Coit Tower: San Francisco Icon

Ascend to San Francisco's iconic Coit Tower for panoramic city views and Depression-era murals, a timeless landmark 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, the 210-foot art deco tower is adorned with Depression-era murals depicting California life. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck for stunning vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. Explore the murals, learn about the tower's history, and soak in the unparalleled views that make Coit Tower a must-see attraction. Whether you choose to walk up the scenic Filbert Steps or take the convenient #39 bus, a visit to Coit Tower promises an unforgettable San Francisco experience.

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, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines for the elevator to the observation deck.
Consider walking up the Filbert or Greenwich Steps for a scenic (but strenuous) route to the tower, passing through charming gardens.
Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the Depression-era murals inside the tower.
Check the tower's website for current hours and elevator status, as the elevator may be temporarily out of service.
Bring a jacket, as it can be windy and cool at the top of Telegraph Hill, even on a sunny day.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Fisherman's Wharf or downtown San Francisco, take the Muni #39 Coit bus directly to Coit Tower. The bus provides a convenient and scenic ride up Telegraph Hill, dropping you off near the tower entrance. A single ride on Muni costs $3. Alternatively, from the downtown area, you can take either the #30 or #45 line to Washington Square, located at the corners of Union & Columbus and transfer to the #39 Coit Tower bus.
Walking

For a more active approach, walk from North Beach via the Filbert Steps or Greenwich Steps. These staircases ascend Telegraph Hill, offering stunning views and passing through charming gardens. Be prepared for a steep climb. From the intersection of Filbert Street and Grant Avenue in North Beach, the walk is approximately 0.5 miles and takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) can take you directly to Coit Tower. However, be aware that traffic on Telegraph Hill can be heavy, especially during peak hours. A ride from Fisherman's Wharf typically costs $15-$20, depending on traffic and surge pricing.
Driving

Driving to Coit Tower is possible, but parking is extremely limited. There is a small parking lot near the tower, but it is often full, and waits to enter can be long. On weekdays, parking is limited to 30 minutes. Parking in the lot is restricted to area residents with permits on weekends. Consider alternative transportation due to parking challenges. If you do drive, be prepared to pay for parking at a nearby garage; rates can 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 San Francisco's skyline since its completion in 1933. More than just a visual landmark, it's a repository of history, art, and breathtaking views, beckoning locals and tourists alike. The tower owes its existence to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy and eccentric patron of San Francisco's volunteer firefighters. Upon her death in 1929, Coit bequeathed a substantial portion of her estate to the city with the express purpose of "adding to its beauty." While one bequest funded a monument to the city's firefighters in Washington Square, the other was used to construct the tower that bears her name. Designed by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Temple Howard, the art deco tower's simple, fluted form has often been mistaken for a fire hose nozzle, though this was never the intention. Its construction during the Great Depression provided employment for many, and its interior became a canvas for a remarkable collection of murals. The murals, painted in 1934 by a group of artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP), a precursor to the Works Progress Administration (WPA), offer a glimpse into life in California during the Depression. These frescoes depict scenes of everyday life, from agricultural workers in the fields to bustling city streets, capturing the social and economic realities of the era. The murals sparked controversy at the time, with some panels deemed too radical or critical of the social order. Some elements were painted over, and the tower was briefly closed before reopening to the public. Today, the murals are considered some of the finest examples of Depression-era public art in the United States. They provide a powerful and insightful look back at a difficult time in American history, reminding us of the struggles and resilience of ordinary people. Beyond its artistic and historical significance, Coit Tower is renowned for its panoramic views. An elevator whisks visitors to the observation deck at the top of the tower, where they are rewarded with 360-degree vistas of San Francisco and the surrounding bay. From this vantage point, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Bay Bridge, and the city's iconic landmarks. The views are particularly stunning at sunset, as the city lights begin to twinkle and the sky is painted in vibrant hues. Coit Tower stands within Pioneer Park, established in 1876 on the former site of a semaphore telegraph station. The park offers additional viewpoints and a place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The park is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily. Visiting Coit Tower is an experience that engages the senses and stimulates the mind. Whether you're drawn to its history, its art, or its views, the tower offers something for everyone. It's a place to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and marvel at the beauty of San Francisco. To fully appreciate the murals, consider joining a guided tour led by knowledgeable volunteers. These tours provide insights into the artists, their techniques, and the social and political context of their work. Alternatively, you can explore the murals on your own, using a brochure or guidebook to learn about each panel. While the elevator to the observation deck is the most popular way to reach the top of the tower, it's worth noting that the nearly 90-year-old elevator may be unavailable due to occasional mechanical issues. If the elevator is not working, you will need to walk up 13 flights of stairs to reach the viewing level. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, Coit Tower is a San Francisco icon that never fails to impress. Its rich history, stunning art, and unparalleled views make it a must-see destination for anyone seeking to experience the best of the city.

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Coit Tower: San Francisco Icon

A brief summary to Coit Tower

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

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