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Coit Tower: A San Francisco Icon

Iconic Art Deco tower offering panoramic views of San Francisco and a glimpse into California's 1930s history.

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Coit Tower, a slender white tower atop Telegraph Hill, is a defining feature of San Francisco's skyline. Built in 1933, it offers panoramic city and bay views and houses Depression-era murals depicting California life. A tribute to Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a patron of the city's firefighters, the tower is a must-see landmark.

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 to avoid long lines for the elevator to the observation deck.
  • Take public transportation or walk, as parking near Coit Tower is very limited.
  • Visit the ground floor to see the Depression-era murals, which are free to view.
  • Consider a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the tower's history and the murals.
  • Bring a jacket, as it can be windy at the top of the tower.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Fisherman's Wharf, take the Muni bus #39 Coit directly to the tower. The bus ride takes approximately 15 minutes. A single fare is around $3. Alternatively, take the #30 or #45 bus to Washington Square and transfer to the #39 Coit bus. Check the SFMTA website or app for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Walking

    For a scenic walk, start from the Embarcadero or North Beach and ascend Telegraph Hill via the Filbert Steps or Greenwich Steps. These stairways pass through charming gardens and offer stunning views. Be prepared for a steep climb of approximately 30 minutes. There is no cost for walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a direct route to Coit Tower. From Fisherman's Wharf, a taxi ride typically costs between $8 and $11 and takes around 3 minutes. Fares may vary depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Pioneer Park

Rising 210 feet above Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower has been an iconic part of the San Francisco skyline since 1933. The tower was built with funds bequeathed by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite known for her love of San Francisco and her support of the city's volunteer firefighters. Designed in the Art Deco style by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Howard, the unpainted reinforced concrete tower offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, the bay, and landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck via elevator. The ground floor lobby showcases a series of fresco murals created by 26 local artists as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal art program. These murals depict scenes of California life during the 1930s and sparked controversy upon their opening. Admission to the ground floor, including access to the murals, is free. Guided tours are available for a more in-depth exploration of the artwork. Coit Tower stands within Pioneer Park, which opened in 1876. The park offers walking paths and a cafe, providing a space to relax and enjoy the scenery.

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