear. Just abit tight on the stairs and sometime you have to wait for the other direction in order to go. But it is definitely a place to check out in SF.
Beautiful building and architecture. We ported in SF from a cruise and made the walk/hike up here. Not short, but didn't take as long as it looked from the ship port. It's a really nice walk/hike up if you have the time and can do it. Once on top, you're treated to wonderful views of SF from multiple angles. It's worth going up just for the views. The building itself has murals on the interior walls that talk about the history of California. We didn't pay to walk up to the top of Coit Tower, since we already hiked up to the location and had more walking to do around SF. Visit if you have time, it's worth it!
14 years ago
All cities need to be viewed from their highest points. Coit Tower is a excellent spot to see San Francisco. It was a bit hazy for us today but there have been some very foggy days recently too. If you have the luxury of time pick your day. We had a baby in a pram so instead of taking the sensible option of the number 39 bus which takes you to the top, we caught a 45 bus and walked to Filbert steps. The walk up the hill is OK as there is a mix of steps and slope but not on the same side of the road. We had to carry the pram up the steps which was probably a bit much. The short walk along the road up to the tower from the top of the steps was a bit of a doddle after the Filbert stairs. A walk around the base of the tower was interesting with bird life, plants and views. We had to walk around it anyway just to find out how to push the pram in. You can't take the pram in the lift but you can carry an infant (or dog ) Ours was unconscious so we took turns to go up. This worked out well as everyone else was in a group of 2 or more and it is easy to fit in the odd one person and seemingly jump the queue. Once up the top, the terrific view soon makes you forget the fact you have left the partner minding the baby below. read more
11 years ago
We got to see Coit Tower from the top deck of our cruise ship. We toured San Francisco along the Embarcadero and strolled around Fisherman's Wharf. We just ran out of time to see the Tower. Our ship sailed at 4 so we had to see it from the ship. It was still a great view. read more
I was on vacation with some friends in San Fran, so this place was one of the must sees. We started at Lombard Street and walked to Coit Tower and let me tell you it was probably not the longest walk I've done, but it is indeed the most uphill climbing walk I've ever done in my life. Walked up one street and then rested and looked up and saw another hill up front that we were like "OMG" and then after like 5 of those it's like "FML" Finally saw a sign for Coit Tower but there were stairs that leads to the tower! Finally reached the tower and luckily we take the elevator to top of this tower. The elevator dude looks really tired, but I guess it's because he said he rode that thing up and down for 1,053 times already (boy that's a lot of $5 for the entire day!). And he kept saying "remember the step, remember the step" and I'm like what?? He really should've said "watch your step." The views were pretty amazing at the top of the tower. A 360 degree angle. If only the glass around the windows were not stained with fingerprints then it'll be better for pictures. The interior of the tower was pretty neat with the murals. Then it was time to head back down, not sure which one is worst going up hill or down hill. read more
18 years ago
Burn off some calories hiking up here from North Beach - it's worth the view, even on a foggy day. Talk about Vertigo!! We were strafed by the Blue Angels here few years ago. Top of the world, depending on your leanings I suppose. The WPA murals in the foyer of the tower are heart rending somehow, partly because of their honest simplicity and partly because of the reminders of what people were going through at the time. They are rendered with love and pain, and so many of the faces are so carefully constructed. Who are some of these everymen and women? read more
15 years ago
Place looks great on the outside it also has nice views of the city from downstairs but the trees are obstructing some of it bummer I am a morning person so I got here at 8:45 -9 am unfortunately the place don't open till 10 am. Wish they opened earlier would've love to go all the way up there. Due to upcoming flights I had to leave and never made it to see the door open. Down stair has a huge statue of Christopher Columbus in front of the tower. read more
15 years ago
We chose a cloudy, rainy day to climb up the steps to Coit Tower, but it was worth the trip to get the exercise while turning back every so often to see how the view had changed and to marvel at the gardens of local residents along the way. Note that for someone who does not go out of my way to exercise, the path provided many spots to stop and take a breath, regain momentum, and carry on. Probably due to the rain, the windows in the top of the tower were locked down with plastic, making photography of the cloud covered skylines difficult. Luckily the best views were contained within the tower, on the murals along the interior walls. Worth a trip one time if you are in the area, worth multiple trips if you enjoy the hike. read more
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We went around 10am on Saturday and there was no line and it wasn't crowded so we had a lot of room and space on the top of coit tower to take nice pictures and really enjoy the view. It's only $8 for adults to go to the top and you get a really beautiful and unique view of San Francisco which is impossible to get anywhere else (besides a helicopter). The staff there is really friendly and know the answer to almost any question you have about this beautiful history rich tower. I'd recommend this attraction to locals and tourists. read more
The thing I love about San Francisco is that there is so much to explore around the city that you will probably never know everything there is to do. Coit Tower, although not a secret isn't something that most people know about. Everyone knows Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf, but Coit Tower is a somewhat hidden gem. You can see it from far away because it's tall, as towers usually are. Interesting with a view of the city, but it's one elevator ride up, walk in a circle, oh and ah over the view, and an elevator ride down. If you're in the mood for walking around and exploring, then find yourself stumbling upon Coit Tower. The best way to explore the city is by doing a lot of walking. read more
8 years ago
A trip to the Coit Tower is fully worthwhile! Capture *awesome* 360-degree views of the city & bridges from atop! For those folks with strollers / wheelchairs, y'all may be able to get a "private" tour - therefore inquire! FYI - the price for riding the elevator to the top has increased... Last year (2013) it was $6 (cash only). Now it's $7 - credit cards also accepted. Though for residents (adults) - $5. The one downside is if you have to wait a long while. The 3-4 times I've been, I went up the elevator twice and the wait each time was less than 30 mins = not bad. Though I have heard the wait can be as long as 1.5 hrs - all dependent on tourism traffic. BTW awesome (!) workout if you head to the tower via Kearney St and then descend via the Filbert/Greenwich stairs. Or switch up the route. Excellent cardio exercise! read more
12 years ago
Ok, technically, the is a tourist spot, but it is still worth a visit. $8 to take the elevator to the top, you will get a 360 view of the Bay Bridge, SF downtown, Lambert street and a distance view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The murals in the main hall is free though. This would be a great place to take a break and enjoy your lunch in the lawn area with a great view of the Bay Bridge. read more
15 years ago
OH WHAT!? $7 bucks to use the elevators? And I can't use the stairs?? -____- Being the tourist we are, we caved in... ONLY BECAUSE we rented bike's the whole day and figured we biked this far, might as well go to the top. Great 360 view of SF, but we eventually has A.D.D after 15 minutes (maybe less than that). Was it money well spent? egh, not really. Did we enjoy the atmosphere and view? ABSOLUTELY. read more
From the China Town we decided to walk to Coliet Towers and it was well worth the walk. After walking pass the Red Light District and up the steeeep hills/steps of San Francisco we made it! The view of the Bay from here is ahhhmazing . But don't be fooled, to get a really beautiful view take the elevators up. Nothings for free, so let it be known that it is $7 per person. Cash Only too. Standing in line sort of felt like standing in line at Disneyland. The anticipation is exciting, but once up there for about 3 minutes the excitement washes away. But don't me wrong, paying to see a higher view it great. Being able to sit about and maybe have a picnic up there not so much. I'm glad to be able to be to see that viewing and the artwork inside the tower. read more
9 years ago
Great place to visit if you got the right knees. Beware of the long lines, it took us 30 min to get to the elevator. The panorama is priceless. read more
Oh, Coit Tower. I tried to love you, I really did... but I just could not. Your slender, cylindrical structure protruding radiantly above Telegraph Hill simply could not capture my heart. Believe me, I did want to love and appreciate a historical gem like you. It's monuments like you that allure and encourage travelers to learn, sightsee and adore. You were a gift from San Franciscan native, Lillie Hitchcock Coit. She was a wealthy, eccentric and a well-known patron for the city's firefighters. When she passed away in 1929, one-third of her fortune was dedicated to you "for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the city I have always loved." It was rumored that you were supposed to resemble a fire hose nozzle in honor of Lillie Hitchcock Coit's tremendous support for the firefighters. You offer an observation deck with a 360-degree view of this lovely city, but how can you truly appreciate the sight if hazy and closed windows obstruct it? Or perhaps my sudden disdain for you was contributed by the $7 elevator ride that resulted in a monotonously long hour wait? Minus the elevator postponement, our time together could not withstand more than 15 minutes. I did enjoy your vibrantly decorated murals, however it did not over precede my lack of affection for you. I apologize for my ill thoughts and words. I do believe there are others out there that will truly idolize your presence, but unfortunately I am not one of them. read more
Views, views, views! Coit tower has some of the best views of SF. Bless your soul if you decide to walk up the hill to the tower. It is seriously steep. Parking is particularly nightmarish unless you go really late at night (which is what I like to do). I can't say I have ever been inside the tower but that's on my to-do list. read more
The view is why Coit Tower is a must! It's atop of Telegraph Hill. Inside the tower is a collection of murals. I'd recommend taking an Uber to the tower and then walking down. The parking atop the hill is a hassle and the hill is pretty steep. read more
Sarahs list of things to see in San Francisco -coit tower-check -Bay bridge-check -GG bridge-check -ferry building-check -palace of fine arts-check basically that one stop took care of a lot for me . Was it worth $4.50? eh? Was the elevator scary? Yes! if you have a fanny pack or visor fetish you will love it here! read more
9 years ago
I have no idea how many times I've been to Coit Tower in San Francisco. The number of people I've brought in the last 30 years may well be in the hundreds. Everyone that's visited has seen it and probably taken the elevator ride to the top to see coins from around the world in the window sills. I thought it fitting this Christmas to take a trip down memory lane. Remembering people I've known but haven't thought about in years. Possibly remember some I've forgotten. Coit Tower stands out in life and in my memory of times past. I've hiked the steps hundreds, no thousands of times alone and with housemates, friends and even blind charges that wanted the workout. I've watched the jets from an even earlier time in my life, scream overhead in their yearly display of skill, control and courage. A monument in my minor turbulent past built as a momument remembering a much more significant past of trial and victory. I've stood atop it's grounds and watched the sunrise with tears in my eyes for no other reason than the beauty of that sunrise. I rode a motorcycle up legally not wearing a helmet prior to midnight the year the helmet law went into effect, then rode back down to go home after midnight in Northbeach in my pathetic act of public disobedience. I never tired of showing this landmark, and indeed my town to anyone that wanted to see it. To eat of her restuarants, to marvel at her beauty. San Francisco does have her dark underbelly but this is not part of it. This is part of the light that conquers darkness, something darkness will never be able to do in the presence of the light. I no longer live in Northbeach or in the shadow of this great monument, but I can truly say that this place and San Francisco will forever live in me. read more
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More info about Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94133
North Beach/Telegraph Hill
Directions
(415) 412-0382
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Ask the Community - Coit Tower
Can you park in the parking lot 24/7?
While the parking lot is on a public road that is open 24/7, please refer to the posted signs for parking restrictions.
How much do you pay for person to go to the top?
$10 per adult. There are also senior and children's rates.
Is there an area to picnic nearby?
I did notice areas that were open and there were benches around but I don't know if you can picnic there.
Can you see the murals on your own without paying admission or taking a tour?
You can go into the tower at the ground floor and go around and view all the murals without having to pay admission to go up the elevator I believe. Most of if not all the murals are before the line to the elevator.
Are dogs allowed?
Leashes-Yes. https://dogtrekker.com/yp/coit-tower-san-francisco-94133
How much is parking in the parking lot? Thanks
Hello Sarah, Please be advised that while street parking at the lot atop Telegraph Hill is free…
Hi. Is there a parking lot? Cafe/food inside/or around the building? Thanks
Yes! Straight up to top. Lots of people coming and going. If weekday shouldn't be too bad. If weekend prob best to walk up! Keep eye out for The parrots
Discover and go? Do you have to print tickets for coit tower?
You can buy tickets there--no need to purchase beforehand.
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