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Tank Hill
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
2 Belgrave ave(at Bigler Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Neighborhood: Twin Peaks
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
61 reviews for Tank Hill
61 reviews in English
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Review from Darius A.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012 3 Check-ins Here
One of my favorite spots in San Francisco. The views are amazing. I love this place cause it isn't as high profile as Twin Peaks and not as crowded.
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Review from Jenny C.
Oakland, CA
7/1/2011
A beautiful girl named Colleen once took me here on a hot date.
We entered on a dark path only regulars would know anything about on the side of a overgrown hill. We treaded up and clawed our way through thick damp brush, her hand tightly grasping mine. We finally found our way out, and through the clearing I saw the most astounding breathtaking view of the city in all of its natural beauty...
360 degrees of pure bliss.
One blanket, two girls, and a view to die for. She hugged me tight with her warm embrace her body heat keeping me warm and safe as the cold air nipped at our noses, I never felt the slightest bit cold.
I'll never forget that day or that girl who showed me what a real date was all about. Sending my love to New York.... -
Review from Michael C.
San Francisco, CA
7/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
The best views in the city. It's tricky to find, as the two entrances are the following:
1. Looks like a street dead end. Nope. There's actually a small pathway/easement at the end of the block and up the hill.
2. Some stairs that look like they lead to nowhere.
This is the kind of place where you sit alone thinking about life; or where bring a girl to fall in love with... -
Review from Lindsey M.
5/12/2011
When my friend came to visit from out of town, we went on a "best view in the city" hunt. I tend to prefer nature views, and the ones along the coast of the city just looking out to the bay and Marin overall. However, this was our favorite of the city because you can see the coast/bay/bridge off in the background, but you see a whole city lay out before you first. All this while you're sitting on this little mountain of nature. Its really unique.
Bring layers because it's windy on the hil, and a picnic. Its very small, but there are little areas to climb/hike around if you want to distract yourself from the view for 5 minutes. (Literally 5 minutes.) -
Review from Denise L.
San Francisco, CA
3/18/2011
TANK HILL trumps Twin Peaks, and this is why:
Tank Hill is one of San Francisco's hidden gems. Unlike Twin Peaks, you cannot drive to the top of this hill. If you have a car, you can park it on the street but you're going to have to get out and hike up the steps to get here. The view from Tank Hill is unrivaled by any other that I've seen in the city. The panoramic, 360-degree view captures all of San Francisco's historic landmarks - this is a great place to see it all. You'll find this spot to be a lot more intimate than Twin Peaks, which can sometimes be overbearingly populated with locals and tourists combined. This place is truly a treasure. Our little secret, indeed. -
Review from Greg S.
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Another one of the many "hidden" hills in SF! And really not so hidden if you just look around...
Great views, not crowded at all, and easy to get to from the side streets (it certainly helped with our iPhone though). I could see myself enjoying a nice picnic, however on a windy day you won't wanna stay more than a few minutes.
And why the name Tank Hill? I think I might have to do a little investigating... -
Review from Jana S.
10/12/2010 2 photos
Have always come up to Twin Peaks via the southern side of it, never having come here to Tank Hill by way of Ashbury Heights until the other day, while on a hike. Group of about 40 or so who began at Civic Center and like the urban version of trekking, like myself.
Simply amazing views, crisp cool shade, eye candy 360. One of a myriad secrets of stunning San Francisco. -
Review from Phan H.
Berkeley, CA
9/18/2011
Came here at night time. It's very hard to find, but worth it once you do. Be careful going up and down to the hill, it's very slippery and dangerous. Bring a flashlight and a blanket. The view is amazing, and no one else was here on a saturday night. So we lucked out.
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2009
There isn't much up there other than the foundation of the old water tank and a sign describing the park. The park is quite small with dry grass, native plants and the rock outcrops. You can see the same rock outcrops at other parks in the city, like Grand View Park and Corona Heights Park (I like both of those parks better than Tank Hill).
The hills that lead up the Tank Hill are fairly steep and once you climb up the steps at Tank Hill (there aren't that many of them), you'll get a nice panoramic view. The view is the only reason to come up here.
It never seems crowded but then again, there really isn't that much to see because it's a tiny park (or does it even qualify as a park?). You're close enough to run up Twin Peaks, Corona Heights Park, Buena Vista Park, and Mount Sutro, run down to Kezar, or climb the lengthy staircases sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
You'll have to park in the neighborhood since Tank Hill doesn't have its own parking area. Finding parking shouldn't be too difficult. No amenities.Listed in: The Great Outdoors
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Review from Faithy L.
San Francisco, CA
6/24/2007
There's driving to a vista point to make out, and then there's hiking to a vista point to fully immerse in 260 degrees views of the the city. Tank Hill is definitely the latter.
Surprisingly, Tank Hill actually has better views than Twin Peaks because it is lower in elevation. You get a much clearer, unobstructed view of Mission, Castro, Downtown and all the way to Seacliff. Go during the day and go back at dusk for a more dramatic view.
The hike up here is really really minimal. You can even do it in platform sandals! Getting here is even easier, you can go south on Clayton and veer right off onto Twin Peaks. Or take the 33 and get off at Clayton/Twin Peaks. No need to mess with Belgrave. Just take these stairs and be in love with SF!
http://www.google.com/... -
Review from Judith C.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2006
Tank Hill is an area that even many locals don't know about. Pre WWII a large water tank was built on it (I guess similar to the one on Potrero Hill), the trees were planted to shroud the tank and camouflage it from the oft expected Japanese bombers.
On a clear day you can hear Barbra Streisand singing and you can enjoy the crystalline views West, East, North and bits of the South. I've even taken guests up there in rain and fog and they've raved about it. Try a night when you can watch the sun set and the moon rise simultaneously.
Don't go there to sort out your relationship - on a calm day the acoustics from the top are such that the neighbors in the gardens below can hear your conversation - trust me - I'm the lady reading a book in her yard, and I don't want to hear why you're just not meshing anymore.Listed in: San Francisco Confidential
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Review from Shruti C.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2011
Honestly I had no idea this existed! It truly is a secret gem of San Francisco. One afternoon some of the Pinchd team went to the Seward Street Slides and then to Tank Hill to drink some beers. It is the best view I have seen of SF, and I have been to Mt.Tam and Alamo Square and Buena Vista. It is breathtaking.
I recommend either to impress a date with a picnic on top of the hill or get some of your buddies together with some beers to reminisce. Gets pretty cold so pack blankets. -
Review from Toro E.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2006 5 photos
A must visit for their wonderful view of the city.
VIEW: From de Young Museum in the west to downtown to Potrero Hill. Best view of Castro and Mission.
GET THERE: Drive to Belgrave Avenue and street park. Walk to the eastern end of Belgrave Ave where it dead ends to a hill with trees. You will find a slightly hidden trail on the left side of the dead end road. The climb is very short, so no need of hiking boots.
TIP: Bring a camera and a jacket (gets very cold up there).
OTHERS: If you like this view, also try Corona Heights (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and tourist congested Twin Peaks (http://www.yelp.com/bi...).Listed in: Great view points - SF
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Review from Joyce L.
10/2/2008
Friend took me here one glorious afternoon. Was so impressed that I have now moved into the area. I still come up here, semi-regularly, to clear the mind...
3G work up here so at times you see people tapping away on their iPhones, whilst basking in the sunshine:)Listed in: I come here for dates..., Green kinda thang to do...
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Review from Marc K.
9/16/2010
a very great friend of mine brought me to the most hidden part of the city (somehow..), but i would say that this is the humbled version of twin peaks since it's just below the peaks. although you have to hike up this hill, the view of SF is priceless (well...it's the same view if you're on the peaks. LOL)
love it, though. -
Review from Brendan H.
Bay Area
10/12/2008
Beautiful and absolutely stunning.
Like most people said, the views are like Twin Peaks which everyone knows, but you can't experience the true essence of this city without visiting uncommon places like Tank Hill. The views are abundunt but unique since it is closer to the ground than Twin Peaks. You can discover details of the scenary at a bird's eye view. I hope this place remains more anonymous b/c it is less crowded than other popular view spots. The views here really touch your heart. -
Review from Erika C.
New York, NY
9/29/2008
Tank Hill has to be one of my absolute favorite place in the city, in part, due to its proximity and anonymity.
I discovered this one Saturday afternoon while wandering. I had just read "Oh the Glory of It All!" and decided to search for Pat Montandon's angel tree on Shrader after googling it and realizing it was just up the street from where I live. The tree was pretty awesome to behold, and having walked up that far, I figured at this rate, I could hit Twin Peaks. I continued to walk up towards the tower and came upon a foresty area just off of Carmel. Having heard enough fairy tales to know not to go wandering into dark foresty areas alone, I did a 180 and proceeded to march off in the opposite direction, which is when I discovered a friendly looking trail. A minute later was possibly the best view of SF one could hope for.
I kept it a secret for a while, but since gave in and told all my friends. Tank Hill is now my default place for celebrating New Year's Eve and 4th of July. The views are panoramic, and you can see GG bridge, the Financial District, and Oakland off in the distance. It can at times get quite windy, but just be sure to have your North Face parka handy. It's a nice little getaway for reading (if not windy), and I've even see people do tai chi there. It's relatively crowd free except for any day involving fireworks or the Blue Angels.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Mike W.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2007 1 photo
The views of the city during sunrise do not get more spectacular than from this very spot. My profile has an example. Views as good as Twin Peaks but with absolutely no tourists. Only locals know about this spot, or bother to tread there. It's part of my morning jog routine, and the view is a reminder of why I moved to SF in the first place.
Two other nearby parks that complete a nice walking trio of SF Parks are: Corona Heights Park, and Buena Vista Park. -
Review from tamama s.
Arlington, MA
8/25/2009
This is the place I have missed for this 4 years.
And I came back there and I found I am really lucky to be able to live in cole valley to come to this hill everyday with my husband.
I like everything about it. To get there,my favorite street was beldevere street. It was the street that is like in fairy tale. I like to talk with the neighbor whom I met on my way to get there who offered me his lemon.
I liked the strong wind. blue sky. fog in the sunset time.I liked to see birds were almost stopping for strong wind. It is just not a view.
It is a special place for cole valley resident. -
Review from Mayra L.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing views of the city. Took the pup out here the other day. Quite a climb and not really accessible without a car but very much worth the view of the bustling city moving below you :)
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Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2006
This hill kicked my butt when it came at the end of a 10 mile training walk. But the view, right in the middle of the city, is worth that burning sensation...
Be sure to bring a friend for a fantastic photo op. -
Review from Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA
9/7/2008
Afternoon beauty....
Go. It is incredibly stunning.
Just go. I don't even understand why this should be reviewed. It should just be mandatory. -
Review from Rachel G.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2010
The first time I walked up here I thought I was in someone's backyard. I'm still not convinced this is actually a "park" as some say. It is a hill though.
The views are really nice and the best part is strolling around the streets below checking out the cool outdoor art, houses, stairs, and neighborhood. -
Review from Thao V.
1/23/2011 1 photo
Much better than twin peaks. Closer view of the city and much less crowded. I came here during night time. Grab a blanket because it is cold. Also, grab a flashlight for the walk up the stairs because it is DARK. We had to use our cell phones but it was still kind of creepy. But check out the view during night time. Amazing view of the city.
Listed in: The fun outdoors
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Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
7/3/2010
I came here last year(?) We parked near Sutro towers and we had to HIKE UP.
The hike up is not bad and you get a pretty amazing view of the city. -
Review from Geronimo G.
Philadelphia, PA
8/14/2007
Easily the best hill in the city. If you have to visit one visit the Tank:
Better views than Twin Peaks: see West!
Wild brownery makes you feel like you've discovered something hidden.
Rocks to climb around on.
A giant working tank on top, with the turret and everything!
Just watch out for the poison snakes. They're EVERYWHERE!Listed in: My Neighborhood, Hills
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Review from Jim W.
San Francisco, CA
4/26/2009
This place is so easy to get to you could load up a whole wagon of Pugs and happily cart them up to the top with nary a protesting grunt to be heard.
The curiously-named bluff upon which your sight lines, being bisected by the backside of Buena Visa, flow out along two distinct visual wedges; the first towards your left encompasses the whole of Cole Valley and the Park-Richmond-Presidio-Ocean beyond, while the latter commands a respectful view of Castro-Mission and distal downtown. While you will not find the all-encompassing panoramic revolving restaurant views of Twin Peaks or Grand View here because of the lower elevation, it does serve to bring out the 3-D texture of the city in a unique fashion. The minor hills and rills stand out more here so depth and distance functions are easier to appreciate, Tolkein-esque in a way. -
Review from James J.
San Francisco, CA
6/11/2007
What can I say about this place that is still considered to be one of San Francisco's best spots kept secret? Go up here and have your breath taken away by the awesome views that span the bay to the east and the north. A perfect viewing spot to watch the fireworks on 4th of July. Be warned though, even though the view is great, the weather can be a bitch. Like everywhere you go in SF, it's best that you bring a jacket or sweater or both.
5 Big Red Ones -
Review from Augie S.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2008
Another favorite place for clearing the brain, meditating, etc. I would not recommend a picnic here as it is very windy most of the time.
This gem is one that I would often find by accident. I've been there some many times now that I've pretty much have it imprinted in my brain.
Great views of the city, awesome place to be intoxicated with your favorite libation. Definitely a must experience!! -
Review from Saunders C.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
It's kind of like a poor man's Twin Peaks. It's hard to find, so I think that gives it some cachet. The view is good, although you mostly get a view of the Presidio. The cool thing about Tank Hill is that there are quite a few blackberry bushes growing around here, and if you go at the right time, you can pick a bushel of them. Is it crazy to eat wildly grown anything in an urban setting these days? I did, and I'm still here, so I guess either I dodged a bullet or that they're perfectly safe. The space is actually just a small paved lot. Nothing pretty about it, but a good view. I can imagine that if you were to come here on a nice hot day, you could sit and enjoy some cold beers with your view.
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Review from Brad C.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2007
A great spot to stop and take in views of San Francisco. Walk up from the haight or castro to get the fulllest view of the city (270+ degrees). Incredible sunrises! See from the Marin Headlands, the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the downtown skyline, to Portrero Hill and everything in between.
I've heard that some people have had wedding ceremonies up there. And a good place to watch fireworks, assuming it's not foggy. -
Review from Alan L.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2008
I wish I could say that I've been drinking forties on Tank Hill since highschool because it is one of the sweetest spots in the city, but the truth is I didn't find out about it until I went away for college. Besides the gorgeous view of Cole Valley and beyond, Tank offers a lot of the intimacy that Twin Peaks lacks. Just to be sure, this is not a hidden spot or anything like that, but you'll typically only find locals walking their dogs or well-informed visitors.
The easiest way to access the park is by walking up the stairs off Twin Peaks Blvd, but you can hike in on a short trail by going around to the north end of the park and walking up Belgrave. If you choose this route be careful to stay on trail. It is a delicate habitat and native species have enough trouble fending against invasives. Check out this link to the S.F. neighborhood parks council for some more information regarding the general and ecological history of this place: http://www.sfnpc.org/t...
Make sure to bring a jacket because it can get very windy up there. Unfortunately you can't see the sunset from Tank Hill because it is obscured by Mt. Sutro to the west, but just catching the reflection of a late afternoon sun on the downtown high-rises is beautiful enough. Although I haven't gotten out of bed early enough to catch the sun rise in years, I'm sure it would be an awesome sight given the unobstructed views of the east. -
Review from Kirk A.
San Francisco, CA
12/27/2007 5 photos
I can't believe I've never been up to this park until about a month ago. Even though it's not as high as Twin Peaks I have to say that I enjoy Tank Hill a lot more, the environment is much more charming and personal, and the views are still just as fantastic.
Definitely a great park to bring a lunch and thermos of tea/coffee. I really recommend walking up, via Stanyan to Belgrave and then up the dirt path.
Awesome place! -
Review from Galen M.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2008
One of my favorite vantage points of San Francisco. Everything seems so close by and clearly laid out; I'm not sure there is a better way to understand the layout of the city.
Do your body a favor and jog up there on a nice day, the reward at the end is worth it. -
Review from Rena K.
8/9/2010
Love this hidden gem in the city! It is never crowded, although I keep telling everyone about it so it may get crowded :). If you go to Shrader & Belgrave and drive up Belgrave you will hit where the steps are. It is an easy short hike and it leads to the most amazing view!
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Review from David E.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2008
Real San Franciscans only. No outsiders, please.
It's almost a shame to see such a lovely place brought up on Yelp, for fear that "those" people will find out about it. =)
Anyway, yes, it's a great spot and better than the cityview area despite being at a lower altitude. Bring your binoculars and plan to stay for a bit. Highly recommended. -
Review from Gregor G.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2007
A true 'secret treasure' -- hidden right out in the open! Spectacular views and very little competition, sans the occasional pooch walking their master. Makes this a perfect park for a little peace and quiet, among other things.
Listed in: Mr. Barky von Schnauzer says…
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Review from Beth S.
San Francisco, CA
9/12/2007
I've discovered a totally hobo free park in San Francisco and had to tell you about it.
The BFF invited me over for a mini-hike and vegan soup last night and for reasons beyond me, I agreed. Setting off from her home in Cole Valley, we walked up and up Stanyan until we reached a dead end.
I, I'll have you know, didn't kvetch once because as everyone knows, the hot fire station is on Stanyan and I eagerly anticipate some really attractive and height-appropriate rescue personnel emerging one day to invite us to a rowdy firehouse dinner.
Anyway, you get to the top of Stanyan and then you turn left, heading up whatever street that is until you read this big dirt hill with a little dirt path. Said dirt path requires that you watch each and every step you take, so you don't slip on a rock or misplaced log and go tumbling down an urban ravine.
Which means, by the time you're finally at the fucking top, you can look up and...holy shit. It's the most incredible view. It's like, 75% of the city. Right there. On top of this nameless hill with nary a soul around.
Where are the hobos? I know it's probably really hard to push a stolen Safeway cart up there, but it'd be worth it. The place was pristine and empty. Christ, there wasn't even litter.
And while incredibly windy, someone's clearly maintaining this park. Which means it must have a name.
BFF and I decided it couldn't be a Twin Peak, because those seemed to be next door. We're stumped. Follow my clear and concise directions and see if you can figure it out. If it's unnamed, who gets to name it? Gavin? Because I've got some ideas...
Lo and behold, it's Tank Hill. Who knew? -
Review from Annette Y.
San Rafael, CA
2/17/2008
You've got to check out this spot. Lovely view of the city. Off Belgrave and Stanyan. Can't miss it. Bring a camera
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Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2007
Yet another in a long line of hillside parks stretching across the central part of the city, tank hill is particularly small and easily overlooked even by a parkaholic such as myself. While it has great views to the east, my favorite view is of Cole Valley and Mt Sutro to the west. This is the view that confirms Cole Valley's status as my dream neighborhood, so I love to stand and drool over the houses I might someday, with luck, afford to live in. Not surprisingly, it was foggy and windy when I came here, which is fine with me...nothing like fresh, cold air to make you feel alive.
Listed in: Haight-Ashbury & Cole Valley
