There's so much local chatter about Golden Gate Park and Dolores Park, but did you know San Francisco has over 220 parks and open spaces? Curbed SF wants to bring fame and glory to some of the smaller, lesser-known parks, and we're doing so with Park Life. Each week we'll spotlight a different San Francisco park or open space, and bring you all the details you need to plan a visit.
Located at the top of Telegraph Hill and most notably known as the place where Coit Tower is, Pioneer Park was established in 1876 in celebration of the United States Centennial. The site was purchased by a group of businessman, including George Heart, in 1876 for $12,000 in an effort to preserve the site since hilltops during that time were being converted into commercial use. The group then donated the land to the city on the condition that it'd remain green space and be named Pioneer Park, after the hill's first residents. Coit Tower would come later in 1933 using a $100,000 bequest left to San Francisco by Lillie Hitchcock Coit. In 1957, a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus was donated to the park by the city's Italian-American community. Nowadays, tourists and locals alike folk to the park for the breathtaking views and Coit Tower's historic murals. Where it's located: At the top of Telegraph Hill at the end of Telegraph Hill Blvd.
What it features: Breathtaking views; Coit Tower, which houses the historic murals painted in 1930s that reflect scenes of the Great Depression; the stairways that spiral around the park through greenery.
How to get there: 39-Coit: Pick up in North Beach or at Fisherman's Wharf. Alternatively, you can hike east up the verdant steps on Greenwich.
Dogs allowed?: Sure, but leashed.
Don't miss: The views at sunset.
· Pioneer Park/ Coit Tower/Marconi [SF Park Alliance]
· Telegraph Hill – Pioneer Park [SF Rec and Park]
Loading comments...