Coit Tower is the iconic centerpiece of the City of San Francisco, California, skyline and a beloved symbol of the city’s diverse history and culture. Located atop Telegraph Hill, the 210-foot tall concrete tower offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Bay Area, including the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. Built-in 1933 with funds from a bequest by wealthy eccentric Lillie Hitchcock Coit, Coit Tower is named in her honor and is home to a series of vivid frescoes that depict life in California during the Great Depression. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, Coit Tower promises an experience you won’t soon forget.
Originally opened in 1933, Coit Tower was the brainchild of local architect Arthur Brown Jr., who was also responsible for the design of San Francisco’s City Hall. Coit Tower was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit’s bequest to “add to the beauty of the city she had always loved”, and was designed to stand out as a distinctive and elegant landmark in the city’s skyline. The tower is a simple fluted column and is not, contrary to popular belief, shaped to look like a fire hose nozzle. Inside the base of the tower are a series of vivid frescoes painted in 1934 by a group of artists employed by the Public Works of Art Project, a precursor to the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
The tower’s observation deck, accessible by elevator, provides breathtaking views of the city and bay below. The deck is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the Bay Area and marvel at the surrounding landmarks. While visiting Coit Tower, be sure to explore Pioneer Park, which surrounds the tower and was established in 1876 on the site of the semaphore telegraph that gave Telegraph Hill its name. You may even catch a glimpse of the famous flock of wild parrots featured in the 2005 film “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”!
When visiting Coit Tower, be sure to check out these top attractions:
- Admire the stunning views from the observation deck
- Explore Pioneer Park and take in the surrounding nature
- Check out the frescoes in the tower’s base
- Buy tickets for the elevator ride to the top
- Look for the flock of wild parrots near the tower
- Visit nearby attractions such as Fort Mason and Aquatic Park
Coit Tower is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Bay Area. From the stunning views to the unique landmark, there is something for everyone at this iconic San Francisco attraction. Be sure to add a visit to Coit Tower to your next Bay Area itinerary and experience the city’s beauty and history for yourself.