Review: Twin Peaks

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here?
Twin Peaks is technically the name of a pair of prominent hills near the center of San Francisco. But it’s shorthand for the city’s best lookout spot, located 20 minutes from San Francisco's bustling downtown and up a winding road. There's not much to see here beyond the view—but, boy, what a view. If you're feeling frisky, walk or run up a combination of stairs and trails to get to the top (if you're not you can go ahead and drive). On sunny days, it provides a perfect 360-degree look at the city and beyond.

Any standout features or must-sees?
The sunsets from this spot are incredible. Try to spy famous San Francisco landmarks, including the Transamerica Pyramid peeking out from the cluster of buildings downtown, Coit Tower up on a green hill, Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz, and both the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges—plus thousands of homes nestled into the landscape. On the clearest days, you can spot Berkeley and Oakland across the Bay. You'll also be right near Sutro Tower, a three-pronged, red-and-white radio and TV tower that sits on a hill between Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro. Come at night to see the twinkling lights of the city.

Was it easy to get around?
It's easy to navigate. Just drive up the winding road until you get to the parking lot. It can get crowded, especially close to sunset and on clear days. Just wait a bit and a spot will usually open up. If you're hiking up the steps to get there, you'll know when you get to the top.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?
There are local tours that include Twin Peaks as part of their package, but this is one of the few free major sites in San Francisco, so enjoy the $0 price tag. Stay for a picnic during the sunset, or just drive up for a quick peep. Note: It can get cold, windy, and foggy. Check the weather forecast and make like a local by layering. The hike to get to the lookout point can be strenuous at times, so proceed with caution.