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Daytime

Wharf to Telegraph Hill Morning

Start at the waterfront before the crowds build, then climb to the top of the city for the view.

Best time: noneAbout 160 min

Timeline

  1. 09:00

    USS Pampanito Submarine

    Walk through the USS Pampanito Submarine. It opens at 9AM, so you can be inside as soon as the doors unlock to explore the historic WWII vessel.

  2. 09:30

    Darren's Cafe

    Eat breakfast at Darren's Cafe. It is a small, friendly spot just a short walk from the submarine. Order the country potatoes or an omelette to fuel your walk up the hill.

  3. 09:50

    Coit Tower

    Walk up to Coit Tower. The climb takes about 20 minutes from the Wharf area. Once at the top, enjoy the excellent view of the bay and the rest of the city.

  4. 10:50

    Telegraph Hill

    Stroll through Telegraph Hill. This historic neighborhood earned its name from its days as a signaling post. It is the same hill that holds Coit Tower, offering a pleasant way to end the climb.

Local tip

The walk from the Wharf to Telegraph Hill involves a steep incline. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time. If you want a coffee break, Caffe Trieste in North Beach is a local favorite for excellent coffee.

Check before you go

  • Darren's Cafe opens at 08:00, so you have plenty of time for breakfast after the submarine opens at 9AM.
  • Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill are accessible throughout the day, but arriving in the morning ensures a quieter experience before the peak tourist hours.

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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