Twin Peaks: the two summits and the whole city
The geographic centre of the city, the 360-degree view, and the Sutro radio tower over it all. This is a Claude-drafted route awaiting the editor's walk.

1. Christmas Tree Point
The paved overlook where the 37 bus and every rideshare drops you. The downtown skyline lines up dead ahead, the bay behind it. Crowded and worth it; get here early before the fog burns off or the tour vans arrive.

2. North Peak (Eureka)
Take the trail up the north summit on foot — twenty minutes of switchback and you've left the parking lot behind. The grass holds the last native habitat of the Mission blue butterfly. Look for it in spring.

3. South Peak (Noe)
Cross the saddle to the second summit, marginally taller and almost always quieter. From here the view swings south and west — the ocean, the Farallones on a clear day, the avenues running to the sea.

4. Sutro Tower
The three-pronged radio tower rears up just south, taller than the hills it stands on. You can't climb it, but you can stand under it and feel small. Locals are split on whether it's a blight or the best thing on the skyline. Decide for yourself.

5. Tank Hill
Drop east off the peaks to this smaller outcrop, named for the water tank long gone from its top. Fewer people, the same skyline framed lower and closer, and a rock to sit on. The local secret to the local secret.

6. Kite Hill Open Space
Wind down through the Twin Peaks streets to this quiet grassy knoll above the Castro. The descent is the reward — the city tilts up to meet you the whole way down. The 37 bus is a short walk on.

Twin Peaks: the two summits and the whole city