Marcus from San Francisco
Grandview Park San Francisco
AKA Turtle Hill
Someone took me to "Turtle Hill" once at night for a great view of the city. For years after, I looked for it on a map but could never find it. It turns out "Turtle Hill" is actually Grandview Park, probably the most aptly named park in the city. It's a bit of a trek to get to, but after you ascend the stairs and brave the wind, you are rewarded with a complete 360 view from the ocean to downtown.
In such a hilly city, there are obviously many ideal viewing locations. Twin Peaks is the usual destination for tourists and sightseers, but if you're looking for something a little less trafficked but just as impressive, Grandview is the way to go. It takes a little bit to find, despite being quite conspicuous. There are two sets of stairs, one from either side that lead to the summit: a rock outcropping and a bench. Not the most in the way of comfort, but on the plus side, you almost never have to fight for a spot. As with most locations in San Francisco though, it can get extremely cold, so be prepared.
About this spot
14th Avenue 1705
- 24 hours daily
US$
free
Our San Francisco City Guide
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
City Arts & Lectures
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Swensen's Ice Cream
Same corner since '48
"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Pug Sunday
Fun for dogs and humans
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
by
Sasha
Sommer
Victoria Pastry Co.
All the major food groups
"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Oracle Park
Baseball by the bay
"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
SOMArts
Some arts
"SOMArts" is a perfect example of what I enjoy about San Francisco. It's an old warehouse that's a boundary-pushing hotspot for local art & music...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Ocean Aquarium
Hidden fish store
"Ocean Aquarium" in San Francisco is a beautiful fish & aquarium store on the most unremarkable side alleyway you can think of. So glad we found it...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
