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A Guide to the Best San Francisco Skyline Views from Mount Davidson
If you’re looking for one of the best panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Mount Davidson is a must-visit. As the highest natural point in San Francisco at 928 feet, this hidden gem offers breathtaking 360-degree views, a peaceful forested hike, and a historic landmark at the summit.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best route to the top, what to expect along the way, and tips to make the most of your visit.
Why Hike Mount Davidson?
Mount Davidson is a less crowded alternative to Twin Peaks, offering equally stunning skyline views with a serene, wooded atmosphere. Here’s why you should add it to your list:
🌆 Unmatched San Francisco Skyline Views – See downtown SF, the Bay Bridge, and Sutro Tower from the summit.
🌲 A Hidden Forest in the City – Walk through eucalyptus groves and shaded trails on your way up.
🚶♂️ Quick & Rewarding Hike – A short but scenic trail leads to incredible views.
📸 Photography Heaven – Capture panoramic shots of SF from the highest point in the city.
🕊 Peaceful Escape – Fewer tourists make this a tranquil spot to take in the cityscape.
✝️ Visit the Historic Cross – A 103-foot-tall concrete cross sits at the summit, adding a unique cultural landmark.
How to Get to Mount Davidson
📍 Location: Mount Davidson Park, San Francisco, CA 94127
🚗 By Car:
• The best parking spot is near Dalewood Way & Myra Way, where you’ll find a trailhead entrance.
🚇 By Public Transit:
• Take Muni Bus 36 (Teresita) and get off at Dalewood Way & Lansdale Ave.
• The closest BART station is Glen Park, about a 20-minute walk away.
🚲 By Bike:
• The ride up is steep, but rewarding for experienced cyclists.
Best Hiking Route to the Summit
📍 Distance: ~0.5 miles round-trip | ⏳ Time: 20–30 minutes
This quick but scenic hike will take you through lush woodlands before revealing breathtaking skyline views at the top.
1. Start at the Dalewood Way Trailhead
🟢 Why: This is the most direct route to the summit.
📸 Photo Tip: As you enter the trail, you’ll walk through towering eucalyptus trees—a great spot for a moody nature shot.
➡️ Follow the narrow dirt path uphill through a shaded forest.
2. Reach the Historic Mount Davidson Cross
🟢 Why: At 103 feet tall, this massive concrete cross is one of SF’s most unique landmarks.
🌅 Best Time to Visit: Early morning fog adds a mystical feel to the cross, while sunset provides stunning golden light.
📸 Photo Tip: Frame the cross against the backdrop of the San Francisco skyline for a one-of-a-kind shot.
➡️ Walk a few more steps past the cross for the best skyline view.
3. Arrive at the Summit Viewpoint
🟢 Why: The highest natural point in San Francisco offers sweeping views of the city, the Bay, and beyond.
📸 Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens or panorama mode to capture the full cityscape.
From here, you’ll see:
🏙 Downtown San Francisco, including the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid
🌁 The Bay Bridge and East Bay Hills
📡 Sutro Tower rising above Twin Peaks
🏞 The Pacific Ocean in the distance
➡️ Take your time soaking in the view before heading back down the way you came.
Best Time to Visit Mount Davidson for Views
☀️ Golden Hour (Sunrise or Sunset): The skyline looks especially magical with soft golden light.
🌙 At Night: Watch San Francisco’s skyline glow, with city lights stretching across the Bay.
🌫 Foggy Mornings: If you love moody photography, the mist weaving through the trees makes for an unforgettable scene.
What to Expect on Your Hike
👀 Breathtaking Skyline Views – One of the best high-elevation perspectives in the city.
🌳 Towering Eucalyptus Trees – A lush, shaded forest unlike anywhere else in SF.
🌁 Fog & Wind – Be prepared for changing weather—it’s often cooler and windier at the summit.
📸 Photography Opportunities Everywhere – From the mystical cross to expansive city views, this hike is a photographer’s dream.
Tips for Hiking Mount Davidson
✔️ Wear Comfortable Shoes – The trail can be steep and uneven in parts.
✔️ Bring a Light Jacket – Even on sunny days, the summit can be chilly and windy.
✔️ Check the Weather – Fog can either enhance or block the views—know what to expect.
✔️ Go Early or Late for the Best Views – Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting.
✔️ Respect the Wildlife – You might spot birds, coyotes, or other small animals along the trail.
Nearby Attractions
🏛 Glen Park Canyon – Another beautiful hiking spot just minutes away.
☕ Grab Coffee in West Portal – Try West Portal Bakery or Peet’s Coffee after your hike.
🌁 Twin Peaks – If you want another amazing city view, Twin Peaks is just a short drive away.
🎭 Explore the Castro & Noe Valley – These iconic SF neighborhoods are just down the hill.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Mount Davidson is one of the best ways to experience the San Francisco skyline without the crowds of Twin Peaks or Coit Tower. With stunning panoramic views, peaceful forest trails, and a unique historic landmark, it’s a must-visit spot for hikers, photographers, and anyone looking for a quiet escape in the city.
🌁 Have you hiked Mount Davidson? Share your best skyline shots in the comments! 👇✨
