Chapter 5. Coit Tower
A view of Coit Tower taken in the early morning on a warm summer day. Taken at ISO 400, f/22, 1/130 second with a 14–24mm lens.
Why It's Worth a Photograph
Coit Tower was built in Pioneer Park atop Telegraph Hill in 1933. Contrary to popular opinion, the tower was not designed to resemble a fire hose nozzle. The Art Deco tower, which is 210 feet (64 m) of unpainted, reinforced concrete, stands alone on Telegraph Hill. The views from Coit Tower offer a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Not to be missed are the murals decorating the lobby, considered to be one of California's best examples of Depression-era public art. What makes Coit Tower worth a photograph is the wonderful isolation this Art Deco tower has as it sits at the top of the hill with the sweeping waterfront on one side and the city on the other.
Where Can I Get the Best Shot?
There are a number of places around San Francisco you can photograph Coit Tower. The three most accessible and unobstructed views are from Lombard Street, Embarcadero Piers, and Fisherman's Wharf (see A, B, and C on the map).
The best locations from which to photograph Coit Tower: (A) Lombard Street, (B) Embarcadero Piers, (C) Fisherman's Wharf. Other photo ops: (9) Embarcadero, (10) Fisherman's Wharf, (14) crooked Lombard Street, ...
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