The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the nation's most scenic regions, with endless views of rolling hills, towering trees and of course, the magnificent Pacific. Here are a few of the very best places in the bay to take in some venerable vistas.
Catch an unbeatable view of San Francisco from atop Telegraph Hill in Coit Tower, the city's famous landmark built in honor of its firefighting heroes. Telegraph Hill Boulevard is the only direct road, and weekend visitors should consider hiking rather than driving as heavy traffic and parking restrictions make car travel here tricky.
Take in the Bay's finest vistas just east of San Francisco's Sutro Tower at Twin Peaks. Reachable by vehicle on Twin Peaks Boulevard, the well-frequented overlook on Christmas Tree Point Road furnishes a picture-perfect panorama that will take your breath away.
Consider a couple of options when in Berkeley for a bird's-eye perspective of the entire region. A favorite is on top of Grizzly Peak at the Lawrence Hall of Science, where a roomy outdoor plaza provides a panoramic look at everything from downtown Oakland to Mount Tamalpais in Marin. Another superb site is iconic Indian Rock Park, just a block above the Arlington Circle roundabout; climbing the stairway chiseled into these mammoth boulders to savor a sunset view is a Berkeley tradition.
Visit yet another Berkeley lookout worth a stop, located at the city's attractive University of California campus, the Campanile Bell Tower (also known as Sather Tower) has amazing views far and wide. The top can be reached by elevator, and the carillon is still played at regular intervals during fall and spring semesters.
Journey to Contra Costa County's Mount Diablo, a bit of a trek (but worth it), not far south of the town of Clayton. According to signage at Diablo's peak, the Mountain provides more viewable area than any other peak in the world aside from Mount Kilimanjaro. While that claim goes unfounded, it does provide stupendous views in all directions, as well as hiking trails and a rich history-including once serving as the home of Grizzly Adams.
Head to the Chabot Space & Science Center in the Oakland Hills for a view that reaches well beyond the region's diverse landscapes. A world-class telescope furnishes spectacular views of the solar system. Views of the region from the naked eye are impressive here as well, and the center has frequent special events and parties-including late-night stargazing fun.
Head north of San Francisco to Marin County, where Mount Tamalpais provides awesome vistas of the region and the Pacific from Panoramic Highway. You can drive to the East Peak Summit area, which features a snack bar, restrooms and a visitors center. On a nice day, you can spot the far-off Farallon Islands, and Tamalpais' Mountain Amphitheatre provides one of the most memorable sites anywhere to watch a play.
