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Coit Tower: A Beacon Atop Telegraph Hill

Ascend to San Francisco's iconic Coit Tower for panoramic city views and a glimpse into Depression-era art, a tribute to Lillie Hitchcock Coit.

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Coit Tower, a slender white concrete column, has been an emblem of San Francisco’s skyline since its completion in 1933. Standing atop Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park, this iconic Art Deco tower offers stunning 360° views of the city and the bay.

A brief summary to Pioneer Park

  • Coit Tower, 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, Telegraph Hill, California, 94133, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 5 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 5 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 5 am-12 am
  • Thursday 5 am-12 am
  • Friday 5 am-12 am
  • Saturday 5 am-12 am
  • Sunday 5 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Admission to the ground floor of Coit Tower, including access to the murals, is free of charge.
  • Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds.
  • Parking is extremely limited; public transportation or ride-sharing is highly recommended.
  • Take the time to explore Pioneer Park surrounding the tower for additional views and green space.
  • Check the official website for any elevator closures or changes to operating hours.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the #30 or #45 bus to Washington Square. Transfer to the #39 Coit Tower bus, which will take you directly to the tower. A single ride on Muni costs $3.

  • Walking

    From Fisherman's Wharf or the Embarcadero, walk up the Filbert Street Steps or the Greenwich Street Steps on Telegraph Hill's eastern slope. These stairways lead through charming gardens and offer scenic views. The walk is steep and takes about 30 minutes. There is no cost for walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can take you directly to Coit Tower. A ride from Pier 39 to Coit Tower costs approximately $8-$10 and takes about 3 minutes. From downtown, expect to pay around $15-$18.

Unlock the Best of Pioneer Park

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Discover more about Pioneer Park

Coit Tower, officially known as the Lillian Coit Memorial Tower, stands as a proud monument atop Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Built in 1933, the 210-foot tower was erected using funds bequeathed by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite and avid supporter of the city's volunteer firefighters. Coit, known for her eccentric personality, left a portion of her estate to beautify San Francisco, and the tower was chosen as a fitting tribute. The Art Deco tower, designed by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Temple Howard, is constructed of unpainted reinforced concrete. Inside, visitors can explore a series of striking fresco murals created as part of the Public Works of Art Project during the Great Depression. These murals depict scenes of California life in the 1930s, showcasing industry, agriculture, and social issues of the time. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck at the top of the tower for panoramic views of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. The ground floor, including access to the murals, is free. Guided tours are available for a fee, providing insights into the tower's history, the murals, and the artists who created them. While the tower's design is often rumored to resemble a fire hose nozzle in honor of Coit's passion for firefighting, this is not the case. The tower stands as a testament to Coit's love for San Francisco and her desire to enhance its beauty.

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