Very much an SF landmark but people rarely talk or think about it! Wow it is tall up close. Much bigger than I imagined it was all these years. Standing tall in all its glory. Beautiful red and white read more

See all

Probably, the most visible San Francisco landmark of them all!! Even when it's foggy, this landmark stands tall. Located very close to Twin Peaks, and obviously it's fenced off so you can only get so close. But being able to see it from everywhere, including the East Bay on a clear day, it was cool to get an up close view of this iconic local landmark!!! read more

See all

The unique tower is an SF landmark. I remember seeing this tower from different parts of the city from way back! It looks especially breathtaking on the day when it is partially foggy and you see it disappearing into the fog. The views from here are amazing, I recommend doing the hike. read more

Sutro Tower - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The tower is visible in the distance from most parts of the city and even farther away across the bay. Even when the fog envelops the hill you can still usually see the top of the tower. For a tourist there are many other places I'd recommend first but for a local who's intrigued by always seeing it in the distance, or someone into tall towers I'd recommend stopping just to see it up close. It's quite close to Twin Peaks so easy to do both. There is a short dirt path near the lookout of Twin Peaks that goes alongside the Twin Peaks Reservoir to Sutro Tower. Behind the tower is a short forest-like trail very similar looking to Interior Greenbelt/Mt. Sutro. I come hiking here sometimes but that trail is much too short as a destination, but I do it more as an add on for hiking at Twin Peaks, Mt. Sutro or the Laguna Honda trails. read more

See all

Since I was a little kid, I can remember looking up at the skyline and seeing Sutro Towers.. Always close but never within reach. On 10/20/21, I decided to scratch that itch and pay the area a visit. I followed my Google maps zig-zagging through the residential area around Twin Peaks and made it to my destination. The driveway leading up to the towers is narrow and when I reached the end there was a security guard and fence blocking further progress. I parked and was asked by security how long I had planned on staying. I said I just wanted to snap a few photos. He nodded and said it was okay. From my vantage point I could see some workers traveling up and down the towers working on it. You don't really appreciate how tall the Tower is until you are this close. The views looking into the city and beyond are amazing because of how much you can see. Everything from Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Park, Sausalito, Tiburon can be seen from up in this area. Glad I took the time to come pay a visit. read more

See all

Sutro Tower, is a broadcast tower in San Francisco, built in the 1960s. I've been up there a few times, and the views are fantastic. Anytime you get above the City, and truly enjoy it's beauty......it's a beautful experience. My job actually took me inside the Tower a few years ago. At the base of the structure there's a concrete bunker. Inside are control rooms and monitors. Although this Tower may not be pretty, before cable TV it gave residents improved TV reception. read more

Landmark in San Francisco... I had no idea about Sutro Tower until my friend pointed it out... like I'm supposed to know... ummm... I'm not from California... haha! She kept pointing at it as we passed it while driving through the city. We stopped at a corner where an artist was painting a canvas on an easel. My friend yelled at the artist, "Can you see Sutro Tower from where you are?" The artist replied, "It's a pretty good view from here!" I jumped out of the car and snapped this picture! Yay! Anyway, my friend offered me a ride to the top, but I declined because I felt like she was in a rush to get on the freeway before the traffic got bad. Shucks... After reading reviews, I wished we had gone to the top to see the views... awww... Well... there's always next vacation! read more

Sutro Tower - 10.8.19 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place to go in San Francisco if you're a tourist because you get great views of the city and yeah, just great.

One of my favorite SF landmarks! Always the first and last thing I see coming and going from San Francisco, and I admire what it stands for from an ingenuity perspective. Truly iconic in every sense of the meaning. Worth a hike and trek up the hill. read more

Sutro Tower - Truly iconic! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

Majestic! The best view of the city by far. Don't spend your hard earned money on the Coit Tower... This is free and has a better view. Being an amazing view it very packed! If you can manage to sardine your way the view of the city is worthwhile. In my experience I lost a good portion of my iPhone storage to pictures of this site! :) read more

Corbett ave climbs the eastern slopes of twin peaks. A narrow, winding, hilly street. 37 Corbett is one of the only muni lines that goes through besides 33 hashbury that passes by Clayton St & Corbett ave. One of my fav neighborhoods read more

See all

I took my children here, as I was led to believe it would be a fun outing for the family. You can't imagine how wrong I was. When we tried to climb it, we were stopped by someone who can only be known as a Karen. The leader of all Karens one might even say. She told us that it was actually not for climbing. I was appalled hearing this, and immediately asked to see who was in charge. There wasn't even anyone there. Not a single manager; that's how mismanaged this tower is. Not family friendly, would not recommend. If you want a true good outing for the family, go to Chuck E Cheese. read more

Gotta kick in my two cents here: This eyesore began operating in 1973, just as the promise and potential of cable TV were sweeping the broadcasting industry. Had San Franciscans implored the powers-that-be to exercise some patience before breaking ground in 1971, The City would have been spared this visual blight-monstrosity-wasteland. Further irony: Sutro Tower was erected in the midst of a torrid campaign by clothing designer Alvin Duskin to set a height limit for all new city construction. Although his ballot measure lost, it generated major ink and air time in the media of the day. Considering the advanced TV transmittal technologies we now possess, and the creeping obsolescence of terrestrial radio, I can't see any productive use for this structure unless it becomes the skeleton of a Space Needle-type attraction. Otherwise, it should be demolished. read more

Sutro Tower - Sutro Tower is in the western part of S.F. like Kansas is in the western U.S. Hey Wikipedia, Google Mapquest! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

I have extremely mixed feelings about Sutro Tower. On the one hand, it's iconic and visible from a great deal of the city and the East Bay. Its scale is also amazing. It's obviously very tall, but you don't really understand just how tall it is until you've been up pretty close to it. On the other hand, it's most likely carcinogenic, and it is pretty ugly. OK, I'm not sure how ugly it really is because I actually like how it looks, but I can imagine how horrified all its neighbors were when this red-and-white-striped hunk of metal was erected. It probably deserves only two stars, but my friend Esther, who has never lived in but loves San Francisco, has taken to calling it Spartacus. Why Spartacus? I have no idea. But in her mind Spartacus is a good robot that is fighting against evil. In this realm, good is represented by Muni's electric bus lines, streetcars, and cable cars, all of which Spartacus controls. Evil is represented by Muni's diesel buses. The hybrid buses are fought over by Spartacus and whatever his evil equivalent is. This may sound ridiculous, but it's actually pretty cool. About every three months or so, Esther will mail me a random Sutro Tower postcard (she must have stocked up when she last visited two years ago) with a really cool, epic-sounding caption that she has written. I can't remember any of them off the top of my head, but they're amazing. read more

this tower freaks me out at night. Especially when im driving to Twin Peaks lolol. Just the sight of something so huge looming over everything in the dark... ‍‍ read more

Sutro Tower...better than Eiffel? The star of the Parisian skyline may have history, height (about 100 feet more than Sutro), and hoity-toity tourist platforms on its side. But add in the height of Mount Sutro itself -- and the fact that you don't have to learn a foreign language to buy a bottle of wine and gaze at our own local icon -- and it seems to me that the Sutro Tower kicks some Frenchie ass. Plus, it also looks like a Tripod from the old sci-fi films. Sutro Tower rules. Say no more. PS: All you folks who hype that hoary old urban legend about getting fried by microwaves if you try to climb the tower, consider this: (1) There's an official maintenance elevator to the top; (2) maintenance workers have to use said elevator to work on the uppermost TV antennae; and (3) local channels broadcast for 24 hours, so unless that elevator is clogged with scorched, jumpsuit-clad corpses of unfortunate workers, I don't think you need to worry about those nukular waves too much. Cancer rates among locals living beneath the tower? That's a different story.... read more

Sutro Tower - Just in case you thought the tower was all beauty and no business. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

It certainly exceeds expectations; what more can you ask for? It: - has all of the required permits - to operate on property it owns. - blankets the region in radio / IR waves - exists. - supports our neighborhood association. It doesn't: - make you wait - serve you food or beverages - provide a service it doesn't promise, or fail on the services it does provide. - care what you think. I think it's a fine neighbor. read more

See all

Avast ye San Francisky Mateys! Tharr sails the Pirate Ship of Sutro! Have you not heard the legend? When thee fog clears, The mast is raised And the ghosts of Sutro sails! Next time look Past Twin Peaks Past the clouds And ye shall see The Sutro Pirate Ship gliding through Thee San Franciscan gales! read more

I wake up to it every morning, to my East. I am in the inner sunset up on the hill neat golden gate heights, and it is breathtaking... I have shots of the moon, the sun, of it disappeariing in fog, looking like a robot... everything. It stuns me, and I love it. read more

See all

You can see this from alot of places in SF. But didnt realize that you can acutally park near it... which is what I do when I go to work at UcSF. Another Iconic photo object for SF. read more

Sutro Tower - By roger a - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

The opinions about this tower are polarizing as you can see from other reviews. I love it though as it's unique architecture that truly says San Francisco just like the TransAmerica Pyramid building. This can be seen from nearly any part of SF. I came here to take photos of the tower. It was relatively easy to get here. Just took the 33 bus, got off somewhere near Corbett or Stanyan and walked/hiked the rest of the way. It's really awe-inspiring when you get really close and see how big it really is. read more

Of all the San Francisco landmarks - Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Coit Tower - Sutro Tower is my favorite. It's visible from miles away, like a compass rose for the city. read more

Sutro Tower - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

"Crack is whack." - Whitney Houston I think all of you giving this thing 4 or 5 stars are on crack! This thing is fugly. Whoever compared this to the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, and the Full House houses is definitely on stronger crack than the rest of you. And to the person that said this is like our Washington Monument, only better, must be on some seriously potent shiz! Painted red and white, it's obnoxious. Stickin' out of the purdy twin peaks, it's an eye sore. Me no likey! read more

Sutro Tower sits atop Twin Peaks, and has a Jetson-esque retro 50's/60's profile. When I first saw it, I reacted like most people do to mid-century architecture---"what and why is that...?...So huge and so PLAIN!!!....is it supposed to be ..... pretty?" But take a second to look past the paint job at the structure. How the three legs slope upward to the tower's waist, then flare back out again to reach their apex...how the three cross-members intersect at the top, and stretch slightly out beyond the vertical members... The tower reaches in all directions. It is painted red and white so that airplanes don't hit it. It is a utilitarian design on a monumental scale, which, after all these years of living with it, I realize is functional in its form, and that in its functionality, it possesses a particular grace unique to itself. And of course, whether or not any of us like how it is shaped or its aesthetic effect on the city's skyline, when we re-enter the city by car, it is the first landmark that any of us can see from a great distance, and admit it motherfucker!!! When you see it, you know that you're almost home, and you feel an affinity to that tower for what it signifies: home. You love Sutro Tower, you know you do. You don't have to admit it to me. You and I both know it's true. read more

CHECK! Nothing feels better to a chronic procrastinating OCD Virgo than to make a big black check off on the "must take son to see the..." landmark to-do list! Oh, you can see it from any place inside of the immediate Bay Area but seeing it up close and personal is just something else! Yes, I may not have accomplished much of anything this week, but visiting Sutro is DONE! Now, maybe 2011 or 12...........on to the Redwoods! read more

Whoa, what crazy voted this thing's good for kids? Man, do your research before you vote... http://www.mindfully.org/Technology/Sutro-Tower-EMF-Cancer29may00.htm Or if you're too busy to read the whole study: http://www.sfbg.com/36/24/news_sutro.html Take a closer look at those graphs. If you can see the tower from home, you might reconsider where your kids eat & sleep... Orange & white behemoth? cool, maybe. Carcinogenic RF/MW emissions? not cool. read more

Jeeze... people are actually giving this eye sore more than one star? It's a hunk of red and white metal that shits on the SF skyline. To look at it as anything else means one of two things (or both) you have no aesthetic sense, or you're in denial about this grotesque monstrosity. You could love where you live without having to love everything about it... there's a reason why the word, "utopia" literally comes from the Greek "no place"... even New Yorkers after 9-11, after prefacing that... 'its sad what happened, but those twin towers were an eye sore'... acknowledged this. (Natives to the NYC will probably know what I'm talking about, to everyone else, sorry if that offended you in anyway....) Bottom line, not only is Sutro Tower ugly as hell, but since the advent of cable and satellite it serves no practical purpose... all the more reason to dislike it. read more

My eyes & mind thanked me for yesterday's solace, but my calve muscles did not. I left work at 2nd & Market with the reins of my new horse trained on the most visible landmark in the city. I moved quickly through rush hour traffic Downtown, Castro, and Upper Market...where I slammed into the back of a Prius who cut me off & slammed on the brakes. Don't worry, I was okay though! The driver quickly apologized. Onward I went, through the hills..more hills...still more hills...did I mention their were hills? Finally I reached the tower, only 30 minutes from downtown to the top! I am always amazed by the view of the city from Sutro Tower. You can see everything--North, South, East & West. The city seems so much smaller from up there--all the people in it moving along like ants trying to get through their day & make a life for themself just like the rest of us. It's peaceful, really. A great place to stop and reflect for awhile. I've visited the tower before with friends & family, and I still can't get enough of the view. Day or night, it's worth your time. Riding up that mountain is not for the faint, though. Just ask my legs. read more

look at me! i'm ugly!!!!!! (amazing 5 star view, but the tower itself stinks) read more

Sutro Tower - Sutro Tower - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - San Francisco, California

I remember when they were building this eyesore...and then all the reports came out that everyone living around the tower was getting cancer. i can't believe that it has like...what' 4 and a half stars? so imagine my surprise when the eyesore showed up on a tshirt that says "local". it's not exactly the type of monument that i would like to have represent me as a native/local. the only charm it has ever held for me is that when it's really foggy out, and you only see the tops of the towers, they look like skeleton ships sailing on a ghost sea. i kinda wish they'd get rid of it :/ read more

I'll jump on this bandwagon. A friend of mine called it the Japanese movie monster. The strobes fascinate me in the twilight. Clouds become fog as they touch it. It's right outside my window. I can see it from over SFO, and I can see it when I come through the Caldecott Tunnel in the East Bay. Every time I see this tower I feel like I'm home. read more

Oh, goodness, another SF landmark not worthy of sneaking away from my nonstop ravings and reviews. I was on my way to visit several friends in the Outer Sunset and my friend starts to squeal like a pig. Ooooooooo, want to see, want to see. Want to see what? I've never been there, she squeals. Oh, gosh, do you really want to go up there? I acquiesce, since she is the true tourist in the car, not me, although, I confess, I've definitely done the been there and done that. On a clear day, the views are incredible. We drive up the meandering path and almost get hit at the Y split by some fool, but make it, in one piece. Its totally foggy, with winds (and I mean cold winds) buffeting against us. I almost fall over. I'm cursing the fact that I've forgotten my coat (didn't need it on Russian Hill) but placate myself with a scarf I pull out from the trunk. We can't see anything! Grey, drizzling, I'm wiping the mist from my glasses (wear the geek ones when I am between contact lens) and just shivering horribly. My friend thinks its a blast. Ooo-ing and aaa-ing. There are several cars parked, with their lights off, and the windows, opaque, from steam inside. I don't want to know whats going on there. God, I love certain people with their enthusiasm and naive abundance of it. Back in the Sunset, she buys me coffee for my endurance.........hopefully, I won't catch a cold and in better spirits to catch the GGB in evening light. read more

Once I'm in the City after coming across the Bay Bridge, there's the tower in my rear view mirror... informing me that I'm headed in the opposite direction that I think I'm going. Thank you Sutro Tower for guiding me home when I'm lost in SOMA. Again. read more

While the view up there is usually very good, I would avoid going up on a foggy night simply because the drive can be dangerous with the given visibility. During non-foggy times, you should get a pretty decent view of San Francisco! Also, please be careful on your drive if you were to go there at night, please be careful when you drive. You are actually on the edge of a cliff and there had been many accidents there. Besides, every now and then there are some youths drinking up there. While they usually don't cause troubles to strangers, their driving abilities become questionable when intoxicated. So I suggest the use of extra caution shall you go up there at night. As long as you pace and play it safe, it'll be an awesome trip for you to enjoy with and your friends! read more

I'm so torn! Which do I cherish more? My sense of direction or my long term health?... For me, this tower is a local landmark. It helped me navigate the city when I first moved here, and I think it looks neat! And, as someone else put it, this thing is like a ghost ship in the fog! And being the big GOONIES fan that I am... 4-stars! read more

I prefer man-made useful objects such as Sutro Tower to big hunks of useless dirt like Mt. Diablo (sorry nature lovers, I'm a city boy). When I was a child I would use this tower's height as a reference point to imagine how big Godzilla would look if he were to stomp through the streets of my city. Though I didn't know this was actually called the Sutro Tower until last month, its probably my favorite landmark. Anywhere. For some reason, to me this is San Francisco. Not the Golden Gate Bridge, and certainly not the Cable Car. Nor Coit Tower. Many decades later, and I'm still waiting for Godzilla. Last I heard, he was spotted over by the De Young Museum. read more

Whichever poor sap gets to go up Sutro Tower for repairs at least gets a great view. Love the tower. Love San Francisco. read more

What is to become of Sutro Tower? Its initial utility of broadcasting TV and radio is rapidly being overtaken by internet, cable, and satellite infrastructure. When Sutro Tower is no longer needed, will we still want it there? read more

What an awesome place from which to check out views of the city. Also, for those photographers amongst us, with a wide-enough lens you can get a photo that spans from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge in one shot. And finally, I love this tower as a compass (for if I can find the tower, I know which way home is), and as a gauge to the impending fog. The tower by itself is pretty ugly, but at the same time I've grown to love it. I couldn't imagine anything else atop that hill. read more

Whenever I move to a new city or town, I pick a landmark to help make learning to navigate quicker and easier. Mt. Tallac when I lived in Tahoe; the Campanile at Cal; and that big "W" on the hillside in my hometown. Each of these landmarks transcended mere navigation tools, and became part of the cultural and physical landscape of those locales. When I moved to San Francisco it was inevitable that I would develop a deep and meaningful relationship with Sutro Tower. No matter where I went in San Francisco and beyond, I could see the tower. It became a simple reference point, that helped me learn my way around The City even more quickly. I remember heading out to Colma to pick something up from a box store, and on the way home spotting the tower and thinking, "What are you doing all the way over there, Sutro?" And then, over the years, something began to shift. I started to have...deeper feelings for Sutro Tower. I began to appreciate the way the fog would break at its feet, or how sometimes it would appear like a ghost ship sailing an endless sea. I began finding beauty in the midst of that utilitarian form. I began to appreciate my obsessive friends who had photographs of the tower; endless photographs. Back when I was still getting ink, I swore my next piece would be of the tower. Now I just enjoy the view out of our bedroom window. read more