Pioneer Park
Coit Tower: A Beacon Atop Telegraph Hill
Coit Tower: A San Francisco Icon
Iconic San Francisco landmark offering panoramic views and Depression-era murals atop Telegraph Hill.
Coit Tower, a slender white tower on Telegraph Hill, is a San Francisco landmark offering panoramic city and bay views. Built in 1933 with a bequest from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the tower also features Depression-era murals depicting California life.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Coit Tower
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, Telegraph Hill, California, 94133, US
Monday
10 am-4 pm
Tuesday
10 am-4 pm
Wednesday
10 am-4 pm
Thursday
10 am-4 pm
Friday
10 am-4 pm
Saturday
10 am-4 pm
Sunday
10 am-4 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the #30 or #45 MUNI line to Washington Square. Transfer to the #39 Coit Tower bus, which will take you directly to the tower. A single MUNI fare is $3.
Walking
From North Beach, walk up Telegraph Hill via the Filbert Street Steps or the Greenwich Street Steps. These stairways offer a scenic route through gardens and charming houses. The climb is steep, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a workout.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services can take you directly to Coit Tower. A ride from Pier 39 typically costs $8-$10 and takes only a few minutes. Be aware that traffic on Telegraph Hill Boulevard can be heavy, especially during peak hours.
Driving
Driving to Coit Tower is possible, but parking is extremely limited. There is a small parking lot near the tower, but it fills up quickly, and waits can be long. Parking is restricted to 30 minutes on weekdays, and is for area residents only on weekends. Several parking garages are located within walking distance of Coit Tower, with hourly rates ranging from $10 to $45. Closest parking is at 417 Greenwich Street, San Francisco.
Local tips
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Arrive early, especially during peak season, to avoid long lines for the elevator to the observation deck.
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Take the free City Guides tour to learn about the history of Coit Tower and the stories behind the murals.
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Consider walking up Telegraph Hill for a scenic and active approach to the tower.
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Check the official website for current hours, elevator status, and any construction-related closures.
Discover more about Coit Tower
Coit Tower, rising 210 feet above Telegraph Hill, is an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Completed in 1933, the Art Deco tower was built with funds bequeathed by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite and avid supporter of the city's volunteer firefighters. Coit left a third of her fortune to San Francisco, stipulating that it be used to beautify the city.
The tower's design, by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Temple Howard, features unpainted reinforced concrete. While some believe the tower resembles a fire hose nozzle, a tribute to Coit's firefighting passion, this is likely a coincidence.
Inside, vibrant fresco murals created as part of the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) during the Great Depression adorn the walls. These murals depict scenes of California life in the 1930s, including agriculture, industry, and urban life, and are considered some of the finest examples of Depression-era public art. Visitors can explore the murals for free. Guided tours are available for a fee.
Ascend to the observation deck for 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the surrounding bay. The tower is open daily, and tickets to the observation deck can be purchased on-site.
A brief summary to Coit Tower
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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