Sutro Tower

Sutro Tower is a television and radio tower in the Twin Peaks neighborhood of San Francisco. The three-legged steel framework reaches a height of roughly 298 meters and supports multiple antennas broadcasting signals across the bay.

The tower was completed in 1973 to solve reception problems caused by the hilly landscape of the city. Its location on a hilltop allowed signals to reach all directions from one central point.

The structure takes its name from businessman Adolph Sutro, a former mayor who once owned the land. For many residents, the tower serves as a familiar landmark in fog and remains visible when other parts of the city disappear.

The grounds are not open to visitors, but the tower remains visible from many points around the city. The best viewing spots lie south in residential neighborhoods and on nearby hills, where the full structure stands out against the sky.

The red warning lights at the top blink at night and are visible from a great distance, especially in clear weather. On foggy days, only the upper antennas appear to pierce through the cloud layer, creating an almost surreal sight.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 1973

Made from material: steel

Operator: Sutro Tower, Inc

Color: #bf4e3b

Website: https://sutrotower.com

GPS coordinates: 37.75520,-122.45280

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:07