http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/42370 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. en Copyright 2007 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/12/34/42370r1.jpg http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/42370 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Not as well known as nearby Inspiration Point, this lookout above Baker Beach offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific and the Marin Headlands. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/45208625/san_francisco_ca/immigrant_point_presidio_national_park.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This tiny slice of heaven atop Telegraph Hill offers a quiet space to view Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41876869/san_francisco_ca/jack_early_park.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11346009/san_francisco_ca/wave_organ.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge from this great bear of a summit in the Berkeley hills. Berkeley, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11363265/berkeley_ca/grizzly_peak.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/45672579/san_francisco_ca/grand_view_park.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11345220/san_francisco_ca/tank_hill.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11564097/berkeley_ca/indian_rock_park.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Thousands of multicolored rose bushes and vast bay views make this verdant park an oasis for East Bay locals. Berkeley, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41876722/berkeley_ca/berkeley_rose_garden.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11344770/san_francisco_ca/corona_heights_park.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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). San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/45530402/san_francisco_ca/buena_vista_park.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Hear the decent menu and casual bar, but heed to the house specialty: stellar ocean views. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41610082/san_francisco_ca/cliff_house.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles In a city famous for its views, this panoramic vista is not to be missed. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11345603/san_francisco_ca/twin_peaks.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Perfect location for a wedding ceremony or just breathtaking views of the Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island and Presidio forest. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/44690198/san_francisco_ca/inspiration_point.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Revelers enjoy city-spanning views at this historic hotel hangout. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/882816/san_francisco_ca/top_of_the_mark.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Coved beaches, hiking trails and a killer view of SF make this North Bay entry point a coveted escape. Marin, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11344775/marin_ca/marin_headlands.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles The beautiful red-orange bridge has become the defining symbol of the Bay Area. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11345433/san_francisco_ca/golden_gate_bridge.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles An eye-catching landmark featuring WPA paintings and beautiful views. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/918533/san_francisco_ca/coit_tower.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles 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. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/32841509/san_francisco_ca/de_young_museum.html Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/view Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/bestof/winners/hotel_view Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/41251 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 06:15:44 -0700