Where to Find the Best Views in San Francisco

Where to Find the Best Views in San Francisco

Even though it’s a city, you might want to get out your hiking boots when you visit San Francisco. The dozens of hills around town make walking more exercise than a leisure activity. These hills can reach hundreds of feet in height, and if you’re looking for amazing views, there’s no other place like it.

Trek to the top of the winding Lombard Street to witness some very interesting driving maneuvers by the multitude of cars working their way down the street or ride the famous trolley from hill to hill with no exertion on your end. If you’re up for an adventure check out these places for incredible views on your next trip into town.

Twin Peaks

No, it’s not named after the paranormal mystery drama with the same name, but the views may seem otherworldly from this vantage point. At the top of the summit, you’ll have a panoramic view of the city, from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge to the bay. Stroll along the pedestrian walkways around Twin Peaks Boulevard for "ground-level" sightseeing. You can get vastly different perspectives throughout the day and evening as a result of the bright lights at night that illuminate the city. Locals suggest coming on days with little or no fog for the best experience.

Top of the Mark

What’s better than a view? A view with some bubbles! Top of the Mark sits on the 19^th floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins hotel. From this vantage point, you’ll have 360-degree views of the city's famous city skyline with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop.

The swanky restaurant is open every day and offers scrumptious dinner and brunch bites including marinated olives, loaded crab nacho, and smores fondue. On weekends, treat yourself to a champagne brunch at a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the restaurant.

Lands End

Take a casual hike through this park that is situated right on the bay. You’ll find numerous paths along the cliffs and the shore to choose from. The stunning views of the bay are breathtaking and during spring, you may even see some whales hanging out by the Golden Gate Bridge. During low tide, you may get a glimpse of numerous shipwrecks in the bay for some unique photographs.

Within the park are numerous landmarks and historical sites you can easily walk to, such as the concrete ruins of the Sutro Baths. Originally opened in 1896 as the world's largest swimming pool complex, the bath was destroyed by arson in 1966. All that remain of the baths are stairs, passageways, and walls, which lie just off the coast.

Bernal Heights Hill

A short climb to the top of this hill gives you great views of the surrounding Mission District and rolling hills. This hill is ideals to enjoy a picnic on a breezy day. Just down the hill you’ll find restaurants, bakeries, salons, and a wine and beer store if you want your picnic to be extra special.

The area has hosted a farmers’ market every Saturday since 1947. Spend the day browsing through a variety of stands of vendors selling everything from vintage furniture to exotic gems.