Coit Tower
Telegraph Hill’s iconic 210-foot Art Deco monument offering 360-degree vistas and historic Depression-era murals.
History & Heritage
Built in 1933, Coit Tower was constructed using funds bequeathed by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric wealthy patron who famously supported San Francisco's volunteer firefighters. Located at the summit of Pioneer Park on Telegraph Hill, the 210-foot Art Deco tower was designed by Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Howard.
During the Great Depression, the tower’s base was selected as one of the pilot projects for the Public Works of Art Project (PWAP). A collective of 26 local artists painted fresco murals depicting California industrial, agricultural, and urban life in the 1930s. Despite controversy surrounding leftist political themes in several panels, the murals were preserved and remain one of the finest public art legacies in North America.
Things to Do
Climb to the Observation Deck
Take the interior elevator up to the open-air observation deck for unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and Lombard Street.
Tour the PWAP Murals
Explore the ground-floor rotunda to view the American Social Realism murals. Docent-led tours provide deep dives into the symbolism and story behind each artist's work.
Hike the Filbert Street Steps
Skip the driving traffic and walk up the historic wooden stairways along the Filbert or Greenwich Street steps, passing hidden terraced gardens and historic cottages.
Spot the Wild Parrots
Keep an eye out for the famous wild flock of cherry-headed conure parrots that nest in the dense cypress trees surrounding Telegraph Hill and Pioneer Park.
Tips for Visitors
- Buy Deck Tickets Early: Admission to the mural rotunda is free, but elevator tickets to the observation deck are required and best purchased online or early in the day.
- Avoid Driving Up: Parking at the Pioneer Park summit lot is extremely limited, with long traffic queues. Take the SFMTA #39 Coit bus from Washington Square or walk up.
- Combine with North Beach: Combine your visit with a walking tour of nearby North Beach for historic Italian cafes, bakeries, and Beat Generation bookstores.
- Photographer Advice: Visit in the late afternoon to capture golden hour light illuminating the city skyline and San Francisco Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coit Tower shaped like a fire hose nozzle on purpose?
Despite the popular urban legend linking the shape to Lillie Hitchcock Coit's affinity for firefighters, architect Arthur Brown Jr. stated that the resemblance was purely coincidental and not an intentional design feature.
Is there an elevator inside Coit Tower?
Yes, an elevator carries visitors to the top observation deck. However, a final short flight of stairs must be climbed to reach the glass viewing windows.
Can I see the murals without paying for an observation deck ticket?
Yes, accessing the ground-floor rotunda to view the public murals is completely free. Guided tours of the second-floor murals require a small additional fee.
How do I get to Coit Tower without a car?
You can ride the SFMTA Muni Bus #39 directly to the tower loop, or hike up the scenic Filbert Street Steps or Greenwich Street Steps from the Embarcadero side.