Four Top Views of San Francisco

1. Carnelian Room
Bank of America Building
555 California Street (corner of Kearny Street)
(415) 433-7500

Located on the 52^nd floor of the Bank of America Building, the Carnelian Room is a private dining room for members of the Banker’s Club by day and open to the public for drinks and dining only in the evening and for weekend brunch. At 781 feet above the ground, this is the highest man-made perspective from which to view San Francisco and the surrounding areas. Drinks and a meal aren’t cheap, but remember that the price includes unbeatable views. Oenophiles will be happy to note that the Carnelian Room has one of America’s largest restaurant wine cellars. To make reservations online, visit the Carnelian Room's web site.

2. Coit Tower
on top of Telegraph Hill (Lombard and Kearny Streets)
(415) 362-0808

The 180-foot tall Coit Tower, built with funds from the estate of Lillie Hitchcock Coit and visible from all over the city, is often considered a monument to the city's volunteer firefighters. In fact, many people see a resemblance between the tower itself and a fire-hose nozzle. While there are interesting WPA murals inside, the real attraction is the panoramic views from the top. Note that despite the fact that you can ride an elevator almost to the top of the tower, the series of steps to the base and the short staircase to the observation deck mean that this attraction is not wheelchair accessible. For more information about visiting Coit Tower, see the related article.

3. Marin Headlands
Visitors Center (415) 331-1540

Whether you hike the well-marked trails or simply stop your car at one of the many viewing spots that dot the Bay-side road, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city beyond. Benches are available in some of the better viewing areas for those who want to linger. For detailed directions and other information, visit the National Park Service web site (since they are the ones who oversee and maintain the Headlands).

4. Top of the Mark
Mark Hopkins Inter-Continental Hotel
1 Nob Hill (corner of California and Mason Streets)
(415) 392-3434

Once the private, eleven-room apartment of a San Francisco copper magnate, this 18^th floor space in the Mark Hopkins Inter-Continental Hotel was transformed into a cocktail lounge in 1939 and was immediately a popular spot frequented by performers like Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. Glass walls provide spectacular 360^o views. To check out their entertainment schedule, visit the Top of the Mark web site.