Ina Coolbrith Park

A Hidden Hillside Haven

Positioned in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood, Ina Coolbrith Park is the kind of place locals like to keep to themselves. This petite 0.8-acre green space might not be on most tourist maps, but it offers impressive views of the city skyline, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge.

The park climbs up the hillside in a series of terraced gardens connected by charming brick staircases. As you wind your way up, you'll discover yourself surrounded by lush greenery, colorful flowers, and mature trees that create a peaceful little escape from the urban buzz below. Keep an eye out for the California lilac in spring - it's particularly beautiful in bloom.

A woman climbs the steep stairways that flank the hillside park

Photo: btwashburn (CC BY 2.0)

Literary Roots

This little oasis is named after Ina Donna Coolbrith, a literary pioneer who became California's first poet laureate. The park was dedicated in 1911 and sits just a block from where Coolbrith lived before the great earthquake reshuffled the city.

In 1947, the San Francisco parlors of the Native Daughters of the Golden West installed a memorial plaque honoring her in the park. It's a fitting tribute - a quiet, inspiring spot named after a woman who helped shape the Bay Area's literary landscape.

Panoramic view of downtown San Francisco and the Transamerica Pyramid

Photo: Domenico Convertini (CC BY-SA 2.0)

What to Expect

Across the park, you can find long, forest green benches positioned for taking in the panoramic views. There's something magical about the way this place feels hidden in plain sight - many San Franciscans don't even know it exists.

As you explore the winding paths and staircases, you'll discover different vantage points, each offering a new perspective on the city. Its compact size and steep location create an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle below.

If you can time your visit for sunset, do it. The city lights begin to twinkle as the skyscrapers catch the golden hour glow. Photographers, the views of downtown San Francisco from here make for excellent shots.

Coit Tower and the Bay Bridge in the distance behind park vegetation

Photo: Domenico Convertini (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Feathered Friends

One of the park's unexpected delights is a chance encounter with the wild parrots of San Francisco. These colorful red-masked parakeets often swing by, especially between 4-6 PM. Hearing their cheerful squawks as they flit between trees adds a touch of the exotic to this urban retreat.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge seen through lush foliage

Photo: Domenico Convertini (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Before You Go

Getting to the park involves either navigating some steep streets or climbing quite a few stairs. Wear comfortable shoes and consider it your workout for the day - the views are worth every step. Parking nearby is pretty scarce, so walking or grabbing a rideshare is your best bet.

Even on warm days, the hilltop location can get surprisingly windy, so you might want to bring a light jacket. For the most peaceful experience, try visiting in the early morning or evening when the crowds are thin and the light is soft.

Ina Coolbrith Park offers a quiet space for reflection that seems fitting for a spot named after a poet - a little pocket of calm where you can catch your breath and see San Francisco from a different perspective.