Coit Tower rises above Telegraph Hill in San Francisco’s Pioneer Park, with a 360-degree outlook over the city and the bay. Inside, murals painted in the 1930s show scenes of California life during the Depression; see them before heading up to the observation level. You can reach the hill by taking Muni bus 39 or by climbing the Filbert or Greenwich steps. After your visit, paths lead downhill toward North Beach, through gardens and residential streets.
A tower built to beautify the city
Coit Tower has stood on Telegraph Hill since 1933. Its construction was funded by a bequest from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left money for a project to beautify San Francisco. The plain concrete tower rises 210 feet above the hill and is part of the city’s skyline.
The tower is in Pioneer Park, above the North Beach area. Stories sometimes connect its shape with a fire hose, but that was not the architect’s intention. Coit had supported San Francisco’s firefighters; the tower was built with her bequest, not as a fire-hose monument.
Murals inside the tower
The ground-floor rotunda is covered with murals made by artists working on the Public Works of Art Project, a New Deal program. Painted directly onto the curved walls, the scenes portray California life in the 1930s, including work and everyday activities. The project brought together 25 artists under the guidance of muralist Victor Arnautoff.
The murals drew controversy when they first opened to the public. Today, they are a central part of a visit to the tower. Take time to look at the scenes and details on the ground floor before going up. The murals can be viewed without going to the observation level.
Getting up Telegraph Hill
The approach is part of the visit. From North Beach, you can climb the Filbert Steps; the Greenwich Steps are another uphill route. Both involve steep stairways, with gardens and greenery along the way. Telegraph Hill’s parrots are sometimes heard or spotted on the climb. If you prefer to avoid the stairs, Muni bus 39 stops outside the tower.
The elevator takes visitors to the observation level, where windows all around provide views in every direction. Look across the city and bay toward landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and Alcatraz. The outlook from the hill is also worthwhile if you do not go up the tower. Afterward, paths lead down toward North Beach through gardens and past homes.
FAQ
How do you get to Coit Tower?
Take Muni bus 39, or walk uphill via the Filbert or Greenwich steps. The stair routes are steep.
What can you see inside Coit Tower?
The ground-floor rotunda has murals from the 1930s showing scenes of California life. You can view these before deciding whether to go up to the observation level.
What can you see from the top of Coit Tower?
The observation level has views in every direction over San Francisco and the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and Alcatraz.
Is there parking at Coit Tower?
Parking is available near the tower, but it can fill up. Arriving early can improve your chances of finding a space.
