Twin Peaks, CA

Travel Guide

Twin Peaks

Enjoy expansive views of San Francisco and the Bay Area beyond from atop these iconic hills, which mark the second-highest point in the city.

From across the city, recognize Twin Peaks instantly by the soaring antenna tower that juts from a nearby summit. Even without Sutro Tower marking its location, this is a favorite destination in San Francisco. Many consider the peaks to be the city’s geographical center, which make them a great spot to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Bay Area below you.

Appreciate stunning views from the area’s parking lot. Walk along the sidewalk that runs from the parking lot partway around the hills. Check out your surroundings up-close using telescopic viewers. For a few cents, you can see many of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks through the viewers’ lenses.

If you have the time, follow the trails up the north and south peaks. Expect a 500-foot (150-meter) climb, with some steep terrain. Stop around the south peak and see San Francisco unfold before you. Map out the city’s neighborhoods on the horizon, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the stunning Golden Gate Bridge to the north. Try to identify Coit Tower and the Transamerica Building.

Gaze up at nearby Sutro Tower, one of the most recognizable features of San Francisco’s skyline. The alien-like radio and television antenna tower was constructed in 1973. At 977 feet (298 meters) from base to top, it is the tallest structure in the city. You cannot access the tower, but take advantage of the great viewpoints near its base.

San Francisco’s fog is almost as famous as the city. The hills stand tall above the city, so Twin Peaks is sometimes above the fog. Enjoy the unique elevated vantage point and watch the fog roll from the Pacific Ocean and blanket San Francisco.

Many people drive to Twin Peaks, so the limited parking spaces fill up quickly. Arrive early if you plan to come by car. Because the hilltops are so high, the area is often windy and colder than the city below. Wear an extra layer and bring sunscreen. Visit Twin Peaks any day until midnight.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Bernardino
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Bernardino
4 out of 5
285 E Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA
$110 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$121 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Bernardino. Enjoy room service, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,942 reviews)
Nice hotel
"Nice hotel, good area clean and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Bernardino
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
3649 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA
$227 nightly
The price is $258 total per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
$258 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Riverside. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,007 reviews)
"Mission Inn is always great!!"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Quality Inn Riverside near UCR and Downtown
Quality Inn Riverside near UCR and Downtown
2.5 out of 5
1590 University Ave, Riverside, CA
$93 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
$105 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Riverside. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Quality Inn Riverside near UCR and Downtown
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.
Lagonita Lodge
Lagonita Lodge
3 out of 5
183 Lagonita Ln, Big Bear Lake, CA
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,788 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Lagonita Lodge
Snow Lake Lodge
Snow Lake Lodge
3 out of 5
41579 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (447 reviews)
Great property, but...
"I stayed at the Snow Lake Lodge. In the past, I had some great experiences there. This time, I found the staff attentive and friendly, and the property very clean and well-maintained. My only issue is that my mattress was terrible. I was in room 201, and I could feel the springs on the mattress. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Snow Lake Lodge
Fox Bear Cottages Big Bear
Fox Bear Cottages Big Bear
3 out of 5
40105 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Big Bear Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions The Village and Snow Summit are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (56 reviews)
"Private, bìg friendy staff"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Fox Bear Cottages Big Bear
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.

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Reviews of Twin Peaks

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
5
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 54%
3 - Okay
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