Ummmm …. ugh!

A famed landmark in North Beach, Coit Tower was crafted by the city as a beautification project using funds bequeathed by a wealthy denizen of San Francisco.

D3x, 85mm AFD Nikkor, from the Embarcadero.

D700, 500mm Reflex Nikkor.

Alcatraz from Coit Tower. Panasonic G1, 14-45mm kit zoom.

The real reason to visit Telegraph Hill, whose top it marks, is to enjoy the splendid views of the Bay Bridge, in some ways better than those of the GoldenGate.

The Bay Bridge from Telegraph Hill. Panasonic G1, 14-45mm kit zoom.

There’s a staircase on the east side or you can walk up the steep roads on the west side from Grant Avenue in North Beach.