Billy Goat Hill — Attraction in San Francisco

This is not a very popular tourist destination, and that’s why I love it. Billy Goat Hill is a small hill with amazing views of San Francisco. It’s located south of Noe Valley and has a rope swing hanging from a tree at the top of the hill.

The downtown cityscape isn’t super close to this hill. But you get to see a lot of other details that make San Francisco Beautiful. This small park is a great spot for a mini photo session if you love views of the city and don’t love crowds. Take it from me, a family photographer (K. Sienk Photography)!

Pros: Easy Parking Great views Not crowded

Cons: Not a lot of variety for photo shoots Windy

Great for: mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid wind, if you want a lot of variety in the background of...

The biggest major let down so far this year. We decided to jump start the year by going to the park and checking out the sights. I've heard people rave about Billy Goat Hill as a must see, with "sweeping views" of San Francisco. Reality Check: Billy Goat Hill only has views of one side of the city. The other faces another hill. And the picturesque swing that everyone has been seen on? Tattered ropes left behind with no seat or bars, too high to even swing around on. Do yourself a favor and drive a little way across to Bernal Heights Park, with truly sweeping 360 degree views...

Spend a half hour at this dusty outcrop and enjoy a great view of San Francisco downtown and SOMA. Framed by familiar Aussie gumtrees, the rope swing written about by Gary Kamiya (Cool Grey City of Love, p. 163) is currently reduced to just some tattered ropes until a new batch of neighbourhood kids fixes up the swing for a fresh generation. This is one of the less visited views of San Francisco but far preferable to the teeming sweaty masses and stark concrete of Twin Peaks. San Francisco with soul and atmosphere, and a eucalyptus scent of home for wandering...