Timeline
15:49
Arrive at Coit Tower early. The climb is steep, so give yourself time to reach the top before the light hits. The tower stands atop Telegraph Hill, offering an excellent view of the bay and the rest of the city as the sun rises toward the WSW.
16:34
Watch the golden light spill over the water. This is the peak moment for the view, with the city waking up below you.
17:04
Walk down from the hill to Caffe Trieste. It is one of the best cups of coffee in North Beach and a local landmark. The doors open at 06:30, so you can walk right in and claim a seat before the morning rush.
Local tip
The walk down from Coit Tower to Caffe Trieste is short but hilly. Wear shoes you can climb in. Caffe Trieste opens at 06:30, which fits perfectly after a pre-dawn start for the January sunrise.
Check before you go
- Coit Tower is accessible, but the views are best from the top.
- Caffe Trieste opens at 06:30 daily. If you arrive later, it is still open until 23:00 on weekdays.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to San Francisco (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).