Iconic Landmarks

The city's postcard moments

From the International Orange span of the Golden Gate to Beaux-Arts rotundas and Depression-era towers — the six landmarks that define San Francisco.

Icon

Golden Gate Bridge

The 1.7-mile International Orange span opened in 1937 and still steals every San Francisco skyline. Walk it from Battery East for the classic view.

History

Alcatraz Island

The federal penitentiary that held Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. Ferries leave Pier 33; the cellhouse audio tour is one of America's finest.

Architecture

Painted Ladies of Alamo Square

The famous row of pastel Victorians on Steiner Street, with the downtown skyline framed perfectly behind them from the park's east lawn.

Viewpoint

Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill

A 210-foot Art Deco fluted column crowning Telegraph Hill. Ride the elevator up for a 360° panorama and admire the Depression-era WPA murals inside.

Architecture

Palace of Fine Arts

A 1915 Beaux-Arts rotunda reflected in its lagoon. The last standing structure from the Panama-Pacific Exposition and one of SF's most photographed spots.

Landmark

Ferry Building

The 245-foot clock tower on the Embarcadero. Inside, a legendary marketplace of oysters, chocolate, and Blue Bottle coffee under vaulted skylights.