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Solar eclipse: 10 best places to view it in San Francisco (updated)

Phenomenon visible in the U.S. for the first time in 40 years

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On August 21 a total solar eclipse will pass through the United States for the first time in nearly 40 years, according to NASA. But not all states will be able to feast their eyes on the full eclipse. In fact, only 14 states will have total visibility of the eclipse.

Don’t fret, everyone will have the opportunity to experience a partial eclipse. San Francisco will experience a partial eclipse at 10:15 a.m. PDT and will be able to see 75 percent of the sun blocked.

This sighting is rare and lasts roughly two minutes, and you don’t want to miss it.

We’ve mapped out the best places with high vantage points and great views of the sky that will give you a clear view of the partial eclipse (if Karl plays nice, that is).

Updates: Here are eight choice places in the East Bay to catch the solar eclipse.

Weather-wise, fog is on the horizon and in the air on the morning of the eclipse. Here’s what to look out for.

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Treasure Island

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Perfect spot for a picnic while gazing at the celestial event happening in the sky.

A post shared by Brian Edmiston (@bdawg809) on

Crissy Field

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With an open field, Crissy Field provides a choice spot to experience the partial eclipse. With no buildings to obscure your view of the sky, watchers can witness the magic and then enjoy a day at the beach.

A post shared by Nicole S (@nixinteriordesign) on

Coit Tower

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The observation deck at Coit Tower will give watchers a 360-degree view of the city and sky. Tickets to the deck can be purchased in the gift shop. The tower opens at 10 a.m., just 15 minutes before the partial eclipse is set to pass through San Francisco. Warning: the observation deck holds only 35 people, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the deck. 

Hamon Observation Tower

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Watch the partial eclipse behind the glass-walled observation tower at the de Young Museum. The tower provides a panoramic view of San Francisco and it’s free!

A post shared by J Blakeslee (@urbanarcheology) on

Corona Heights Park

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While not as popular as Dolores Park, Corona Heights Park has one of the best views in the city. If you watch the partial eclipse from this spot, keep in mind that there is poison oak surrounding throughout the park.

A post shared by Sarah Troutman (@troutmans) on

Mission Dolores Park

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One of the most popular lounging spots in the city, Dolores Park will guarantee a clear view of the sky during the partial eclipse, provided the fog doesn’t linger.

A post shared by Cam (@caaaaaam) on

Grandview Park

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Grandview may be small in size, but it offers grand view of the city. Nestled between 14th and 15th avenues, the hilltop will allow locals to see the partial eclipse.

A post shared by Mick Thompson (@dthompson) on

Twin Peaks

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One of the highest points in the city, Twin Peaks will give anyone a great view of the sky during the solar eclipse. Be sure to bring special viewing glasses (or a Ritz Cracker) if you plan to watch.

A post shared by TYLER LAIN (@tylerlain) on

Bernal Heights Park

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This Bernal Heights park is a great place to sit back and experience the partial eclipse. The park provides a sweeping view of the sky and is open to the public from 5 am to midnight. And while you’re waiting, enjoy a ride on the tree swing.

A post shared by Jessi Cheung (@jeezcake) on

Mount Davidson

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Mount Davidson, the highest point in San Francisco, will no doubt give you the best view of the partial eclipse. A short hike up the mountain will provide you with a vast view of San Francisco and bring you face-to-face with the 40-foot cross.

A post shared by Shubhangi Khaparde (@shubh0509) on

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Treasure Island

Perfect spot for a picnic while gazing at the celestial event happening in the sky.

A post shared by Brian Edmiston (@bdawg809) on

Crissy Field

With an open field, Crissy Field provides a choice spot to experience the partial eclipse. With no buildings to obscure your view of the sky, watchers can witness the magic and then enjoy a day at the beach.

A post shared by Nicole S (@nixinteriordesign) on

Coit Tower

The observation deck at Coit Tower will give watchers a 360-degree view of the city and sky. Tickets to the deck can be purchased in the gift shop. The tower opens at 10 a.m., just 15 minutes before the partial eclipse is set to pass through San Francisco. Warning: the observation deck holds only 35 people, and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the deck. 

Hamon Observation Tower

Watch the partial eclipse behind the glass-walled observation tower at the de Young Museum. The tower provides a panoramic view of San Francisco and it’s free!

A post shared by J Blakeslee (@urbanarcheology) on

Corona Heights Park

While not as popular as Dolores Park, Corona Heights Park has one of the best views in the city. If you watch the partial eclipse from this spot, keep in mind that there is poison oak surrounding throughout the park.

A post shared by Sarah Troutman (@troutmans) on

Mission Dolores Park

One of the most popular lounging spots in the city, Dolores Park will guarantee a clear view of the sky during the partial eclipse, provided the fog doesn’t linger.

A post shared by Cam (@caaaaaam) on

Grandview Park

Grandview may be small in size, but it offers grand view of the city. Nestled between 14th and 15th avenues, the hilltop will allow locals to see the partial eclipse.

A post shared by Mick Thompson (@dthompson) on

Twin Peaks

One of the highest points in the city, Twin Peaks will give anyone a great view of the sky during the solar eclipse. Be sure to bring special viewing glasses (or a Ritz Cracker) if you plan to watch.

A post shared by TYLER LAIN (@tylerlain) on

Bernal Heights Park

This Bernal Heights park is a great place to sit back and experience the partial eclipse. The park provides a sweeping view of the sky and is open to the public from 5 am to midnight. And while you’re waiting, enjoy a ride on the tree swing.

A post shared by Jessi Cheung (@jeezcake) on

Mount Davidson

Mount Davidson, the highest point in San Francisco, will no doubt give you the best view of the partial eclipse. A short hike up the mountain will provide you with a vast view of San Francisco and bring you face-to-face with the 40-foot cross.

A post shared by Shubhangi Khaparde (@shubh0509) on