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Twin Peaks

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Twin Peaks is San Francisco's iconic two-summit lookout, rising to 281 m (922 ft) above the city and opening wide views over the bay, downtown, and the Pacific. Known historically as Los Pechos de la Choca, this windswept 26 ha (64 acres) natural area gives you a rare mix of skyline panoramas and native grassland trails.

Start with a guided city tour that includes a photo stop at Twin Peaks, because it simplifies uphill logistics and saves time on parking.
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Guided city tours

Choose this format if you want a curated stop at Twin Peaks plus key neighborhoods in one route.
San Francisco City Tour
4.6(52)
 
getyourguide.com
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City tours with bay cruise

Great if you want both hilltop skyline views and a water-level perspective of San Francisco Bay on the same day.
San Francisco Ultimate City Tour with Bay Cruise Option
4.6(51)
 
getyourguide.com
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More city sightseeing tours

Use this group for broader city itineraries that still include a stop at Twin Peaks.
San Francisco city tour and Muir Woods combo
 
musement.com
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6 tips for visiting the Twin Peaks

1
Use the Portola gate for vehicle access
If you're driving or joining a tour bus, approach Twin Peaks via the Portola Drive gate. The Burnett Avenue gate is closed to vehicles, so this small routing choice saves you a frustrating turnaround at busy times. That way you start with the view, not traffic stress.
2
Go early or near sunset
For cleaner skyline photos, go early or near sunset, but expect stronger wind on the ridge. Bring one extra layer even on warm days in San Francisco, because the summit often feels colder than street level. This keeps your stop comfortable instead of rushed.
3
Use the Crestline transit approach
If you prefer public transit, use the Crestline Drive or Portola Drive side. Muni lines 37 and 48 serve these approaches, and the completed Crestline Connector Trail improves the walk up to the summit. This cuts parking hassle and keeps your schedule flexible.
4
Stay on marked trails
To explore beyond the overlook, follow the marked 1.1 km (0.7 miles) trail network and stay on established paths. Side tracks can damage sensitive habitat and expose you to poison oak on steeper sections. Sticking to signed routes makes your walk safer and protects the landscape.
5
Pair your stop with nearby highlights
If your day is short, pair Twin Peaks with one nearby contrast: skyline history at Coit Tower or a bay crossing to Alcatraz. If your priority is nature, combine your city route with Muir Woods National Monument. You reduce zigzag travel and keep the day flowing.
6
Plan a 30 to 60 minute stop
Most visitors spend about 30 to 60 minutes at the viewpoint, and longer if they hike. If you only want photos, head straight to the north peak overlook; if you want quieter moments, add a short trail segment on the southern side. This avoids overplanning and leaves buffer time for the rest of your San Francisco day.

How to choose the right Twin Peaks tour format

Most products that include Twin Peaks are city-wide formats, not stand-alone attraction tickets. Choose by your day style first, then by how much transport complexity you want to avoid.

Guided city tours with a Twin Peaks stop

Choose this if it's your first time in San Francisco and you want one smooth route instead of separate rides. These tours usually place Twin Peaks between major districts, so you get context from a guide and less navigation friction. Book now.

Bay cruise combos after the viewpoint

Great when your priority is variety in one day: hilltop panorama first, bay perspective second. After your stop at Twin Peaks, this format pairs naturally with the waterfront and nearby add-ons like Alcatraz or Coit Tower. Book now.

City tours that add Muir Woods

If you want nature beyond skyline viewpoints, choose the combo that links Twin Peaks with Muir Woods National Monument. It's a strong option for repeat visitors who have already covered core downtown landmarks and want a broader Bay Area contrast. Book now.

What you experience on the peaks

Twin Peaks works because the place gives you both instant panorama and short, meaningful nature access. The details below help you decide whether to treat it as a quick stop or a fuller walk.

Two summits and a wide-open skyline

At 281 m (922 ft), Twin Peaks rises above much of central San Francisco, so even a short stop feels dramatic. Most visitors start at the north peak overlook for quick photos, then move toward quieter paths on the southern side when they want less crowd noise.

Trails, habitat, and the Mission Blue Butterfly

Beyond the overlook, the 26 ha (64 acres) natural area includes a 1.1 km (0.7 miles) trail network through coastal scrub and grassland. In 2009, conservation teams released pregnant Mission Blue Butterfly females here, and this remains the species' only surviving site inside San Francisco. Stay on marked paths so you help protect fragile habitat.

How access changed from 2016 to today

Access on Twin Peaks Boulevard changed in stages: the vehicle pilot began in April 2016, the east-side closure became permanent in April 2020, and trail upgrades continued through 2025. Current project updates from February 2026 describe the next phase as a linear promenade park with an accessible path, habitat restoration, and clearer wayfinding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Twin Peaks special?

Twin Peaks is one of the highest viewpoints in San Francisco at 281 m (922 ft), with two adjacent summits and broad views over the bay and city grid. It also combines skyline photography with native grassland habitat in one compact stop.
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Do I need a ticket to visit Twin Peaks?

No entry ticket is required for the public viewpoints and trails at Twin Peaks. You only pay if you choose a commercial city tour format that includes a stop here.
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How long should I plan for a visit?

A quick photo stop is usually 30 to 60 minutes. Add extra time if you want to walk part of the trail network or wait for changing light conditions.
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Can I reach Twin Peaks by public transit?

Yes. Muni line 37 serves the Crestline Drive side, and line 48 serves Portola Drive. The Crestline Connector Trail improves the uphill link from transit to the summit area.
Read more.

Can I still drive up to the viewpoint?

Yes, vehicle access is via the Portola Drive gate. The Burnett Avenue gate remains closed to vehicles, so use the Portola side for direct access.
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How difficult are the trails?

The core network is about 1.1 km (0.7 miles), with additional links beyond the summit. Expect steep and windy sections, and stay on marked paths to avoid erosion zones and poison oak.
Read more.

Is Twin Peaks suitable for limited mobility visitors?

The main overlook near parking is the easiest way to enjoy views with limited walking. Many trail segments are steeper and uneven, but current promenade upgrades are designed to improve accessible circulation.
Read more.

What can I combine with Twin Peaks in one day?

For a classic city contrast, pair Twin Peaks with Coit Tower or Alcatraz. For a nature-heavy day, combine it with Muir Woods National Monument so you get skyline and redwood forest in one itinerary.
Read more.

General information

opening hours

Park hours at Twin Peaks Trail are 5 am to 12 midnight. For better visibility and safer footing on uneven sections, plan your main viewpoint stop in daylight.

tickets

No entry ticket or timeslot is required for the public viewpoints and trails at Twin Peaks. Paid options are city tours that include this stop, sometimes bundled with a bay cruise or a visit to Muir Woods National Monument.

address

Twin Peaks Trail
501 Twin Peaks Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94114
United States

how to get there

Vehicle access is via the Portola Drive gate; the Burnett Avenue gate is closed to vehicles. Street parking is usually available along Crestline Drive, and there is a small lot near Christmas Tree Point. For transit, Muni line 37 serves Crestline Drive, and line 48 serves Portola Drive.

accessibility

The easiest low-effort option is the main overlook near parking. Some trail sections include steeper gradients, uneven surfaces, and stairs, while current promenade works are designed to improve accessible circulation.
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