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Sunset

Golden Hour at the Pyramid

Watch the sun dip below the skyline from the base of the city's most iconic tower, starting with a coffee in the shadow of the spire.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 90 min

Timeline

  1. 15:59

    Caffe Greco

    Grab an espresso at Caffe Trieste. The European atmosphere and curbside tables make it a perfect spot to settle in before the crowds arrive. It is a local favorite for a reason.

  2. 16:34

    Cafe Zoetrope

    Walk four minutes to Cafe Zoetrope. Located in the Sentinel Building right in the shadow of the Transamerica Pyramid, this elegant Italian spot offers a quiet moment to look up at the skyscraper's distinctive silhouette against the afternoon sky.

  3. 17:14

    Transamerica Pyramid

    Stand at the base of the Transamerica Pyramid. As the sun sets toward the WSW, the light catches the building's edges. If the information desk is staffed, ask the worker for stories about the city; they are known for having great tales.

  4. 17:59

    Tadich Grill

    End the evening at Tadich Grill. Walk six minutes to this historic seafood restaurant. It is the longest operating restaurant in California, dating back to the Gold Rush. The classic wood-paneled atmosphere provides a warm finish to the night.

Local tip

Caffe Trieste opens early, but the Pyramid's information desk is only open until 17:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Sundays. Check the route if you need to adjust your timing based on the day of the week.

Check before you go

  • Caffe Trieste (3575) is open Mo-Th,Su 07:00-23:30 and Fr,Sa 07:00-24:00.
  • Cafe Zoetrope (3544) is open Mo-Fr 11:00-22:00, Sa 12:00-22:00, and Su 12:00-21:00.
  • Transamerica Pyramid (3582) is open Mo-Sa 11:00-17:00 and Su 12:00-18:00.
  • Tadich Grill (3612) is open Mo-Fr 11:00-21:30 and Sa 11:30-21:30.

Worth knowing

  • Tadich Grill is open at 17:59 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to San Francisco (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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