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    Billy Goat Hill

    4.1 (173 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    Montage of images from Billy Goat Hill
    Ed U.

    So was I wrong to expect finding goats here? Apparently so as there were none to be found. It was a quarry and then a community dump before becoming this steep, 3-1/2-acre park. So just forget dressing up like one of the von Trapp children and bringing your Tyrollean marionette. Perhaps being so close to the Castro, I swear I could hear Julie Andrews singing... High on a hill was a lonely goatherd Lay ee odl lay ee odl lay hee hoo Loud was the voice of the lonely goatherd Lay ee odl lay ee odl-oo... I came here on a mountainous stroll between Glen Park to Noe Valley by way of the trail from the Walter Haas Playground on top of Diamond Heights. It's not the highest point in the area, but the views of downtown are quite worthy even if it means going down a long set of steps and switchbacks. You will hear talk of a swing, but Captain von Trapp must've taken it down to punish the children for wearing curtains in public. RELATED - Exploring Noe Valley? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2IuhRft

    Vincent Q.

    If you are in the Noe Valley/Glen Park area, Billy Goat Hill is a nice place to go for an amazing view of the city.

    Top of the stairs
    Janelle D.

    A sweet Sunday walk about through Billy Goat Hill. The is one of SF's many five star views! Currently, it is lush with tall green grasses, flowering poppies and buttercups, and a plethora of birds. Whenever my family comes to visit, I love sharing this viewpoint. It's accessible to those who can take a walk up a hilly neighborhood and then up some manicured earthen steps.

    The breath-taking view.
    Elvira D.

    Billy Goat Hill is one of the most beautiful hidden gems of San Francisco that I have come across to date. It gave me and the girls a great opportunity to do some light hiking during our trip as tourists while enjoying the gorgeous view on a crisp and sunny morning as the day we visited. First we walked to Canyon Market and got ourselves some hot drinks and breakfast to go before walking up to the hill. We knew about the swing being there but they had taken it out before we got there; I'm sure it posed as a hazard for people. Regardless, I could not stop taking pictures of the skyline. The blue sky overlapped by the grey clouds on a January morning...the endless array of buildings in all shapes and lengths...greenery...it's just a magical view. I especially loved the addition of the stairs that leads you up and down the hill and makes it easier for folks. Even walking to the hill through the residential streets was a real treat with the view of all the beautiful houses in their ornate colors and designs. I'll never get tired of the views here. PARKING I think we parked on one of the residential streets

    View from the Castro Stairs.
    Joan W.

    Shut up about the rope swing please. The more that people talk about it and post pics everywhere with the rope swing, the sooner it will get taken down by the city. It's a lawsuit waiting to happen in terms of injury and liability on city property so if it's there great enjoy it, but be discreet about it so it can be there longer for others to enjoy instead of drawing so much attention to it that it inevitably gets taken down. Billy Goat Hill is a great viewpoint as well as a park. The view looks East/North East covering downtown, Bernal Heights Hill, the East Bay, and Noe Valley and it's nice because you can just drive up and see it from your car. If you like a night skyline view it's worth noting that you can't park here from 10pm-6am. Beyond just the view there are a few staircases in the neighborhood to make it an urban stair hike walk. Down the street is the Harry Street staircase which connects Laidly to Beacon as well as some other staircases around on Castro, 27th, and Valley. Essentially Billy Goat Hill is more of a neighbhorhoody park that probably no one had heard of beyond people that lived in the neighborhood before Yelp. So if you are looking for something spectacular like Twin Peaks it's not up to par but if you are near the neighborhood doing something in Diamond Heights or Noe Valley it's worth checking out for the view.

    Denise C.

    Billy Goat Hill is another hidden treasure in San Francisco. It's really out of the way in a part of town I don't venture out to very much. It's hard to get to if you don't live around here. However, it is so fun to have an adventure at Billy Goat Hill. It was once known for having a tree swing that was taken down like last year. Billy Goat Hill has nice views and it's a fun climb up to the peak. This is San Francisco life hanging out at these fun parks. I would do this again. It's good to find a group and try something you wouldn't have done.

    Amazing view
    Arnel D.

    Sad to get here just a few days after the swing was removed... that being said I'm glad there wasn't a line to get amazing pictures. Aside from the two guys that were smoking weed on front of kids, this would have been a great experience. The view is amazing and parking isn't difficult. When I'm the area, this is a must! Maybe next time I'll hit up Home Depot and make my own swing set.

    Erika C.

    This is always part of my jog around the neighborhood. I'm lucky enough to witness its ever-changing landscapes over the seasons and throughout the years. I enjoy that the paths are cleared now and free of thorny blackberry bushes, but I do miss the swing that used to hang from the tree. There are sweeping views of the cityscape. Popular times to come are sunset and sunrise (of course). So among tourists, dog-walkers, hikers and joggers, you might also find more people parked at the top enjoying the view while smoking weed. By all means, live your best life!

    Kathy V.

    How did I hear about this place?? About a year ago a friend sends me a photo and I was blown away.... I figure why not take a trip here on Mother's day! The drive is around Twin Peaks, so you can see hidden views all over. Beware of parking, as signs says NO Parking in certain area's. Upon entering I was looking forward to take a candid on the swing but I noticed bummer someone took it off! A little disappointed but the breathtaking views took me in awe. A pure Gem! I heart SF!!

    Soo much fun! :D
    Amy C.

    Swing your way to the top, my darling! :) That's exactly what I did for Sunday Funday yesterday. What a perfect afternoon spent experiencing this amazing hidden gem of SF with my bestie! The address gets you in the residential area up in the hills. Plenty of parking; I remember that the sign said no parking between 10pm to 6am, I think. Walk along the pathway towards down the hill along the wood steps & you will almost instantly spot the tree with the rope/wood plank swing. There are two swings- one with the rope & wood plank seat while the other one is just of a rope. We both tried the wood plank one which was the less scarier one. Next time I'll try the other one. Such a wonderful place indeed. Beautiful view of this city that I love and being able to be a kid again! LOVE!

    Tiffany D.

    Wonderful swinging on a rope and scenic urban city view! You do it for the moment, the glee on hopping on to the swing and weeeeeee...smile for the picture snapshot! It's a bliss and a pleasant breeze while on the rope!

    It's an orange cone for a swing now!
    Wing L.

    Awesome view point of the city here and it never really gets crowded! Mainly because there's not much to do but check out the swing and take pictures. Street parking is always plentiful and it's a short walk down the steps where the swing is. The swing always seems to change whenever I come here! It was a skateboard, then a wooden plank, and now it's an orange cone! Definitely check this place out if you haven't had a chance yet. A go-to spot when I have people visiting - we always make a stop here!

    Lincy H.

    This place is awesome! There are three swings tied to the tree branches overlooking an amazing view of the city. It seems a little sketchy but it's definitely sturdy. My friends and I bought sandwiches from Ike's Place and drove here to enjoy our lunch. Then we took turns swinging and taking pictures of each other. TIP #1: Try to come on a clear day. Don't come on a foggy day! TIP #2: My friend said it's even more amazing at nighttime, so I'll be sure to do that next time!

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    View is epic! Best view of the city!!

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    Ask the Community - Billy Goat Hill

    Anyone experience getting ticks st Billy Goat hill -? My dog had half a dozen after we walked there

    Is the swing really gone? Any other swings in SF for a killer IG photo?

    The swing has been gone and due to safety measures, is kept gone. Come for the peace and quiet and lovely view!

    Is there a swing up now 4/29/18?

    I don't think so

    Is the swing still there?

    Unfortunately not. I was there about a month ago. All that remains is part of the rope

    Is the swing still up?

    No, only a tattered rope is left now :(

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Billy Goat Hill

    There are two swings- one with the rope & wood plank seat while the other one is just of a rope.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

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