Background

Sutro Tower: Iconic Landmark of San Francisco

4.6 (202)

Discover the stunning views and rich history at Sutro Tower, San Francisco's iconic communications landmark surrounded by lush forests.

Perched high above the city, Sutro Tower is a must-visit for tourists seeking panoramic views of San Francisco. This towering communications structure offers a unique glimpse into the city's landscape and its surrounding natural beauty, making it a perfect stop for photographers and sightseers alike.

A brief summary to Sutro Tower

  • Monday 8 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-4 pm
  • Friday 8 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
  • Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco.
  • Consider combining your visit to Sutro Tower with a hike in the nearby Sutro Forest.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as fog can obscure views.
  • Respect the local wildlife and stay on designated trails while exploring the area.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks: San Francisco's Panoramic Vista
Attraction

Alfred E. Clarke Mansion

Alfred E. Clarke Mansion: A Victorian Gem
Attraction

Alvord Lake Bridge

Alvord Lake Bridge: A Concrete Pioneer

Unlock the Best of Sutro Tower

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Public Transit - Bus

    From San Lorenzo, walk to the nearest bus stop on Hesperian Blvd. Take the AC Transit Line 1 or Line 1R heading towards Oakland. Ride for approximately 20 minutes until you reach the Fruitvale BART Station. Transfer to the BART train heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. After about 30 minutes, get off at the 16th St. Mission Station. From there, transfer to the Muni Metro 'K' or 'L' line towards the West Portal. Get off at the 'West Portal' station. Walk to the bus stop on West Portal Ave and take the Muni Bus 37 towards Stonestown. Get off at the 'Sutro Tower' stop on La Avanzada St.

  • Walking

    If you're near downtown San Lorenzo, head towards Hesperian Blvd and walk north for about 1 mile until you reach the nearest bus stop. From there, follow the instructions for public transit to Sutro Tower as described above. Alternatively, once you arrive in San Francisco, you can walk from the 16th St. Mission Station to Sutro Tower, which will take about 1 hour and involves walking through the scenic neighborhoods of the city.

  • Rideshare - Uber/Lyft

    Open your preferred rideshare app and set your destination to 'Sutro Tower, 1 La Avanzada St, San Francisco, CA 94131'. The driver will pick you up from your current location in San Lorenzo. The ride will take around 30 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Taxi

    You can also call a local taxi service to pick you up from your location in San Lorenzo. Provide the driver with the destination 'Sutro Tower, 1 La Avanzada St, San Francisco, CA 94131'. Expect the journey to take about 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Discover more about Sutro Tower

Sutro Tower stands as a striking beacon in the San Francisco skyline, its three red-and-white antennas stretching into the sky. Built in 1973, this communications tower not only serves a crucial role in broadcasting television and radio signals but has also become a beloved landmark for both locals and visitors. The tower is located atop Mount Sutro, which is part of the Sutro Forest, providing a backdrop of lush greenery that contrasts beautifully with the urban landscape. While visitors cannot enter the tower itself, the surrounding areas offer numerous hiking trails and viewpoints where you can soak in the breathtaking vistas. The panoramic views from this elevation are simply unforgettable; on a clear day, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay, and even as far as the Pacific Ocean. As you explore the area, take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the Sutro Forest. The trails are perfect for a leisurely walk or a more vigorous hike, catering to all levels of fitness. Along the way, you might encounter a variety of local wildlife, including birds and other small creatures that call this forest home. The area is rich in history too, with remnants of the Sutro Baths, a once-popular public bathhouse, located nearby. This unique combination of history, nature, and technology makes Sutro Tower and its surroundings a fascinating destination for anyone visiting San Francisco. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, Sutro Tower will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Explore the best of what Sutro Tower has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about San Lorenzo

File:San Lorenzo, California. A farm youngster pictured two days before evacuation of persons of Japanes . . . - NARA - 537538.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Discover San Lorenzo: A tranquil retreat in the East Bay, perfectly situated for easy access to the vibrant cities and natural beauty of Northern California.

Tell me more about San Lorenzo
Attraction

Visit the Haight-Ashbury Clock, a San Francisco landmark symbolizing the Summer of Love and 1960s counterculture, where history, music, and free spirit converge in a vibrant neighborhood.

Haight-Ashbury Clock
Attraction

Experience San Francisco's most breathtaking panoramic views from Twin Peaks, where the city, bay, and ocean converge in a stunning display of natural and urban beauty.

Twin Peaks

Select Currency