33+ Best Views in San Francisco [Lots of Hidden Gems]

Are you looking for the best views in San Francisco? 

San Francisco has lookout points that offer everything from panoramic views from hilltops to stunning 360-degree views from the top of historic landmarks. 

With so many options to choose from, we created this list of the 33+ best viewpoints in San Francisco.

We narrowed it down to help you select the perfect spot that will be the highlight of your trip to this beautiful city by the bay. 

_{Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.}

33 Best Views in San Francisco 

This list of the 33 best San Francisco lookout points includes local tips, parking, directions, and the best time to visit. 

With so many amazing viewpoints, we decided to feature a large variety of options.

From hilltops where you can see the entire San Francisco skyline to parks that offer special vantage points of the Golden Gate Bridge to rooftop bars with amazing views of the city.

Deciding which options are right for your visit will come down to how much time you have, transportation, and what view you want to see and photograph. 

Twin Peaks

• 501 Twin Peaks Blvd
• Getting Here: There are multiple free parking areas, but slots are limited as this is a popular spot. There are hiking trails to get to both peaks.

If you can only visit one place, Twin Peaks is the best place to see the San Francisco skyline. This popular viewpoint offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the entire Bay Area. 

You can see everything from the Golden Gate Bridge to the dramatic downtown skyline on a clear day. 

The best way to see the stunning landscape is by hiking the 0.7-mile trail that climbs to the top of the two peaks. 

This popular spot also has one of the best views in San Franciso at night, so make sure to come during the day and night time.

📢 Local Tip: Arrive before 10:00 AM to beat the tour buses and the crowds if you don’t want to jockey for a place to take some selfies.

Grandview Park

• 1705 14th Ave
• Getting Here: Street parking is available on 14th and 15th avenue. You’ll need to climb several flights of stairs to get to the park.

Grandview Park sits at the top of Turtle Hill on the eastern side of the Sunset District, which is just far enough from other touristy spots to keep the visitors to a minimum. 

The views of San Francisco from this park rival any in the city with a 360-degree vantage point at the top of the hill where you can see all the way to the Marin Headlands. 

This park is also one of the best places in San Francisco to watch the sunset and is also a great place for a short hike with stunning scenery.

It’s right next to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, so make sure to stop by and take pictures before entering the park.

📢 Local Tip: Climbing stairs is a good workout, so wear appropriate footwear.

Mount Davidson

• Myra Way
• Getting Here: There is street parking along Dalewood Way near the park’s southern entrance and on Juanita Way by the hiking trail entrance on the east side. There’s a short but semi-steep hike to the top.

Mount Davidson is San Francisco’s highest peak, which is accented by a giant concrete cross at the summit.

This hiking area is mainly used by locals, which means that it seldom gets as crowded as the neighboring Twin Peaks. 

The top of Mount Davidson is covered with trees that block the view, but an open vista point offers a panoramic landscape of the San Francisco downtown skyline. 

This is a great place to take in the best viewpoint of SF before exploring the park’s forested trails.

📢 Local Tip: If you plan on bringing your dogs, watch out, as there are coyotes in the area.

Bernal Heights Park

• 56 Ellsworth St
• Getting Here: There’s a parking lot at the entrance on Folsom St., along with street parking on Bernal Heights Blvd. There are several dirt trails to get to the top.

Bernal Heights is a great place for a casual hike, where you can take in the stunning San Francisco skyline as you walk. 

The views sweep across the city and offer a unique perspective of the Mission District, downtown, the Bay Bridge, and the South Bay.

 It’s also a great place to picnic, take pictures, or admire the landscape. 

📢 Local Tip: There are coyotes in the area, so keep your dog on a leash and in control.

Mission Dolores Park

• 19th and Dolores Street
• Getting Here: Street parking is available in the area, but finding a spot can be tricky. The park is easily accessible on paved walkways.  

Mission Dolores Park is one of the best spots for picnics and people-watching in San Francisco. 

The park doesn’t offer a high vantage point like other places on this list, but it does offer a close-up view of the San Francisco skyline.

This large city park is very popular with young people who hang out with friends on the gradually sloped grass. 

There are also many things to do here, as this park has basketball and tennis courts and a large playground for kids.

📢 Local Tip: Pick a sunny day and bring a blanket for a picnic with family and friends.

Corona Heights Park

• Roosevelt and Museum Way
• Getting Here: There is a parking lot at the Randall Museum. You can choose between a short trail with many stairs behind Randall Museum or a long dirt trail from Roosevelt Way. 

Corona Heights Park has amazing panoramic views of the city and cool rock formations that are great for climbing. 

This is one of the best viewpoints in SF for watching the sunset and sunrise, with 360-degree views from the summit.

Come in the evening for sunset and the city lights or visit during the day, where you can see across the bay to Oakland.

For an added bonus, the adjacent Buena Vista Park offers some fun lookout points of San Francisco from its many trails. 

📢 Local Tip: Make a stop for some coffee and a seat on the patio at Cafe Josephine, which is attached to the Randall museum.

Buena Vista Park

• Buena Vista & Haight Street
• Getting Here: There is lots of street parking on all sides of the park. The walk to the top will take a leisurely 25 minutes.

This beautiful 36-acre park is the oldest in the city, and it offers up great lookout points along its many trails. 

Situated at the park’s highest point is a small lawn where you can take in the views of the St. Ignatius Church, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin headlands, and Golden Gate Park.

Buena Vista Park is an excellent place to relax away from the stress of the city and also get away from the more touristy viewpoints.

📢 Local Tip: The best spots are to the north, so don’t bother looking for a bench or seating facing any other direction.

Alamo Square Park

• Hayes St
• Getting Here: Ample street parking, but it can be challenging to find a decent spot because it’s a popular park. 

Alamo Square Park is a charming city park situated on a sloping hill adjacent to the Lower Haight. 

This park is a popular place for locals to throw out a blanket and enjoy a picnic with friends with beautiful scenery in the background. 

The other reason people flock to this park is for its view of the famous painted ladies from the popular sitcom Full House. 

These historic structures have a backdrop of the downtown skyline that offers an epic photo opportunity.

This is a famous stop on any San Francisco tour for a good reason, so make sure to visit this place.

📢 Local Tip: There are countless great restaurants by the park to grab some takeout lunch for an easy picnic in the park. Try Jose Baker Bread, Brenda’s Meat & Three, or Lucinda’s Deli.

Coit Tower

• 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
• Getting Here: Parking at the tower is very limited. You can also hike up the hill from North Beach or climb the landmark Greenwich Steps from the Embarcadero.

This 210-foot historical landmark sits on top of Telegraph Hill, which offers unparalleled views of the city and its main attractions.

From Coit Tower, you’ll be able to clearly see Alcatraz, the highrises in the Financial District, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and more. 

To get to the top, you will need to pay $10, which includes a guided tour of the murals.

You can also check out Pioneer Park, situated at the tower’s base.

📢 Local Tip: Get dropped at the top by rideshare (Uber/ Lyft) if you are not up for a strenuous hike to the top.

Crissy Field

• 1199 E Beach
• Getting Here: Weekday parking is free, but arrive early to snag a good spot. There is also a large parking lot attached to the Sports Basement.

Located just down the waterfront from the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field is a great place to enjoy a nice picnic, play with dogs, or take a nice leisurely walk. 

It’s one of the best spots to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll also have a clear view of Alcatraz on a clear day. 

You will also be able to see the Palace of Fine Arts, Twin Peaks, and the downtown skyline in the background.

You can stroll along the waterfront and even head down to wiggle your toes in the sand at Golden Gate Beach. 

📢 Local Tip: Bring your walking shoes and ensure you have plenty of time, as there is a lot to see and explore in the area, including the Wave Organ.

Battery East

• Lincoln Blvd
• Getting Here: There is paid parking right next to the lookout point. You can also walk over from Crissy Field, which is about a half mile along the waterfront.

Imagine seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from up close and having a view along its entire expanse. 

Battery East is one of the best San Francisco lookout points, as it offers unrivaled views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

This is a must-stop if you are planning to visit Crissy Field, as it is only a short drive or walk to this amazing viewpoint. 

If you’re obsessed with views of the bay, consider staying at one of these ocean view hotels in San Francisco.

📢 Local Tip: Be flexible with your timing if you want to see the view when the fog is not hiding the bridge.

Fort Point National Historic Site

• 201 Marine Dr
• Getting Here: Parking is free but limited and challenging during peak times. You can also bike here or walk down from Crissy Field.

Located just down the way from Crissy Field and Battery East is this historic Gold Rush-era fortress that guards the entrance to the bay. 

Fort Point sits right at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge’s southern end and offers a stunning view from the underside of the expanse. 

This viewpoint offers a unique perspective that gives a feel for the Golden Gate’s size and provides a dramatic backdrop for photography. 

This is also a great place to watch the local surfers catch the swell as it enters the through the opening of the bay.

📢 Local Tip: Plan a little extra time to visit the inside of the fort and take a free tour.

Golden Gate Overlook

• Langdon Ct
• Getting Here: There is a lot of parking in two lots, but this is a popular destination, and finding a spot during busy times can be difficult.

As its name suggests, this overlook has one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The Golden Gate Overlook offers a straight-on view of the length of the bridge as it comes into San Francisco. 

This is a popular place to see the bridge, but it is also a great place to explore the old military bunkers and cannon placements that were used to guard the city. 

If you take a short hike, you can also visit Marshall’s Beach, where you can get another perspective of the bridge and the Marin Headlands.

📢 Local Tip: Come early in the morning before the crowds arrive to enjoy the view and avoid waiting for parking.

Battery to Bluffs Trail

• Battery Bluff Trail View Point
• Getting Here: Parking is available on both sides of the road near the Golden Gate Overlook.
• Trail Info

The Battery to Bluffs Trail snakes its way along the jagged edge of the cliffs where the Presidio meets the Pacific Ocean. 

The trail connects the Golden Gate Overlook and travels south toward Baker Beach. 

This 2.3-mile loop trail offers incredible scenery of the coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you do not mind doing a hike, you will be rewarded with viewpoints of the bridge without having to brave the crowds. 

📢 Local Tip: Bring snacks and a blanket and enjoy watching the sunset over the ocean from Battery Crosby.

Marshall’s Beach

• Lincoln Blvd and Langdon Ct
• Getting Here: You can only access Marshall’s Beach from the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. You can find free parking at Langdon Court Point, where you can easily access the trail. 

This gorgeous beach with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge is located just a six-minute walk from Golden Gate Overlook. 

Marshall’s Beach is a great alternative if you want to avoid the crowds but want an up-close look at the bridge. 

If you have the time, connect this San Francisco beach with a stop at the Golden Gate Overlook, and hike the Batteries to Bluffs Trail to also visit Baker beach.

Besides the beautiful beach, this has one of the best sunset views in San Francisco.  

📢 Local Tip: The northern end of the beach closest to the bridge is a popular spot for nude sunbathers, so watch out if this makes you uncomfortable.

Baker Beach

• 1770 Gibson Rd
• Getting Here: Parking is very limited as it’s a popular spot. You can access it by car or through the Batteries to Bluffs Trail if you’re walking from Marshall’s Beach.

Baker Beach is a popular San Francisco destination because of its wide sandy shore that is perfect for sunbathing. 

The sunset is breathtaking at this beach, and it offers a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days. 

It can get quite crowded, so make sure to come early enough so that you can find parking.

📢 Local Tip: Stick around after sunset to see the Golden Gate Bridge lit up.

Battery Spencer

• Conzelman Rd
• Getting Here: There are plenty of parking spaces, and it’s not difficult to get a spot. The walk to the lookout point is short and easy. 

If you don’t mind crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Battery Spencer is a great lookout point that has panoramic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

This is a great opportunity to take in some gorgeous vantage points from the trails surrounding the viewpoint, including a steep trek up to Slacker Hill.

Even though there are a lot of visitors, parking is relatively easy, and the trails through the hills are well-maintained. 

📢 Local Tip: wear some good shoes as there is a short hike to the viewpoint from the parking area.

Kirby Cove

• Conzelman Rd
• Getting Here: The parking lot is located on the main road, and there is a 1.5-mile hike down a fire road to get to the beach. 

Although Kirby Cove is close to other popular Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, it remains relatively quiet and uncrowded.

At the beach area, you will be greeted with a close-up of the golden gate bridge from below, with the San Francisco cityscape in the background.

This is also a perfect place for those planning a camping trip, as there are five campsites near the beach that require advanced reservations. 

If you decide to camp here, you’ll wake up to the best view in SF.

📢 Local Tip: Plan ahead and bring food or other provisions, as there are no services at the cove except a vault toilet. 

Hawk Hill

• Conzelman Rd
• Getting Here: Parking is limited, especially during peak times. The hike to the top is short, but the parking areas are also quite scenic.

Located in the Marin Headlands, Hawk Hill used to be a military fort, but it’s now a bird and butterfly viewing site offering an incredible panoramic landscape of SF and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

If you’re a history buff, you can take a quick stroll through the tunnels, see the artillery bunkers, and check out the Nike Missle Control Site. 

Hawk Hill is one of the most scenic places in SF and is also close to one of San Francisco’s hidden beaches.

It has the best panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands, as it sits high on a hill overlooking the bridge.

📢 Local Tip: Make this a stop at the end of a day of hiking in the Marin Headlands.

San Francisco Viewpoints

Treasure Island

• Avenue of the Palms and California Ave
• Getting Here: There’s plenty of parking available, but it can be tricky to find during peak times. You can also take the ferry if you’re not driving. 

Treasure Island is an artificial island that sits halfway across the Bay Bridge, which used to be a naval site. 

Because of the island’s position, it offers the best view of San Francisco since you will have a unique viewpoint looking back at the Embarcadero and the cityscape. 

The landscape stretches from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge and the opening to the ocean.

Avenue of the Palms and the Perimeter Road offer a great stretch where you can take a stroll or stop to check out the San Francisco skyline at night.

📢 Local Tip: The best time to visit is in the early evening when you can watch the sunset over the city, followed by an opportunity to see the city lit up after dark.

Billy Goat Hill

• 2442 Castro St
• Getting Here: Free street parking is available on 30th Street. A steep dirt trail and wooden stairs lead to the top of the hill.

Billy Goat Hill is another San Francisco lookout point is a hidden gem in this city. 

The views at this spot are gorgeous during the day, but they’re even better at night as the city lights start coming to life. 

The view from Billy Goat Hill looks out over Bernal Heights and towards downtown, the Embarcadero, and the Bay Bridge.

This hill used to be famous for the rope swing that used to hang from a tree at the top, but it is no longer there for Instagram photo shoots.

📢 Local Tip: The park is fairly barren and has no amenities, so bring everything you need, including something to sit on. 

Mt. Tamalpais East Peak

• Old Railroad Grade Trail
• Getting Here: The drive up the mountain is quite windy. There is paid parking that requires exact change in cash, or you can use a QR code to pay online. There is a short but semi-steep hike to the viewpoint from the visitor’s center.

Mt. Tamalpais East Peak is the perfect place if you’re looking for the best view in San Francisco with a nice hike to the top. 

The parking lot is right by the visitor’s center and has a paved trail to the peak. 

The views here are breathtaking, as you will see the entire Bay Area, including San Francisco, from above. 

If you’re visiting this spot, consider stopping at one of the best redwoods near SF, which is a short drive from here.

This state park near San Francisco has multiple trails to explore where you can easily spend a day hiking.

📢 Local Tip: Plan your trip according to the weather, as the fog and the clouds commonly shroud the view.

Ina Coolbrith Park

• Vallejo & Taylor Street
• Getting Here: Street parking is limited in the area, but the park is only a ten-minute walk from the heart of North Beach.

This ultra-small city park in the Russian Hill neighborhood is a scenic spot where you can see some of San Francisco’s biggest attractions, including the Coit Tower and Alcatraz.

There isn’t much to do at Ina Coolbrith Park other than soaking in the scenic landscape, but it is a small oasis if you need a break from the rush of the city.

At night, this viewpoint offers a unique photo opportunity to capture the city lights with the Transamerica building and the Bay Bridge all lit up. 

📢 Local Tip: Grab a tiramisu and coffee from Stella Bakery in North Beach and enjoy the scenery from one of the park’s benches.

Kite Hill

• Yukon & 19th Street
• Getting Here: Limited street parking is available on Corwin St. and Grandview Terrace.  You will then need to hike up a very short but steep dirt trail to the top of the hill.

Even though this viewpoint in SF is located near the popular Twin Peaks, it’s less crowded, and you still get amazing views of the Castro District, Market Street, and the downtown skyline.

Kite Hill is a tranquil small park situated in the Castro District and is a hidden gem that is perfect for a quiet and peaceful picnic and is also a great place to fly a kite. 

Plenty of comfortable benches allow you to relax and enjoy the view while watching dogs play in the park. 

If you are looking for a great place to watch the sunrise, this is the best in the city.

📢 Local Tip: Grab a hot coffee or tea from Neighbor’s Corner Cafe to keep your hands warm and enjoy something to sip at this scenic spot. 

Tank Hill

• Twin Peaks Blvd
• Getting Here: Street parking is available on Twin Peaks Blvd or Belgrave Ave. You will need to hike up a wooden staircase or a dirt trail to get to the scenic spot. 

Located just a stone’s throw from Twin Peaks is the lesser-known Tank Hill which is a great place to get a panoramic landscape of the city without having to deal with the large crowds and tour buses. 

Tank Hill doesn’t have 360-degree views, but you can see everything from the Golden Gate to Berkeley in the East Bay, including the downtown highrise buildings.

Whether you are planning just to relax and hang out or have a romantic picnic, this is one of the best San Francisco viewpoints to escape the hectic city below.

📢 Local Tip: There is only one bench at the top, so bring something to sit on if you plan to stay a while.

READ MORE: Going on a romantic trip to SF? Why not stay at these San Francisco hotels with a hot tub in room?

Starr King Open Space

• 1215 Carolina St
• Getting Here: On and off-street parking is available on Carolina Street. The dirt trails are narrow but relatively flat and are an easy walk. 

Starr King is a beautiful grassy stretch of land that was protected from development that acts as an oasis for birds and flowers in Potrero Hill. 

The park offers a great landscape of the city and the bay, but the star of the show is the sunset over Twin peaks. 

There’s a cool wooden chair that you can sit on and a rope swing attached to a tree for an Instagram-worthy picture opportunity. 

The park is quiet, and the area isn’t crowded, making this a perfect escape from the busy city below.

📢 Local Tip: The best time to go is in the late afternoon as you can watch the sunset and stay to see the city lights.

San Francisco Scenic Views

 California St & Grant Ave (& Stockton St)

• Grant Ave, Stockton St
• Getting Here: There is plenty of metered parking and parking lots in the area. If you walk, the hill is pretty steep.

If you are looking for one of the best San Francisco views of the city streets, this hilly area offers dramatic building-lined stretches that run all the way to the bay. 

On a clear day, you can see from the top of Nob Hill all the way to the Bay Bridge down California Street.

If you are short on time, this is a great place to capture some iconic images in between stops in Chinatown, North Beach, and Nob Hill.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on delicious food by doing a food tour in Chinatown.

📢 Local Tip: Take the Cable Car from Market Street in the Embarcadero for a fun ride to the top of the hill. You can also stay at one of the beautiful suites at the Fairmont for views from your private balcony.

Lombard Street

• Lombard St
• Getting Here: Street parking is limited and hard to come by. You will need a car to drive down the windy road. 

Lombard Street is, without a doubt, the most famous street in San Francisco, and it draws in lots of tourists to drive down this windy street with its eight hairpin turns.

What most visitors are unaware of until they arrive is that from the top, you are greeted with an amazing view of the street with a backdrop of the city. 

You can spot landmarks like the Bay Bridge, the Coit Tower, and the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in North Beach.

Even if you are not driving, walking up and down the stairs will provide you with great views and access to the gardens that line Lombard Street.

📢 Local Tip: It’s best to come early before the crowds arrive and the traffic builds up.

Lyon Street Steps

• Lyon St
• Getting Here: Street parking is easy to find, and you can easily get here by bus from Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square.

The Lyon Street Steps are a beautiful stretch of stairs surrounded by manicured gardens and one of the San Francisco-painted hearts sculptures.

From the top, you will be treated to some of the best views in San Francisco, where you can see the bay, the Marina District, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine Arts.

If you decide to walk, getting to the top of the steps is a bit of a workout, as you will climb 300 steps within two blocks. 

This is one of the most scenic places in San Francisco for romantic couple photos.

📢 Local Tip: Make the short walk from the top of the stairs into the Presidio and enjoy a walk along the beautiful forested Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line.

Lands End

• 680 Point Lobos Ave
• Getting Here: The parking lot is huge and free, but it can be difficult to find a spot during busy times.

This is the perfect place to have a waterfront hike along the Lands End Trail, where you can take in the coastal landscape of the Pacific Ocean as it makes its way under the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Make sure to stop at the Lands End Lookout and Mile Rock Beach for the best views of San Francisco.

There are many things to see in the immediate area, including the US San Francisco Memorial, the Legion of Honor, and old military cannon locations like Battery Lobos.

📢 Local Tip: Be prepared to hike the uneven dirt trails to get to the lookouts.

Sutro Baths

• 1004 Point Lobos Ave
• Getting Here: You can park at Land’s End or along the highway at Point Lobos Avenue. 

This historic landmark is home to the ruins of the Sutro Baths, which was a massive public bathhouse built in 1896. 

Besides seeing the ruins, make sure to go to the platform, which is a great lookout point for the Golden Gate Bridge. 

There’s also a small cave that you can explore and many other great photo opportunities.

📢 Local Tip: Grab a cup of hot coffee at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy in the Lands End parking lot to keep your hands warm while you explore the baths.

Pier 7

• 7 The Embarcadero
• Getting Here: There’s no free parking near Pier 7. The cheapest and closest parking lot is at 50 Broadway, right in front of Pier 9. The closest metered parking is at 720 Battery St.

Pier 7 starts right from the Embarcadero and extends out far enough into the bay to offer a stunning view of San Francisco. 

You will get a straight-on view of the Transamerica Building, as well as the Bay Bridge and the Coit Tower.

This is a popular spot for local fishermen, but it also draws in crowds of amateur photographers for some iconic images of the city. 

Pier 7 is the spot to visit if you are looking for a great viewpoint that is easily accessible from many of the city’s main attractions.

📢 Local Tip: Sunset hours are beautiful, and the illumination from the lampposts and city lights is also stunning. It gets windy here, so bring a lightweight jacket.

Embarcadero

• Embarcadero
• Getting Here: There’s no free parking available in this area, but the parking lot at 50 Broadway is the cheapest and closest option. There’s also metered parking at 120 Green Street.

If you’re dropping by Pier 7, make sure to explore the rest of Embarcadero as well. 

Besides being home to several waterfront attractions, it has exceptional views of the Bay Bridge. 

Make sure also to visit the Cupid’s Span, the clock tower, and the iconic Ferry Building for some gourmet treats. 

If you are up for an urban hike, make the trek along the Embarcadero to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf for some touristy fun and a sourdough bowl of clam chowder from Boudin Bakery.

This area in San Francisco has several options of hotels with great views from your room if you feel like treating yourself.

📢 Local Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the Embarcadero is a long strip that stretches 2.5 miles along the bay.

San Francisco Views Map

Other Ways to Enjoy San Francisco Views

• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise
• Premier Dinner Cruise
• San Francisco Bay Air Tour

Best Rooftop Bars with Views of San Francisco 

Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Located at the top of Proper Hotel, this rooftop bar offers unparalleled SF city views and highbrow food and drink options.

They have amazing craft cocktails, and the fire pits provide warmth during chilly nights. 

El Techo
This restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy some Latin American street eats and cocktails while enjoying the beautiful city views on their rooftop patio. 

It has a very vibrant atmosphere, and the food is just as amazing as the view. Their cocktails are really good as well. 

The View Lounge at San Francisco Marriott Marquis
This art-deco-inspired rooftop bar is located on the 39th floor of the Marriott Marquis in Union Square.  

You can enjoy one of the best sunsets in San Francisco while snacking on some small bites and an expertly crafted cocktail on hand.

Rooftop 25
This very moody and trendy restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners and is one of the best lookout spots in SF. 

It has a modern yet cozy interior, perfect for celebrating wedding anniversaries and other special events.

If you’re celebrating a romantic weekend, why not stay at one of these hotels that has a jacuzzi in your room?

Top of the Mark
This high-end throwback lounge boasts a 360-degree view of the San Francisco skyline that is unmatched in the city. 

The views from this hotel perched on top of Nob Hill are the star of the show, but they also serve up some good cocktails and live jazz performances.

The Battery
This is an ultra-luxe members-only clubhouse. Its upscale dining options include a fantastic rooftop bar with sweeping views of downtown SF. 

If you can get an invite to visit or become a member, you will get to enjoy the fun atmosphere, stunning decor, and thoughtful service with one of the best views in San Francisco at night.

Tips for Visiting the Best Views in San Francisco

• The views are not always visible

San Francisco is prone to foggy days, especially during the summer. 

Keep your schedule flexible so that you can adjust to the changing visibility for a trip to these viewpoints.

• Hide your valuables

Many of these touristy scenic spots are known for car break-ins. 

Take your valuables with you or keep them out of sight in your car.

• It gets COLD in San Francisco 

Although San Francisco is in sunny California, it gets chilly even during the summer. 

Most of the spots are very exposed to the ocean breezes, so bring a jacket and dress appropriately for the weather.

The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco

MARK TWAIN

• Accessibility may be limited

Not all these lookout spots are accessible to those with limited mobility. 

Select a viewpoint that suits your physical condition.

• Consider taking a rideshare like Uber or Lyft 

While the best way to get around to see these viewpoints is by driving, the parking fees and the traffic at rush hour can make getting around stressful and expensive. 

• Plan ahead and use the restroom 

Before heading to these viewpoints, make sure to use the restroom, as most options offer few to zero amenities. 

You might get hungry or thirsty, so bring your own food and beverages.

Best Time to See the Viewpoints in San Francisco

San Francisco can get quite foggy, so you will need to adapt your schedule to the changing weather conditions if you want to see the viewpoints when the sky is clear. 

The summer is particularly known for heavy fog, especially in the mornings, late afternoons, and evenings.

Midday and sunset hours are the most popular times, so try visiting in the morning before these lookout points get crowded. 

Some lookout points also have amazing nightscapes, so visit for sunset and stick around to see the city lights. 

The Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge are particularly beautiful at night.

Where is the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge?

Fort Point, Marshall’s Beach, Golden Gate Overlook, Battery Spencer, and Crissy Field offer some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Marshall’s Beach definitely wins for the most secluded spot with great views, while Hawk Hill’s high vantage point gives you a full look at the iconic bridge. 

Fort Point is the closest to the Golden Gate Bridge, while Battery Spencer is the best option in the Marin Headlands.

The best option is to visit several viewpoints to see the bridge from several different perspectives, as many are within a few minutes’ drive of each other.

Want to learn more about the city? Check out these fun facts about San Francisco to make your visit to SF that much more interesting.

Wrap-Up: Best Lookout Points in San Francisco

Now that you know the lookout points with the best views in San Francisco, it’s your turn to pick the one offer the best view for your day in San Francisco.

Whether you stay in the city or venture out on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, this list has you covered with the best viewpoints for your vacation or trip to San Francisco. 

Related: Day Trips from San Francisco

• San Francisco to Napa Valley
• San Francisco to Sonoma
• San Francisco to Yosemite