Sunset at Twin Peaks
Two 922-foot summits in the geographic center of the city. The panorama from Christmas Tree Point sweeps from the Farallon Islands to the East Bay hills.
The inside local's take
The eastern peak has a paved overlook that fills up 30 minutes before sunset. For solitude, hike the loop trail around both summits — it takes 25 minutes.
Bring a real jacket. Twin Peaks catches the incoming Pacific fog first, and temperatures can drop 20°F from downtown on a summer evening.
Stay for blue hour: downtown, the Bay Bridge, and Oakland light up in a way that makes the crowded overlook worth it.
More things to do
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Ride the Powell-Hyde Cable Car
The world's last manually operated cable car system. Hang from the running board as you clang over Nob Hill and plunge down toward Ghirardelli Square.
Watch Sea Lions at Pier 39
The rowdy California sea lion colony has ruled K-Dock since 1990. Free viewing platforms, hundreds of barking residents, and sourdough shops steps away.
Drive Lombard Street
Eight tight hairpin turns down a hydrangea-lined block — the 'crookedest street in the world' — with Alcatraz framed at the bottom of the descent.