Timeline
15:29
Start with a strong espresso at Caffe Trieste. This local institution has been serving excellent coffee since the Beat Generation era. It is a perfect place to settle in and watch the morning light fade.
16:29
Walk back toward Washington Square. If it is a sunny day, you might catch locals practicing tai-chi or lounging on blankets. Take a moment to note the sculpture to volunteer firefighters on the Columbus Ave side.
16:49
Walk up Telegraph Hill (7 minutes). The climb is short but rewarding. Telegraph Hill earned its name from its days as a signaling post for incoming ships.
16:59
Enter Coit Tower. Stand atop the viewpoint and wait for the sun to dip below the horizon. The tower offers an excellent view of the bay and the rest of the city as the sky changes color.
17:44
Head back down to Vesuvio's for a nightcap. This quirky historic bar, founded in 1948, is famous for its association with jazz, poetry, and the Beat Generation. It is the perfect spot to unwind after the view.
Local tip
Caffe Trieste opens at 06:30, so you can start your morning here comfortably. Coit Tower is accessible via a short walk from the square. Vesuvio's is open late, ensuring you have a place to end the evening.
Check before you go
- Caffe Trieste hours: Mo-Th,Su 06:30-23:00; Fr,Sa 06:30-24:00
- Vesuvio's hours: Mo-Su 06:00-02:00
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to San Francisco (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).