If you want the best views of San Francisco, take a hike to Twin Peaks. These famous grassy peaks rise 922 feet in elevation, making them the second highest point in the city (after Mount Davidson).

So I got up and looked out at the city. It’s a nice view: Noe Valley, Twin Peaks, a bit of the northern edge of San Francisco, a hint of the Marin hills. It’s an urban view. The houses are all ...