What makes San Francisco so beautiful? The Bay? The bridges? The architecture? Yes to all the above. But we’ll argue that the most jaw-dropping aspect of the city is its unrivaled collection of hills that shape the fog, define the city’s unique neighborhoods, and keep its citizens in tip-top shape. The number of actual hills in San Francisco depends on how you actually define a “hill,” and so the official count falls somewhere between 42 (if you check 1959’s “Hills of San Francisco”) and over 50. But here are the 10 epic hills in San Francisco that really top ’em all, and they all offer a fabulous reward at the top.

1. Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill, San Francisco, CA, USA
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
One of the most prestigious and iconic hills in San Francisco, Telegraph Hill is home to Coit Tower, epic staircases (make your way to Filbert Street), and some especially noisy (but pretty!) flocks of wild parrots.
2. Nob Hill
Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA, USA
Flickr/Thomas Hawk
Some may call it "Snob Hill" with its ritzy hotels and its history as an exclusive neighborhood for some of the city’s most affluent citizens (that is, until the 1906 earthquake and fires destroyed most of their mansions). It’s also home to the spectacular Grace Cathedral and even a Masonic Temple. The hill’s true summit lies around the intersection of Clay and Jones Streets.
3. Russian Hill
Russian Hill, San Francisco, CA, USA
Flickr/Shawn Clover
Just up the, um, hill (?) from Nob Hill is Russian Hill, another neighborhood full of "rich" history with epic staircases and even more epic views. You’ll actually find many of San Francisco’s steepest streets here, including the block of Filbert between Hyde and Leavenworth. Pro Tip: Skip the gym and get your cardio workout in here.
4. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks, San Francisco, CA, USA
Flickr/Nicolas Raymond
At 925 feet, Twin Peaks is the second highest spot in San Francisco and sits at the center of the city. It's a popular tourist spot given its incredible 360 views. (The actual viewing area is located just below the North Peak at Christmas Tree Point.) But, more importantly, do the peaks count as one or two hills?!
5. Mount Davidson
Mount Davidson, San Francisco, CA 94127, USA
Flickr/Daniel Ramirez
Stretching up a mere three feet higher than Twin Peaks, Mount Davidson is something of a hidden gem located alongside the charming Sherwood Forest neighborhood. Hiking trails and a gigantic cross are the main attractions here. Oh, and you may recognize it if you’ve seen Dirty Harry.

Related Stories

10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In San Francisco

10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In San Francisco

 These 10 Epic Waterfalls Near San Francisco Will Take Your Breath Away

These 10 Epic Waterfalls Near San Francisco Will Take Your Breath Away

 10 Things Everyone In San Francisco Should Avoid At All Costs

10 Things Everyone In San Francisco Should Avoid At All Costs
6. Mount Sutro
Mount Sutro, Mt Sutro, San Francisco, CA 94131, USA
Flickr/Kevin Bovard
Another centrally located hill, Mount Sutro is covered in eucalyptus trees and offers a very cool urban hike with great views at the top. Note: The gigantic Sutro Tower you see all over the city is actually not on Mount Sutro (it sits just below it).
7. Grandview Hill
16th Avenue Tiled Steps, 16th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, USA
Flickr/David
Another hidden gem, this one in the Sunset District, Grandview Hill provides more exceptional 360 views (the Pacific and Golden Gate are especially impressive from here), and it all requires some serious stair climbing. Pro Tip: Don't miss the 16th Avenue Mosaic Stairway.
8. Bernal Heights Hill
Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Flickr/Roger Jones
Join local joggers and walkers to climb one of San Francisco locals’ favorite urban refuges. And, guess what, you’ll get more jaw-dropping 360-degree views of San Francisco and beyond.
9. Kite Hill
19th Street & Yukon Street, 19th St & Yukon St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Flickr/Jan Smith
This undeveloped hill is located northeast of Twin Peaks and west of the Castro and is another urban oasis with sweeping views of the city.
10. Tank Hill
100 Twin Peaks Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Flickr/apasciuto
Near Twin Peaks and Kite Hill is another undeveloped hidden gem fit with a perfectly placed bench to contemplate life overlooking this great city. And, if you’re lucky, the makeshift swing will be setup.

So, what are you waiting for? Strap on those running shoes and get climbing! And for the true explorers out there: let us know what other hills in San Francisco deserve to be on this list.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Places in San Francisco

Katie Feldkamp | January 05, 2023

Where are some beautiful places in San Francisco?

San Francisco is undeniably photogenic, its beauty continuously attracting people to live and visit the city. While some places are well known, check out this list to see if there are other beautiful places in San Francisco that you may be less familiar with:

  • Alamo Square
  • Of course, there’s Golden Gate Bridge
  • California Academy of Sciences and its living roof
  • Legion of Honor, part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
  • Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning structure built in 1915
  • The Presidio is a former military base now filled with tall trees and trails for all explorers
  • Dolores Park offers plenty of city views

 

What are some things to do in San Francisco?

With its moderate climate, stunning landscape and unique character, there are always adventures in San Francisco to be had. If you’re looking for some things to do in the city, consider the following:

  • Walk the Barbary Coast Trail
  • Explore Chinatown, which is the oldest AND largest in North America
  • Visit the Beat Museum, a place dedicated to original artists and free thinkers of the 1950s and 60s
  • Climb the mosaic stairs on 16th Avenue
  • Then climb the sandy stairs at Baker Beach
  • Don’t forget a visit to Alcatraz…
  • Or a trip biking or walking across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge

 

What are some day trips to take around San Francisco?

If you are still looking for a bit of adventure, consider any of these day trips around San Francisco. (Be sure to check out the article for more details about each of these amazing day trips!)

  • Redwood Canopy Tours in Felton
  • Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy
  • Performing Animal Welfare Society in San Andreas
  • The Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville
  • The Heavenly Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster in South Lake Tahoe
  • Orr Hot Springs in Ukiah

Related Articles