Transamerica Pyramid

The Basics

The Transamerica Pyramid is located on the northern edge of San Francisco’s Financial District. The observation deck was closed after the events of 9/11, so the building is no longer open to the public, but you can check out the 48th-floor view via a live camera feed in the visitor center. You can also get a look at the building on a movie sites tour, helicopter flight, bay cruise, or a Segway adventure.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Pyramid is a commercial building and is open on business days only.

• The visitor’s center is located on the Plaza Level off Clay Street.

• A historical display features videos and information about the Pyramid.

• Driving to the Pyramid is not recommended, as street parking is limited.

How to Get There

Muni buses 1 and 41 stop near the Pyramid, or you can take BART or the light rail to the Montgomery station and walk north six blocks.

When to Get There

Go during the business day to get a feel for the daily bustle of the Financial District, or head there after-hours if you prefer to walk around in a quieter environment.

Transamerica Redwood Park

You don’t have to travel to Muir Woods to see redwood trees—this small green space adjacent to the Pyramid is home to redwoods, a fountain, and benches. It’s a surprising bit of nature in the middle of the city, and a nice place to take a break from walking.

Why is the Transamerica Building famous?

Built in 1974, the Transamerica Building was the tallest west of the Mississippi and San Francisco’s tallest by far. There was resistance in the city to building it since, at the time, buildings of that height weren’t allowed. But it was built, and the city is proud of the architectural feat.

Can you visit the Transamerica Building?

No, unfortunately, visitors cannot visit the Transamerica Building. It’s privately owned, so the public is not allowed in. Visitors can, however, see the view from the 48th floor in the visitor center, which is better than nothing. The observation deck was closed after 9/11.

What’s a fun fact about the Transamerica Building?

Thoughtful design went into San Francisco’s Transamerica Building, including how to keep its over 3,000 windows gleaming. They are designed to pivot so they can be washed on the inside, too. Transamerica Bank was founded on innovation, and that ideal spread to the Transamerica Building.

What tours go to the Transamerica Building?

Plenty of San Francisco tours visit the Transamerica Building for photo ops and some historical commentary. Walking tours, hop-on, hop-off bus tours, ghost-hunting tours, and luxury private van tours can all stop here. Just decide which type of tour works with your group.

How much did the Transamerica Building recently sell for?

SHVO and Deutsche Finance America bought the Transamerica Building in 2020 for US$650 million. It has been sold to different owners over the years since it was initially built in 1974. It’s a piece of architecture that many San Franciscans are pretty proud of.

Is it worth it to see the Transamerica Building?

Yes, it’s worth seeing the Transamerica Building as part of a tour of greater San Francisco, but making a special visit may not be worth it. Visitors can no longer go to the observation decks and can only see the view from the visitor center’s camera.

Ways to explore

The Transamerica Pyramid stands on the northern edge of San Francisco’s Financial District, near the popular Chinatown and North Beach neighborhoods, making it easy to view as part of a day out in the city. While its 48th-floor observation deck is currently closed to visitors, you can still stop by to relax in its serene park, home to redwood trees, and see exhibitions at the Transamerica Pyramid Center.

The building is a stop on various filming location tours and Segway trips, and can be spotted on helicopter flights or San Francisco Bay cruises.

Accessibility

The Transamerica Pyramid Center is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, rain or sun protection

What to wear

Weather-appropriate layers, comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing

Not allowed

Pets, disruptive behavior

Amenities

Restaurants, park, exhibitions

Address 

The Transamerica Pyramid is on Montgomery Street in San Francisco’s Financial District. It’s easy to reach using public transit, or you can opt for a taxi or rideshare. Walking, biking, and tours that include transportation are other good ways to get there.

Driving

The building is easy to reach via major streets such as Columbus Avenue. A paid parking garage is available on-site.

Public transportation

A number of cable car/light-rail lines, as well as local buses, stop by the Transamerica Pyramid. The Montgomery BART station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

The Transamerica Pyramid Center is typically open from mid-morning until early evening, while the park is accessible from sunrise to sunset.

Best days to visit

There’s rarely a bad day to visit the Transamerica Pyramid, though expect it to be busier on weekdays, when office workers are on-site.

Best months to visit

Avoid summer in San Francisco, which is often cool and foggy—visit during the spring or fall for the best sightseeing weather.

Special events

The Transamerica Pyramid Center hosts different exhibitions throughout the year. It also has an ongoing installation related to a time capsule that was buried there in 1974 and unearthed 50 years later.