These 10 Epic Hills In San Francisco Will Drop Your Jaw (2024)

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.

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.

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.

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?!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.