San Francisco's 15 Best Views

Fodor's Travel: Visit just before sunset (it's $7 for the elevator to the top) when the Transamerica Pyramid, framed by the tower's arches, is bathed in a golden glow.

Fodor's Travel: Walk up the hill in the park across the street for the best angle of both the houses and the skyline.

Fodor's Travel: Uncork a bottle of Cabernet, put your iPod in the dock, and play Tony Bennett’s "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Sleep with the curtains open to catch the skyline as the morning fog lifts.

Fodor's Travel: Visit Hawk Hill on a clear day in the early afternoon and bring along a picnic lunch (park your car facing the view and enjoy), a windbreaker, and binoculars.

Fodor's Travel: Hotel Vitale offers a 180-degree panorama of the Ferry Building's distinctive 245-foot clock tower (modeled after the one in Seville, Spain) and sweeping suspension cables of the Bay Bridge.

Fodor's Travel: Pack water and snacks, and let a summit picnic be your reward. You can also drive up the Eureka North peak if hiking's not your thing.

Fodor's Travel: Get there early (ideally around 3:30pm) to snag seats in the lively circular Oyster Bar with its large windows, or on the outside terrace with its more open bridge and bay views.

Fodor's Travel: Take time to savor a multitude of views: the island itself on your ferry ride, the Golden Gate Bridge from the recreation yard, and the city skyline from the paths surrounding the Cell House.

Fodor's Travel: The perfect place to enjoy San Francisco without actually sleeping in it, Cavallo Point is an atmospheric, dog-friendly resort located across the bay on the grounds of historic Fort Baker.

Fodor's Travel: Position yourself at the right beneath it and snap a picture with the sculpture, created by Swedish pop-art pioneer Claes Oldenburg and Dutch artist Coosje van Bruggen, juxtaposed against the bridge.

Fodor's Travel: Hand your cell phone or camera to your passenger and maneuver the eight tight turns from top to bottom amid the famous manicured hydrangeas. Then look back up: The best photo ops are from the bottom.

Fodor's Travel: Through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the indoor relaxation pool and whirlpool, you'll enjoy a serene view of blue sky and skyline from this spa.

Fodor's Travel: Wait for the morning fog to lift, take a taxi to the Southeast Visitor Area, and find the pedestrian walkway—if you can handle a run of 77 or 8 miles, continue through Crissy Field on the way back.

Fodor's Travel: The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands from this beach are spectacular. These sands are also a recognized nudist spot, so you might catch a game of naked Frisbee on the north end.

Fodor's Travel: Ride the entire 2.1-mile route and choose a standing position on the outside runner at the front of the car's left side. Face forward, hold on with your right hand, and line up the perfect shot.