Coit Tower

A tall tower at the top of Telegraph Hill.
The famous tower at the top of Telegraph Hill.

Coit Tower was built in 1933 and is a notable landmark on top of Telegraph Hill dedicated to San Francisco’s firefighters by Lillie Hitchcock Coit.

It is said that Lillie Hitchcock Coit was rescued from a fire as a child and she was fascinated by firemen ever since. She became the informal mascot of the newly established San Francisco Fire Department when she pitched in to help a short handed fire crew to put out a fire on Telegraph Hill.

a couple taking selfie at the golden gate bridge overlook

Morning Guided San Francisco Sightseeing Tour

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  • 65+

Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.

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Monterey and Carmel One Day Tour from San Francisco

  • 11 Hours
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This day tour hugs the scenic Pacific Coast, then offers free time to explore the Monterey’s Cannery Row and Old Fisherman’s Wharf. Relax along the 17-mile Drive to Pebble Beach and charming Carmel.

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Upon her death, wealthy Lillie Hitchcock Coit donated money and requested a monument to be built for the firefighters. Because of Coit’s affinity with the San Francisco firefighters, some assume the shape of the tower resembles the nozzle of a fire hose, but it is not confirmed if this was intentional.

Coit Tower is a 210 ft (64 m) tall art deco tower, made of unpainted, reinforced concrete. The inside of the tower features mural art from 26 different artists. Many of the murals depict the struggles of working class Americans during the Great Depression and are now protected as a historical treasure. The murals can be seen on the ground floor of the tower, an elevator takes tourists up to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy a great 360 degree view of the bay and the city.