After leaving the coast, we decided to make one last stop at Twin Peaks, one of San Francisco’s highest viewpoints. Twin Peaks offers sweeping views of the city and the Bay, making it a must-visit spot to see the city glow at night.

On our way there, we realized we had set the GPS to the wrong location and ended up at a locked gate at the wrong entrance. The area still provided an awesome view of the city but it wasn’t quite the highest point. Fortunately, some friendly locals quickly pointed out another way to reach the top. A quick check on Google Maps revealed it was just a few minutes away. While the detour added a bit of time, it gave us the chance to enjoy the quiet streets and the gradual shift from hills to city lights.

The drive up wound through a quiet, winding road until the city suddenly unfolded below us. From the overlook, San Francisco stretched out in every direction, a grid of lights with the skyline and Bay Bridge standing out against the dark. Standing there, it felt as though the city had unfolded just for us, each neighborhood glowing in its own way.

Even late in the evening, there were a few others making the same stop. It seemed to be a popular hangout spot for both tourists and locals. There’s something special about sharing a moment with someone special, overlooking such a beautiful city. It was the perfect way to end the day — a moment to pause, take it all in, and appreciate the city’s energy from above before heading back down into the streets.

Part of a San Francisco photo series — next up, Bay Bridge.