Coit Tower: A San Francisco Icon

Ascend to San Francisco's iconic Coit Tower for panoramic city views and a glimpse into California's history through Depression-era murals atop Telegraph Hill.

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Perched atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is a San Francisco landmark offering panoramic city and bay views. Built in 1933 with a bequest from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a patron of the city's firefighters, the tower showcases striking Depression-era murals depicting California life. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for stunning vistas, explore Pioneer Park surrounding the tower, or delve into the history and artistry within its walls. Whether admiring the architecture, soaking in the views, or contemplating the historical artwork, Coit Tower provides a multifaceted experience that captures the essence of San Francisco's unique character and enduring appeal.

A brief summary to Coit Tower

1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, Telegraph Hill, California, 94133, US
+1415-831-2700
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Local tips

Arrive early to avoid long lines for the elevator, especially during peak tourist season. Tickets can be purchased on-site.
Take the guided tour to fully appreciate the historical context and artistic significance of the Coit Tower murals.
Consider walking up the Filbert or Greenwich Steps for a scenic and challenging route to the tower, passing through charming gardens and neighborhoods.
Bring a jacket, as it can be windy and cool at the top of Telegraph Hill, even on sunny days.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby North Beach for delicious Italian food and a taste of San Francisco's bohemian culture.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Fisherman's Wharf, take the Muni #39 Coit bus directly to Coit Tower. The bus departs from Pier 39 and travels up Telegraph Hill, dropping you off near the tower entrance. A single ride fare is around $3, payable via the MuniMobile app or Clipper card. Alternatively, from downtown San Francisco, take either the #30 or #45 bus to Washington Square, then transfer to the #39 Coit Tower bus. Note that during certain periods, such as April 3-11, 2025, construction may affect the #39 route, requiring a short walk from Lombard & Stockton streets.
Taxi/Ride-Share

A taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) from Fisherman's Wharf to Coit Tower takes approximately 3 minutes and costs between $8 and $11, depending on traffic. Be aware that traffic congestion on Telegraph Hill Blvd can cause delays, especially during peak hours. The drop-off point is near the entrance to Coit Tower.
Walking

For a scenic and active approach, walk from the Embarcadero or North Beach. From the Embarcadero, ascend Telegraph Hill via the Filbert Steps or Greenwich Steps, passing through charming gardens and residential areas. From North Beach, follow Lombard Street to Telegraph Hill and continue uphill. Be prepared for a steep climb. Walking is free, but requires a good level of fitness.
Driving

Driving to Coit Tower is possible, but parking is extremely limited and often congested. The parking lot outside the tower is primarily for area residents, with limited 30-minute parking for visitors on weekdays. On weekends, parking in the lot is restricted to residents only. If you choose to drive, be prepared for potential delays and consider alternative parking options in North Beach or along the Embarcadero, keeping in mind that you will have to walk uphill for the final part of the journey. Parking costs in nearby garages typically range from $30 for 2 hours.

Discover more about Coit Tower

Coit Tower, a slender, white concrete column rising 210 feet above Telegraph Hill, has been a defining feature of the San Francisco skyline since its completion in 1933. More than just a visual landmark, the tower encapsulates the city's vibrant history, artistic spirit, and enduring connection to its past. The tower's origins lie with Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy and eccentric San Franciscan who was a fervent supporter of the city's volunteer firefighters. Upon her death in 1929, Coit bequeathed a significant portion of her estate to the city with the express purpose of "adding to the beauty" of San Francisco. This bequest led to the construction of Coit Tower, a monument to Coit's vision and a tribute to the city she loved. Designed by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Temple Howard, the Art Deco tower is constructed of unpainted, reinforced concrete. Contrary to popular myth, the tower was not designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle. The simple, fluted design was chosen in part due to budgetary constraints, but its elegant form has become instantly recognizable. Inside, the tower's ground floor lobby is adorned with a remarkable series of fresco murals created in 1934 by 26 local artists employed through the Public Works of Art Project, a New Deal program designed to provide employment for artists during the Great Depression. These murals offer a vivid depiction of California life during the 1930s, showcasing scenes of agriculture, industry, and urban life. The murals also reflect the social and political currents of the time, with depictions of labor movements, political rallies, and everyday struggles. The creation of the murals was not without controversy. Some of the artwork was deemed to contain communist or socialist messages, leading to heated debates and temporary closure of the tower. Despite the controversy, the murals were eventually opened to the public and have since become a treasured part of San Francisco's artistic heritage. Today, visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the history and significance of the murals. Ascending to the top of Coit Tower offers a breathtaking reward. An elevator whisks visitors to the observation deck, where they are greeted by panoramic views of San Francisco and the surrounding bay. From this vantage point, one can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge, and the city's iconic skyline. The views are particularly stunning at sunset, when the city is bathed in golden light. Surrounding Coit Tower is Pioneer Park, a 4.89-acre green space that provides a tranquil setting for enjoying the views and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. The park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and benches, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Visiting Coit Tower is more than just a sightseeing trip; it's an opportunity to connect with San Francisco's history, art, and culture. Whether you're admiring the architecture, exploring the murals, or soaking in the views, Coit Tower offers a multifaceted experience that captures the essence of this unique and vibrant city. To fully appreciate the experience, consider these aspects: * **The Murals:** Take time to examine the murals in detail. They offer a fascinating glimpse into California life during the Great Depression and reflect the social and political issues of the time. Guided tours are available to provide context and insights into the artwork. * **The Views:** The panoramic views from the observation deck are simply stunning. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery. * **Pioneer Park:** Explore the park surrounding Coit Tower. It's a great place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and take in the natural beauty of Telegraph Hill. * **Accessibility:** Coit Tower is accessible to visitors with disabilities. An elevator provides access to the observation deck. * **Limited Parking:** Parking at Coit Tower is very limited. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach the site. * **Nearby Attractions:** Coit Tower is located near other popular attractions, such as Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street. Consider combining your visit to Coit Tower with a trip to these other destinations. Coit Tower stands as a testament to San Francisco's enduring spirit and its commitment to art, culture, and community. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Coit Tower: A San Francisco Icon

A brief summary to Coit Tower

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Taxi/Ride-Share

Walking

Driving

Unlock the Best of Coit Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Coit Tower

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lombard St & Kearny St

One Lombard Street

California Historical Landmark 1024: Briones Rancho Site

Washington Square

Pier 31 (1917)

Northeast Waterfront Historic District

Jazz Mural

0 Jack Kerouac Alley

Muir Woods Shuttles and Tours

Jackson Square Historic District

Jackson Square

Sentinel Building

Shortest Street in California

Chinatown Hero's Mural

Klamath (Historic Ship)

Unmissable attractions to see

Pioneer Park

Telegraph Hill

Filbert Steps

The Savoy Tivoli

Jack Early Park

Soft Park - Levi's Plaza

Saints Peter and Paul Church

National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi

Essential places to dine

Sotto Mare

Portofino

Original Joe's

Red Window

The Stinking Rose

Cassava

Betty Lou's Seafood & Grill

Mona Lisa Restaurant

Tosca Cafe

Quince

House of Nanking

Bix

FUSION DUMPLING

Bund Shanghai Restaurant

New Lun Ting Cafe

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Vacation

Via Margutta Vintage

WORK

Happy House

Missing Audrey Vintage

SFOG North Beach

Good View Trading Co

Vigi Boutique

Up & Up Gift Shop

Souvenir Shop

Exploratorium Store

Only In San Francisco

Yat On Gift Shop

Under the Golden Gate

Peking Bazaar

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Gino & Carlo

Maggie McGarry's

Tony Nik's CAFE

The Showdown

The Saloon

15 Romolo

Bodega North Beach

Cold Drinks Bar

The Devil's Acre