Coit Tower
Perched atop Telegraph Hill in San Francisco is Coit Tower. Coit Tower was constructed in 1933 after the death of Lillie Hitchcock Coit. Mrs. Coit was an eccentric, wealthy woman and when she passed away she left a portion of her estate to the city she loved. Coit Tower was sort of a beautification project.
Lillie Hitchcock Coit had a great passion for the San Francisco Fire Department. She used to ride with Engine Company Number 5 as a volunteer firefighter (which was not very common for women in those days). When the Art Decco style tower was constructed and its appearance resembled that of a fire hose nozzle people assumed it was by design but apparently that was not the case and the towers appearance is simply a coincidence.
Coit Tower stands 210 feet tall and is constructed of reinforced concrete. It was designed by architects Arthur Brown Jr. and Henry Howard. The tall tower being at the apex of Telegraph Hill allows spectacular 360 degree views of the city. You can see just about everything from there. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, The San Francisco Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, Angel Island, The TransAmerica Building, The Financial District, and a lot more.
Coit Tower
Inside the tower is artwork from more than 26 muralists and there assistants. There are walking tours available inside the tower that offer more information on the art and about Lillie Hitchcock Coit.
The only draw back to the tower is the wait to get in. Because of its location, being on top of a hill, there is very little parking up there. During peak hours cars can get backed up down the street and you may end up waiting 30 minutes to an hour to get in. The beautiful views are worth the wait however. Or, if you don't mind walking up a very steep hill I suppose you don't need to wait for the cars to clear out.
However you make your way up to Coit Tower be sure to bring your camera. There is something worth photographing everywhere you point it.
When you're finished taking in the artwork and the breath taking views from Coit Tower there's still plenty to do. At the bottom of Telegraph Hill you are in the North Beach district, San Francisco's Little Italy where you'll find some fantastic cafes and restaurants.
Copyright 2008
S.F. Visitor Pages