I think anyone who has ever been there can agree with that statement and as many times as I have been there over the years, it always seems like there is something new (and often crazy) that astounds me!
Having had enough of the crowds on the Strip, I had decided to rent a car for a little expedition away from the city. I knew I was heading towards Rachel, Nevada to experience the E.T. Highway, but since I had a car at my disposal, I decided that I had better do a quick search on my phone to see if there was anything else going on in the area.
Spotting an article about an art installation ten miles south of Las Vegas, I, at first, thought I was a bit late. But the pictures…oh they were intriguing!
Continuing my research, I learned that The Seven Magic Mountains (as it was called) was a large-scale exhibition, created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, and is located near Jean Dry Lake and Interstate 15. It was installed in the desert on May 11, 2016 and was originally slated to remain for two years. Given an extension until the end of 2021, thankfully, it was still there!
Even though it was completely in the opposite direction of where I was initially headed, I decided that it would be worth the detour.
The drive was easy and as I approached from Las Vegas Boulevard South, I could see the stark contrast of the colorful, stacked boulders against the desert landscape.
If you’ve ever hiked a trail where rocks are present, you may have seen human-made, stacks of rocks called cairns. These stacks are often used as memorials or landmarks. This is immediately what I though of when I gazed upon the boulders in the desert from the parking area. In fact, as I walked along the path toward the installation, many people had made small cairns along the way.
It was the commanding presence of the art installation itself and the striking colors, however, that made me gasp, when I stood in their shadows.
Seven towers of colorful, stacked boulders stand more than thirty feet high, soaring above you in the clear, desert sky. It was unlike anything I had ever seen! Colossal stones, painted in vivid hues and stacked in the middle of the Nevada desert…but why? I had no idea but it was one of the most captivating displays I had ever lain my eyes upon.
As I walked among these massive pillars, I was amazed, not only for the amount of visitors to the site (which really is out in the middle of nowhere), but also how the Stonehenge-like monoliths were constructed.
Since I was heading to the E.T. Highway, I thought about the stories and myths that have long accompanied Area 51.
It Ugo Rondinone a cover? Could it be aliens?
In the spirit of the day’s trip, I’ll go with that!
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Getting There: Take I-15 South from the Las Vegas Strip. Follow I-15 S to Sloan Rd in Enterprise. Take exit 25 from I-15 S . Merge onto I-15 S . Take exit 25 toward Sloan Rd. Drive to Las Vegas Blvd S in Sloan. Turn left onto Sloan Rd. Turn right onto Las Vegas Blvd S. The installation can be seen from the interstate.
The first Ferris wheel was constructed in 1893, by George W. Ferris, for the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Since then, thousands of similar wheels have been erected throughout the years, many attempting to outshine the others.
The Wonder Wheel at Coney Island was introduced in 1920 and stills stands strong today taking passengers for rides in its swinging cars along Brooklyn’s iconic boardwalk. The Niagra SkyWheel at Niagra Falls gives riders a bird’s eye view of the thunderous cascades, probably the most unique views of any ferris wheel in the world!
While the Wonder Wheel may hold the record for the longest life and the Skywheel, arguably the best views, the London Eye, opened in 2000, with its enclosed cabins and slow rotation, is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in Europe and one of the most visited, hosting a staggering 3.75 passengers per year!
Others throughout the world, have followed suite…the Sky Dream in Fukuoka, Japan (2002), the Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel in Henan, China (2003), the Changsha Ferris Wheel, Changsha, China (2004), the Tianjin Eye, Tianjin, China (2008), the Melbourne Star, Melbourne, Austrailia (2008) and the Suzhou Ferris Wheel in Suzhou, China (2009)…all standing 394 feet tall.
The Icon Orlando (originally known as the Orlando Eye), opened in 2015, is the next tallest at 400 feet. Following the Orlando Eye, in height, is the Redhorse Osaka Wheel standing at 404 feet tall which opened a year after Orlando’s landmark. The next year, 2017, produced the Lihpao Sky Dream at 413 feet tall.
Prior to these shorter statured mechanisms, there was the Star of Nanchang which measured 525 feet and was built in 2006. The Singapore flyer came shortly after in 2008 and stands tall at 541 feet. Dubai already boasts the highest building, the Burj Khalifa, however, construction is underway to brandish the tallest ferris wheel the world at 689 feet.
The United States, not to be outdone, opened the High Roller at the LINQ Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, in 2014, soaring to 550 feet…the tallest in the world! Each cabin holds forty passengers and as with Vegas style, drinks may be consumed on board. In fact, cabins may be rented with bartenders and bars!
Recently while in Vegas, I could see the High Roller from my hotel window. It was too hot to hang at the pool so I headed over the the LINQ Promenade (a great place for shopping, dining and entertainment) and purchased a ticket. I would imagine that there are a great deal more visitors in the evening hours, when Vegas’ lights can be seen even from space, but I marched to the front of the line and into an open cabin, one of twenty eight available.
Yes! I had it all to myself!
Sometimes, elation is short-lived.
A family of eight walked up and joined me. Oh well, the cabins do hold forty people, so at least we all had space to move around freely.
The rotation took thirty minutes to complete and I was fascinated not only with the views of the Vegas strip, nearby McCarran airport and the colorful desert mountains that ring the city, but the mechanisms that operate this monstrosity.
The cabin was comfortable with seating all around and air conditioned, very important in the desert heat.
Though my thirty minute trip around the wheel was gratifying and filled my mid-day void, I think that I would like to visit again, but with friends and take advantage of the nighttime views…
And of course…the bartender!
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Address: 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Hours: 1130-0200, daily
Admission: Daytime prices, Adults, $25, Youth $10, Happy Hours with bartender, $35 (must be 21 to ride in cabin). Nighttime prices, Adults, $37, Youth, $20, Happy Hours with bartender, $55 (must be 21 to ride in cabin). Discounts can be found on the internet.
There was much that I had discovered and enjoyed while visiting the Outer Banks and then I found a bit more!
While driving near the lighthouse, I noticed a sign for the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education. I had some time to spare, so I decided to check it out.
The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, located at Currituck Heritage Park, is dedicated to exploring coastal North Carolina’s wildlife, natural history and heritage. From the time you walk through the doors, you experience beautiful taxidermied specimens (including a large bear, perfect for a photo op) and dioramas showcasing the area’s history, species and residents that follow the “Life by Water’s Rhythm” theme. Emphasis is placed on the lifestyle and livelihood that is garnered from hunting, trapping, fishing and living along the coastal region.
Most interesting was a movie about the Sound, its resources and duck hunting history. A great deal was revealed about the Whalehead Club and how it’s existence as a lavish hunting retreat in the 1920’s shaped the area as a tourist destination.
My favorite part of the entire exhibit, however, was the display of handcrafted duck decoys. These beautifully crafted pieces made by James Best were captivating in their detail and craftsmanship.
After your indoor visit, make sure to take the outdoor nature trail where birds and nutria can be spotted in their natural habitat. Other activities include kayak tours, fishing, crabbing and archery and visits to the historic Whalehead Club.
If you need a little more than just a beach visit while in Corolla, make sure to check out this educational gem.
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Hours: April until October, 0900-1700, Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays. November until March, 0900-1700, Monday through Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday
There are approximately 60,000 free-roaming horses in the United States and Canada.
If you have the opportunity to visit one of the locations where they reside…you should take full advantage.
A couple of years ago, while visiting friends in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, I went in search of the many different horse statues that graced the barrier island.
These statues were placed throughout the different communities to commemorate the wild Spanish mustangs that roam the northern beaches of Corolla and Carova and are believed to be the descendants of shipwrecked horses from centuries prior.
This year, I went in search of the real horses.
Though you can access the northern beaches by four-wheel drive vehicles and search for these beautiful, four-legged creatures by yourself, there is always the risk of getting bogged down in the loose, deep sand. I wasn’t that brave.
For those who are not as adventurous (or do not own a four-wheel drive vehicle), there are safari-type tours that will drive you there (and back) in search of the horses and this is what I decided to do.
Leaving early in the morning, we headed out in the open-air, twelve-seat vehicle towards the end of the Ocean Trail to the North Beach Access Road where the pavement ends and the sand begins at the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge.
Not long after beginning our journey on the sandy expanse, we slowed our trek as we spotted a group of seven mustangs standing along the waterfront. Not to be intimidated by our presence, they stood in two groups, huddled against the morning breeze.
Advised that we would keep our distance, we strove to get the best photos from our viewpoint a short distance away while these creatures alternately stood together and sometimes took a rest on the sand.
After a short while, we said goodbye and moved onward in search of more, scanning the tall sand dunes that protected the beach homes that line the coast and driving inland on the many unpaved roads that harbor additional homes on the inlet.
There were many more horses to be spotted that day; two holding court atop a towering dune, a group of four grazing in a grassy field, the lone male trotting along down a sandy road, a group of three blocking our passage on Sandfiddler Road.
All in all, we spotted twenty-one mustangs during our excursion while also enjoying the amazing, beachfront homes, alluring landscapes and even a bit of history.
The Wash Woods Station provides an interesting change in the architecture along the beach and was built as a lifesaving station in 1917 to replace an outdated station (Deals Island Station #6) a few miles north. It was named for a small village located just north of the Virginia border and housed many guardsmen who kept lookout, especially during times of war when enemy ships cruised along the coast.
After the war, the need for personnel decreased until only a single caretaker remained. The station was decommissioned in late 1954 or early 1955. It served as a private vacation home for a time and then was restored in 1989. Today you can enjoy its construction from afar and occasionally even a horse on the property.
Eventually, we made our way back the way we had come, taking time to stop to enjoy the views from Penny Hill, the second largest dune in North Carolina.
Finally, our adventure was coming to a close and it was time for everyone to head back to their beach chairs and sun!
As I sat in my chair later that day, I turned my head and looked northward. I thought about the magnificent ponies that hold court not that far from where I was seated. Though they were not as colorful as the ones that I had sought out two years before, they were the true color of the landscape.
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There are many historic sites in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Those located in Corolla give visitors a chance to incorporate a bit of antiquity with the sun-filled vacation.
As I was driving near the Currituck Lighthouse a couple of years ago, I spied the Corolla Chapel. A quaint little church, tucked behind the lighthouse, on the north end of the village, it sparked my interest. On that day, however, I had a carload full of teenaged boys who had already agreed to an interruption of their beach time for a visit to the lighthouse…I knew I would be pushing my luck to require them to prolong their absence from the sun and sand.
This time, there was only me.
I had just come from one of the horse-spotting tours and remembered this historic church. With time on my hands, I decided to investigate.
The Corolla Chapel is an interdenominational Christian fellowship that dates back to 1885. The original sanctuary was situated across the road from its current location and moved and expanded in 2002 to accommodate the expanding number of attendees.
The chapel still retains its original interior walls and contains many of its original items including its pews, pump organ, pulpit and pulpit chair.
As I walked around the small space, I marveled at the stained glass windows and the cross-shaped plan of the building. Though it was a weekday, I envisioned that the best way to really understand this small church was to attend one of the services that are held throughout the year and on special occasions.
Maybe I will have to come back again.
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I have driven this stretch of roadway many times, heading to the mountains to ski, to my son’s baseball games, to college visits, to pick apples in the fall and to visit friends.
When driving, scenic pull-overs always grab my attention. I love to stop and see why it would warrant someone’s attention.
One such stop, on Interstate 64 eastbound, near Afton Mountain (between mile markers 103 and 104), offers more than just beautiful views of the adjacent Blue Ridge Mountains and Albermarle and Nelson counties.
Constructed in 2004, with $168,000 in donations from VDOT workers and family members, the VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) Workers’ Memorial and Scenic Overlook is a place for family members, friends and colleagues to reflect on the loss of their loved ones who have lost their lives while performing their jobs as state highway transportation workers.
The Virginia Department of Transportation was established in 1906 and since its inception, many workers lives have been lost while carrying forth the responsibilities of their jobs, many in . work zone incidents. The names of 134 employees who have died between 1928 and 2012 are engraved on the memorial in random columns.
The thirteen foot high memorial’s design shows three profiles of workers wearing hard hats cut into black, white and gray granite. These layers of granite depict the diversity of VDOT’s employees and the open profile at one end represents a “missing” worker. While looking through this “missing” worker, visitors can see the scenic view, while enjoying the surrounding wildflowers and daylilies.
If you are heading through beautiful Virginia, take a few minutes to pull over, enjoy the view and pay your respects to those who made the highway you are traveling on possible. And if you see workers along the way…
Slow down!
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In reality, during the twenty-nine years of operation, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary held fast to its claim that it was inescapable. Thirty-six prisoners made fourteen escape attempts (two men tried twice). Of these escapees, twenty-three were caught alive, six were shot and killed during their attempt, two drowned and five were listed as missing and presumed drowned.
From 1934 until 1963, the isolated Alcatraz Island maintained a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison and a federal prison. Some of the most infamous criminals were housed here, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”), George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Bumpy Johnson, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Mickey Cohen, Arthur R. “Doc” Barker and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis.
Today, Alcatraz Island is only home to thousands of nesting birds, the well-preserved prison and other buildings and can be visited via tours from the mainland.
It had been many years since I had visited the famous attraction and I was excited to return since I didn’t remember much about my former visit. Since tickets to visit Alcatraz usually sell out each day, once I arrived in San Francisco, my first order of business was to book the tour. Selecting an afternoon departure from Pier 33, I anticipated spending a couple of hours making our way through the site.
On the day of our tour, we were ushered on to the Alcatraz Cruises boat with hundreds of other guests and prepared for the fifteen minute cruise to the island. The boat’s flag fluttered in the wind and we watched the mainland grow smaller as Alcatraz grew larger.
Soon we were making our way across the gangway to the open space at the ranger’s station. A park ranger gave us an introduction to the history of the island and then we were free to meander. A short movie gave us a brief history of the prison and the island and as we walked around, we admired the buildings, many in decline, that made up the premises.
Heading into the Main Prison area, where we would collect our Cellhouse Audio Tour guide, we noted that this was the area where prisoners were readied to be introduced to their confinement. It was here that prisoners were given their uniforms and required to take a shower in one of the long, open-air shower stalls.
This was the start of life in Alcatraz.
Listening to the start of my audio tour, I walked into the main prison area. Here, rows and rows of small cubicles in Cell Blocks B and C, each with a toilet, sink and cot, were displayed before me, once the home to a large prison population. These small cells were only 5 feet by 9 feet wide and each housed one prisoner.
The audio tour, the highlight of an Alcatraz Prison visit, is narrated by the some of the ex-prisoners and the correctional officers and describes the life they lived here at Alcatraz. Knowing that some of these narrators are no longer with us lent to the eerie feeling of this extinct facility.
It was interesting to hear the stories of the attempted prison breaks and even see the dummy that was made to fool the guards into thinking that the prisoner was still asleep in his bed. Cell Block D, was also fascinating, because it was here that the most dangerous criminals were kept. Though these cells were a little more spacious, prisoners were confined twenty-four hours a day and only allowed one visit to the recreation yard per week…alone.
Yet, it was “The Hole” that captured my attention. When prisoners were not cooperative, they were confined in “The Hole”, a dark room, with no interaction with the general population. As I stood inside this cramped, darkened space, even with the door open, it was understandable that many of the prisoners were mentally affected by their time here.
Our audio tour guided us through the kitchen and dining areas, where the inmates consumed their meals (reportedly the best in the system) and even into the recreation yard where they were allowed to exercise in the cool, bay air each day.
Continuing on, we were guided through the library, where many prisoners sought escape through books and even some attempted to better themselves through self-education. The visitation area was nearby and a place where prisoners could enjoy a visit from a loved one, once a month, with approval from the warden. No physical touching was allowed and inmates were forbidden to discuss current events or relate anything concerning prison life. Conversations were conducted via intercom and monitored by a correctional officer. Not adhering to the rules would result in a loss of the visiting privileges as well as other entitlements.
During Alcatraz’s operating years, there were many civilians that resided on the island, including women and children, families of the correctional officers and the Warden, employed at Alcatraz. You can walk through the rooms that served as work areas for these employees and see some of the primary living areas that housed them and their families. These families enjoyed their own bowling alley, soda fountain shop and convenience store, though most conducted their larger shopping trips on the mainland, employing the use of the prison boat which made twelve scheduled runs to the Van Ness Street Pier each day.
Due to rising costs and a deteriorating facility, however, the decision was made to shut down the prison in 1963. Prisoners were transferred to other facilities throughout the United States and all civilians were required to vacate the premises.
In 1969, eighty-nine American Indians decided to venture out to the island to make Alcatraz their home during a nineteen month occupation and protest. The group, Indians of All Tribes, wanted all retired, abandoned or out-of-use federal land returned to the Native People, who once occupied it, and felt that Alcatraz met this definition. Though the occupation ended with no resolution, you can still see traces of their time here.
Stepping out of the rear of the prison into the bright sunshine, made me realize how confining prison life could be, even for those who worked there. The beautiful views, however, would make anyone realize that life here on Alcatraz had to be better than life in any other penitentiary system in the United States.
Catching our boat back to the mainland, we pulled away from the dock, heading out into the bay. Looking back at Alcatraz in the distance, I reflected on the stories of the attempted escapes. Though it was a beautiful, sunny day, it was quite cool on the water. Anyone thinking they could make their way in these chilly waters must have been quite desperate, yet thought that it could be done. Of the attempted escapes, there were five missing and presumed drowned.
Presumed drowned. Yes, possible.
But, perhaps they are still out there, enjoying freedom yet keeping their stories of their time in the historic Alcatraz close to the vest.
No one knows for sure.
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What do you think of when you think of San Francisco?
I think of the Golden Gate Bridge.
The iconic suspension bridge that spans the mile-wide strait that connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, also connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. It has been described as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world and is certainly one of the most photographed.
A photograph is what I wanted most, but then I heard that you could walk across the bridge and I knew that that was something I was going to do.
After a quick lunch at Pier 39, we had decided that we were going to walk to the Golden Gate Bridge. Looking down the coast, however, we realized that it was really far.
So…how were we going to get there?
Uber? Bus? Trolley?
Stepping out onto the boardwalk, we found our answer.
Bicycle.
Blazing Saddles Bike Rental was offering bikes for rent and advertising, “Bike the Bridge”. Yes, this was the way to go!
Paying our rental fees, we hopped on one of the bikes that the staff pulled out for us and headed down the boardwalk that parallels The Embarcadero.
An easy ride during the warm afternoon, we stopped every so often to photograph and enjoy some of the landmarks that dot the coastline…the Ferry Arch, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Maritime Museum, the pier at Aquatic Park Cove, Ghiradelli Square. Continuing on, we made our way past Fort Mason, the Marina District Lighthouse, Palace of the Fine Arts and Crissy Field, where we now had unobstructed views of the the stately bridge.
Wishing we had thought to bring some water with us, we were able to get some just before heading onto the bridge at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center. Resting for a few minutes, we noticed how many people were engaged by their tour guides before heading on to the bridge.
We peddled on to the bridge, artfully dodging tourists attempting to walk four and five abreast, not realizing they were sharing the walkway with two-wheeled vehicles. Happy that we had bike bells, we rang them occasionally, passing the hundreds of people making their way across the 1.7 mile span.
It was so exciting to look up at this engineering marvel while we rode along, stopping occasionally for the requisite selfie.
Finally, making it to the H. Dana Bower Rest Area, we were able to get our land legs back and enjoy the stunning views of the bridge. Our plan had been to continue on from here along the pathway to Sausalito, enjoy a drink and take the ferry back to San Francisco, however, taking a look at the time, we were concerned about the ferry schedule and if we had sufficient time to make it back to return our bikes. Instead, we decided to head back across the bridge, the way we came.
Not realizing that the bike traffic was now directed to the other side of the bridge, we rode along leisurely until we were almost back to the other side. Here (oops!), a cop stopped us and informed us that we had to hop off of our bikes and walk them for the rest of the way on the bridge.
Slowing our progress, we finally reached the mainland and hopped back on. Continuing on our way, we realized that we were making good time so we slowed our pace, enjoying the views, even stopping to walk around the Palace of Fine Arts…a lovely setting on a beautiful day!
Taking one last look at the Golden Gate Bridge, we realized just how far we had traveled and what we had accomplished.
Yes, that is definitely what I envision when I think of San Francisco!
Next time, however, we simply need to leave earlier so we can check out Sausalito!
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Pedestrian Hours: Pedestrians, including persons with disabilities using mobility devises such as wheelchairs, are allowed access ONLY on the East Sidewalk (side facing San Francisco). The hours vary seasonally as follows…Pacific Standard Time,East Sidewalk hours are 5 am to 6:30 pm. Automatically-controlled gates close at 6:30 pm and reopen at 5 am. Daylight Savings Time,East Sidewalk hours are 5 am to 9 pm. Automatically-controlled gates close at 9 pm and reopen at 5 am.
Bicycle Hours: Sidewalk hours during Pacific Standard Time (first Sunday in November to second Sunday in March. Weekdays, 5:00 am to 3:30 pm: EAST sidewalk. 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm: WEST sidewalk 6:30 pm to 5:00 am: EAST sidewalk, via remotely-controlled security gates located at both ends of the EAST sidewalk. Cyclists press the “buzzer” located near the closed security gate. After security staff locates the cyclist on a security camera, the gate is opened remotely. Cyclists repeat this procedure to get through the security gate at the other end of the sidewalk. Weekends and Holidays, 5:00 am to 6:30 pm: WEST sidewalk 6:30 pm to 5:00 am: EAST sidewalk, via remotely-controlled security gates located at both ends of the EAST sidewalk. Cyclists press the “buzzer” located near the closed security gate. After security staff locates the cyclist on a security camera, the gate is opened remotely. Cyclists repeat this procedure to get through the security gate at the other end of the sidewalk. Sidewalk hours during Daylight Saving Time (second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November. Weekdays, 5:00 am to 3:30 pm: EAST sidewalk. 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm: WEST sidewalk 09:00 pm to 5:00 am: EAST sidewalk, via remotely-controlled security gates located at both ends of the EAST sidewalk. Weekends and Holidays, 5:00 am to 9:00 pm: WEST sidewalk 9:00 pm to 5:00 am: EAST sidewalk, via remotely-controlled security gates located at both ends of the EAST sidewalk.
Admission: free
Bicycle Access on EAST and WEST Sidewalks. Cyclists have toll-free access to the Bridge’s sidewalks 24-hours a day.Cyclists MUST yield to pedestrians and use caution in the areas of the towers as there is limited space to maneuver and sight distances are constrained. Electric bicycles may be ridden on the sidewalks; however they must be pedaled and may NOT be used under power while on the sidewalk.
Pier 39 was opened in 1978 as an entertainment, dining and shopping venue and has attracted thousands of visitors since its inception.
It has also attracted something else.
Sea Lions.
While sea lions have always been present in San Francisco Bay, they have only become a tourist attraction since 1989. Having always been seen on Seal Rock, the majority of the population has decided to change their location and starting lounging on the docks of Pier 39, where it is speculated that they feel safer.
Though the sea lions only appear seasonally, due to their migration habits, the best time to see them is during the spring, usually between February until June or July when they leave to seek out their food sources.
When they can be found at Pier 39, they are a source of pure entertainment for visitors with their playful antics. I enjoyed sitting on the platforms installed to provide optimum viewing of the large creatures which can weigh up to half a ton. They are known for their intelligence, playfulness and noisy barking but despite the fact that thousands of people come to see them every day, they usually avoid humans.
After you enjoy your free show at Pier 39, take some time to walk around, enjoy a great meal, buy some souvenirs and check out some of the performers that put on frequent shows on the premises.
No matter what you end up doing at Pier 39, however, you will always hear the blubbery creatures barking in the distance, so don’t feel bad if you have to go check them out one more time!
I did!
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If you want to see all that San Francisco has to offer, there is one place to go.
Coit Tower.
The slender white concrete column, rising from the top of Telegraph Hill, can be seen from throughout the city. Completed in 1933, it has attracted the attention of residents and tourists alike for its simple beauty and the 360 degree views it offers.
Having seen Coit Tower from afar, many times, I had never taken the time to make it up Telegraph Hill to see exactly what it offered. With the clear, spring day, complete with bright blue skies, spread out above me, however, I decided that it was high time to make the climb.
The grounds around the tower, Pioneer Park, were well-manicured and offered ample area to take a break on one of the many benches and enjoy the shade, especially after the steep climb. It’s also a great place to watch and look for its noisiest residents, a wild flock of parrots.
Entering the tower, I was directed to the gift shop to purchase an elevator pass to reach the observation deck and then made my way to the queue for the elevator. The elevator is quite small, slow, holds only about 8 people and is manually operated, so be prepared to wait, especially during peak times.
Stepping off the elevator into the sunshine flooding the upper area and filtering through the decorative arches, we eagerly made our way to the windows where, as far as the eye could see, was the Bay City! Sweeping views of the hills, valleys and the city’s most famous landmarks captivated our attention…the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, Alcatraz, the Transamerica Pyramid, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Twin Peaks, Aquatic Park, the Financial District, the Ferry Building, Angel Island, Treasure Island and Lombard Street, as well as the five surrounding counties.
Though I was enjoying the comprehensive views of the city, I still wasn’t aware of the history of this intriguing structure, however, a chat with the tour guide gave me a bit of insight.
Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy, eccentric resident of the city passed away in 1929 and left one-third of her fortune for the purpose of adding beauty to the city that she so dearly loved. Designed by the architecture firm of Arthur Brown, Jr. (the designers of San Francisco’s City Hall), the 210 foot tower was built on Pioneer Park the former sight of an optical semaphore telegraph (1850), which was erected to alert residents of the arrival of ships. The tower was dedicated to the city’s volunteer firefighters that Lillie Coit so greatly admired. Another monument, also paid for with Coit’s funds and dedicated to the firefighters was erected in Washington Square. This sculpture depicts three firemen, one carrying a woman in his arms.
The tower is well known and often-depicted in advertisements and scenes hyping San Francisco. If you are a film buff and have a keen eye, however, you may have noticed Coit Tower highlighted in many films and television series. Hitchcock, himself, featured the tower in his 1958 film Vertigo and more recently, it appeared in the 2015 disaster film, San Andreas, the Eddie Murphy film, Dr.Dolittle and the television show, Charmed.
Once you have taken a tour of the top of the tower, make sure to spend some time to inspect the murals at the base of the tower. These murals were created by twenty-five local artists who were commissioned to create works of art which depict aspects of life in California.
Having made such an impression upon the city due to the generosity of Lillie Coit, honor her and take a walk up to the top of Telegraph Hill. After you see all that’s before you, I promise,
Address: 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133
Hours: April to October 1000-1800, November to March, 1000-1700. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Elevator Entrance fee, San Francisco residents, Adults, $6, Seniors 62+, $4, Youth 12-17 years, $4, Children, 5-11 years, $2, Children under 2, free. Non-residents, Adults, $9, Seniors 62+, $6, Youth 12-17 years, $6, Children, 5-11 years, $2, Children under 2, free.
