8 Places for the Best Views in San Francisco

Whether you’re looking for the perfect selfie background or prefer exploring natural landscapes, you’ll find plenty of scenic spots in San Francisco. On a clear day you’ll see the full beauty of the Bay Area—and don’t be discouraged by foggy days. Overcast skies can offer a unique element to viewing the Golden Gate Bridge and ocean beaches. The next time you travel to the Golden Gate City, explore these popular free spots for the best views in San Francisco.

Stretch your legs at Baker Beach

In the northwest corner of the city, Baker Beach is a walkable public beach known for some of the best views in San Francisco, including fabulous looks at the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Admire ocean waves rolling in as you enjoy this scenic retreat within the city. Linger for the sunset, but be aware—weekends can be crowded with visitors.

Walk among tall buildings in the Financial District

Wander through the streets of the Financial District to find yourself surrounded by skyscrapers and iconic architecture. Look up on a clear day and you’ll find a cool collage of towering buildings, blending new and old. Along Montgomery Street, you’ll feel surrounded by giants.

See the sights at Pier 39

Any direction you look from Pier 39 is a good view—with your choice of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge or attention-seeking sea lions.

If you want to be in the heart of the action, visit Pier 39 for a bustling view of the waterfront and Alcatraz. Be sure to pay a visit to the barking sea lions vying for your attention on the lower docks. You can also catch some of the best views in San Francisco here—look west for a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge or spin around for a view of the city.

Spy natural beauty at Lands End Lookout

Head to Lands End Lookout for a great vantage point to take in the Pacific Ocean and lush hillside. This is one of the best views in San Francisco if you prefer natural landscapes over cityscapes. See the ruins of Sutro Baths, take a walk along the trails, find a cozy spot to enjoy an ocean sunset, or hike out to Mile Rock Beach to see the Lands End Labyrinth rock maze.

Gaze out from on high at Twin Peaks

Visit the top of two central summits for the second highest elevation in the Bay area. A hilltop park offers 360-degree views of the city and Bay Area, where you’ll be able to point out the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, city landmarks along with Alcatraz and the Pacific Ocean. Visit on a clear day for the best views in San Francisco.

Get a great view at Vista Point

Vista Point is one of the best spots for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

If it seems every tourist flocks to Vista Point, it’s for good reason. This little park, located just off Highway 101, is where you’ll find one of the most breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge with the city just off in the distance. The parking lot and overlook are always busy, but the view is worth the wait!

Grab a seat at Pier 7

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Embarcadero and then walk out onto Pier 7, a wooden dock dotted with charming lamp posts. You’ll find benches along the pier, perfect for taking in some of the best views in San Francisco of Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. When you look back at the city, you’ll get a unique vantage point of the waterfront backed by skyscrapers like the Transamerica Pyramid.

Take a hike at Grandview Park

With a name like Grandview Park, you have to know this is a hot spot for incredible sights. This hilltop park offers panoramic views of downtown and beyond. Take a walk along the park trails or challenge yourself on the 16th Avenue mosaic steps, just west of the park, to climb 163 tiled stairs. If you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse of the ocean and one of the best views in San Francisco.

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