How to Visit Coit Tower in San Francisco

Coit Tower stands as one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, perched atop Telegraph Hill with sweeping views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the bay. Built in 1933 and funded by a bequest from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the tower was designed to honor the city’s firefighters and features a remarkable collection of New Deal-era murals that depict life in California during the 1930s. Beyond its historical and artistic significance, Coit Tower offers one of the most accessible and rewarding vantage points in the city, attracting photographers, history buffs, tourists, and locals alike.

Visiting Coit Tower is more than just a sightseeing stop—it’s an immersive experience into San Francisco’s cultural heritage, urban design, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning your first trip to the Bay Area or returning for a deeper exploration, understanding how to navigate the tower’s access, timing, and surrounding attractions can transform a casual visit into a memorable journey. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your visit is seamless, informative, and deeply rewarding.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before setting foot on Telegraph Hill, take time to research and plan your visit. Coit Tower operates on a seasonal schedule, with varying hours depending on the time of year. Typically, the tower is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., though hours may extend during peak tourist season or be shortened in winter. Always verify current hours on the official San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department website before departure.

Consider the day of the week and weather conditions. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, especially during spring and summer. If you prefer fewer crowds, aim for a weekday morning visit. Fog is common in San Francisco, particularly in the morning, so plan to arrive between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for the clearest views.

2. Choose Your Route to Coit Tower

There are three primary ways to reach Coit Tower, each offering a unique experience:

• Walking via the Filbert Street Steps – This is the most scenic and popular route. Starting at the intersection of Filbert Street and Leavenworth Street, the steps wind upward through lush gardens and past historic homes. The 10-minute climb is moderately steep but well-maintained and lined with colorful flowers, especially in spring. The route ends directly at the tower’s entrance.
• Walking via the Pioneer Park Path – Beginning at the intersection of Green Street and Columbus Avenue, this path is less crowded and slightly more direct. It passes through Pioneer Park, offering a quieter, more tranquil ascent with interpretive signs about the area’s history.
• Driving or Rideshare – If mobility is a concern, you can drive or take a rideshare to the Coit Tower parking lot located at the top of Telegraph Hill. However, parking is extremely limited—only about 10 spaces are available, and they fill quickly. Use apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance if needed.

Public transit is also an excellent option. Take the F-Market & Wharves historic streetcar to the terminus at Fisherman’s Wharf, then walk up via the Filbert Steps or catch the 39-Mason line, which stops directly at the tower entrance.

3. Purchase Tickets

Admission to Coit Tower is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $5 for youth (12–17), and free for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket kiosk located near the tower’s entrance. Cash and major credit cards are accepted.

For those planning to visit multiple San Francisco attractions, consider purchasing a CityPASS or Go City Pass. These bundles include admission to Coit Tower along with other top sites like the California Academy of Sciences, Alcatraz, and the de Young Museum, offering significant savings.

Online ticketing is not currently available for Coit Tower alone, but you can reserve timed entry slots through third-party tour operators that include the tower in their itineraries—useful if you’re booking a guided walking tour or a combination experience.

4. Ascend the Tower

Once inside, you’ll find a small lobby with restrooms, a gift shop featuring locally made souvenirs, and informational displays about the tower’s history and the murals. The elevator, installed in 1933, is still in operation and takes visitors to the 6th-floor observation deck in under 30 seconds. The elevator has a capacity limit of 10 people per ride, so be prepared to wait briefly during peak hours.

For those seeking a more active experience, a narrow spiral staircase with 221 steps connects the ground floor to the observation deck. While not ADA-accessible, the staircase is open to the public and offers a rewarding workout with intermittent views through small windows along the way.

5. Explore the Observation Deck

The 6th-floor observation deck is a 360-degree panoramic platform encircled by floor-to-ceiling windows. From here, you can see:

• The Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands to the north
• Alcatraz Island and the Bay Bridge to the east
• Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District to the southeast
• The Embarcadero, Ferry Building, and Treasure Island to the south

Use the mounted binoculars and directional signage to identify landmarks. The signage is clearly labeled and includes historical context for each view. For photography enthusiasts, the best lighting occurs during late afternoon when the sun casts a golden glow over the city skyline.

6. View the Murals

Before or after ascending, take time to explore the ground-floor murals, painted between 1933 and 1934 by 23 artists commissioned under the Public Works of Art Project—a New Deal initiative. These frescoes depict scenes of everyday life during the Great Depression: dockworkers, farmers, factory laborers, and children at play.

Each mural tells a story. Notable works include:

• “The Telegraph Hill and the City” by Bernard Zakheim – A tribute to San Francisco’s working class, featuring firefighters, fishermen, and street vendors.
• “The Evolution of the Telephone” by Rinaldo Cuneo – A nod to technological progress, with imagery of early communication systems.
• “The Farm” by Victor Arnautoff – A somber depiction of rural hardship during economic collapse.

Interpretive plaques beside each mural provide context on the artist, theme, and political undertones. Many of these works were controversial at the time for their socialist leanings, making them historically significant artifacts of American public art.

7. Explore the Surrounding Area

Coit Tower is not an isolated attraction—it sits at the heart of a vibrant neighborhood rich with history and charm. After your visit, consider exploring:

• Pioneer Park – A quiet green space with benches, historic cannons, and a monument to the city’s early settlers.
• Washington Square Park – Just a five-minute walk downhill, this charming plaza is surrounded by cafes and Italian restaurants, and often hosts live music on weekends.
• North Beach – San Francisco’s “Little Italy,” known for its espresso bars, gelato shops, and historic bookstores like City Lights.
• Chinatown – A 10-minute walk to the southeast, featuring ornate gates, herbal shops, and dim sum restaurants.

Many visitors combine their Coit Tower visit with a walk along the Embarcadero, a visit to the Ferry Building Marketplace, or a ride on the cable cars. Plan to spend at least two to three hours in the area to fully appreciate the surroundings.

8. Return and Departure

When ready to leave, retrace your steps or take the 39-Mason bus back down to Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. If you arrived by car, check the parking availability and note that street parking on nearby streets like Telegraph Avenue and Coit Road is metered and restricted during business hours.

For those continuing their San Francisco exploration, consider heading to the nearby Cable Car Museum or taking a ferry to Sausalito for sunset views over the bay.

Best Practices

1. Dress Appropriately for the Weather

San Francisco’s microclimates mean temperatures can vary dramatically within a few blocks. Even on a sunny day, the hilltop location of Coit Tower can be windy and cool. Layer your clothing: wear a light jacket or windbreaker, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially if you plan to climb the Filbert Steps.

2. Bring a Camera and Binoculars

The observation deck offers some of the most photographed views in the city. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens will capture the bridge and skyline in stunning detail. Even a smartphone with a good camera can produce excellent results if you use the built-in zoom and HDR mode. Binoculars are available on-site, but bringing your own ensures better quality and avoids lines.

3. Avoid Peak Crowds

Coit Tower is most crowded between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., especially on weekends and during tourist season (May–September). For a more peaceful experience, visit shortly after opening (10:00 a.m.) or in the late afternoon (4:00–5:30 p.m.). The lighting during sunset is spectacular, and fewer people are around to obstruct your view.

4. Respect the Art and Structure

The murals are fragile, century-old frescoes. Do not touch the walls, flash photography is prohibited in the mural room, and loud noises are discouraged. The elevator and staircase are shared spaces—be courteous to others, especially seniors and families with young children.

5. Stay Hydrated and Carry Snacks

There are no food or beverage vendors inside the tower. While nearby cafes and markets are abundant, you may not want to descend and reascend just for a drink. Bring a reusable water bottle and light snacks if you plan to spend several hours exploring the area.

6. Use Accessibility Resources

Coit Tower is fully ADA-compliant. The elevator provides access to the observation deck, and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Service animals are permitted. If you have mobility challenges, the Pioneer Park path is the most level route to the tower. The Filbert Steps, while beautiful, are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

7. Learn Before You Go

Enhance your visit by reading up on the tower’s history and the mural artists beforehand. The San Francisco Public Library’s digital archives and the SF Rec & Parks website offer free downloadable guides. Understanding the social and political context of the murals will deepen your appreciation of their meaning.

8. Combine with Other Nearby Attractions

Coit Tower is ideally positioned for a half-day itinerary. Consider pairing your visit with:

• A walk along the Embarcadero to see the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge
• A stop at the Cable Car Museum to learn about the city’s iconic transit system
• A visit to the Exploratorium or the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to plot a walking route that connects these sites efficiently.

Tools and Resources

1. Official Website

The San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department maintains the official Coit Tower page at www.sfparks.org. Here, you’ll find up-to-date hours, event calendars, accessibility information, and historical background. Bookmark this site before your visit.

2. Mobile Apps

Several apps enhance your visit:

• Google Maps – Provides real-time directions, walking routes, and estimated transit times. Use the “Indoor Maps” feature to navigate the tower’s layout.
• Apple Maps – Offers detailed 3D views of the tower and surrounding neighborhoods.
• Atlas Obscura – Features curated stories about Coit Tower’s murals and hidden details you might otherwise miss.
• Citymapper – Best for public transit planning, with live updates for bus and streetcar arrivals.

3. Audio Guides and Podcasts

While no official audio guide is available on-site, several independent podcasts offer rich commentary:

• “The History of Coit Tower” by SF History Podcast – A 20-minute episode detailing the mural controversies and political climate of the 1930s.
• “San Francisco in 100 Objects” by KQED – Includes a segment on Coit Tower as a symbol of New Deal art.

Download these before your visit and listen as you walk up the steps or wait in line for the elevator.

4. Books and Publications

For deeper context, consider reading:

• “Murals of Coit Tower: Art and Politics in Depression-Era San Francisco” by Susan G. Larkin
• “San Francisco: A Guide to the City’s Architecture” by David Gebhard and Robert Winter
• “The New Deal Art Projects: An Anthology” edited by Mary Ann Calo

Many of these are available as e-books or through the San Francisco Public Library’s digital lending platform.

5. Photography Resources

For photographers:

• PhotoPills – Use the app to plan your visit around golden hour and predict sun angles for optimal lighting.
• Google Earth – Use the 3D view to simulate the tower’s vantage point and identify the best framing angles for your shots.
• Instagram hashtags – Search

  CoitTower, #SanFranciscoView, or #TelegraphHill to see recent photos and identify popular shooting spots.

6. Guided Tour Platforms

If you prefer a structured experience, book a guided walking tour through:

• Context Travel – Offers small-group, scholar-led tours focused on art and architecture.
• San Francisco City Guides – Free, volunteer-led walking tours that include Coit Tower and its murals.
• GetYourGuide or Viator – Paid options with multi-attraction packages.

These tours often include insider stories not found in guidebooks and provide access to areas not typically open to the public.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Photographer’s Perfect Day

Emma, a travel photographer from Portland, planned her visit to Coit Tower as part of a three-day San Francisco itinerary. She arrived at 10:15 a.m. on a Tuesday, avoiding weekend crowds. She took the Filbert Steps, stopping to photograph the flower-lined staircases and the historic homes along the way. After purchasing her $10 ticket, she took the elevator to the top and spent 45 minutes capturing panoramic shots using a 70–200mm lens. She used the directional signage to identify landmarks and took notes for her blog. Afterward, she walked down to North Beach for espresso and a croissant, then spent the afternoon at the Cable Car Museum. Her Instagram post from the observation deck received over 8,000 likes and was featured in a travel magazine.

Example 2: A Family with Young Children

The Martinez family from Nevada visited Coit Tower with their two children, ages 7 and 9. They took the 39-Mason bus to avoid the steep climb. Inside, the kids were fascinated by the murals—especially the scenes of animals and people working. The parents used the interpretive plaques to turn the visit into a scavenger hunt: “Find the fisherman,” “Spot the dog in the corner.” They spent 90 minutes total, including a snack break at the gift shop. The children later created their own mural drawings at home, inspired by what they saw. The family called it “the most educational stop on our trip.”

Example 3: A Local’s Hidden Gem Visit

Diego, a lifelong San Franciscan, rarely visits tourist spots—but he makes an exception for Coit Tower every autumn. He climbs the Pioneer Park path with his sketchbook, sits on a bench near the tower’s base, and draws the skyline. He says the murals remind him of his grandfather, a firefighter who worked in the city during the 1940s. “It’s not about the view,” he says. “It’s about remembering who built this city—and how art keeps their stories alive.”

Example 4: A Student Research Project

A group of high school students from Oakland visited Coit Tower as part of a social studies unit on the New Deal. They interviewed a park ranger, photographed the murals, and wrote a comparative essay on how public art reflected government policy during the Depression. Their project won first place in the state history fair. “Seeing the murals in person changed everything,” said one student. “It wasn’t just history—it was emotion.”

FAQs

Is Coit Tower open every day?

Yes, Coit Tower is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., though hours may vary slightly during holidays or inclement weather. Always check the official website before your visit.

Can I bring a stroller to Coit Tower?

Strollers are not permitted on the Filbert Steps or the spiral staircase. However, the elevator is stroller-accessible, and the Pioneer Park path is stroller-friendly. If you plan to use a stroller, enter via the Coit Road parking lot.

Are pets allowed at Coit Tower?

Service animals are permitted. Other pets are not allowed inside the tower or on the observation deck. Leashed pets are welcome on the surrounding sidewalks and in Pioneer Park.

How long should I plan to spend at Coit Tower?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the tower itself. If you plan to explore the murals, take photos, and walk through the surrounding neighborhoods, allocate at least two to three hours.

Is there food available at Coit Tower?

No food or drinks are sold inside the tower. However, numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are within a five-minute walk in North Beach and Washington Square.

Are the murals accessible to the public?

Yes, the ground-floor murals are free to view during tower hours. No additional ticket is required. Photography is allowed without flash.

Can I get married at Coit Tower?

Yes, wedding and event permits are available through the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department. The observation deck is a popular venue for small ceremonies. Contact the office directly for availability and fees.

Is Coit Tower wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The elevator provides access to the observation deck, and restrooms are ADA-compliant. The Pioneer Park path is the most accessible route to the tower entrance.

Why is Coit Tower so famous?

Coit Tower is famous for its stunning views, its historic murals depicting Depression-era life, and its role as a symbol of public art funded by the New Deal. It’s also one of the few towers in the U.S. dedicated to firefighters, making it both an architectural and cultural landmark.

Can I visit Coit Tower at night?

No. The tower closes at 6:00 p.m. daily. However, the surrounding area is beautifully lit at night, and the tower itself is illuminated after dark—making it a great subject for nighttime photography from nearby vantage points like the Embarcadero or Rincon Hill.

Conclusion

Visiting Coit Tower is not simply about reaching a viewpoint—it’s about stepping into a living museum, a tribute to resilience, art, and community. The tower’s murals whisper stories of laborers and dreamers from a century ago, while its observation deck offers a silent, soaring perspective of a city that never stops evolving. Whether you come for the photography, the history, or the peace of the hilltop breeze, Coit Tower rewards those who take the time to look closely.

By following this guide—from planning your route and timing your visit to understanding the art beneath your feet—you transform a routine stop into a meaningful encounter with San Francisco’s soul. The steps may be steep, the crowds may be present, but the view, the stories, and the quiet majesty of the tower make every effort worthwhile.

So lace up your shoes, bring your curiosity, and climb. The city awaits—from the top of Telegraph Hill, where art, history, and sky converge.