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Jack Early Park: A Tiny Treasure with a Big View

Discover San Francisco's smallest park with the biggest views: Jack Early Park on Telegraph Hill offers stunning bay vistas and a tranquil escape.

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Jack Early Park is a unique, petite park nestled on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. Created by a local resident, Jack Early, in the 1960s, this charming spot offers stunning panoramic views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge, making it a beloved hidden gem.

A brief summary to Jack Early Park

  • San Francisco, Telegraph Hill, California, 94133, US
  • Monday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 7:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 7:30 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as there are approximately 60 stairs to climb to reach the park's viewing area.
  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy the view, but remember to pack out all trash.
  • Listen carefully, and you might hear the sea lions barking at Fisherman's Wharf.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From North Beach, walk northeast towards Telegraph Hill. Follow Grant Avenue north; the park entrance is on the east side of Grant Avenue, across from Pfeiffer Street. Look for a staircase with a small plaque. Be prepared for a moderately steep climb up the stairs.

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the Muni bus #8 or 30 to Columbus Avenue and Grant Avenue. Walk north on Grant Avenue to Pfeiffer Street. The park entrance will be on your right. A single ride on Muni is $3.00 cash or $2.85 with a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass is available for $5.70.

  • Ride Share/Taxi

    Request a ride to the intersection of Grant Avenue and Pfeiffer Street on Telegraph Hill. From there, it is a short walk to the park entrance. A ride from Fisherman's Wharf will cost approximately $15-$20, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Jack Early Park

Jack Early Park, a true hidden gem in San Francisco, offers an escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Perched on the north slope of Telegraph Hill, this minuscule park is the creation of Jack Early, a local resident who, in 1962, envisioned a spot of beauty on an otherwise inaccessible and undeveloped rocky slope. Early, an ad man by profession, dedicated 25 years to transforming the space, using donated railroad ties to build stairs and planting trees and shrubs, watering them by hand. In 1987, the city officially dedicated the park in his name. The park features a staircase leading to a small viewing area with just enough space for a couple of benches. From this aerie, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, including Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge. The sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf can often be heard from this vantage point. Jack Early Park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park is supported and maintained by the local community, adding to its charm and unique character. The entrance to Jack Early Park is marked by a small plaque and a staircase with a sign that reads: “Dead end stairway. No outlet.”.

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