Grandview Park San Francisco

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.