Forget the Icons:

The Most Beautiful Spots in San Francisco

Adjacent to the Mission District, Bernal Heights Park is also popular with the Instagram crowd. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge on one side and Bayview on the other.

Billy Goat Hill

Perched on top of a hill in Noe Valley, you’ll find an incredible view and a tree swing. There’s no place better than here to act like a kid in San Francisco.

The perfect place to see the fog cascade like a waterfall over the city is Corona Heights Park. You’ll get an up-close look at Karl, so remember to layer up.

Any inkling of heat emanating from our 49 square miles, you can bet that this park is packed. This is your go-to-spot for spectacular people watching, robot dance parties, picnics and a spectacular view at the southwest corner of the park.

Once a harbor defense installation for the military, this beach is now home to our best furry friends. On any given day (especially the weekends), you see thousands of canines running along the sand. Fort Funston is also a popular spot for hang gliders, due to the high sea cliffs.

Fort Point

Before the Golden Gate Bridge connected Marin to San Francisco, Fort Point stood at the mouth of the Golden Gate Strait. Built before the Civil War, this fortification stands at the bridge's southern end. These days, Fort Point is recognized as a national historic site and maintained by the Golden Gate Recreational Area.

Grand View Park

From this Sunset District Park, you have gorgeous views of downtown San Francisco and Golden Gate Park all the way to Point Reyes and Lake Merced. There is a small trail network ascending to the top of the hill, and the view is totally worth it.

The Lincoln Park Tiled Steps, which sit at the edge of Lincoln Park on the western end of California Street, were designed by local artist, Aileen Barr. Whether you're looking at the steps or looking out from atop them, you'll have stunning views.

Lover's Lane

This tree-covered Presidio trail is the perfect place to hold hands with your sweetheart and walk down the Wood Line by Andy Goldsworthy. Once you soak in the beauty, head to his other art structure, the Spire.

Lyon Street Steps

The Lyon Street Steps are a beloved Marina spot to the many who live nearby. Early in the morning, you’ll see people running up the 332 stairs to the top. Halfway up, you can stop to gaze at the house from The Princess Diaries, then continue your ascent to the top where you’ll turn around and look out on San Francisco Bay.

The highest peak in San Francisco, Mount Davidson also has the biggest cross in the city at 103 feet tall. From time to time, services are held up here, most notably for Easter Sunday.

Out of fire and disaster comes beauty. Once home to the wealthy elite as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Sutro Bath House fell into disrepair and caught on fire. Since then, only the ruins have survived, providing the perfect backdrop for chasing sunsets.

An artificial island built for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, Treasure Island boasts some of the most  spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and the skyline. Come sunrise or sunset, you’ll see tripods dotting the island’s edge.

Twin Peaks

You’ve probably seen the skyline image with a winding road leading up to the top a thousand times. Regardless, the view from Twin Peaks is worth it every time.