Tank Hill

I almost don’t want to write this review, so that my favorite sit-​n-​chill spot in the city doesn’t get more foot traffic, but since I like you so much, Unilocal,I’ll share.
I like lists:
+ best view in the city
+ fewest tourists /​vista ratio
+ wonderfully placed bench
+ lovely people hanging out

This is one of the most wonderful hidden little gem in San Francisco. Parking is hard because of the narrow streets and it is located in a steep hill. But it is absolutely gorgeous. There are some benches on top. You can see a great view of the city. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge as well.
If you plan to watch fireworks on event days you can get to see some of it, the buildings obstruct some of it but it is still an awesome sight (you’re far away enough from the extremely loud noise too).

Tank Hill is truly a San Francisco gem. While not as well trodden as Twin Peaks and Buena Vista, it offers an almost completely unobstructed view of San Francisco from Ocean Beach to Bayview. Very few points in the city offer such a magnificent view of both bridges while remaining relatively tourist free! In fact, it took me more than a year of living here before I found it.
As a park, it is simply beautiful. It’s sort of a hybrid between Grand View and Corona Heights. There are trees and trails as well as exposed rock to climb.
Additionally, Tank Hill is only a short walk from both Cole Valley and Eureka Valley, making it the perfect place to include in a neighborhood outing.

Beautiful view of the entire city and will not disappoint! Beware, it was extremely windy and cold so come dressed up warm. Also visit corona heights; it’s one of my favorite view points

They weren’t kidding when they said this was at the intersection of four winds. And of course we chose one of the windiest days in SF to go check it out. I think I was almost blown off the top of the hill, but still had to get a photo with the Golden Gate Bridge. Not the best experience though — choose a warm and still day to go if you can.

I used to live right down the street. The views are just amazing. The Four Winds of the area blow through there and the indians considered it a sacred space.

Hidden gem. Don’t tell the Twin Peaks tourists.

Twin Peaks was too cloudy and foggy that night. Came down here expecting a view but it was the same. uhh. :/

Small little slice of SF beauty. Love to stroll through the Cole Valley hills on my way, checking out the beautifully-​kept, unique homes, and then BAM — gorgeous and intimate-​feeling wide view of the city. Especially nice on a sunny morning when you’ll likely see Karl the fog draping down over Mt Sutro, while the homes are lit with sun.

No doubt, one of the best views of the city. The actual «park» is so small that it is often not listed anywhere for people to find when researching SF.
I was always curious as to the history of this site – so I found the following from a SFGate article on urban outings:
By Gail Todd Published 4:00 am, Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tank Hill
«Dazzling views of San Francisco, dozens of native plant species, plus hawks and endangered butterflies make this little-​known but centrally located destination well worth the climb to the top.
Rich in history, Tank Hill is named for the Clarendon Heights water tank built in 1894 to store drinking water pumped from Laguna Honda. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, eucalyptus trees were planted around the tank to hide it from feared Japanese airplane attacks. When a larger, covered reservoir was built nearby, the tank became unnecessary, and in 1957 the city removed it. In 1977, a concerned community persuaded the city to buy the hill from private developers for $ 650,000 as part of the city’s new Open Space Program.
This spot is a 650-​foot-​high minipark that offers what many consider to be the most spectacular view of San Francisco of any hilltop park. So small that many maps of San Francisco leave Tank Hill out entirely, this spot provides a panorama that sweeps from the Golden Gate Bridge to Bayview Hill. Access is from the east end of Belgrave Avenue off Stanyan Street or via a small staircase on Twin Peaks Boulevard near Crown Terrace.»
So, there you have it – another interesting tidbit about our beautiful city. Be careful up there as it can be a tad precarious.

this place is awesome! again nestled in a neighborhood area, great view of the city. It has a twin peaks feel but with a bench & cool rocks you can sit on. Just like with twin peaks, or bernal heights its really not fun to go when its super windy, or else you can’t enjoy it. A summer spot! Great spot for bringing a dog too!

I love this hill man. The bench and the height and the scenery. ah, so breathtaking. Every time I go to SF, I want to take the people I’m with here… even though I’ve only had the chance to go once. Gahddamn time crunches.
But really! The sights you get here are so beautiful. I was with my friend, and we were in such awe.
I also very much enjoy the fact that it is less crowded than Twin Peaks and yet it is so close to it.

Have been coming here for years. Especially during the Fleet Week, when The Blue Angels perform their fantastic Air Show.
It is a neighborhood spot. Not that well known to outsiders like the Twin Peaks. That’s a good thing. This place is easy to get to also. I just take the Muni and walk right up. It’s a 10 min walk from the Muni Line. Easy Peasy.
Hope this spot stays secluded. I swing on the home made swings they have hanging from the tree branches. There is only one other swing that’s better. And I’m keeping it a neighborhood secret. For sure. ;)
Absolutely LOVE coming here. The entire city of San Francisco has my heart. And it always will. It’s a promise made before I was born.
Check out the only pic I uploaded for this place. And the only pic that matters.
:)

Parked on the street. As you enter there is a steep trail going uphill which was so scary considering my toddler and 6 year old son was with me. Not recommended for kids!
Beautiful view up close of SF. Came here during the day, it was nice, sunny, yet super freakin WINDY. It’s the shortest hike going to the top. Hung around the area where they have a tire swing and a wood swing… really not much to do but to enjoy the view. This park isn’t much of a big deal. I def won’t be coming back. For the most part, my kids had fun on the swing, but going downhill was such a risk… Aaaaaah! Be cautious.

One of my favorite spots in the city to just contemplate on how good/​bad my day was. It has such a beautiful view. It’s more personal compared to Twin Peaks in my opinion.
On a beautiful day… you can see the whole northern part of the city. It’s so dramatic. I just come here to take in the sights and to relax. Sometimes… the best things in life are the simple things.

After living about ¼ mile from this place, I finally made my way here last night because the weather was nice and warm for Summer and the city lights were bright and clear. I didn’t feel like going up to Twin Peaks because there’s always so much more ruckus going on there and when I got to this site it was empty and so peaceful! This is such a gem of a place and they have this one little park bench where you can totally chill and enjoy the view with your significant other.
How to get here: There are wooden steps right across from Crown Terrace street that you go up. Then you’ll get on a really short and slightly rocky trail and then immediately see the gorgeous view of the Golden Gate bridge to the left and the Bay Bridge in the middle and the edge of the East Bay to the distant right.
When I feel stressed out from school next time, I’m just going to walk here and take in the scenery. Definitely coming back!

Tank hill is another hidden vista point that looks out into the beautiful city of San Francisco! I came here to clear my head and it was a great experience. The hill is very small to walk up and on top of it is a cute wooden bench to enjoy the view, sit and think, read or write.
There is also a trail that lead up further, I was not that adventurous to wander out, but there was a passerby who headed out that way.
While I was there, only one other person came to the hill, this was perfect! I did not want to be overwhelmed with crowds or tourists. It was just right a nice quiet and peaceful way to clear my mind and appreciate the sight of the city :)

As others have mentioned, Tank Hill is one of those awesome spots that few people go to. Quiet, secluded and, you know, awesome.
The views are spectacular. Even on foggier days, Tank Hill sits high enough that you can see fog banks rolling into parts of the city.
Honestly, if you had to pick one spot for a view of SF, pick Tank Hill and avoid the ridiculous traffic that plagues Twin Peaks.

Tank Hill is one of those secret urban spots like Billy Goat Hill, Turtle Hill, etc. Like those, Tank Hill typically has no competition compared to the line of cars and buses on their way to Twin Peaks, but the view is just as gorgeous, if not better, at Tank Hill. At the top, you’ll get a full panoramic from the Golden Gate Bridge/​Presidio all the way to Bayview Hill!
The climb to the top is short, but pay attention to all the local wildlife and plants… it’s really quite something in the Spring/Summer…there are always volunteer projects here to remove invasive species, I even had the chance to participate back in high school to restore habitat for Mission Blue Butterflies. On my last visit, I was rewarded with a view of a red tailed hawk perched on the (famous) green bench — but it flew off right as I reached for my camera… dang it, EVERYTIME!

This is a small park named for the water tank buried in the hilltop. It’s a short walk to the rocky ledges or grassy slope where, on a clear day, you can enjoy unimpeded views from Upper Market and the Castro all the way to the east bay.
Small kids will find the adventure in it. Others will enjoy hanging around and just enjoying the view (bring a blanket).
My daughter’s favorite visit here was during a howling rainstorm; the park was transformed into a surreal scene, with rain gusting through the swaying trees. Very cool!
It’s a great alternative to Twin Peaks, if you’re not up for sitting in a long line of cars so that you can park and join a long line of people and then follow a long caravan of cars back down the hill. Plus, it’s close to Corona Heights Park, which you dog will love you for visiting!

Wanna feel like a local? Wanna impress your friends from out of town? Wanna show them how great SF is? This is a great place for a panoramic view of the city, but it does not offer much else in terms of walking/​hiking/​picnicking. There’s fun rocks to sit atop and also one cute green bench, though! Because of the height, it is also very windy (the billowing gusts make for a very cold experience if you do not have adequate outwear, even if it is sunny!). I would call this more of a look-​out than a park, but the view is spectacular, especially the initial ascension up the side of the hill. Reminds me of Grand View park, except a little more secret and thus a lot less crowded. Good for a chill-​out session, sunset chasing, or some fun photographs.
parking is easy in the residential area, but just be mindful of reading the signs.