My recent trip brought me back to beautiful San Francisco and I was able to finally visit the Westfield Sky Terrace. I also updated my guide to San Francisco’s Rooftop Gardens.
In September, 2015, the terrace was closed for remodeling. Now the terrace is open again to visit. I was expecting more, and the views are also not quite as stunning as expected. But still a little tranquil place directly on Market St in San Francisco.
Besides visiting the Westfield Sky Terrace, I also visited the Crocker Galleria Roof Garden, which I missed last time. The One Montgomery Terrace is also accessible directly from the Crocker Galleria and it has better views of Market Street, but is also more crowded. If you look for a quiet place, you should consider the Crocker Galleria Roof Garden.
The last stop was the A.P. Giannini Plaza at 555 California St. This is not exactly a rooftop, but you have a great view of the Financial District from the mezzanine.
555 California Street / A.P. Giannini Plaza
Where: 555 California Street
If you walk up California Street, you are right there. Officially called the A.P. Giannini Plaza. The easiest entrance to the plaza is at California Street and Kearny Street. Though not exactly a rooftop, the mezzanine still overlooks the rest of the Financial District. It’s very tranquil and it has a fountain with a little bamboo tree forest.
Crocker Galleria Roof Terrace
Where: 50 Post Street
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This one is a small secluded roof terrace at the Crocker Galleria. Most people prefer the One Montgomery Terrace (see above), probably because its bigger and has great views of market street. When I came here, nobody was here except the landscaping guys watering the plants and taking care of the green. You have some nice views of the highrises around the terrace and good for a quite lunch. Open during business hours of the Crocker Galleria.
Westfield Sky Terrace
Where: 835 Market St
Floor: 9th floor
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 9 am to 5 pm
This rooftop garden is located on top of the Westfield Shopping Center in Downtown San Francisco right on the busy Market St. Easiest way to get here is to use the entrance on Market St. Don’t use the entrance to the shopping center! Look for the entrance which has written “835 Market Street” above the doors (see Picture). Follow the hallway past the security guard, like you know what you are doing.
Only one elevator goes to the Sky Terrace. Either you are lucky and the right elevator (with the label on it) opens its door or you can take any of the other elevators to the 8th floor and from there call the one which goes to the Sky Terrace.
Since the reopening of the Sky Terrace here, they changed the rules of entry. Now you have to walk up to the security guard on duty and show your ID. They will note your Name, Date of Birth and ID number and probably expiration date. I had no problem getting in with my German drivers license, my only license on hand during my visit.
There is an alternative way, which is hard to describe, but you can enter also from the food court level of the Westfield Shopping Center and head up to the Ground Level. From there you have to talk to the guard on duty as well to get up to the Sky Terrace. If you are not familiar with this place, I recommend you to use first option.
Unfortunately the Sky Terrace is closed for remodeling right now and I couldn’t get an answer, when it will re-open. The Sky Terrace is open again as of my visit in February 2016.
Peter has a passion for Traveling, Photography, and Geocaching. These are the best ingredients for amazing adventures all over the globe. “Traveling is fun, no matter if you stay in a luxury hotel or travel like a backpacker.” Peter shares his experiences on his Blog www.gatetoadventures.com
Some of Peter’s photos are published on corporate websites, in-flight magazines, travel guides, and much more.
