Visitors from Sausalito can see Coit Tower when arriving on the ferry and have some inkling of the prominent views that are provided from its mount on Telegraph Hill before they ever set foot on the San Francisco side of the bay. If you are coming across the bay to San Francisco from Sausalito for the day and want a relaxed and complete view of the city and the bay area, plan a trip to Coit Tower for one of the most stunning and provocative views you’re likely to see in the area.
Seen from miles around and even across the bay, Coit Tower has become one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks and beckons visitors from around the bay to come and see it in person and up close. Take the time to make the short walk or cab ride from the wharf and ferry terminal areas and you will be rewarded.
Why Was Coit Tower Built?
Coit Tower was completed in 1933, and was the legacy of an eccentric San Francisco resident named Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who wished to leave a bequest to “the city [she] always loved”. Coit was said to be a patron of the local volunteer firefighters, and was particularly interested in seeing them honored and helping them succeed. Contrary to popular legend in and around San Francisco, Coit Tower was not designed to look like the nozzle of a firehose, but to provide the stunning views that are achieved by adding height to the already towering Telegraph Hill.
Planning Your Trip to Coit Tower
If you are coming across the bay from Sausalito to San Francisco to visit Coit Tower, simply take either of the ferries that serve to transport visitors across the bay. These will drop you right along the wharf area, which is a convenient and easy walk or short cab ride over to Coit Tower or even to the Italian North Beach neighborhood for lunch.
Coit Tower itself is home to the stunning views of the city and beyond that are accessed by an internal elevator, and is situated in Pioneer Park, which will also give you historical information and wonderful views around the neighboring area. The frescoes painted inside Coit Tower itself are an amazing portrayal of life in the San Francisco area during the depression and surrounding times and shouldn’t be missed.
For those looking for a bit more adventure who are up to a walking tour, there are a set of steps leading down the back side of Telegraph Hill that traverses some of the neighbors’ gardens and provide an interesting and pleasant (if long) walk down to the city streets below.
Come in from Sausalito, take a ride or walk over to Coit Tower and then enjoy an afternoon or evening in the nearby North Beach neighborhood to round out your day before heading back home!
San Francisco Recreation and Parks
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415)362-0808
http://sfrecpark.org/CoitTower.aspx
Elevator Entrance Fees for Coit Tower:
Adult - $5 ($7 non-residents)
Senior - $3 ($5 non-residents)
Youth (12-17) - $3 ($5 non-residents)
Child (5-11) - $1.50 ($2 non-residents)
Child (4 and under) – Free
Coit Tower Hours:
Summer (3/1-9/30) – Daily 10:00am – 5:30pm
Winter (10/1-2/28) – Daily 9:00am – 4:30pm
Closed – Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve |
