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    Recommended Reviews - Sutro Tower

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    Reviews With Photos

    Joan W.

    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.

    Sutro Tower on 10/20/21
    Denis A.

    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.

    10.8.19
    Nadine C.

    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!

    Truly iconic!
    Carlos H.

    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.

    Sutro tower

    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

    Sutro Tower is in the western part of S.F. like Kansas is in the western U.S.  Hey Wikipedia, Google Mapquest!
    Friscoco C.

    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.

    Just in case you thought the tower was all beauty and no business.
    John G.

    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....

    Mid Century Brutalism in the woods.

    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.

    From my back porch
    Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.

    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.

    By roger a
    Roger A.

    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.

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

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    Ask the Community - Sutro Tower

    Review Highlights - Sutro Tower

    Oh, goodness, another SF landmark not worthy of sneaking away from my nonstop ravings and reviews.

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    Japantown - Cherry Blossom Festival vendor

    Japantown

    4.2(547 reviews)
    2.3 miLower Pacific Heights, Japantown

    Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

    Japantown has always been a go to spot for us when we miss Japan, of course there is no comparison,…read morebut Nijiya Market has always been a good spot for Bento boxes, sushi, Sashimi, anything you want- quality has always been good, and if you get there later before closing, they discount some of the items. It's located on Post and Buchanan, street parking if you can find it but they have a parking garage underneath the shops and restaurants. They have so many good spots for Sushi, Ramen, Sophie's Crepes is another fav, Boba, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

    Photos
    Japantown - The last of the cherry blossoms

    The last of the cherry blossoms

    Japantown - 12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.

    Japantown - Godzilla

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    Godzilla

    Palace Of Fine Arts - At Sunset

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7(1.2k reviews)
    3.2 miMarina/Cow Hollow

    One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

    One last adventure on our trip was a stop by the Palace of Fine Arts. I've see pictures and clips…read moreof it in movies for many years, and have always been kind fascinated by it. Unfortunately our visit was so jam packed with everything else, we were only able to get there at night...which wasn't terrible. It is well lit and still very impressive. The structure was originally built for the world's fair about 100 years ago, but because of the response they actually rebuilt it after, with more long term/long lasting material. It's held up very well, and is spectacular to see. It really makes you feel like you're in an ancient European city. There is another building next to the famous structure that is used as a convention hall, and gallery space. It was closed and locked up when we were there. All in all, it was a cool stop on our trip. I definitely enjoyed seeing it in person, and maybe next time we visit San Francisco, I'll be able to see it in daylight

    Photos
    Palace Of Fine Arts - Evening view

    Evening view

    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

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

    Palace Of Fine Arts

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    Cottage Row - Sweet smelling vines

    Cottage Row

    4.1(12 reviews)
    2.4 miLower Pacific Heights, Japantown

    A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

    Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

    Photos
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row

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    49 Mile Scenic Drive - Fremont Hotel

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    3.7(25 reviews)
    2.4 miCivic Center, Hayes Valley

    The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

    This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

    Photos
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive

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    Dragon's Gate - Dragon's Gate to Chinatown

    Dragon's Gate

    4.3(144 reviews)
    3.6 miChinatown, Union Square

    Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

    I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

    Photos
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate

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    Lyon Street Steps - Night view

    Lyon Street Steps

    4.8(357 reviews)
    2.8 miMarina/Cow Hollow, Pacific Heights, Presidio

    The Lyon Street steps connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights as well as the Presidio's Broadway…read moreGate. The steps have a series of steep steps, terrace trimmed hedges, bay views, and a Hearts in San Francisco sculpture. My nighttime stroll was pretty lowlight and I think this space is better suited for a daytime climb.

    One of my absolute favorite SF spots to score a solid workout, spectacular views and breathe in a…read morefresh bay breeze. As part of a boot camp program in 2008, I really got acquainted with the steps, from an athletic perspective. For many years following, I'd incorporate them into my city workouts. After I moved to the SF peninsula in late 2010 and became an experienced trail runner, sometimes I'd carve out time to visit the city to run during the week, zipping up after rush hour traffic, of course. To access them for training or touristy purposes, there is plenty of street parking available nearby. Keep in mind, you may need to add a "half mile" hike/run to get to the steps, but it's worth it and why not? Exercise is so good for mind-body-soul connection. Afterwards, head over to Pac Heights for some grub or pack a picnic and saunter over to Chrissy field. So many options. There is also a few cute cafes tucked away towards the bottom of the steps on nearby streets. Initially it was such an intimidating climb up the stairs, but they became so much easier the fitter I got... and are nothing compared to the nearby Mill Valley Dipsea stairs! {On that note, If you're looking for an extra challenging stair workout, packed with nature and adventure, head up north and check those out.}

    Photos
    Lyon Street Steps - Terrace trimmed hedges

    Terrace trimmed hedges

    Lyon Street Steps - View from the top of Lyon Street stairs

    View from the top of Lyon Street stairs

    Lyon Street Steps

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    Sutro Tower - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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