CALL US! 1-415-766-2722 Fun@SanFranciscoJeepTours.com
CALL US! 1-415-766-2722 Fun@SanFranciscoJeepTours.com

Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill – Views, Murals & Magic on a Private San Francisco Tour

Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill — San Francisco Views, Murals, Parrots & Skyline Magic

Experience Coit Tower on Your Private San Francisco Jeep Tour

Riding up Telegraph Hill in an open-air Jeep toward Coit Tower feels like a scene out of a San Francisco movie. No steep stair climbs, no impossible parking, no crowded buses — just your small group, a fun local guide, and sweeping skyline views.

On our Private San Francisco City Tour or Custom San Francisco Tour,

Coit Tower becomes more than a photo stop — it’s a peaceful hilltop escape with stories, murals, gardens, parrots, and views that stretch across the Bay.

Telegraph Hill captures the spirit of San Francisco — scenic, quirky, full of character, and always memorable.


Why Coit Tower Matters (And Why Locals Love It)

Coit Tower is pure San Francisco personality. It’s where:

Skyline views stretch across the Bay

Depression-era murals tell powerful stories

Hidden stairways wander through lush hillside gardens

Wild parrots screech overhead

Visitors experience a true “wow” moment

This landmark doesn’t just show you San Francisco — it feels like San Francisco.


What Is Coit Tower and Why Should You Visit?

Standing 210 feet tall atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower is an Art Deco icon known for its stunning bay views and vibrant WPA murals.

Here’s what makes it unforgettable:

Views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge & Alcatraz

26 muralists painting during the Great Depression

Garden-lined staircases on all sides of the hill

Famous wild parrots soaring overhead

A legacy tied to San Francisco’s beloved Lillie Hitchcock Coit

Whether you walk up the Filbert Steps or ride up on a Jeep tour, Coit Tower is a highlight of exploring  North Beach & Little Italy


Scenic Views from the Base — No Elevator Ride Needed

The base of Coit Tower offers postcard views without needing to ride to the top:

Pro Tip: Sunrise and sunset offer the best photo light.


A Brief History: Who Was Lillie Hitchcock Coit?

Lillie Hitchcock Coit was a colorful San Franciscan known for her devotion to the city’s volunteer firefighters. At age 15, she famously helped a fire engine battle its way uphill — a moment that defined her adventurous spirit.

When she died in 1929, she left a large part of her estate “to beautify the city I have always loved,” which funded:

  • The construction of Coit Tower
  • The firefighter statue in Washington Square

Inside the Tower: New Deal-Era Murals with a Message

Inside the tower’s rotunda, you’ll find vivid WPA murals from 1934 showing scenes of everyday life:

Farmers, dockworkers, and market vendors

Libraries, factories, and bustling city streets

Bold political themes about labor and inequality

Art styles influenced by Diego Rivera

Mural tours are available for an additional fee.


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Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

A quiet bench on the west side glows at golden hour

A small overlook east of the tower perfectly frames the Bay Bridge

Parrots are easiest to spot near the Filbert Steps

Locals watch July 4th fireworks from Pioneer Park’s southern edge


What You’ll Learn Here

Telegraph Hill’s surprising signaling history

How the WPA muralists changed American public art

The story behind San Francisco’s famous parrots

Why Coit Tower remains an enduring city icon


Perfect Photo Moments

Alcatraz framed from the north overlook

Bay Bridge peek-through between cypress trees

Skyline shots facing south over North Beach

Golden-hour portraits near Pioneer Park

Parrots swooping through the trees

Your tour guide will help you capture great group photos.


Accessibility Notes

The base viewing areas and mural level are wheelchair accessible

Parking is extremely limited

Filbert & Greenwich Steps are steep but beautiful

Our Jeeps provide easy, no-stairs access


Before & After Ideas


Telegraph Hill’s Famous Parrots


Nearby Café & Freebies

Coit Tower Café (open 9:30 AM–6 PM) serves:

  • Espresso & coffee drinks
  • Pastries & sandwiches
  • Pizza & frozen yogurt

Free inside the tower:

  • Ground-floor murals
  • Gift shop

Elevator tickets to the top cost $4–$11.


Coit Tower on the Big Screen

  • Dr. Doolittle (1998)
  • Homeward Bound II (1996)
  • Sister Act 2 (1993)
  • The Enforcer (1976)
  • The House on Telegraph Hill (1951)

FAQs: Planning Your Visit to Coit Tower

What are Coit Tower’s hours?

Daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Last elevator ticket sold at 5:30 PM.

Is Coit Tower wheelchair accessible?

Yes — the elevator and base viewing areas are accessible.

How much does it cost to go up?

Elevator access costs between $4–$11, depending on age and residency. Base access is free.

Are guided tours available?

Yes. Docent-led mural tours are available for $5–$10 per person.

Where can I park?

Parking is extremely limited. Walking or riding with us is recommended.


Additional Helpful FAQs

Is this stop included on a Private San Francisco Tour?

Yes — it’s one of our signature scenic stops.

How long do we stay?

Usually 10–20 minutes, depending on your custom route.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or golden hour for the best photos.

Can we walk the Filbert Steps?

Yes — your guide can adjust your tour route.

Are the parrots always visible?

Best sightings are mornings and late afternoons.


Experience Coit Tower on a Private San Francisco Jeep Tour

Book your Private San Francisco Jeep Tour today and see Coit Tower like a local — no uphill climb required.


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Telegraph Hill is pure San Francisco: wild parrots, old stories, and views that make your camera work overtime.

Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill FAQ

Perched high above the city, Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill offer some of the best views in San Francisco—plus murals, parrots, and classic neighborhood stairways. Here are the most common questions visitors ask when planning a stop.

What are Coit Tower’s hours?

Quick intro: Good to know before you head up the hill.

Coit Tower is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. The last elevator ticket is sold at 5:30 PM.

Is Coit Tower wheelchair accessible?

Quick intro: Accessibility details at a glance.

Yes. Coit Tower’s elevator and base viewing areas are wheelchair accessible.

How much does it cost to go up?

Quick intro: What’s free vs. ticketed.

Elevator access costs between $4 and $11 per person, depending on age and residency. Access to the ground floor, murals, and gift shop is free.

Are guided tours available?

Quick intro: A great option if you love art and history.

Yes. Small group docent-led mural tours are available inside Coit Tower for an additional fee, typically between $5 and $10 per person.

Where can I park?

Quick intro: Parking is the trickiest part of visiting.

Parking near Coit Tower is extremely limited. Visitors are encouraged to walk the Filbert or Greenwich Steps, use public transit or rideshare, or book a Private San Francisco Jeep Tour to avoid the steep drive and scarce parking.

Is Coit Tower included on a Private San Francisco Tour?

Quick intro: One of the city’s classic viewpoints.

Yes. Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill are signature viewpoints included on many Private San Francisco Jeep Tours, offering skyline vistas and great photo opportunities.

How long do we stay at Coit Tower during a tour?

Quick intro: Enough time for views and photos.

Most Private San Francisco Jeep Tours spend 10 to 20 minutes at Coit Tower, though timing can be customized based on your interests and photo plans.

When is the best time to visit Coit Tower?

Quick intro: Timing makes a big difference for light and crowds.

Early morning and golden hour just before sunset offer the best light, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds.

Can we walk the Filbert Steps during a private tour?

Quick intro: A favorite add-on for adventurous guests.

Yes. Guides can customize your tour so you can explore part of the Filbert or Greenwich Steps on foot and rejoin the Jeep at the top or bottom.

Are the wild parrots always around?

Quick intro: One of Telegraph Hill’s most fun surprises.

The wild parrots of Telegraph Hill are most commonly seen and heard in the mornings and late afternoons, especially near the Filbert Steps and trees around Pioneer Park.

Bottom line: Coit Tower combines views, murals, and classic San Francisco character—especially when paired with a stroll on Telegraph Hill or a stop on a private city tour.


Nearby Attractions to Pair with Coit Tower & Telegraph Hill on a Jeep Tour route

Coit Tower is all about elevation and views, so it works best when paired with nearby neighborhoods and waterfront stops below.

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