The Most Famous Hill in San Francisco
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They say San Francisco builds character one hill at a time—and after six years of living on Nob Hill in my early 20s, I can confirm that’s absolutely true (and so can my calves). The city’s iconic hills aren’t just steep—they’re storied. Each one has its own vibe, its own view, its own little slice of magic.
From the postcard-perfect curves of Lombard Street, the most famous hill in San Francisco, to the quiet, tree-lined charm of Pacific Heights, walking these hills feels like flipping through chapters of a living novel.
Whether you’re chasing views, history, or just a good workout, the hills of San Francisco are where the city truly comes alive. Let’s climb.
The 7 Hills of San Francisco, California
- The most famous hill — Lombard Street
- The tallest hill — Mount Davidson
- The highest point in San Francisco — Twin Peaks
1. Lombard Street
Lombard Street isn’t really the crookedest street in the world, though that’s what they say.
What it is, is a performance—eight sharp turns laid out like ribbon candy on a hill so steep it feels like gravity is daring you to let go.
I used to walk it in the late afternoon, when the sun caught the red bricks just right and the hydrangeas spilled over their borders like they couldn’t help themselves. It was never really about the street. It was about the way tourists whispered like they’d stumbled into something sacred.
About the quiet hum of car engines inching their way down, one cautious foot on the brake, like they were reverent too. A place that insists on slowing you down, even in a city that never really does.
2. Nob Hill
Nob Hill is perched above Union Square at the intersection of California Street and Powell Street.
Once home to the mansions of the Big Four railroad barons, C. P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Mark Hopkins, and Leland Stanford, Nob Hill retains a sense of wealth and privilege.
Now those mansions are famous hotels.
At the top of Nob Hill is a small park in a square where I’d walk when I lived there. There are breathtaking city views from every angle, and the beautiful Grace Cathedral sits next to the park.
I lived on Pine Street, a block from the top of the hill. We’d walk the steep block up a drastic incline to the Big 4 bar, one of the best bars in San Francisco; it’s dark and cozy with a piano player tickling the keys.
After a few drinks, it was nice that the walk home was downhill.
Nob Hill is beautiful, especially at the top, with grand hotels like The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, The Huntington Hotel, and the Fairmont Hotel.
The streetcar lines run right through Nob Hill, a great place to jump on the historic cable cars.
3. Russian Hill
A notable feature of Russian Hill is its stunning San Francisco Bay and skyline views.
You’ll find the beautiful and historic cable car turnaround at Hyde and Beach Streets in Russian Hill.
Russian Hill is known for its charming and diverse community. The neighborhood is home to a mix of families, young professionals, and longtime residents, and it has a lively restaurant and nightlife scene.
Powell Street and Mason Street cable cars continue one block up Jackson, then lurch right onto Mason Street (the Cable Car Museum is a block to your left, at Mason & Washington), which they follow along the eastern shoulder of Russian Hill into North Beach.
Travel Tip: The Cable Car Museum is a ton of fun! Free Admission
To visit North Beach (the Italian section of SF), get off at Union Street to enter the heart of North Beach at Washington Square.
4. Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill is known for its stunning views, unique architecture, and historic landmarks.
At the top of Telegraph Hill, you’ll find Coit Tower, a prominent Art Deco tower that offers some of the best panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy 360-degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline.
The Filbert Steps, a steep staircase that winds up the hillside, is a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and sightseers.
The steps are also home to some of the city’s most charming gardens and historic homes and the Parrots of Telegraph Hill, a flock of wild parrots that have made the neighborhood their home. The parrots are a beloved part of the community, often seen and heard flying overhead.
5. Rincon Hill
Rincon Hill is a neighborhood in San Francisco. It features the Salesforce Tower, the tallest skyscraper in San Francisco and one of the tallest buildings on the West Coast.
The tower is a modern marvel of engineering and design, offering stunning views of the city and the surrounding Bay Area.
Rincon Hill is located in one of the most convenient locations in San Francisco.
The neighborhood is just a short walk from the Financial District, Ferry Building, Embarcadero, and several popular restaurants and bars, many of which offer stunning views of the city and the Bay.
6. Twin Peaks
At an elevation of over 900 feet, Twin Peaks is one of the highest points in San Francisco, and visitors who make the climb to the top are rewarded with truly breathtaking panoramic views (take a jacket, it’s always cold and windy up there).
From the top of Twin Peaks, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the entire San Francisco skyline.
Twin Peaks is also a popular destination for amateur and professional photographers.
The hilltop offers some of the best vantage points for capturing the beauty of San Francisco, especially during sunrise and sunset.
I’ve been there hundreds of times to take in the views, and each time a new family member would visit me in San Francisco, I have a large family!
7. Mount Sutro
Mount Sutro is a forested hill in San Francisco, home to the Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, a 61-acre forested area, and a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
The reserve is home to various flora and fauna, including redwood trees, oak trees, and different bird species.
One of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Sutro is the Historic Trail, which winds through the forest and past several historic landmarks, including the ruins of the Sutro Baths. This former public swimming pool was destroyed by fire in 1966.
The trail also offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Mount Sutro is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Mount Sutro Forest Observatory, a former astronomical observatory built in 1891. The observatory is now closed to the public but remains a fascinating piece of San Francisco’s history.
8. Mount Davidson
Mount Davidson, a unique and beautiful landmark in San Francisco, is the city’s tallest hill, with the highest peak defined by a 100-foot cross on its peak.
The cross was erected in 1934 and has since been a symbol of faith and hope for many San Franciscans.
It boasts a prominent peak with an elevation of 927 feet (282 meters) above sea level. It’s the highest point in the city and offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
The mountain is home to various plant and animal species, and its trails provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Overall, Mount Davidson offers natural beauty, religious symbolism, and historical significance. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike, reflect, or enjoy the beautiful views, Mount Davidson is worth visiting.
Why is San Francisco full of hills?
San Francisco is full of hills because of its unique geological and topographical features. The city is situated on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, with the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the east and the Coast Ranges to the west.
During the Ice Age, glaciers carved out the Bay and surrounding hills, leaving behind a complex landscape of ridges and valleys.
Over time, erosion and tectonic activity further shaped the hills, resulting in the steep and rugged terrain that characterizes San Francisco today.
The city’s urban development and infrastructure have adapted to these natural features, creating a cityscape with a distinct and iconic skyline defined by its numerous hills.
How Many hills are in San Francisco?
It is hard to say precisely how many hills there are in San Francisco. It depends on how you define a hill and whether it has to have “hill” in the name, so opinions differ significantly.
An SFGATE writer claims there are 53 hills after he attempted to walk every hill in San Francisco.
In the book titled, “Hills of San Francisco,” 42 hills are included.
What is the steepest hill in San Francisco?
Bradford Street’s 41% grade earns the distinguished honor of being San Francisco’s steepest hill.
Despite its unremarkable appearance, this lengthy and imposing road culminates in breathtaking views of the Alemany Farmers’ Market, John McClaren Park, and other scenic attractions on the southern side.
According to the city’s Bureau of Engineering, Filbert between Leavenworth and Hyde is the steepest.
Fun Fact: Vermont Street on Potrero Hill, is actually the most crooked street in San Francisco.
What are the least hilly neighborhoods in San Francisco?
Despite the many hills that San Francisco is known for, there are still plenty of neighborhoods that offer relatively flat terrain.
The Sunset, the Richmond, and the Mission districts are among the most popular neighborhoods for those seeking a less hilly living environment, while the Embarcadero, Dogpatch, and Bayview neighborhoods also feature large stretches of flat land.
An interactive map, created by a UC Berkeley graduate student studying urban planning, provides a helpful tool for identifying the flattest areas of the city. By using simple color coding, the map allows you to plan your walking accordingly.
Famous Hill in San Francisco: FAQs
What is the name of the famous hill in San Francisco?
Russian Hill is the hill in San Francisco with the “crookedest street in the world” on it. Lombard Street is known for the one-way block between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets.
Where are the famous hills in San Francisco?
Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, Rincon Hill, Mount Davidson, Twin Peaks, and Mount Sutro.
What is the most famous road in San Francisco?
That would be called the “crookedest street in the world” Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth streets on Russian Hill.
Why is Nob Hill Famous?
The neighborhood is named as on a Francisco’s original “Seven Hills.” Nob Hill is a luxury destination in San Francisco, owing to its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, famous hotels, boutiques, cultural institutions, art galleries, and historical landmarks.
What street in San Francisco is on a famous hill?
Lombard Street, also known as the “Crookedest Street in the World,” is one of San Francisco’s most popular landmarks. Millions of visitors walk or drive down its eight sharp hairpin turns yearly.
What are the two most famous hills in San Francisco?
Lombard Street and Twin Peaks are the two most famous hills in San Francisco. The latter is the same name of a famous 1990s TV show.
What about Telegraph Hill in San Francisco?
Telegraph Hill is considered one of the “Original 7” hills that make up most people’s lists. Telegraph Hill is almost always included as one of the original seven.
What is it like to drive in San Francisco?
It is fun driving in San Francisco, coming from someone who drove a stick shift and lived on Nob Hill. It’s thrilling. That car didn’t last long. Sometimes it would take me an hour to find parking in my Nob Hill neighborhood; I’d usually give up and drive to the easiest part of town to park and have dinner, and then try to park in my hood again.
What is the steepest street in San Francisco?
The steepest street in San Francisco is Bradford Street, specifically the portion above Tompkins in the Bernal Heights neighborhood.
What is the steepest hill in San Francisco?
The grand honor of San Francisco’s steepest hill goes to Bradford Street’s 41% grade!
The Wrap Up: The Most Famous Hill in San Francisco
Walking up San Francisco’s many hills can be a memorable and invigorating experience, offering both physical and mental challenges along with stunning views of this iconic city.
From the top of the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, taking in the colorful architecture, bustling streets, and diverse neighborhoods.
You may also come across hidden staircases and gardens that you might not have noticed from street level. San Francisco is truly a unique town.
Read More About California
- The Best Private San Francisco to Napa Tour
- Napa Valley in the Fall
- The Catalina Island Ferry: Everything You Need to Know
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- How to Plan a Road Trip in 19 Steps
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
