Grandview Park (Turtle Hill) San Francisco
A hidden gem offering breathtaking 360° views of San Francisco, the Pacific, and the Golden Gate Bridge, accessed via vibrant tiled steps.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unobstructed city & ocean views
Grandview Park (Turtle Hill) San Francisco
Best Time
Unobstructed city & ocean views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem offering breathtaking 360° views of San Francisco, the Pacific, and the Golden Gate Bridge, accessed via vibrant tiled steps.
"This hidden gem is a must-visit, but make sure to pick a clear day to truly enjoy its magic!"
🎯 Check the Fog Forecast!
San Francisco fog can ruin views. Aim for a clear day for the best experience.
👟 Conquer the Tiled Steps
Over 100 steps! Wear comfy shoes. The view is worth the climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City & Ocean Views
Summit of Turtle Hill
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Iconic Tiled Steps
Base of the park
A vibrant, artistic staircase leading up to the summit, perfect for photos and a unique ascent.
Sunset Spectacle
Summit of Turtle Hill
Witness a spectacular sunset painting the sky with fiery colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Navigating the Steps & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Fog Forecast!
San Francisco fog can ruin views. Aim for a clear day for the best experience.
👟 Conquer the Tiled Steps
Over 100 steps! Wear comfy shoes. The view is worth the climb.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Capture stunning skyline, ocean, and bridge shots. Golden hour is magical.
🥂 Sunset Champagne Toast
Bring a bottle to share and enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Fog Forecast!
San Francisco fog can ruin views. Aim for a clear day for the best experience.
👟 Conquer the Tiled Steps
Over 100 steps! Wear comfy shoes. The view is worth the climb.
📸 Photographer's Paradise
Capture stunning skyline, ocean, and bridge shots. Golden hour is magical.
🥂 Sunset Champagne Toast
Bring a bottle to share and enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
🚗 Parking is Tricky
Street parking is limited. Consider ride-sharing or public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Grandview Park for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city, ocean, and Golden Gate Bridge, especially during sunset. The unique tiled steps are a major highlight, adding artistic flair to the experience. However, the park's magic is highly dependent on clear weather, as fog can completely obscure the views, and the lack of amenities like restrooms is a drawback.
"We made repeated attempts to enjoy the views from Grandview Park during our visit in August 2024. On our first visit, we encountered dense fog—visibility was barely 5 feet, and we couldn’t see anything beyond the staircase. The second attempt was also cloudy and underwhelming.
Finally, on our third daytime visit, the weather was clear—and it was absolutely worth the wait. From the top, we enjoyed a stunning 360-degree panorama: the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park, downtown San Francisco, and even a distant view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The iconic tiled steps leading up added an artistic and colorful touch to the experience.
This hidden gem is a must-visit, but make sure to pick a clear day to truly enjoy its magic!"
Haresh Modi
"No bathroom, playground or picnic areas but still one of my favorite parks in San Fran and of all time. I love that if you take photos from The north south east and west and you get 4 different landscapes. It’s like being on top of the city and looking down at everything. The stairs going up is over 100 steps not for the faint of hearted. The views one a up to are well worth it and if the stairs didn’t take your breath away the views will. Beach Ocean and city views. Called this The sunset for the longest."
Katrina Jenkins
"My favorite place to watch sunset in San Francisco, with sweeping views from downtown to the Golden Gate Bridge to the Pacific Ocean and south along the coast.
Bring a bottle of champagne and share with a friend."
Josiah Roe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grandview Park is located at Moraga St & 14th Ave. The most popular way to access it is via the iconic tiled steps. Public transport options include buses that stop nearby, and ride-sharing services are a convenient alternative to difficult street parking.
Street parking in the residential neighborhood surrounding Grandview Park can be very limited and challenging to find. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing services or public transportation to avoid the frustration of searching for a spot.
The most scenic route to the top is by climbing the beautiful tiled steps. Be prepared for over 100 steps, which offer a good workout before you reach the summit.
Yes, several Muni bus lines serve the area near Grandview Park. Check local transit schedules for routes that stop closest to Moraga Street and 14th Avenue.
The primary access to the viewpoint involves climbing a significant number of stairs. While the views are spectacular, the steep tiled steps may present a challenge for those with mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Grandview Park is a public park and entry is completely free. You can visit anytime between sunrise and sunset.
Grandview Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, offering opportunities for both morning strolls and evening sunset views.
There is no admission fee to enter Grandview Park. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy the stunning San Francisco views.
Grandview Park is open from sunrise to sunset. While sunset visits are popular, it is not officially open for nighttime access.
No, there are no timed entry requirements. You can visit Grandview Park at your leisure during its operating hours, from sunrise to sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views for cityscapes and ocean shots. The tiled steps themselves are also a very popular and photogenic feature.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for photography. However, clear daytime views offer excellent visibility of the entire city and bay.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive city and ocean panoramas. A standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots, and a tripod can be helpful for sunset photography.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways or steps.
The steps are beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, creating a colorful and unique foreground element for photos, especially when combined with the city views beyond.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is enjoying the stunning panoramic views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. It's also a great spot for photography and watching the sunset.
No, there are no public restrooms available at Grandview Park. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and sunset times tend to be busier, especially on clear days. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded.
Bring comfortable shoes for the stairs, water, and a camera. For sunset, consider a light jacket as it can get breezy, and perhaps a blanket or champagne to celebrate.
Grandview Park is primarily a viewpoint and does not have dedicated picnic areas or playgrounds. It's more suited for enjoying the views and a short visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children, the stairs might be a bit much, and the lack of amenities means it's best for a shorter visit focused on the view. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near the stairs and at the viewpoint. Bringing snacks and water is recommended, as there are no facilities available.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best results, aim for golden hour during sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft and dramatic. However, even on a clear day, the views are spectacular. Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions during sunset and a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Fitness Buffs
While not a strenuous hike, it offers a satisfying physical challenge for those looking to incorporate some activity into their sightseeing. Wear comfortable athletic shoes to make the climb easier and more enjoyable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Tiled Steps
Many visitors find the climb over 100 steps to be a rewarding challenge. The intricate patterns and bright colors of the tiles make the journey engaging, turning a simple walk into an artistic experience. It's a perfect spot to pause, admire the craftsmanship, and capture some memorable shots.
These steps are often compared to the famous 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, another beloved mosaic staircase in San Francisco. Visiting both can offer a delightful exploration of the city's artistic public spaces.
Chasing the Perfect View: Weather & Timing
To maximize your chances of experiencing the breathtaking vistas, checking the weather forecast is crucial. Clear, sunny days are ideal for seeing the full sweep of downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the vast Pacific Ocean. Many visitors recommend visiting during the day for unobstructed views, while others specifically seek out the park for its renowned sunsets.
Sunset at Grandview Park is a particularly popular time, with the sky often erupting in a display of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. However, this also means it can be more crowded. For a more serene experience, consider a weekday morning or afternoon on a clear day.
Grandview Park vs. Twin Peaks: A Local's Perspective
Twin Peaks provides a more central, sweeping view of the entire downtown skyline and the bay. Grandview Park, situated further west, offers a fantastic perspective of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park, and a different angle of the city skyline, including glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Many Reddit users suggest Grandview Park as an excellent 'off the beaten path' option for those wanting to escape the typical tourist crowds. The combination of the artistic tiled steps and the expansive, less-congested views makes it a unique and cherished spot for many San Franciscans.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit