Where to get a clear view of ‘Day for Night’
“Day for Night,” the monumental public art installation atop Salesforce Tower, attempted to burst onto the San Francisco skyline Tuesday, May 22.
San Francisco fog had other plans.
Still, against a clear sky, the top of Salesforce Tower, at 1,070 feet, can be seen from just about everywhere in San Francisco and much of Alameda, San Mateo and even Sonoma counties. With the 11,000 LED lights now turned on, “Day for Night” is also visible from airplanes, satellites and spaceships, said artist Jim Campbell.
But finding a place to study the light show without getting hit by a car or clipped by a sidewalk scooter is tricky. Some obvious spots like Coit Tower and Union Square turn out to have obstructed views. So in advance of the opening, scouts for Hosfelt Gallery, which represents Campbell, were sent out to find unobstructed views of “Day for Night.”
Most of the spots they found either have parking or are within major public transportation lines. Here is what they came up with:
Jackson Playground: This small public park on Potrero Hill, across from Anchor Brewing Company, has a direct view and may be the best spot from any vantage in the city. Parking is tight. Located at 17th and Arkansas streets.
Twin Peaks: The parking lot is open at night. Dress warmly and bring binoculars. Dolores Park: The highest corner, at Church and 20th streets, offers the best view at this popular park. Also accessible from the J-Church streetcar, in both directions.
Bernal Heights Park: You have to hike up a paved path from Bernal Heights Boulevard to enjoy an unobstructed view from this park.
Golden Gate Bridge: The eastern sidewalk is open until 9 p.m.
Crissy Field: Only the top of the tower is visible from here, but there is plenty of parking in the area.
Legion of Honor: The parking lot is open at night. Alamo Square Park: The top of the park, near the corner of Hayes and Pierce streets, has the good view.
AT&T Park: The Giants are away, eliminating a great upper-deck vantage. But the tower can still be seen from South Beach Park beyond left field.
Washington Square Park: Trees obstruct the view from most places at this North Beach hangout, but if you stand in the middle of the park you can see the tower top. Blooms Saloon: This is Campbell’s favorite bar. Located in Potrero Hill, it has a back deck facing the tower.
The View Lounge: The bar atop the jukebox-shaped Marriott has panoramic views. If you can grab a seat at the window, this is a great place to watch the light show.
Top of the Mark: This Nob Hill hot spot has a wonderful view of the city and the tower, but it takes a steep trek to get here. Parking is also a gamble, unless you want to pay pricey garage fees.