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    Transamerica Pyramid

    4.3 (56 reviews)
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    Transamerica Pyramid Landmarks & Historical Buildings Photos

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    Greg F.

    The nicest building in the SF skyline. There is a cool exhibit inside the 1st floor giving some history of the building. I was able to get some good pictures down one of the side alleys on broadway

    Chris R.

    I really do recommend this place. Transamerica is a really nice place to take photos. There is also an outdoor area that has been reconstructed with tall redwood trees You can also sit there and read books there is a ton of restaurants close by and it's in a very beautiful neighborhood hood in the financial district

    Maruko X.

    It is a pyramid-shaped skyscraper and the second tallest building in SF. The Vertical City is currently exhibited on the ground level of Transamerica Pyramid Center, which is the new exhibition of tall buildings by Norman Foster and Foster and Partners. I think it's a good experience to explore this building and the exhibit, and would recommend if you happen to be in this area.

    Transformative experience
    Juan V.

    The Transamerica Building had stood the test of time and is one if not the most iconic buildings in San Francisco and in the world. Its unique design building shaped as a pyramid makes it unforgettable. I attended to the Transamerica Pyramid Center icon remastered night event. The inside of the Transamerica building has a museum of building structures from all around the world. So many great innovating designed building models on display. The outside of the Transamerica building was a party with music, open bar and lots of tasty foods. The atmosphere was vibrant and everyone was excited to celebrate in the FiDi in San Francisco. This is what San Francisco should be all about the fun for locals and visitors to enjoy a good time. Although this is second tallest building in San Francisco it's also the most classy, historic, and stylish building in the city. My favorite San Francisco building in person and on paper It's a transformative to the San Francisco skyline the remastered Transamerica Pyramid master skyscraper

    At Night
    Steve A.

    Certainly it's the most famous building in San Francisco if not counting the Golden Gate Bridge. If looking for icons of the city you have to see it. The Transamerica Pyramid is one of the buildings that for sure is unique. Has a lot of history to it and how it came to be made. You probably can't get inside it but you can get a close up look from outside it though. Building has pretty interesting architecture. It's certainly different looking than every building around it. This was the new headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation when it opened. Has a lot of history in the local banking industry. This is located on the site of AP. Giannini's Bank Of Italy, which later became Bank Of America, another big ass banking company with lots of money. Giannini later founded Transamerica in 1928 as a holding company. This building was designed by futurist architect William Pereira. Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1972, making it the tallest building west of Chicago. Later the Transamerica Company left but the building was still here. This now is office space for many other companies so it still has a purpose. Has a cool outside that gets lit up in several colors. It's better to look at when it's night or later. The only bad thing is it's off limits for visitors.

    Cheri L.

    With new installations including art pieces and cozy furnishings, this the new spot to hang out in the City! They also have a little coffee bar inside with beverages and pastries you can purchase. The price is personally a bit steep for me but the quality and taste is there. To visit the coffee/lobby area you have to visit on weekdays during open hours, but the outside area is open to the public everyday. Park Hours: daily from sunrise to sunset Pyramid Center Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 6pm (these are listed on the website but I think they open earlier because I visited around 08:30am)

    Exterior
    Cody L.

    I stopped in hoping to go to the top but learned that they don't offer an observatory deck. I was disappointed but the front desk staff was extremely friendly and provided a few restaurant options.

    Glenn G.

    The Transamerica Pyramid is a 48-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper in SF's Financial District. It was the tallest building in San Francisco for 46 years, from the time it was completed in 1972 until 2018 when the Salesforce Tower became SF's tallest building. Built originally to be the Headquarters for Transamerica Corporation, TAC moved its HQ to a building across the street. The Pyramid is still associated with the company that built it by being depicted on the company's logo. A layer of crushed quartz that covers the building is the reason for its sparkling white color. The Pyramid's shape is optimal for skyscrapers because it lets more air and light through to the adjacent streets. The shape also allows the tower to be quite a lot taller than if it had a more conventional design. The top of the Pyramid is covered with aluminum panels. On certain special days (Independence Day, the anniversary of 9/11, and during the Christmas holidays), a bright beacon called the "Crown Jewel" is lit at the very top. Over the years since it was completed, this very unique skyscraper somehow slowly morphed from an object of dislike and disdain to a beloved San Francisco icon. Perhaps it's because the skyscrapers that were built afterward are so mundane and boring. Who's to say?

    Skyline
    Annabelle R.

    One of the most recognizable buildings amid the San Francisco skyline, 48 stories high with a pointy top noticeable from afar, the recently renovated Transamerica Pyramid is a pretty remarkable landmark. I've never been inside, but it's still a sight to see up close. Our recent visit this past weekend was brief as there's not much to do around here besides spending a few minutes checking out the building and the redwood park behind it, which is beautiful by the way. Barring special events like its recent reopening there's nothing flashy about this structure, but it's still an iconic and unique skyscraper.

    Amy Z.

    Transamerica pyramid recently underwent a renovation and the new lobby/cafe area and patio is lovely! It's open to the public and beautifully designed. I'll definitely be back to do some work here!

    Amazing architecture! I was very thankful there was an architectural exhibit on the first floor. I like how there was so much natural light in the exhibit space. I truly appreciated seeing all the redwood trees from the interior. There are lounge areas surrounding the building, great for breaks. Worth the visit!

    Approaching the building from Russian hill
    Nelson P.

    They filmed some scenes for zodiac and invasion of the body snatchers here. I love driving toward it and watching it grow larger and larger as I get closer. Though not as popular as Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz I used to love this building when I lived in SF. It used to be the tallest building before the sales force tower but is better IMO because of the cool shape. It's a tall stretched pyramid and stands out a lot from all the boxy buildings nearby l.

    Travis T.

    You can't look at a photo of the San Francisco skyline and not see this building. Before the Salesforce Tower opened up, the Transamerica Pyramid was the tallest building in SF when it was completed in 1972 (it has 48 floors). I'm such an architecture geek and love the design of this building. It is a four-sided pyramid with a 200 ft tall spire on top. The two wings on each side of the building house elevator shafts. There is a small park at the bottom that is shaded with redwood trees. I recently stood underneath it for the first time and enjoyed staring up at all the crisscross columns and beams that make up the base of the building. The Transamerica Pyramid can be seen from all over SF. Some of the best photos I've taken of it are from Coit Tower at night.

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    I need to know what soap is used at this bathroom. Please share!!! Nice and modern bathroom. Smallish showroom and love the courtyard.

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    Transamerica! Awesome iconic sf building but you can't go up it :( no restaurants inside just an office building

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    Transamerica Pyramid Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - Transamerica Pyramid

    This was the new headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation when it opened.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Japantown - Cherry Blossom Festival vendor

    Japantown

    4.2(547 reviews)
    1.8 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)
    2.6 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)
    1.7 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.

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    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row

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    49 Mile Scenic Drive - Fremont Hotel

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    3.7(25 reviews)
    1.5 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)
    0.3 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.

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    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)
    2.4 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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    Transamerica Pyramid - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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