San Francisco’s seven iconic hills are more than just geographic landmarks—they are the heartbeat of the city’s identity, shaping its skyline, neighborhoods, and spirit. In 2025, these elevations continue to define the city’s allure, offering breathtaking views, vibrant communities, and a sense of timeless charm. Each hill carries its own story, from historic enclaves to modern hubs of creativity. Below, explore seven hills that embody San Francisco’s essence, numbered for clarity and rich with the city’s unique character.
1. Nob Hill
Nob Hill rises with an air of elegance, its steep slopes lined with grand Victorian mansions and sleek high-rises. Perched near the city’s core, it offers sweeping views of the Bay Bridge and downtown’s twinkling lights. The hill’s historic cable cars rumble along its streets, their bells echoing through the evening fog. At its summit, a majestic cathedral looms, its intricate spires a nod to the city’s storied past. Charming cafes and boutique hotels dot the area, serving artisanal coffee and craft cocktails. Nob Hill blends old-world sophistication with modern vibrancy, making it a cornerstone of San Francisco’s allure.
2. Russian Hill
Russian Hill captivates with its picturesque streets and cozy neighborhood feel. Its winding roads, including a famously crooked lane adorned with blooming hydrangeas, draw visitors seeking postcard-perfect views. The hill overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, with panoramic vistas that shimmer in the morning light. Quaint bistros and bookstores nestle among pastel-colored homes, offering warm pastries and rare novels. The area pulses with a creative energy, its quiet corners inspiring artists and writers. Russian Hill’s blend of scenic beauty and intimate charm makes it a beloved gem in the city’s landscape.
3. Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill stands as a beacon of San Francisco’s artistic spirit, crowned by a historic tower that pierces the sky. Its steep stairways, flanked by lush gardens and murals, lead to breathtaking views of the bay and distant Marin Headlands. The hill’s narrow lanes buzz with the energy of local artisans, their studios tucked into ivy-covered buildings. Cafes serve espresso and fresh sourdough, while jazz drifts from open windows. The area’s bohemian vibe and natural beauty create a sense of escape within the city, making Telegraph Hill a haven for dreamers and explorers.
4. Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks soars above the city, its dual summits offering unrivaled 360-degree views of San Francisco’s sprawling mosaic. On clear days, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and distant East Bay hills come into sharp focus. The hill’s windswept trails wind through native grasses and wildflowers, creating a serene contrast to the urban bustle below. At night, the city’s lights sparkle like a constellation, drawing couples and photographers to its slopes. Twin Peaks’ raw beauty and commanding presence make it a defining feature of San Francisco’s natural and cultural landscape.
5. Potrero Hill
Potrero Hill exudes a laid-back charm, its sunny slopes dotted with colorful bungalows and modern lofts. The hill’s gentle incline reveals stunning views of the downtown skyline and San Francisco Bay, particularly from its quiet parks. Local breweries and eateries thrive here, serving hoppy IPAs and wood-fired pizzas to a diverse crowd. The area’s industrial roots blend with a growing creative scene, with street art and pop-up galleries adding bursts of color. Potrero Hill’s unpretentious vibe and scenic vistas make it a hidden treasure among the city’s iconic elevations.
6. Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights radiates refined beauty, its stately homes and manicured gardens perched along sloping streets. The hill offers sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County, with the bay’s blue waters glinting below. Its wide boulevards are lined with boutique shops and patisseries, offering handmade chocolates and flaky croissants. The area’s architectural diversity, from Edwardian estates to sleek condos, reflects San Francisco’s evolving elegance. Pacific Heights combines serene residential charm with urban sophistication, creating a hill that feels both timeless and forward-looking.
7. Bernal Heights
Bernal Heights pulses with a vibrant, community-driven spirit, its grassy summit offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. The hill’s park, dotted with wildflowers and winding paths, draws families and dog walkers to its slopes. Its surrounding streets buzz with eclectic cafes, taquerias, and vinyl shops, serving spicy burritos and rare records. The area’s colorful murals and tight-knit vibe reflect its creative and inclusive soul. Bernal Heights’ blend of natural beauty and neighborhood warmth makes it a cherished part of San Francisco’s hilly tapestry.
Why these hills matter
San Francisco’s seven hills are more than topographic features—they shape the city’s identity, from its physical layout to its cultural heartbeat. Nob Hill’s grandeur and Pacific Heights’ elegance speak to the city’s historic wealth, while Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill nurture its artistic soul. Twin Peaks and Bernal Heights offer natural retreats, and Potrero Hill adds a modern, grounded charm. Each hill contributes to the city’s visual drama, with vistas that inspire awe and neighborhoods that foster connection. In 2025, these elevations remain central to San Francisco’s allure, defining its skyline and its spirit.
The bigger picture
These hills weave together San Francisco’s past and present, creating a city that feels both timeless and dynamic. Nob Hill’s cable cars and Russian Hill’s crooked streets evoke the city’s storied history, while Potrero Hill’s breweries and Bernal Heights’ murals reflect its evolving creativity. Twin Peaks’ sweeping views and Telegraph Hill’s artistic enclaves highlight the city’s natural and cultural riches. Pacific Heights’ elegance balances the gritty charm of other slopes, forming a diverse urban landscape. Together, these seven hills create a city where every climb reveals a new perspective, both literal and figurative.
A city shaped by its slopes
San Francisco’s seven hills are the backbone of its charm, each contributing a unique flavor to the city’s vibrant mosaic. They offer not just elevation but also inspiration, from the windswept trails of Twin Peaks to the jazz-filled lanes of Telegraph Hill. In 2025, these hills continue to define San Francisco’s character, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether it’s sipping coffee in Potrero Hill or gazing at the bay from Pacific Heights, these slopes invite exploration and celebration, making San Francisco a city where every hill tells a story.
