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San Francisco, CA

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Twin Peaks

4.7 (1.3k reviews)
Open • 5:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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Scott F.

It's definitely worth the hike. A few tips: - Car break-ins are rampant. Also, there were articles in the Chronicle about people getting mugged here. A lot of people stop by here on the way to the airport, so they have luggage in the back, and that is a targer. - I recommend parking further away, next to Vista Lane. When you park there, do NOT park under a tree, or it will leak sap all over your car.

Natalie T.

Nothing beats a beautiful view of the city, and if youre lucky and get to come on a clear day, you can also see the golden gate bridge! Took my family here a couple weeks ago and it was so clear, there were no clouds in site! the wind was mild and it was super sunny! gosh it really is breathtaking here. this is one of the few viewpoints where I dont mind the drive up because it starts amazing from the bottom, and just gets even better once you reach the top. I always see people park their cars mid way, and hike the rest up, this is a good option if you want a mini little hike to enjoy the views of SF When its busy here, its hard to find parking at the top, but usually people are in and out within 10 minutes so I wouldnt worry too much on the parking situation. Next time i come, I would like to hike it from midway and take more people here:D

Becky V.

You can park up there or Just drive up and enjoy the view as you cruise through. Better to go in the day Or walk up the trail starting from the bottom, it's not hard. About 30 min walk from base of Portola to the top peak. There are a few ways up and diff starting points There are two peaks up. Both have stairs and an amazing view. Gets a bit windy Spectacular on sunny days. Don't go when foggy cus you won't see anything for sure

Ivan B.

What an amazing view of San Francisco! Twin Peaks is one of the tallest peaks in SF Bay Area. You basically see a large view of San Francisco with lots of buildings. I heard that it's one of the popular spots in the Bay Area and I had to come here! People pretty much hike here and there's probably a few hills that you can hike if you want to go further more uphill to see some parts of San Francisco that you probably can't see from a lower elevation. It's a very great tourist spot and I recommend people outside of the Bay Area to visit here when going on vacation. I also went to one of the restrooms here, but one of them is broken. The restroom has its automated features where it cleans and sanitizes after you're done using it. There are instructions that you have to follow if you're unfamiliar with it. You can't just go in after someone left it, because the system will clean the restroom afterwards. Then, you can go in. I seen those in some parts in downtown I believe, but I didn't see anyone use them probably due to malfunction.

Kathleen A.

Best views of the city up on twin peaks. Both peaks provide equally great views if Karl is cooperating. Sometimes he can be a brat about his fog layers. We walked up starting at UCSF as a part of the 49 mile walk but you can also drive up and just walk up the actual peaks and around the area near Sutro tower. Be careful- it gets super windy. I consider myself a sturdy shortie but I even felt like I could be taken away or my phone would go flying if I lost my grip. Wear some good walking shoes to hold your ground! I love that the road that heads down to the Castro is blocked off for cars, making it an enjoyable saunter back down to reality. One star off for the wind cause it scared me a little! Get in touch with nature and take some great pics up on the peaks!

Susan B.

Panoramic view of SF. We were able to snatch a parking spot at the top with no issues. We stayed a bit just to see the view of the city. Definitely a tourist spot. It was a super windy day and chilly. Be sure to bring a sweater.

Dessa R.

Best time is sunset...easy drive up, plenty of parking at this time, unbeatable views all around. Plenty of room for all guests to take pictures without bumping into eachother.

Christopher T.

Always wanted to check this place out and finally make it. Beautiful and breathtaking 360 degrees view of SF, especially if you're here during sunset or sunrise. You can see everything angles from the city, to the mountains, and to the oceans. There are 2 hills that you can climbs (and bit of work and can be deep too) up and enjoys the views. Parking can be difficult sometimes, but if you come early it would be easier to find parking, and you can hike around the trails before the sunset set in. Soo worth it and highly recommended.

Joshua S.

Great when it's not foggy! People with children, be aware, half the cars here are filled with people smoking weed, lol!

Mallory H.

Love coming here at night, very chill spot. They do close the gates at like 12am tho so if you plan on going hella late you won't be able to get in

Austin Z.

I honestly cannot complain much about Twin Peaks other than the wind being really strong, but this has got to be one of the BEST nature views that you can barely get in any other part of life. We took the hiking route and climbed the nature path of what used to be a road to climb up to the peak.

The view.
Marilu F.

If you want the best views of San Francisco, go to Twin Peaks. The views are fantastic, but I didn't really enjoy the visit. The altitude is high and I had the worst headache of life, even after taking an Advil. If you're prone to or even suspect you may wind up getting a headache, I would take an Advil before heading up there. There's also the fact there it's extremely windy. Again, this combo of altitude and wind didn't fare well for me, but I managed to take a few photos. I would probably return but with better preparation and certainly not at the end of the day.

Jeremiah M.

I've only came here during the night, and it was the last night that I was in San Francisco which wrapped up the trip perfectly. The view of the city from Twin Peaks was beautiful, photos cannot do justice compared to seeing it with your own eyes. Even though lots of people come up here, I was still able to find parking and was able to walk out and enjoy the views offered. San Francisco has a lovely skyline and seeing it from Twin Peaks at night was literally the peak of the trip.

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The running event at twin peaks was spectacular ..view was super ..hiking ..interesting trail ..aerial view ..sf has so many amazing sights

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Sherlynn was an amazing server, very sweet, and very attentive, and food was amazing, will definitely be back!

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Twin Peaks Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Twin Peaks

Theres no correct answer but would it be busy on a Wednesday afternoon/night around 5pm?

Twin peaks open daily.. cuz of COVID not as busy daily. Think open till midnight...

Is this a good place to watch fireworks for 4th of July?

THE FIREWORK IS ALWAYS GREAT - IT'S GREAT!

Is there a restrooms there?

Yes, they have two unisex, self cleaning public toilets!

Does this close at a certain time?

No I've been up there a lot at night and have never seen it blocked off. Just be careful of the raccoons that come out at night! 😂

We will be going with little and old ones... I'm not sure if the old ones can do the hike so our stopping point will be where we can park our car. Is the view equally great without us hiking further up?

Absolutely we parked at the top and only needed to walk ~50ft across the parking lot to get the incredible vista view....It was windy

What weather specific conditions are best to enjoy twin peak AT NIGHT? I want to go at night when it's crystal clear. What visibility? Temp? Cloud cover? Wind speed? Would be appropriate?

Since it's basically high up in the mountains, it gets really cold. I would suggest wearing a thick, warm jacket and/or being a blanket. The best weather to go there is clear skies, meaning no fog and little to no wind. That is, if you're going… 

Can I climb the mountains at night? I don't have a car...

Sure.....if you wanna get ran over

Better during the morning or night time? Also, is this walkable? Alot of people are saying they drove up

You would have to drive up. Once you are there I can walk around to different sites. Morning or Night. You are gomna get good views. You can probably see more in the morning

Can you go at night for the city light views?

Yes it's open. No formal entrance- just drive up. At night is the best anyway!

Can you smoke?

I say smoke around your car and do not inconvience anyone, especially the kids. Now that said, do as you please as long as you do not cause harm to yourself or to others.

Can you smoke weed?

No, I dont do drugs.

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Review Highlights - Twin Peaks

“It always cold in San Francisco but cooker when you are on top of the mountain so make sure you have a jacket.”

Mentioned in 37 reviews

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Japantown - Cherry Blossom Festival vendor

Japantown

4.2(555 reviews)
2.4 mi•Lower Pacific Heights, Japantown

Yep... another reason to LOVE SF. Culture, community, and somehow... magically clean?! Like I don't…read moreknow what spell they cast over Japantown but the usual city "aroma" is nowhere to be found lol. Just good vibes, music, anime, cosplay sightings, and me absolutely losing it over a Japanese vintage shop like it was a life event. Gifts everywhere, manga on manga on manga... I blinked and suddenly I needed everything. You can literally watch fresh udon being made, bounce between ramen spots, sip tea like you have your life together, and yes... plenty of veggie and vegan friendly options so we're all thriving. And the history? Not just cute... it's legit. This is the OLDEST Japantown in the U.S. and one of only three left, built after the 1906 earthquake when Japanese communities relocated here and made it their cultural home (Japantown Cultural District⁠). It was once a booming hub with hundreds of businesses before WWII internment basically wiped it out, and the community had to rebuild from scratch after . So yeah... what you're walking through now is resilience with really good snacks. Hit the mall, the Peace Pagoda, the paper stores (origami, stationery, art... obsessed), and all the Ghibli love. Cute AND historic... we love a neighborhood with depth.

Love visiting this place when I'm in San Francisco. Lots of japanese shops and some great places to…read moreeat. If you're visiting San Francisco this is a place you much check out.

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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

The Westerfeld House - Beautiful building- Westfield House - Manson stayed here while visiting- Tom Wolfe wrote about it in Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

The Westerfeld House

5.0(3 reviews)
1.8 mi•Alamo Square

This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

"You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

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The Westerfeld House - Another view

Another view

The Westerfeld House - Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square

Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square

The Westerfeld House - Beautiful building- Westfield House

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Beautiful building- Westfield House

Cottage Row - Sweet smelling vines

Cottage Row

4.1(12 reviews)
2.5 mi•Lower Pacific Heights, Japantown

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.

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.

Photos
Cottage Row
Cottage Row
Cottage Row

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Painted Ladies - downtown skyline in background

Painted Ladies

4.2(380 reviews)
1.8 mi•Alamo Square

Beat park to sit and have a picnic at, amazing views!…read more Theres a bi-rite down the street with awesome pasta salads, would highly recommend enjoying at the top of the hill on a blanket

I've been to the Painted Ladies dozens of times. I've stopped here over the years for pictures and…read moreto sing the theme song to Full House with friends after a evening of libations and I've even had a picnic on the knoll across the street and just sat and enjoyed the gorgeous weather and the view. This is a classic SF site that everyone has to see at least once. That being said, on my most recent walk past here last weekend, I ended up stopping to people watch everyone up on the hill. I spent more time looking at them than I did looking at the houses. There were so many people taking pictures and some even doing full-on photo shoots and entire families and groups of people just sitting and gazing at the architecture. The whole vibe and seem just makes this area fun. It's definitely a must-do stop for tourists, especially since it's free. I definitely recommend stopping by for at least a few minutes to take some photos, people watch and just enjoy the city and this iconic location.

Photos
Painted Ladies - Smurfs were taking pictures with Painted Ladies

Smurfs were taking pictures with Painted Ladies

Painted Ladies - If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.
   -Louis Armstrong

If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know. -Louis Armstrong

Painted Ladies - 08.23.25 Painted Ladies - the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street

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08.23.25 Painted Ladies - the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street

49 Mile Scenic Drive - Fremont Hotel

49 Mile Scenic Drive

3.7(25 reviews)
2.3 mi•Civic 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..."

A confusing route with missing signage, or else it's hidden away fairly well, since it was…read moreinstituted decades ago. The seagull that is to be your guide is pretty faded out and hard to find along the route. It was a nice drive still as tourists to meander around the outskirts of the city and see the gorgeous views before us.

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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)
3.5 mi•Chinatown, 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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Twin Peaks - parks - Updated October 2026

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