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Twin Peaks
Category: Active Life Active Life
501 Twin Peaks Blvd(between Burnett Ave & Christmas Tree Point Rd)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Twin Peaks
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
A few short blocks from San Francisco's vibrant Union Square, Club One at Union Square features a 3-lane indoor lap pool, dedicated Pilates studio and… read more »
436 reviews for Twin Peaks
436 reviews in English
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Review from Earl G.
1/10/2012 2 photos
Easily the best view in SF ..........when it's not foggy.
You can see so much from the 240+ degree view: both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Market St., to City Hall, to Alcatraz, the Embarcadero, and to the Transamerica building. A what's what and whose who of SF landmarks. Post card views can be found here for free.
Twin Peaks is so versatile; I've been here so many times throughout the years....
In high school, we'd come here to hang out in the parking lot bumping our music.
In college, it would be a good "date spot" after a movie. And a good spot to clear your head after that eventual breakup.
Most recently, took my cousin from Switzerland here to take some photos and take in the scenery. He loved it.
A definite must visit while touring SF. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)Listed in: Fun things to do
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Review from Anjali V.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012
- do not, i repeat, do not bother going on a foggy day
- try going during "off" hours during weekday afternoons/ early weekend mornings otherwise you'll be competing with tour buses and locals alike for much-coveted parking
- not dog-friendly/grassy
- if you're in town longer than a day -- try and visit Bernal Heights instead which offers a 360-view w/out the hype and tourist fuss-muss.
lastly: it is *alwaysalwaysalwaysALWAYS*, freezing.
welcome to SF & layer the #@!&%-up! -
Review from Sunny L.
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice Views. I wish it can be better but no. Driving up here is fun.
See the city and its traffic and lights. Its nice.
Don't come when its foggy. Easy. -
Review from Sofia R.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been to Twin Peaks time and time again. It's one of the best spots to take people who aren't in the city often because it gives you the best view of the city and all of the lights.
This is assuming that it's a clear night. This is also assuming it's not foggy up the hill. A few nights ago, some friends and I drove up because the night itself was very clear but as we escalated up the hill, the more foggy it got. I guess they got to see what San Francisco is especially known for: fog. It did clear up a little later but it was still a bit of a bummer.
It's very cold up there. Doubly so because it's in the city. Keep this in mind and bring blankets, snuggly jackets, or someone to cuddle with (lol).
Anyway, I love to go up here when the sky is clear. The most important part of making a trip there though is to have the right company with you. -
Review from Mimi V.
Unlike going into the eiffle tower, or the space needle, you can come to Twin Peaks and see the whole view of San Francisco for free! It's a great date place and definitely a photo spot. The view is amazing. You can see the golden gate bridge, city hall, alcatraz, the embaracdero, and much more.
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Review from Mocha G.
Alameda, CA
A romantic drive day or night to get a birds eye view of the city. You can stand here and point out all the landmarks to people visiting in San Francisco. Bring a jacket, it gets windy up here.
Another free thing to do in the city. -
Review from Cat A.
1/7/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Great view during the day and even better at night.
As a SF Native, far removed from her city by the bay, when I get opportunity to go to the peaks, I get excited like I've never seen a high vantage point in my life. But this is my spot, ever since high school when I could learn how to drive up the damned hill itself.
This view beats all others in the city. Both locals and tourists come here- Tourists gawk at the scenery, and locals bring their tourists friends to do the same.
Bathroom is junk-- Oh, I've had memories trying to learn how to close the machine. What do you mean, it's cleaning?!? Let me piss already! Better luck finding a bush and squatting.
At night time, it can get a bit ghetto in typical SF fashion. Lots of kids come up here to do god knows what in their car and others blast their drake, or hyphy music with that heavy bass. Others light one up, since SF is a very pot-friendly city. Either way, all patrons of the peaks came for one main reason, and that was to enjoy the view. Just make sure you get down safe, and DON'T DRINK. We've had unfortunate events at this peak with fatalities. I'd like to keep this place somewhat safe. Cops roll by to make sure we don't act a fool. I've had a few times where I've never seen a cop, and others I've seen brigades of em makin sure no bad biz is being dealt.
NOTE: VIEW IS BEST AT SUNSET WHEN FOG IS ABOUT TO ROLL THROUGH THE MARINA. TRUST ME. and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE pick up your useless cigarette butts! -
Review from Jenn C.
1/23/2012
This is one of my favorite vista points in the Bay Area - very accessible by car for quick visits with out-of-town guests. Gorgeous place to watch sunrise or sunset - and plenty of photo opportunities. The one thing I would change would be the litter - there's always so much litter, glass and in the summer - the smell of urine (eww!) - which detracts from an otherwise enjoyable experience.
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Review from Marty J.
1/11/2012
What can I say that everyone else hasn't already? Yes, this has to be one of the best views of San Francisco. You can clearly see how Market St bisects the city. It's fun to point out areas you and your friends know. You can also see across the the East Bay. I actually TRIED jogging here with a friend who had way more stamina and made it up the hill non-stop. I, on the other hand, had to walk and catch my breath. It is a steep incline but so worth the view. Make sure you wear a jacket or pull over because if you're sweaty as your loved ones say "ya might catch a cold." It can get a bit windy. This is a landmark of the city by the bay...
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Review from Tanya N.
12/2/2011
Having moved to the Bay area from Toronto, I've had a few visitors so touring around SF has become a normal thing. I always bring or recommend that they check out Twin Peaks for fantastic views of the city.
While it's not difficult to get to, you definitely need a car. The way up winds up around the peak and there isn't too much parking so I can only assume during tourist season it gets packed. However, the couple of times I went (once in September and then in November) parking was never an issue in the early afternoon.
Best of all, it's free so it's a win-win - free & awesome views of the city. -
Review from Ray C.
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Excellent views when the air is crisp and clean. See all the way to Marin, Oakland, South Bay, where ever you please. Make sure to make you way up to the actual peaks, to get away from the tour buses and the constant clicking of shutters. Great ways to hike up the mountain, as well.
I am a bit disappointed to see the Fisherman's Wharf style hawking of goods like random souvenirs, spray paint art, crappy food trailer. The attraction of this destination are the views, and the tranquility of being detached from the busting metropolis below. I guess where there are tourists, they will follow. -
Review from Nick A.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2011
Far removed from the noise and crowds, this is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in all of San Francisco.
When you need a break from the congestion of Union Square, the tourists of Fisherman's Warf, or the noise of Chinatown, this is the place to escape to. No matter the weather, the view is always gorgeous.
Day or night this is one of the most romantic places in San Francisco. -
Review from Chen L.
Fremont, CA
10/28/2011
Came here in a mid-October night, with not a fog in the sky = BEST VIEW EVER!!!
Super gorgeous view of the entire city and all the pretty lights. The drive up wasn't even long or anything, but I think parking may be hard to find the later you get there, or so it seemed. We went there right after dinner and managed to park at the last spot on the furthest corner. Of course others leave and go, but that requires some circling around. But anyway, doesn't matter, if you have to circle around, then go and circle around cuz it's AMAZING (the view)! You basically see everything from the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, all the city...=)
AND it wasn't freezing cold either. There was a cool breeze, but for a night in October, it's the perfect weather! -
Review from Greg S.
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Twin Peaks is a must for locals and visitors to San Francisco. I lived in the Bay Area waaaay too long and didn't know about this impressive vista point!
Each and every time I visit I'm awed and astounded by the perspective laid out for your eyes. The clear view all the way down Market St. to the Ferry Building is one of my favorites.
If you've never been, don't wait for a tourist to come into town to make the trek up. Do yourself a favor and soak in the view. You'll thank yourself! -
Review from Whitney D.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Woohoo! The view is as good as it gets! Hiked up here the other day from Golden Gate Park...it was quite the trek, and a bit suburban for a classic hike (haha, it's SF!) but totally worth the panoramic view of the city at the top. On a clear day you can also see Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, and South San Francisco.
I can't believe I waited so long to check it out! -
Review from Timothy P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2012
I've been around the world, and this one of the most remarkable views I've ever seen in my life!
I think it's even more impressive after dark, with all the city lights. Just be careful not to run over the pedestrians who walk back and forth across the streets in complete darkness. I couldn't believe how many people there were doing this.
Forget Coit Tower. Come here. -
Review from Raych D.
9/15/2011 3 photos
One of the best views of the city and one of the most breath taking views I've ever seen!
After shopping a whole day on Haight St a local told us to make sure we check out "Twin Peaks" for it's spectacular view. We inputted into our gps on our phone and car and headed there later that night. The drive there was all twist and turns going up the mountain....it reminded me of the drive up to Kokee on Kauai. It was a lot more fun going down the mountain than it was going up...but the drive up wasn't very long.
When we got to the top, parking was hard to find because it seemed like everyone knew about the place and wanted a glimpse of it just as much as we did. The view which overlooked San Francisco and the rest of the bay it was just beyond belief BREATH TAKING! Luckily when we went up it was so beautiful out with no vog and it was at night with crystal clear skies which was perfect for picture taking with all the city's light lid up.
Although, even with the spectacular view it does get windy and cold up so we could only stay there for about 30 minutes max without freezing our bunz off! So be sure to bring your camera for all the views and do bring a jacket and even a blanket if you must!Listed in: I Left my HEART in SAN…
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Review from Nga C.
10/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not much can be said that hasn't been by anyone else already. Great view... came up there feeling like such a loser because I was the only one by myself. Can't hate on me... some people need their alone time you know?
I couldn't complain with my green tea latte that was keeping me warm while it looked like everyone else was feeling the chills. Sucks for you!
Anyways, I plan on coming again soon... with company this time. -
Review from Oliver D.
Union City, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing view of SF.
My first time here was in 2009 when my friends and I went after Prom. Went back again twice this year with my girl, it's always a breathtaking place to visit.
Just make sure to bring a thick jacket and wear layers when you're here at night since it gets freeeeeezing. It's hard to enjoy such a great view when you're body keeps getting harassed by such cold weather. Also, don't bother going during cloudy days, you'll barely be able to see anything at all. -
Review from Karin H.
Los Altos, CA
10/22/2011
This is a great place to take out of town friends/relatives and kids because of the spectacular, panoramic views. I like to people watch here too. You can see lots of tourists from all over the world speaking various languages. Last time I went it was around Christmas last year and we heard lots of Scandinavian languages being spoken. (I guess the Scandinavians made a good choice not to switch to the Euro, maybe that's why they can afford to come to SF.) A few years ago my kids and I happened to be in SF when there was a Lunar Eclipse and we watched it from T.P. That was pretty amazing.
Twin Peaks is very near and dear to me. My husband proposed to me here on April Fools Day in 1990. (It was a strange day to decide to propose but so far he hasn't said, "April Fools, didn't mean it.") This was during the same time that the TV show Twin Peaks was popular. -
Review from Joanna R.
9/16/2011 3 photos
OH MAN! Even better the third time.
So the first time I went, I truly did not even think about the fog -__- (stupid me). I literally could not see anything. Maybe if you look in the pictures I'll upload, you will see my three different experiences (unfortunately my phone camera quality sucks).
Then the second time, I went it was during the day. BEAUTIFUL! Reminds me how amazingly this world was created. Well you know, not by man... but by God. It's crazy. No human being could think up all this beauty. Anyway, it was quite wonderful to be able to overlook the city, see the bay bridge, the golden gate, all the different neighborhoods and districts. Quite wonderful.
THEN! Last night, I went to twin peaks again. At night. Oh man. That was probably one of the greatest experiences ever. If I could sleep there I would. Honestly. Except it was freezing. Haha. So basically... seeing it during the day is so different from seeing it at night. COMPLETELY different.
But no matter what time you go up, you can get a breather. You can breathe up there. You're no longer stuck in the busy city life. It's just silent (except for the cars zooming by behind you trying to see the same thing you are). It almost feels like the air is fresher and your lungs can actually taken in some of that air. Love it.
LOVE IT. RECOMMEDED! I'd go back every day and every night if I could. -
Review from Eric C.
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Come here for a fantastic view of SF. But don't come here on a cloudy/foggy day .. you won't see much and you'll have a horrible time trying to drive up the hill. And bring a jacket cuz it's going to be cooooold!
Last time I came here right after sunset, and the fog was already rolling in and starting to obscure our views. Wish we had gotten here a bit earlier.
Next time, I'm going to come with some friends and hike up one of the peaks. :) -
Review from Albert E.
Okay....since my move to California, on average, I have been to San Francisco at least once a year.... and WTH....I have never ever been to Twin Peaks....like OMG!?!?
I came here after dinner with my Bay area family and SURPRISE...it was also a first for two of my other family members....YAY!
Okay....this is San Francisco, be forewarned, I came here at night, it is cool, if not downright cold for most. Bring something warm to wear.
Also another warning, this is a tourist spot and parking can be challenging at any time of day.
Another interesting, but FUNNY story while I was there....someone got locked in the automated bathroom. Addendum....to use the bathroom, you have to pay with your credit card....LOL! Go there to see this bathroom, although I have heard of them in New York Central Park, it is the first I have seen on the West Coast.
OKAY OKAY...but on to the reason you come to Twin Peaks, you come here for the AMAZING view - HANDS DOWN!
Bring your camera and tripod for long exposure night photography....I did (see my photos)....I want to come back during the day!
Five Yelp Stars....everybody who visits the Bay area should see this view!! -
Review from David W.
8/19/2011
Granted, you can get fabulous views of the city from many vantage points but none so epic and serene as Twin Peaks. Yes, there will be crowds and tourists during peak hours but definitely not as much as say...the Golden Gate Park or Coit Tower. Plus...you can always hike around as there are more secluded spots with the same view.
The drive up to the peak won't take you more than 10 minutes but be braced for the strong headwinds once you reach the top. It does get windy and cold, so bring a jacket just in case. You must visit it twice...once during the day and once at night because they give you two very different views of the city. I personally enjoy the night view as the crowds are not as big.
I don't know how many times I've gone up here but this is the perfect place to bring a tourist (who could be your date as well) to give him/her that San Francisco charm. Nothing beats San Francisco...the most beautiful big city, in my opinion, in the USA. -
Review from Jessica T.
South San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
My boyfriend brought me here on our 1 year anniversary. :)
This place is definitely the best at night! Cos that's when all the street lights is on and you can see how brightly lit Market St. is. It's SO freakin' beautiful up here. I mean, there's no words to really describe it.. It's a romantic spot where couples come and just sit there and look out at the view. And then there are those group of people who come up here to take pictures of themselves. And there could be an occasional smoker who sits by himself and just breathe in and out slowly.
I can't wait to come back here again. The view from this place is WAY better than just staying at home and watching TV or going on Facebook. -
Review from Alice Z.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011 7 Check-ins Here
WOW my whole life in San Francisco, I have never been here until a couple of months I discovered this place. Well I have always heard about it, but I just thought it's one of those tourist spots so who cares. But my wow my first time here I came like 2-3am in the morning and it was packed!
It was really windy and cold! But the view is to die for. It is so pretty and you can see Market Street and everything. I loved it. Now that I have discovered this place I come here all the time with my bf and friends. It is beautiful!! Do NOT come on a foggy night though because you wont be able to see anything!
And please use the bathroom before you get up here because the bathroom they have is filthy and disgusting! It says out of service but if you push the door it opens but it seems as if it hasnt been cleaned in a long time, there was literally shit on the seat, i couldn't pee in there. It was so grosssss.
Okay anyways enjoy the view! One time I came here and it was a hot day so the night wasn't cold at all, it was one of the best nights ever! and it's also a pretty romantic spot for the lovely couples that come up here :) -
Review from Katherine T.
San Francisco, CA
10/3/2011
I recommend coming here at sunset or at night because the view is gorgeous! You're really high up and can see all of San Francisco and the bay. The night I was visiting, it was extremely clear (not foggy at all!) and there was a firework show near the Golden Gate Bridge, so that added a little something to my experience as well.
Breath-taking. -
Review from Dennis W.
Pleasanton, CA
12/3/2011
Visited today when the city was beautiful and clear (just after the high winds came through the Bay Area).
Awesome views of the city, SF Bay and on the other side, the Pacific Ocean!
We will come here one day to catch the sunset! -
Review from Eric B.
6/11/2011
Who Killed Laura Palmer? Sorry, wrong Twin Peaks!
I often take the Bay Area for granted. Out-of-Town friends will ask me how often I come into San Francisco and are surprised when I indicate that it's not very often. First, there's lots of things to see all over Northern California, but it's more likely that between work, Gayle, and the Kid, I'm just too busy to go many place very often.
Twin Peaks is a place that I go to remind me of what I'm missing by not paying greater attention to my good fortune. And since it's at the geographical center of San Francisco, I can see where I'm going next to almost any point within this City by the Bay. It's a beautiful perch for what might arguably be the most stunning views of San Francisco (day or night). However, the fog, wind and cold (depending what side you're on) require layers.
When I'm done, might find me down in the West Portal neighbourhod. That would be me at the Manor Coffee Shop enjoying a slice of cherry pie with my Agent Cooper-like friends. -
Review from Eileen K.
7/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Alas, it was a little foggy when I went up here, but I still got a nice view. The fog surrounding us made us feel like we were in another world!! whee!!! We stopped by Blue Bottle and Ike's (yup, we're prepared), grabbed coffee and delicious mouth-watering sandwiches and ate them here, perched on one of the stone ledges, breathing in the cool, crisp air and looking around us and below us in delight. Then we proceeded to take silly pictures and run around and admired being up so high looking down at this amazing city.
I turned to my friend and asked "Is this the only free parking so readily available in SF??" There was a lot of parking. And we were there on a Saturday morning. ;D
It wasn't too crowded, it wasn't windy or too cold, and it was one of the most refreshing, liberating adventures ever!! -
Review from Steve S.
Fremont, CA
12/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very nice day to view the city.
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Review from Jane A.
Updated - 8/16/2011
This was one of the last places my bestfriend and I took a picture together before she passed.
... twin peaks will always be a happy place in my nostalgic memory.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/9/2008
My favorite get-away places to do some self-thinking when times are needed. I also always bring… Read more »
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Review from Wendy P.
7/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
My oh my, what a hike! Twin Peaks put itself on my radar as I was looking up some local flavor spots while in SFO. Reviews about the view of the city spurred me into action to put this on my list of places to visit on my self-made city hike.
Up, up and away... Twin Peaks certainly does offer a 360 degree view. From way up there you can see just about everything-the view facing downtown was especially impressive. There were also groups of families up here with their kids. I overheard one of them exclaim: "Wow! We're above the clouds! I've never been this high up before. This is so cool!"
If you're up for a great hike, hit the streets and walk towards Twin Peaks. There's no better way to see some of the side streets and housing styles in the area. Otherwise, most people seemed to be driving to a couple of meet points. One side is but a quick trek up the side of the peak, the other, maybe a 10 minute walk uphill. -
Review from Mandy R.
Portland, OR
6/16/2011
I came here last night after dinner around 10:30pm and was *blown away* by the views of the city...though the wind was strong enough to probably blow someone off the top of peak!
We were driving back home but didn't want to leave the city yet and mentioned that one of my co-workers came up here for her fiance's bday. The bf and I thought, hey let's give it a shot and see how it is. After driving up we found parking, though there were about 15 cars up there.
I highly recommend coming to this place to get some ridiculous crazy awesome views of the city and bay. With that recommendation I *highly* recommend you come bundled up since it's windy as hell (in our pics we have that "okay take the effing picture I'm freezing and it's too windy" smiles going...classic).
Bring a friend, come by yourself, bring a date, bring someone you don't like and watch them get blown off the top of the peaks (syke!...kinda), but just come and take a look at our beautiful city, you won't be sorry = )Listed in: SF 48 hour binge
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Review from Ryan L.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
One day I was in the city driving around just seeing the different neighborhoods and trying to get a feel for the place. I drove all over the damn city. I went to SEE in Cow Hollow or some place with a ridiculous name. I drove around the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, along the ocean, the Richmond district, the Castro and more. Eventually, I encountered a sign that said "Twin Peaks" with an arrow. I didn't know what Twin Peaks was so I followed the arrow and ended up on a mountain.
Twin Peaks are two peaks of about the same height in the southern part of San Francisco. You can take a steep drive up to the top where there is a parking lot and a great view. You can also walk up the hill like I saw some people doing but I think I would die if I tried that.
The top is very touristy but the view is amazing. All of San Francisco is sprawled out in front of you. You can see the ocean, the bay, the bridge, the downtown, the hills. It's truly a great view of the city. You'll find many people who think the same so it's hardly a refuge from the city. The place is pretty busy and parking is limited. I'm sure that certain times and certain days are better to visit.
Many cities have a large skyscraper or tower to view the city (Sears Tower, Empire State Building, CN Tower, etc.) In San Francisco it's fitting that one of the highest and best views is a hill.Listed in: Frisco-a-go-go
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Review from John M.
7/20/2011
The girlfriend's father flew in from San Diego, so we were off & running on a frenetic weekend NorCal sightseeing spree.
With a number of sights all around the City already seen, it was time to punctuate the sentence of our day with an exclamation point. We drove up to Twin Peaks. Up at the vista overlooking the City, there's a decent amount of parking & we easily found a space.
On a sunny & crystal clear evening, it was blustery & cold. It mattered not. The view of the City from atop Twin Peaks is magnificent & not to be missed. Undoubtedly, the single best view in all of San Francisco.
We flirted with hypothermia long enough to be amazed by how much we could see from our lofty vantage point & then returned to the warm confines of the car. Daylight was retreating & our 1 day tour of San Francisco was just about complete.
It's always good to finish strong & going up to Twin Peaks is a strong finish to any day in San Francisco. -
Review from Vinh N.
Providence, RI
10/24/2011
Best view of the city. Hands down!!! I live really close to this and finally had a chance to make it up here. The views are out of control. Seriously, you can see the whole city in every direction. It was a clear day and it blew my mind. If you are a runner, blast the hills to get up here and you feel like Rocky when he knocks out the Russian Enforcer. Yep, that good.
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Review from Eve C.
6/7/2011
More great views of SF! Twin Peaks is almost like the polar opposite of the Marin Headlands. The whole of San Francisco is spread out before you, with the Bay popping through in the distance.
Lucky for us, we had a native who showed us where everything was (and got us there in the first place). The wind is quite strong up on Twin Peaks, so make sure you come prepared (scarf & jacket), otherwise you may end up having to cut your sight-seeing experience short. Even when the sun is shining, the wind cuts through to the bone.
In short, Twin Peaks offers breathtaking views, just bundle up!Listed in: California Love
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Review from Becky U.
5/11/2011
Pro: AMAZING VIEW
Con: Parking and getting into and out of the Peak. -
Review from Monica G.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sometimes when I have a bad day, or I'm starting to get negative, I try to cheer myself up by thinking of the good things in my life.
When I see the amazing view of the city from the top of Twin Peaks, I remind myself: I live in San Francisco.
Not everyone in the world can say that. People who don't live here always tell me how lucky I am to live here. I'm not gonna lie, I am very lucky.
Looking at the lights, the busy buses and cars buzzing around, the tall buildings, the houses tightly packed together, it makes me feel so proud to say I'm a San Franciscan.Listed in: #1 SF Best of the Best
