Top 10 Secret View Spots
By Gina Goff, City Editor
From Twin Peaks to Coit Tower, we all know the usual suspects for a great view of the San Francisco skyline. But where do in-the-know locals go to enjoy the Bay Area's gorgeous scenery without the tourist crowds? Here, we uncover those little-known spots for a fabulous view and quiet reflection.
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Immigrant Point -- Presidio National Park
Washington Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Not as well known as nearby Inspiration Point, this lookout above Baker Beach offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific and the Marin Headlands. -
Jack Early Park
Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA
This tiny slice of heaven atop Telegraph Hill offers a quiet space to view Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. -
Wave Organ
Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Beautiful sounds from this tide-activated organ sculpture on a jetty in the bay provide the soundtrack to views of the SF skyline on the east and the Golden Gate Bridge on the west. -
Grizzly Peak
Grizzly Peak Blvd, Berkeley, CA
Watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge from this great bear of a summit in the Berkeley hills. -
Grand View Park
Between 14th Ave and 15th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Lesser known than nearby Twin Peaks, this small park offers a similar perspective of the downtown skyline, Golden Gate Park, the Marin Headlands and the Pacific--with none of the camera-toting tourists obstructing your view. -
Tank Hill
Belgrave Ave, San Francisco, CA
Nearby residents do their best to keep this gem of a park under wraps. The summit boasts spectacular views of both bridges, Golden Gate and Presidio Parks, the downtown skyline and charming neighborhood architecture. -
Indian Rock Park
1950 Indian Rock Ave, Berkeley, CA
This gorgeous natural attraction in northeast Berkeley features expansive bay views, a picnic area and carved steps for rock climbing. It's popular among Berkeley locals, but tourists rarely make the hike. -
Berkeley Rose Garden
1200 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA
Thousands of multicolored rose bushes and vast bay views make this verdant park an oasis for East Bay locals. -
Corona Heights Park
Roosevelt Way and Museum Way, San Francisco, CA
At 520 feet above sea level, this quiet park, with panoramic vistas of the city skyline and the bay, is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise or set. -
Buena Vista Park
498 Buena Vista Avenue East, San Francisco, CA
Walking paths abound in this heavily wooded park, and urban hikers are rewarded at the top with beautiful city views, including that of the skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge and St. Ignatius Church (which is amber-lit at night).
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Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA
Hear the decent menu and casual bar, but heed to the house specialty: stellar ocean views. -
Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA
In a city famous for its views, this panoramic vista is not to be missed. -
Inspiration Point
The Presidio at Arguello Blvd Gate, San Francisco, CA
Perfect location for a wedding ceremony or just breathtaking views of the Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island and Presidio forest. -
Top of the Mark
One Nob Hill, 999 California St, San Francisco, CA
Revelers enjoy city-spanning views at this historic hotel hangout. -
Marin Headlands
Alexander Ave off Hwy 101, Marin, CA
Coved beaches, hiking trails and a killer view of SF make this North Bay entry point a coveted escape. -
Golden Gate Bridge
US Hwy 101, San Francisco, CA
The beautiful red-orange bridge has become the defining symbol of the Bay Area. -
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA
An eye-catching landmark featuring WPA paintings and beautiful views. -
de Young Museum
50 Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA
Take the (free) trip to the top of the 144-foot observation tower, where there are unobstructed views of the surrounding park, the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown skyscrapers.
