Vantage Points

San Francisco’s famous hills offer distinct perspectives of the urban landscape.

Photography by Isaac Arjonilla

San Francisco is a city defined by its steep inclines and panoramas. In fact, its borders contain over 50 hills, and the vantage points they provide are among the city’s most recognizable features. When you visit these photogenic views, you’ll see a little bit of everything—glittering urban landscapes, dramatic rocky cliffs, sprawling green spaces and the expansive bay waters—all without ever leaving city limits. Fortunately for residents and visitors, most of these vistas are as easy to access as they are inspiring. These are a few of our favorite perspectives. Wherever you climb, be sure to bring along your camera.

Corona Heights Park

This rocky outcrop above the Castro neighborhood offers unobstructed views of downtown. Climb the stairs to see city streets that extend all the way to the bay, and to your right is an iconic San Francisco image: hills covered with a jumble of pastel-colored houses.

Dolores Park

See kids playing on a massive playground, dogs romping together and adults picnicking at this sloping square of grass with a view of the skyline.

Battery Godfrey

The former military outpost (1895-1943) sitting up on the Presidio’s coastal bluffs contains Golden Gate Overlook.

Twin Peaks

From Twin Peaks, the entire city is laid out, from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge to the southern coast and across the water to the East Bay.

Ina Coolbrith Park

Climb up to the tiny park and garden above the Vallejo Street Steps in Russian Hill to soak in the view.