Twin Peaks is one of the highest hills in San Francisco and offers sweeping views of most of the city. On a clear day you can see all of the bay, the Bay Bridge, downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and even glimpses of the ocean. Most people will visit the peak by driving or taking a tour bus up there, park, and walk two steps to the observation area. However, if you can, I’d highly recommend walking up to the Twin Peaks summit. From the Cole & Carl St. muni stop in Cole Valley, you can walk over to Clayton St., make a right onto Twin Peaks Boulevard and follow all the way to the top. As you walk through the residential neighborhood, admiring the lovely homes, you’ll get glimpses of the city skyline.
The walk is rather steep and it’s approximately 1 mile to the top, but you will be rewarded with awesome views. Afterwards, treat yourself to a delicious brunch at Zazie in Cole Valley or if the wait is too long, head across the street to La Boulange for coffee and pastries. Then round out your day with some window shopping and people watching a few blocks away on Haight Street, best known for the being the center of the hippie movement in the ’60’s. Nowadays, it’s a bohemian neighborhood filled with boutique, bookstores, and coffee shops. It’s also a fun place to go if you want to recycle or trade some personal goods since the street is full of consignment shops and is home to Amoeba Records, which will buy, sell, and trade your used records, CDs, and DVDs.
What: Twin Peaks
Where: Start at Cole & Carl Street
Activity: Hiking, Walking (~2 miles roundtrip, Easy to Moderate with steep inclines)
A Sprinkle of Adventure 