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Coit Tower, sitting pretty on Telegraph Hill is more than just a pretty view of San Francisco. This iconic landmark has a rich history and some fun facts that will make you want to visit ASAP.
So pack your hiking shoes, and let’s dive in!
Coit Tower is a 210-foot Art Deco landmark perched atop Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, best known for its panoramic views, Depression-era murals, and colorful local legends. Built in the 1930s, the tower has become one of the city’s most recognizable icons and a popular stop for visitors exploring North Beach, the Embarcadero, and downtown waterfront views.
These fun facts aren’t just trivia — they explain why Coit Tower is such a unique place to visit today, from its unusual origins to the artwork, views, and stories you’ll experience on Telegraph Hill.
Coit Tower is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite who had a soft spot for local firefighters. When she passed, she left a third of her fortune (nearly $2 million in today’s dollars) to beautify San Francisco. For visitors, this means the tower isn’t just a viewpoint—it’s a landmark rooted in personal legacy and civic pride.
Coit Tower is sometimes called the “Coit Memorial Tower” in honor of volunteer firefighters who lost their lives in San Francisco’s great fires. Despite popular belief, it was not officially designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle—even though the resemblance is hard to ignore.
The architectural firm that designed San Francisco City Hall also designed Coit Tower, with architect Henry Howard leading the project. Knowing this adds another layer of appreciation for visitors interested in San Francisco’s civic architecture.
Coit Tower’s sleek vertical design was intentional. The diameter difference between the bottom and top of the tower is only about 18 inches, helping it look balanced and elegant rather than top-heavy.
Inside the tower are murals created during the Great Depression as part of the Public Works of Art Project.
These murals depict everyday life in 1930s California and remain one of the most powerful examples of New Deal public art in San Francisco.
During the 1934 longshoremen’s strike, some murals were painted over and the tower was temporarily closed to the public due to fears that the artwork was too politically charged. That controversy is part of what makes the murals so compelling today.
Of the 26 artists who worked on the murals, four were women—a notable achievement at the time.
The entire mural project was completed on budget, costing just over $26,000.
Shortly after Coit Tower opened, a nearby café owner reportedly fired a rifle at it, complaining that the tower ruined his view. The incident adds a quirky chapter to the tower’s long history of stirring opinions.
Telegraph Hill is home to a famous flock of wild parrots often heard squawking around Coit Tower. Spotting—or hearing—them adds an unexpected and unforgettable moment to a visit.
Today, Coit Tower is both a historic landmark and a scenic viewpoint, making it a rewarding stop for visitors interested in San Francisco history, art, and skyline views.
From the base of the tower, visitors can explore the famous Depression-era murals inside, which depict scenes of everyday life in California during the 1930s. From the top, you’ll find panoramic views stretching across downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the waterfront.
Most visitors spend about 30–60 minutes at Coit Tower, often pairing it with time exploring Telegraph Hill, the nearby stairways, or a walk through North Beach and Little Italy below. Wildlife lovers may also spot
(or hear) the famous wild parrots that live around the hill.
Because of its hilltop location and narrow access roads, many visitors choose to include Coit Tower as part of a guided city sightseeing route rather than navigating parking on their own.
Travel tip: If Coit Tower is on your must-see list, this is one of those stops that’s way more fun when someone else handles the steep roads and tricky parking. On a private Jeep tour, you can request a Coit Tower / Telegraph Hill viewpoint and keep the day moving smoothly. Check tour availability.
Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill are popular stops or viewpoints on several private San Francisco Jeep Tours. Depending on tour length and traffic, your guide can include a stop near the tower or a panoramic viewpoint overlooking North Beach and the waterfront.
Coit Tower was funded by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left a third of her fortune to beautify San Francisco.
It became a memorial connected to the city’s volunteer firefighters and grew into one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks.
Yes. Many of the New Deal-era murals remain on the interior walls and are one of the coolest parts of visiting.
They depict everyday life in 1930s California and come with plenty of history (and a little controversy, too).
Early morning and golden hour are the sweet spots—better light, cooler temps, and usually fewer crowds.
On a clear day, you’ll catch big views of downtown, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the waterfront.
Parking and access roads can be tight up there, so lots of visitors either walk the stairways around Telegraph Hill, use rideshare/transit, or include Coit Tower as a stop on a guided sightseeing route so someone else handles the logistics.
Look (and listen) around the hill—especially along the stairways and trees near Coit Tower. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but their calls usually give them away. More details here: Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
Two great options are the Private Group San Francisco Sightseeing Jeep Tour and the San Francisco City Lights or Sunset Private Jeep Tour. If Coit Tower is a must, just tell your guide—it can be added as a stop or viewpoint depending on timing and traffic.
