Sizing Up San Francisco: How Tall is the Top Dog?
Ever looked at a photo of San Francisco and wondered, "Dang, that pointy pyramid building must be HUGE!"? Well, my friend, you'd be right on the money... ish. But fear not, skyscraper enthusiast (or someone with a particularly strong urge to settle a bar bet), because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of San Francisco's tallest architectural marvels.
Stepping Aside, Spitze! The Reigning King is...
For years, the Transamerica Pyramid held court as the undisputed king of the San Francisco skyline. Its distinct pyramid shape, poking defiantly into the fog, became an iconic symbol of the city. But like all good things (and maybe all pointy things?), its reign at the top wasn't meant to last.
Enter Salesforce Tower, a sleek and modern giant that emerged in 2018, stealing the crown (and probably some precious sunlight) from the Transamerica Pyramid.
Fun Fact: Salesforce Tower is a whopping 1,070 feet tall, making it the undisputed king of the San Francisco skyline, and the second tallest building west of the Mississippi River (sorry Transamerica, but hey, you had a good run!).
So, How Big is 1,070 Feet REALLY?
Okay, okay, we know heights are just numbers on a page until you can truly visualize them. Here's how 1,070 feet stacks up against some everyday objects:
- Like stacking 3.5 Golden Gate Bridges (end to end, of course, not all tangled up)
- Taller than 22 football fields (laid end to end, again, not a game of skyscraper soccer)
- About 10 Empire State Buildings (piled precariously on top of each other, which would be a terrible, terrible idea)
But Wait, There's More!
San Francisco boasts a whole bunch of impressive skyscrapers besides Salesforce Tower. Here's a quick shoutout to a few notable mentions:
- Transamerica Pyramid: The dethroned king, still a beloved icon at 853 feet tall.
- Salesforce West: Salesforce Tower's little brother, clocking in at a respectable 857 feet.
Basically, San Francisco has a thing for tall buildings. Don't judge.
Frequently Asked Skyscraper-Sized Questions:
How to visit the top of Salesforce Tower?
Unfortunately, the public observation deck at Salesforce Tower is currently closed. But hey, there's always the next best thing - strategically placed selfies with the tower in the background!
How to climb the Transamerica Pyramid?
Nope, sorry. The Transamerica Pyramid is strictly off-limits to climbers (though, if you manage it, we'd all be super impressed).
How to avoid getting blown over by the wind in San Francisco's tall buildings?
Relax, skyscraper engineers are pretty smart cookies. Most tall buildings are designed to sway slightly in the wind, which actually helps them absorb wind energy and prevent damage.
How to measure the height of a building without fancy equipment?
The good ol' fashioned math trick! Find two points at known distances from the base of the building, then measure the angles to the top. Some trigonometry later, and voila, you've got your height!
How to convince your friend that San Francisco has the coolest skyline on the West Coast?
Well, this one might require a bit more effort. Show them pictures, tell them stories, maybe even bribe them with sourdough bread. But hey, once they see it for themselves, they'll be believers!