Coit Tower

The Basics

Coit Tower was built with money left to the city by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a philanthropist and firefighter groupie who wanted to beautify her city. Visiting the park at the base of the tower is free and still provides good views of San Francisco Bay, but if you want the ultimate vista, head up the elevator to the summit of the tower for a fee.

First, though, stop to admire the 1930s-era murals in the lobby that depict the history of California. Controversial when they were painted, the frescoes were part of President Roosevelt’s Public Works of Art Project. Some city tours include a drive-by of Coit Tower but most do not stop there, so look for a more specific tour such as a North Beach urban hike if you want time to visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk—it’s a steep climb to get to the base of the tower from any direction.

• Restrooms are available.

• Tickets for the tower can be purchased in advance if you wish to skip the line.

• Docent-led tours are available on-site for small groups.

How to Get There

Taking public transportation or walking is recommended, as parking is very limited on Telegraph Hill and the only road to the top—Telegraph Hill Boulevard—can get backed up. MUNI bus 39 takes you right to the base of the tower, while the 45 and 30 go to Washington Square in North Beach a few blocks away. For a thigh-burning workout that gives you an up-close look at neighborhood homes, take the lovely Filbert Street Stairs.

When to Get There

Coit Tower can be quite crowded on summer weekends. To avoid the masses, visit early in the morning or at sunset for golden views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and remember that the area at the tower’s base can be accessed even when the tower itself is closed. Coit Tower is particularly popular on the Fourth of July, when the city puts on a fireworks display over the water, and during Fleet Week in October.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

As you walk up to the base of the tower, watch for the local band of parrots who spend much of their time in the trees that surround the park. Made famous by the documentaryThe Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, the red and green birds are noisy but generally beloved.

Can you go to the top of Coit Tower?

Yes. An observation deck at the top of Coit Tower offers 360-degree views over San Francisco and the bay. A ticket is required to access via an elevator. However, when the 90-year-old elevator isn’t running, you must climb 13 flights of stairs (250 steps) to the top.

How many steps does it take to climb Coit Tower?

To reach the viewing observation deck at Coit Tower (without taking the elevator), visitors must walk up 13 flights of steps (250 steps). Visitors who plan to walk to Coit Tower will need to climb around 400 steps to reach Telegraph Hill Boulevard, and an additional 100 steps to reach Coit Tower.

Can you park at the Coit Tower?

Yes, you can park at Coit Tower during the week. However, parking spots at the lot on top are limited, and there may be a long line of cars during peak times. Visitors can take the Muni #39 bus or walk either via the Filbert Street stairs or the Greenwich Street stairs.

Is the Coit Tower accessible?

The first floor of Coit Tower is accessible to wheelchairs and offers a wheelchair ramp at the entrance. Although there is an elevator to the observation deck, it is not accessible as there are steps at the base and a short staircase between the elevator landing at the top and the observation deck.

When is the best time of day to visit Coit Tower?

The best time of day to visit Coit Tower to avoid the crowds is when it first opens, at 10am. Coit Tower is open from 10am to 6pm from April to October and 10am to 5pm from November to March. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

What do you see at the Coit Tower?

Inside Coit Tower is a collection of fresco murals painted by around 25 artists depicting life in the 1930s. The observation deck offers sweeping 360-degree views of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. There are also several vista points near the base of the tower.