The 15 Best Scenic Lookouts in San Francisco

Alex: Such a great place to watch the sunset, the ocean looks amazing

Deanna Rawlings: Life should be fun, even if Alcatraz could be in your future!

Imran Atan: Nice view from Pier 39

Joanna Flamm: Gorgeous spot for photos. You just can't beat the Golden Gate!

Keri Corfield: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." ~Mark Twain

Justin Webster: The trail is temporarily shut down to help preserve wildlife so you can't take the Batteries to Bluffs trail down to the water. That said, still some great sites!

Lindsey: Nice coastal hike to the bridge & back. (Just under 3 miles total.) On weekends, get there early to get a parking spot.

Joe Murray: We opened the gates to all the world and let all men who want to be free come to us and they will be welcome. President Woodrow Wilson.

Kyle Gray: Beautiful view!

Mitch Colleran: One of the best views in the city. Great for a trail run (if you don't mind stairs).

Joveth Gonzalez: Gorgeous views of the GG

Doug Couch: Great spot for whale watching!

Olly Carpenter: Does what it says on the tin. Good view of the bridge too.

Yaroslav Shirokov: Dope views

Ninah Randolph: Nice view of the pacific ocean and golden gate. Right next to a pretty busy street though

Rhonda Barket: Accidental find while showing a friend around! Excellent panoramic view of San Francisco!! Easy walk to the top. Worth the view!

Max Blue 🚴🍔: Climb on the rocks.

Hubert Palan: This might be the best lookout spot! I like it more than twin peaks!

Sherry Li: One of the must see spots in SF. Super romantic. Nice easy hike.

Jeffrey G: Get here early for sublime birding in the dawn hours, grab an egg sandwich from Louies and hike down to the ruins. Warm up with a cappuccino when the cafe opens at 9 am.

Betsy W.: Follow the signs to Mile Rock beach. When you've almost reached bottom of stairs (~200 steps!), veer to the right up a hill to a plateau with mini-labyrinth, incredible view of the Golden Gate.

Vojta Borovian: Stairs workout with a view to die for or a view with a stairs workout to die at.

Nimisha: Start at the bottom (wearing comfortable shoes) and make yourself up to the top, with camera ready to shoot pictures!

Stacey Rutherford: Not crowded on New Years morning! Happy 2012!

Jess Falkenthal: One of the best secret views of San Francisco from above.

Eliza: Appears to be free admission for the tower (unlike the rest of the museum) if you walk with confidence to the elevators... Incredible, panoramic views of the city on clear days.

Evangeline Brown: Fabulous view of SF. Read more.

New York Dog Nanny: Super dog friendly!

Bing: This spot is known for its gusty winds and is worth checking out for the novelty of kiting under the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be careful of wind shadows and barges!” – Gretta Kruesi

Millie Angelova: Best Golden gate pix!!

Bob Lehto: After you have soaked in the view of Alcatraz, take a walk down the Ecology Trail to El Polin Springs. A short ,but beautiful, hike.

Shawn Calhoun: Chill.....

Shauna Story: Bring a jacket

Mark Heyert: Bring binoculars for killer views of the city, bay and Marin.

Mark W.: There are tomatoes up here!

Russell Harrison: Sadly a lot of the Buena Vista is obscured by trees but still worth the walk up

Rich Yannacone: Greats views. Lots of steps.

Asis Panda: Walk up to the end of Montgomery St.. For a spectacular view of Downtown SF

lynn friedman: great intersection to photograph downtown san francisco featuring the transamerica pyramid

Steve B: On a sunny day this is an awesome place to walk or make part of your run.

Enrico S: Nice shops and beautiful view

Jess L: Great running spot!

Dave: Walk/run/bike along this nice wide (unpaved) path by the water from the Beach Hut Cafe to Fort Point (about 1.5mi), taking in views of Alcatraz, Crissy Field & the Golden Gate Bridge.

Hamilton Fortuna Bautista: Fantastic views.

Guillaume Flandre: Great view!