Coit Tower (with elevator)
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Coit Tower - by Garrett Overheul on Unsplash
Description
Coit Tower is located in San Francisco's Telegraph Hill neighbourhood. The 64m art deco tower was built in 1932-33 using Lillie Hitchcock Coit's bequest and as a memorial to volunteer firemen from the city. The exterior is unpainted reinforced concrete and, inside, there are fresco murals in the American Social Realism style from 26 different artists. Many of the murals are on the ground floor and can be viewed without a ticket but others require lift access and can also be viewed as part of a guided tour.
Access & Transport
From the waterfront (eastern side), it a short but steep walk up Filbert St and several flights of stairs. From the West side, Filbert St again (!) - less steep this time - from Washington Square. Bus #39 goes there and there is a small parking lot (that tends to fill up early)
Instructions & Recommendations
Guided tours are available for groups (4-6 people), cost $10 per person and last ~35mins. Visitors will learn about the Tower’s inception, the Public Work of Art Projects’ influence, and history of the artists. Parking in the lot outside Coit Tower is for area residents only on weekends (with a permit). Visitors can only park for 30 minutes during the week and the wait to get into the lot can be long.
Environmental & Social
We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Helps preserve the artistic heritage of the city
Conclusion
We think the murals are the real draw so, if your budget allows, take the guided tour and, if not, check out those on the ground floor. The views are certainly good but there are plenty of nice view points over the city (some with less concrete and less people around) so we would not recommend coming here solely for that
Key positive
360° views from the top of the tower
Artistic and interesting murals
Key negative
A little expensive
Not ideal to park (but central enough to walk + bus option)
Suitability
Flight of stairs to the base - not accessible for wheelchair users
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in July 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 18:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00
Start of Season 2:Nov, 01
MONDAY10:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00