Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill

For arguably the best view in San Francisco, head to Coit Tower at the top of Telegraph Hill. The 210-ft Art Deco tower was built to beautify and enrich the city, and it does just that. It’s adorned inside with fresco murals by 27 different artists, and offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city and the bay. You’ll earn those views on the journey up Telegraph Hill. You can only reach the tower by car via a single, narrow road. To beat the traffic, hike the 275-ft hill through the Filbert Steps, a steep but scenic climb to the top. Catch glimpses of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the downtown skyline as you ascend. Hear the calls of the wild parrots who roost in the trees along the hillside. Catch your breath at the tower, only to have it taken away by the stunning view. From here, you can see why San Francisco steals so many hearts.