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Rare views

Transamerica Pyramid's 48th floor

By Luke Beard

June 22^nd, 2015

Very lucky.

Sometimes you just have to ask really nicely and try your luck with certain things. One of those things happened to be going to the top of the Transamerica Pyramid (48th floor to be exact). Something that has been off limits to almost everyone since the attacks of 9/11.

With my mother in town I thought it would be a good opportunity figure out how to see those rare views for myself and at the same time show some family a very special and unique perspective of San Francisco. Thankfully the very very kind folks at SanFranciscoTravel (and founders of the wonderful #AlwaysSF hashtag on Instagram) were super amazing and managed to pull a few strings to make it happen.

The views were spectacular!

Rare views

Rare views

The Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest skyscraper in the SF skyline and has had a long interesting history in it’s 43 years towering over San Francisco.

The Transamerica building was commissioned by Transamerica CEO John (Jack) R. Beckett, with the claim that he wished to allow light in the street below. Built on the site of the historic Montgomery Block, it has a structural height of 853 ft (260 m) and has 48 floors of retail and office space. Construction began in 1969 and finished in 1972.

Rare views

View of the bay bridge.

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Rare views

Rare views

My mother and fiancée

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Rare views

Rare views

Coit Tower

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Rare views

Thanks CID

An extra special thanks goes out to Cid, the concierge for the Transamerica Pyramid (and rad dude) who took the time to show us around. The 48th floor is available for small events and you should drop him an email at concierge@thepyramidcenter.com to get more info on that. Thanks Cid!

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© 2026 Luke Beard

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