Views of San Francisco

Take in San Francisco's beauty in a single panoramic shot with a visit to one of these perched vantage points. Remember your camera and snap away, as the city (just 7 miles x 7 miles) opens up before you. The past and present in one photo. History woven into the now, within a compact, efficient, breathtaking space.

Alcatraz
Each year, approx. 750,000 visitors to San Francisco take the trip out to Alcatraz Island, while millions more experience the Bay surrounding it. One of the draws of the cruise(s) is the view of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island. For those who do make it to “The Rock” however, a must is to take a look back at the city. You'll find downtown San Francisco framed perfectly. (Note: such was also the sight prisoners saw themselves and no doubt, longed to know for real.)

Treasure Island
The Bay Bridge to the left; Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge to the right; and the city in the center. Treasure Island's view is terrific, but while expansive, is a distant one. You'll want to use the zoom. There are also viewing posts though, to help with focus. Summer is busiest; yet this road hugging the water always has some activity, from tourists to hobbyists to pros on assignment.

Coit Tower
Climb Telegraph Hill to this elevated point in San Francisco and then look down and around; use the viewing scopes for a closer view or stand back and snap away: at the Bay, with Berkeley in the distance; the city's Financial District; or San Francisco's network of neighborhoods. Indeed, after viewing the murals inside of Coit Tower, be sure to experience the attraction's outdoor highlights as well. In fact, if you make the steep trek up Filbert Street, your viewing experience will begin early. As you climb, keep looking back. (Also, check out the Filbert Steps.)

Pacific Heights
Visit this neighborhood for the view: of millionaire homes, historic stone mansions, Victorian homes (like the Haas-Lilienthal House), and from the Lyon Street steps, the Golden Gate Bridge and Marina District. It's not the entire city, but when the sun's out and the sky is blue, the composition of white, red, and blue is picture-perfect.

Carnelian Room (Bank of America Building)
This famous view of the city overlooks North Beach, out to the Bay and Alcatraz. The stunning panoramic shot from 52 floors up is considered by visitors and locals alike to be the very best. The cocktail lounge may be pricey (a cocktail is $10), but add in the view and it's reasonably worth it.

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