Columbus Tower Tours

Photo by James Wilkinson
Photo by Mark Stanfield
Photo by AMCR
Photo by Carie Schooley
Photo by Jerry Lin (Jinfu Lin)


If you want to experience the colorful history of your new surroundings, pay a visit to Columbus Tower.

You'll have sightseeing choices galore when in Downtown San Francisco. Columbus Tower is a good place to kick off here, but there are lots of other fine sights to consider. Pier 39, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island are close to the historic landmark and will fill in your day nicely.

Plan a trip to see Columbus Tower

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Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel
Claremont Resort & Club
The Grove Inn

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Best Lodging Options Near Columbus Tower

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

4 out of 5
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco

Fairmont San Francisco

5 out of 5
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
Fairmont San Francisco
Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

3.5 out of 5
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Grand Hyatt San Francisco

Grand Hyatt San Francisco

4 out of 5
345 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
Grand Hyatt San Francisco
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

3.5 out of 5
433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Columbus Tower

At Columbus Tower in San Francisco, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere filled with theater, shopping, and art. Explore the nearby local shops for unique finds, enjoy captivating performances in the theater scene, and appreciate stunning art installations that reflect the city's rich cultural heritage. This area promises a delightful blend of entertainment and creativity, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a true taste of San Francisco.

Shopping

Ghirardelli Square, located 1 mile from Columbus Tower, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Nearby, Winery Collective and Boudin Bakery, both 1 mile away, provide unique gifts and delicious treats, perfect for souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore larger malls further afield.

Recreation

At Oracle Park, enjoy the lively atmosphere of a baseball game or take a tour of this iconic stadium. Experience live performances at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, where music fills the air. For a relaxing day outdoors, tee off at the Presidio Golf Course surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of ice skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, located 0.6 mile from Columbus Tower. For a scenic hike, explore the Ecology Trail, 2 miles away, offering beautiful views of nature. Enjoy the fresh air along Perimeter Road, located 4 miles from the tower.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Columbus Tower with a visit to the Orpheum Theatre for captivating performances or the War Memorial Opera House for a cultural evening. For a whimsical touch, enjoy the outdoor ambiance at the San Francisco Carousel, perfect for a family-friendly outing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Columbus Tower

While visiting Columbus Tower in San Francisco, explore nearby attractions like Columbus Avenue and the iconic Flatiron Building. Enjoy the vibrant street life and take in the historic architecture of the area. For those seeking a cultural family experience, don't miss the chance to visit local art museums and urban parks, which offer a blend of nature and creativity, making your trip truly memorable.

  • Pier 39: A vibrant jetty teeming with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, Pier 39 offers stunning views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy the playful sea lions basking in the sun and indulge in delicious seafood while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
  • Moscone Convention Center: As a premier event venue, Moscone Convention Center hosts various conferences and exhibitions. Its sleek architecture and modern design create a professional atmosphere, making it a hub for business leaders and innovators.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street features eight steep, hairpin turns. This iconic street is beautifully landscaped, offering a unique blend of city charm and picturesque views that make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Best time to go to Columbus Tower

The best time to visit Columbus Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Columbus Tower falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Columbus Tower falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Columbus Tower

To save money on your visit to Columbus Tower, consider traveling in February or between November and December, when prices are lower. Fridays tend to be the cheapest days for accommodations, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by budget and category, and look for eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also lead to savings. Lastly, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Columbus Tower are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Columbus Tower is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Columbus Tower is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Columbus Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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