DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Built-in Lens
Shutter Speed
1/50 sec
Aperture
f/4
Focal Length
24mm
ISO
100
Coit Tower
@michaellaxphoto
Coit Tower, perched atop Telegraph Hill, stands as a majestic sentinel over San Francisco. A symbol of the city's resilience after the 1906 earthquake, it promises visitors a climb into history and a view that might as well be a panoramic cinematic shot of the city by the bay.
The tower's murals, echoing the style of Diego Rivera, reflect a vivid slice of life during the tumultuous 1930s. As you ascend its heights, San Francisco unfolds beneath you, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the meandering streets of North Beach, culminating in a view that stitches together the patchwork of neighborhoods and stories that make this city legendary.
(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Moderate
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Anytime
Fee
Free
Pack
- Drone
How to get there
N37° 48' 10.9368"W122° 24' 21.4128"
This drone photo is of Coit Tower in the neighborhood of Telegraph Hill.
Starting from the heart of San Francisco, Union Square, catch the 30-Stockton MUNI bus. Ride until you reach the stop at Columbus Ave & Stockton St.
From there, take a brief walk to Washington Square Park, where you'll find the base of the Filbert Steps—a lovely mosaic of gardens and stairs that leads you straight to the base of Coit Tower. As you ascend the steps, it's a gradual walk into the pages of San Francisco's history, ending with the tower itself beckoning you forward.
For this shot, I took off my drone from the main parking lot. For this view, i flew to the back of the tower and framed northwest in the direction of Mount Tamalpais—which you can see in the distance!
Tips
When to go
Best season
All months
Best time
Sunset
Coit Tower, with its commanding views of San Francisco, is photogenic all year. However, for a balance of favorable weather and unique lighting, consider visiting between April to June or September to November.
These transitional months offer clear skies, reduced fog, and a lovely backdrop of either blooming flowers in spring or autumn foliage.
These golden hours provide soft lighting that beautifully accentuates the tower's architecture and reduces shadows.
The fog often offers a mystical aura to the city's skyline—a cinematographer's dream.
Field tips
Whether you're photographing with a camera or a drone, shooting wide will allow you to capture the entirety of the tower juxtaposed against the vast San Francisco skyline.
Focus on details: The art deco design, murals, and ornate touches give Coit Tower its unique character.
Include people for scale, showcasing the tower's impressive stature against the human element.
Experiment with black and white photography. The tower's history lends itself to a vintage feel.
Don't just shoot upwards. Capturing the tower from a distance or from other elevated points in the city can offer a different and dramatic perspective.
Current weather
San Francisco, California
Partially cloudy
57o
F
Tue
63o
53o
Wed
64o
56o
Thu
67o
54o
Fri
66o
56o
Sat
63o
56o
Blue Hour
12:34
57o
Partially cloudy
Sunrise
13:03
57o
Partially cloudy
Golden Hour
02:33
57o
Partially cloudy
Sunset
03:10
57o
Partially cloudy
Do nearby
Coit Tower is more than just a viewpoint; it's a gateway to San Francisco's diverse tales.
Just steps away from Coit Tower, explore the historic neighborhood of North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy. Wander through its cafe-lined streets, reminiscent of a Fellini film, and savor its famed Italian cuisines.
A little further south lies Chinatown, a bustling enclave brimming with culture, color, and culinary delights.
If you're up for more views, embark on a walk along the Embarcadero, where the Bay Bridge and the bay itself offer more scenic backdrops.
Locations nearby
