The Solo Scale:

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If you’re like me, whenever you get to a new city, you’re going to want to climb something – church, tower, monument — anything to give you a fantastic view of the city that you’re currently in. In San Francisco, you can climb your way to the top of Coit Tower for great city views.

To get there, you can take one of the tourist buses (which has a stop), or grab a Clipper card (sold at various stores downtown) and take the 39 Coit which brings you right to the tower (or you can stop at Telegraph Hill to take a few stairs up).

While there is an elevator, it’s often out of service. Bring some water and some stamina to make the climb. From the top, you get a fantastic view of the Bay, downtown. If you’re lucky enough (and the fog isn’t settled), you’ll even spy Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. On your way up, take your time as you head up to really admire the murals on the first and second floor:

The ground floor lobby is adorned with a series of fresco murals by some 30 local artists, depicting life in 1930s San Francisco. They were nationally controversial when opened to the public. The artists and murals were funded by President Roosevelt’s New Deal pilot art program, the Public Works of Art Project. 

– Coit Tower (SF Travel)

Once you’ve finished your climb (or, if you’re lucky and the elevator is working, finished your ride), you’ll be treated to views of the city (fog permitting). It’s not a cramped space up top, so you’ll have plenty of room for pictures (that are unobstructed by wire). Take your time and enjoy the cool breeze! If you’re taking the stairs back down, make sure you’ve caught your breath!

If you’re ready to venture to the top of the Coit, check out the hours and visiting information here. While you can buy advanced tickets, it’s not necessary for your visit. When you do go, the tower isn’t the only draw. Make sure to spend some time on Telegraph Hill to admire the incredible ambiance of the area! Give yourself at least three hours to get there, explore, and then return to your next San Francisco destination.

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