San Francisco is overflowing with gorgeous views and cityscapes. And while the city’s unique architecture and topography play an integral role, there is also an important historic monument that makes our city–and its scenery–extra special. Coit Tower is a beautiful WPA-era edifice that adds a special, unique touch to the skyline as you cross the Bay Bridge into San Francisco. You’ll learn all you need to know about this iconic landmark with this guide to visiting Coit Tower. It’s a must-see for your next visit to San Francisco!
Located in North Beach, Coit Tower was built in 1933 after firefighter patron Lillie Hitchcock Coit died in 1929, leaving a large sum of money for a city beautification project for her beloved San Francisco. Coit didn’t design the tower; it was conceptualized by Arthur Brown Jr., the firm who built San Francisco City Hall. Many believe the tower was designed to look like the nozzle of a fire hose, but this is unconfirmed. It is a beautiful monument in any case!
A short ride up the elevator to the top of Coit Tower rewards visitors with fantastic 360 degree views of San Francisco and the bay. San Francisco Recreation and Parks offers a complete elevator entrance price list as well as Coit Tower operating hours.
Another equally wonderful, yet more hidden, feature of Coit Tower is its murals. The murals are located in the tower’s interior and were painted in 1934 as part of the New Deal. Many of the paintings are political in nature and provide a peek into post-Depression 1930s life in the United States.
Coit Tower is the perfect urban hiking destination. If you’d rather avoid the climb, take the MUNI 39 line. Parking at Coit Tower is very limited, so walking or taking public transit is recommended.
What is your favorite San Francisco landmark?
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