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Recommended Reviews - Coit Tower

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Coit tower
Sho R.

I stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. There was not that much of a rush. Price was $11/person. Elevator was out of order. So I had to walk up 13 flights. That was not fun. From top, I could see whole SFO, including golden gate bridge and alcatraz island.

One of many views from the top and
Jessica L.

This is where I wanted to go for Mother's Day this year. We look at it from our hotel when we visit so why not? It's worth the steps. We walked there and then up the tower and it was super comfortable. The steps are wider and it's def not like a lighthouse. You can stop at each floor to break if you want but really not a bad walk (trust me I'm pregnant and I did it). The murals are great and the service was friendly. In exception to one lady who meant well but was kinda less friendly to us because we had a toddler (concerned he would touch a mural even though he is well behaved and did not). The views are wonderful from the top and the walk down is incredibly easy. They have a penny machine as well as a little gift shop. There's a little park type area around it and the flowers smell beautiful. The public transit is only to and from the wharf but if you want a workout and are some what in shape you can walk there

Mike V.

After checking out Chinatown, we decided to head up the hill and get a view of the city from Coit Tower. We lucked out when we got to the top of the hill and caught a parking spot as someone else was leaving. There are very few spots at the top lot, otherwise, you need to park lower, and hike up the stairs. Once inside the walls are lined with murals from the Great Depression, showing the important industries that helped shape the city and state. For a small price you can get a ticket and climb 234 steps to the top of the tower to a 360 degree overlook of the city. The art deco tower was built as a monument to the firefighters who saved the city from the great fire. The view at the top is great, and you can see out from all sides. Great experience, and somewhere worth checking out for a good view

A bird of prey (hawk?). A few were swooping around.
Sagruilla P.

While this tower atop Telegraph Hill may not be on visitors' must-do lists, it is a worthwhile visit with the best view in the city, and the murals inside are an important slice of American history. We walked up from Montgomery BART to get a walk in through North Beach. If you can handle the cardio to hike up the hill and steps, do it! The building and 1930s public works murals are free. The view is great from there. But for an extra cost, you can go up 210 feet to the open air viewing platform, and those views are astounding. The gift shop has local art, at relatively affordable prices.

KingAH W.

There's a long walk up , and a easy way . We took the long route. The view was beyond the expectation. The old brick/stone work in the area is some of the best of the historical era, in the early 1900s. The Coit Tower has a great view of the bay and the city scape. Worth the many steps to head up the pathway to make it to the top.

View
Apex S.

Lovely place to get a view of the city. First things first, their elevator wasn't functioning which was unfortunate. It meant climbing up 13 floors which may not take that long but was hard for older adults. Tickets were 10 dollars for adults and 7 dollars for senior citizens. Cash otherwise 3.5% credit card charge. As you climb up the staircase, there are beautiful San Francisco murals on the walls for the first two floors. The view from the top is great, a 360 degree view of the city since the tower is almost centrally located. You can catch the golden gate bridge, the pier, Alcatraz, the city towers, all of the sights. Parking is limited, a small circular plot right outside the tower. Allowed on weekdays (and free) but not on weekends so plan accordingly.

Christopher T.

A SF landmark to check out. Especially the views of SF downtown. Going up can be round and round and parking can be small, tight and packed. Highly recommended to go early or late in the day for better parking plus great sunrise or sunset over the city. Also suggested to get online tixs in advance or you have to wait inline, especially during weekends and holidays. The views are spectacular on a clear day. You can see everything very clear. Just abit tight on the stairs and sometime you have to wait for the other direction in order to go. But it is definitely a place to check out in SF.

Inside
Dar O.

Beautiful building and architecture. We ported in SF from a cruise and made the walk/hike up here. Not short, but didn't take as long as it looked from the ship port. It's a really nice walk/hike up if you have the time and can do it. Once on top, you're treated to wonderful views of SF from multiple angles. It's worth going up just for the views. The building itself has murals on the interior walls that talk about the history of California. We didn't pay to walk up to the top of Coit Tower, since we already hiked up to the location and had more walking to do around SF. Visit if you have time, it's worth it!

Coit Tower
Julia R.

Beautiful view, great sunsets, great workout if you take the steps all the way up. It lights up in the night. One of my fav spots in the city

Alice S.

I came here in the late afternoon and was able to get discounted $7 tickets after showing proof of my SF residency. On a clear day, the views from the top are pretty nice during sunset. Of course, this tower isn't super high up. If you work or live in a high rise building in the city, you most definitely can get a better bird's eye view of the city than from here. But still, this is a historical building, and the 360 degree view is interesting to see. If you visit on a busy day, just be prepared to wait a bit to take the elevator up. There's only one elevator that can fit less than 10 people at a time, so I ended up waiting close to 20 minutes in line to get up to the top. There's also no stairs for visitors to take up instead.

Michelle M.

Have I been living in the Bay Area my entire life? Have I ever visited the Coit Tower? No until now lol the building is beautiful and very well kept given how old it is. The elevator was broken the day we visited so the stairs it was! Slightly disappointed but it's okay. It costs $10 a person and was crowded. Parking was also difficult but overall a good experience.

Coit Tower, 12/2023
Lisa X.

I took my pup with me to visit the Coit Tower back in December. This was his first time visiting and my third time? As a San Franciscan, I don't do too much visiting touristy landmarks, but then somehow I do it all the time now because of my pup, visiting friends and family and also for Yelp of course. Coit Tower is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric and patron of the city's firefighters. That's why the shape of the tower looks like a fire hose, but of course you will have people saying it looks more phallic. Whatever, it's pretty unique. On this particular day in December, it was beautiful and not too hot or too cold. Sky was clear. Beautiful view of the Bay. Inside the tower, you can admire the murals that was done for the Work Progress Administration depicting life during the Great Depression in California. The gift shop was nice to visit, but it's nothing special and since I'm local, there was nothing I wanted to buy. On the day we were there, the elevator was broken, so I couldn't take Bik's up to the top. We could have walked, but I'm not that keen on climbing stairs that day given we hiked up and down Telegraph Hill. I remember the staff working were nice, kind and lovely. Recommend visiting if you are a tourist or a local. The fees are not very expensive and definitely go towards maintenance of this landmark.

View of Bay from Citi Tower
Pete M.

Friends, wanted to have the full experience of visiting Coit Tower, but unfortunately the elevator was broken on the day we visited. The tower is nice, surrounding area well maintained. Due to an injury, unable to take stairs to top of tower. Maybe on next visit, I will be able to either climb or take elevator if fixed.

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Coit Tower Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Coit Tower

Can you park in the parking lot 24/7?

While the parking lot is on a public road that is open 24/7, please refer to the posted signs for parking restrictions.

How much do you pay for person to go to the top?

$10 per adult. There are also senior and children's rates.

Is there an area to picnic nearby?

I did notice areas that were open and there were benches around but I don't know if you can picnic there.

Can you see the murals on your own without paying admission or taking a tour?

You can go into the tower at the ground floor and go around and view all the murals without having to pay admission to go up the elevator I believe. Most of if not all the murals are before the line to the elevator.

Are dogs allowed?

Leashes-Yes. https://dogtrekker.com/yp/coit-tower-san-francisco-94133

How much is parking in the parking lot? Thanks

Hello Sarah, Please be advised that while street parking at the lot atop Telegraph Hill is free… Read more

Hi. Is there a parking lot? Cafe/food inside/or around the building? Thanks

Yes! Straight up to top. Lots of people coming and going. If weekday shouldn't be too bad. If weekend prob best to walk up! Keep eye out for The parrots

Discover and go? Do you have to print tickets for coit tower?

You can buy tickets there--no need to purchase beforehand.

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Review Highlights - Coit Tower

:) You can enjoy views of Alcatraz, the golden gate bridge, the downtown area, treasure island, et.

Mentioned in 74 reviews

Read more highlights

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Palace Of Fine Arts - Evening view

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Palace Of Fine Arts - 06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

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49 Mile Scenic Drive
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Lyon Street Steps - Terrace trimmed hedges

Terrace trimmed hedges

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Coit Tower - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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