Visiting Coit Tower

Have you ever had one of those places that you always mean to visit but never get around to? Coit Tower has been one of those places for me. Every time I’m in San Francisco I intend to visit it but I never do (kind of like the Steinbeck Center, hmmm).

But I finally made it. I finally visited Coit Tower. Luckily, there’s a city bus that takes you directly to it. Thank goodness because it is up on a hill and I didn’t really feel like walking there. We caught the bus near Washington Square and it was a short tip to our destination.

The minute we got off the bus we were awestruck by the amazing views.

As you can see, it was the perfect day to visit. So incredibly beautiful. After we got over our wonder we headed inside to check it out.

A little backstory first. The tower was is named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit who was devoted to San Francisco’s firefighters. When she died in 1929 she left some money intended to beautify the city and the tower was built. In 1934 murals were added to the interior as part of the WPA program. These murals depict life in California during the time period they were created – the Great Depression.

I’m thinking that’s a reason nobody looks happy in these paintings. Regardless of their dour subject matter they are an amazing glimpse into the artwork and the realities of the mid-thirties. The color is amazing and the murals cover the entire circumference of the ground floor. Incredible.
Now, if you want to go to the top there is a $7 fee for the elevator. We decided to go for it. When we got to the top I was amazed at how there was really nothing up there. It’s a small space with a few windows offering views of the surrounding area. It’s not exactly an observation deck.
The views are incredible but not much different from the area surrounding the tower. As the atmosphere is non existent I would suggest skipping the elevator ride and just admiring the murals and the area outside of the tower.
Regardless, I’m so happy to have checked Coit Tower off my list of things to do in San Francisco. Next time maybe I’ll finally visit the Exploratorium!
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94133

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