When I want to know if the fog is coming in under the GG bridge, or if Marin is sunny, or just want to see every neighbourhood, I walk over to the public deck at UCSF's Helen Diller Medical Center. Never crowded, the large deck wraps around three sides of the Medial office building at UCSF, with each side providing an unhindered view of SF. I will often stop here on a walk in the neighbourhood to check out the overhead view of Golden Gate Park from the Haight to the beach or see if the GG Bridge is clear or foggy.
When the University of California built its medical school, UCSF, in 1898, it was on a remote hill far away from most of the city, possibly to give students a chance to study, or maybe the land was cheap. But what they also gave was the best view in SF, which is still unobstructed by trees or tall buildings. It is a great place to see some iconic buildings and get a better idea of how close everything is in SF.
400 Parnassus Avenue
US$
no-price
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Toyose" in San Francisco is a Korean restaurant in a garage! Curious yet? It's very intimate and the portions are very generous.
by
"Papalote Mexican Grill" is proof that in San Francisco we take our burritos seriously. As my taste matures, it's become my favorite restaurant for it.
by
"Albion Castle" is a real castle in San Francisco that belongs to the family that owns what used to be the city's only springs. For private parties only!
by
"The Shipyard", or Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, is definitely a boon for UrbExers. Just know it's a Superfund, thus super-toxic, site...
by
"Dahlia Garden" in San Francisco is right behind the Conservatory of Flowers, a sectioned-off area w/ vibrant dahlias, which reach their peak in September.
by
"Flights of Fancy" or the Arelious Walker Stairway in San Francisco is inspired by patterns drawn from various world cultures & is handsomely decorated!
by
The "Sand Ladder at Baker Beach" in San Francisco is difficult, but it'll take you to a spot where the vistas are phenomenal, with amazing sunsets...
by
"The Bunkers at Baker Beach" hold guns from WWII, and they were used. Come here, touch history and imagine the actual people who used to come inside here.
by
"Grandview Park" or Turtle Hill in San Francisco is an ideal viewing location -- just as impressive as Twin Peaks much less trafficked!
by
"The Golden Fire Hydrant" is literally what saved the Mission District from total destruction in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake...
by
"Sacred Grounds Cafe" boasts the longest running open-mic night in San Francisco, with the tradition starting back in 1972. I recommend the poetry nights!
by
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips