Coit Tower represents another San Francisco signature
landmark, one that appears in all the movies when we're supposed to
understand that the action will take place in San Francisco. It sits at the
top of Telegraph Hill, in a great location with gorgeous views all around.
It's a popular tourist attraction and if you come here by car and on a
weekend you'll wait ages to get to the parking lot at the top. I prefer to
hike up Telegraph Hill and do some little exercise along the way - well,
weather permitting :) There's also a MUNI bus that goes to Coit Tower,
the #39. The tower was built in 1933 with funds left by Lillie Hitchcock Coit,
an eccentric San Franciscan. Inside, the lobby is decorated with murals
(since I like their story I'll write a separate tip about them). A short
elevator ascent will take you to the observation deck where you'll find the
gorgeous views I was talking about. There's Bay Bridge to the east, downtown
San Francisco with Transamerica to the south, Marin County to the north and
Russian Hill and the Golden Gate Bridge to the west. The tickets for the
observation deck are sold in the gift shop (to tell you the truth,
I think $3.50 is too expensive, but hey, you're on vacation). I almost
forgot; the architect was Arthur Brown, who's done quite a bit of work in
the San Francisco area including the San Francisco City Hall.
