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Coit Tower: A San Francisco Icon

Ascend Telegraph Hill's iconic Coit Tower for panoramic San Francisco views and Depression-era murals. A timeless landmark!

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Coit Tower, a slender white tower atop Telegraph Hill, is a beloved San Francisco landmark offering panoramic city and bay views. Built in 1933, it was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify her beloved city. The tower also features impressive Depression-era murals.

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

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines for the elevator to the top of Coit Tower.
  • Take the time to explore the ground floor murals, which offer a fascinating glimpse into California during the Great Depression.
  • Consider walking up Telegraph Hill for a scenic and active way to reach the tower, enjoying the views along the way.
  • Check the official website for current hours, elevator status, and any potential closures before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take either the #30 or #45 bus to Washington Square in North Beach. Transfer to the #39 Coit Tower bus, which will take you directly to the tower. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 if using the MuniMobile app. The #39 bus has limited service.

  • Walking

    For a scenic walk, start from the intersection of Filbert Street and Grant Avenue in North Beach. Follow Filbert Street uphill; it will turn into a stairway. The climb is steep but offers rewarding views of the city and bay. Walking up the Filbert Street steps is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services can take you directly to Coit Tower. However, be aware that traffic on Telegraph Hill can be congested, especially during peak hours. A ride from Fisherman's Wharf typically costs $15-$20, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Pioneer Park

Coit Tower, officially known as the Lillian Coit Memorial Tower, stands as an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Perched atop Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park, the 210-foot (64 m) tower offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city, the bay, and beyond. The tower's origins trace back to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite and ardent supporter of San Francisco's volunteer firefighters. Upon her death in 1929, Coit bequeathed a significant portion of her estate to the city with the express wish to enhance its beauty. The Coit Tower was proposed in 1931 as an appropriate use of Coit's gift. Completed in 1933, the Art Deco tower, designed by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Temple Howard, has become a cherished landmark. Inside, the tower boasts a collection of striking fresco murals created in 1934 by 26 artists as part of the Public Works of Art Project. These murals vividly depict scenes of California life during the Great Depression, offering a glimpse into the social and economic realities of the era. The murals showcase a range of perspectives, from romanticized portrayals of workers to depictions of social inequality. Visitors can ascend to the tower's observation deck via elevator (a fee applies) for breathtaking views. The ground floor and its murals are free to access. Docent-led tours provide insights into the tower's history, the artists, and the significance of the murals.

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