Salesforce Tower San Francisco Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction
Salesforce Tower is the tallest building in San Francisco and a defining feature of the city’s skyline. Rising to 1,070 feet, it stands as a symbol of San Francisco’s transformation into a global center for technology, innovation, and sustainable urban design. Designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and completed in 2018, Salesforce Tower not only redefines the city’s architectural landscape but also sets new standards for resilience and green building in seismic zones.
While public access to the tower’s interior is limited, visitors can experience its grandeur through exclusive Ohana Floor tours and by exploring the vibrant Salesforce Park—a 5.4-acre rooftop green space atop the Salesforce Transit Center. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, transportation, sustainability features, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or a tourist seeking the best views of San Francisco, this article will help you plan a memorable visit.
For the most current updates and event schedules, consult the Salesforce Tower Official Website, Salesforce Transit Center, and San Francisco Travel. You can also find Ohana Floor tour information on the Salesforce Community Tours page and book through platforms like Klook.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Visitor Information
- Historical Background and Architectural Significance
- Sustainable Design and Green Building Certifications
- Visitor Experience and Events
- Nearby San Francisco Historical Sites
- FAQ
- Notable Facts and Figures
- Related Articles
- Official Resources
- Conclusion and Recommendations
Visitor Information
Visiting Hours and Access
Salesforce Tower primarily serves as a commercial office building, so general public access to its interior is limited. However, visitors can enjoy the following:
- Ground-Level Retail and Transit Center: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering cafes, shops, and direct access to Salesforce Park.
- Ohana Floor (61st Floor): Reserved mainly for Salesforce employees and clients, but opens for public tours and community events periodically. There is no general public observation deck, so access is by advance registration only for scheduled events.
- Salesforce Park: Open daily, with specific hours depending on the season (see Salesforce Park section below).
Tickets and Tours
- Ohana Floor Tours: Free, but registration is required due to limited capacity and security. Tour dates are generally announced monthly and fill quickly. Book via the Salesforce Community Tours page or Klook.
- Other Tours: Some San Francisco architectural tours include exterior views and discussions of Salesforce Tower but do not provide interior access.
Accessibility
Salesforce Tower and the Salesforce Transit Center are fully accessible, with ADA-compliant elevators, ramps, and restrooms. Salesforce Park is also designed for universal access, including tactile guide paths and assistive listening devices for events.
Getting There
- Address: 415 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
- Public Transit: Easily reachable via BART (Montgomery and Embarcadero stations), Muni Metro, and multiple bus lines at the Salesforce Transit Center.
- Biking: Ample bike racks available.
- Driving: Limited underground parking nearby; public transportation is strongly recommended due to downtown congestion.
Nearby Attractions and Photographic Spots
- Salesforce Park: A lush rooftop park accessible by elevator, escalator, or the glass gondola at Mission and Fremont. Ideal for walks, relaxation, and photography.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Just a few blocks away.
- Yerba Buena Gardens: Urban park with cultural venues.
- Financial District: Explore historic architecture.
- Photography: Best times are sunset and night, when the tower’s crown and the “Day for Night” art are illuminated.
Historical Background and Architectural Significance
Origins and Historical Context
The concept for Salesforce Tower emerged in 2006 as part of the Transbay Terminal Redevelopment Project, aiming to rejuvenate downtown and enhance transit integration (BuildZoom). Previously, zoning capped building heights due to seismic risks, but new policies allowed for ambitious projects like Salesforce Tower (ArchDaily).
The winning design by Pelli Clarke Pelli was selected in 2007, with construction starting in 2013 and topping out in 2017. The tower officially opened in 2018 (World Construction Network).
Symbolism and Urban Impact
Salesforce Tower represents the city’s economic shift toward the tech sector and anchors the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood. Its address, 415 Mission Street, is a nod to San Francisco’s area code, symbolizing local pride (SF Chronicle).
Architectural Design and Form
At 1,070 feet tall and 61 floors, the tower is the tallest in San Francisco and the seventh tallest in the U.S. Its tapering, obelisk-inspired form is clad in a glass curtain wall with pearlescent metal accents, culminating in a transparent, illuminated crown (ArchDaily).
Engineering Innovations and Seismic Resilience
Structural features include a robust concrete core, steel outriggers, and deep foundation piles anchored to bedrock, all designed for seismic safety. The building’s aerodynamic shape minimizes wind sway (Discrete Construction).
Sustainability and Environmental Features
Salesforce Tower is a model of environmental leadership, earning LEED Platinum certification. Its features include:
- Blackwater recycling—the largest in a U.S. commercial high-rise
- Double-skin facade for thermal performance and daylighting
- Low-emissivity glass and sunshades
- Energy-efficient systems and on-site renewable energy (salesforcetower.com)
- Integration with Salesforce Park for improved urban ecology
Interior Spaces and Public Integration
The tower’s open floor plans offer abundant daylight and panoramic views. Social lounges feature original artwork, and retail/amenity spaces connect seamlessly with the Transit Center (World Construction Network).
Economic and Cultural Significance
At $1.1 billion, Salesforce Tower is the city’s most expensive building. It is a catalyst for urban transformation, with Salesforce’s philanthropic initiatives supporting local communities (SF Chronicle).
Sustainable Design and Green Building Certifications
Core Sustainability Achievements
- LEED Platinum for Core and Shell (salesforcetower.com)
- Double-skin curtain wall with sunshades to maximize daylight and reduce solar gain (salesforcetowertenants.com)
- Over 13-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass panels throughout
Water Conservation and Recycling Innovations
- Blackwater recycling system: Treats water from rain, cooling towers, sinks, showers, and toilets for reuse in toilets and irrigation (mitsloan.mit.edu)
- 7.8 million gallons of potable water saved annually
- Stormwater management: Reduces runoff and captures 90% of annual rainfall
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Power
- 50% less energy use per square foot than the U.S. median office building (salesforcetower.com)
- 100% renewable electricity via purchase agreements and on-site sources
- Advanced lighting and daylight controls, cool roof design, and energy-efficient systems
Biophilic Design and Indoor Environmental Quality
- Ohana Floor: Features 128 plant species for air quality and wellness (proptechos.com)
- 100% outdoor air HVAC system
- Low-emitting materials and panoramic views for a healthy environment
Integration with Public Green Spaces
- Direct connection to Salesforce Park, a 5.4-acre rooftop park with diverse flora and walking trails (salesforcetower.com)
Public Art and Energy-Efficient Lighting
- “Day for Night” LED installation: 11,000 energy-efficient lights by Jim Campbell, visible citywide (salesforcetower.com)
Sustainable Operations and Tenant Engagement
- Tenant programs: Encourage waste reduction, energy savings, and green commuting (salesforcetowertenants.com)
- Salesforce’s sustainability leadership extends to corporate culture and transparency
Visitor Experience and Events
Ohana Floor Public Tours
- Monthly guided tours (free, registration required) offer 360-degree city views from the 61st floor (Salesforce Community Tours).
- Tour Tips: Arrive early for security, bring ID, and note that large bags/tripods are not allowed.
Salesforce Park
- Location: Four stories above street level, spanning four city blocks (SF Travel)
- Hours: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. (summer), 6 a.m.–8 p.m. (winter)
- Access: Via elevators, escalators, or the free gondola at Mission & Fremont (PCP Architects)
- Admission: Free, no tickets required
- Amenities: Walking trails, amphitheater, play area, central lawn, pop-up retail, and a planned rooftop restaurant (TJPA Fact Sheet)
- Events: Yoga, concerts, garden tours, family activities (Salesforce Park Event Calendar)
Day for Night Light Sculpture
- Jim Campbell’s LED art installation crowns the tower, best viewed after sunset from Salesforce Park or nearby vantage points (Klook)
The Stairway Challenge
- Occasionally, Salesforce hosts a stair climb event to the Ohana Floor, supporting local charities (Salesforce Community Tours)
Major Salesforce Events
- Dreamforce: Held annually in October at Moscone Center, with related pop-up events at Salesforce Tower and Park.
Nearby San Francisco Historical Sites
- Ferry Building Marketplace: Historic food hall and transit hub.
- Embarcadero Waterfront: Iconic piers and views.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Contemporary art exhibitions.
- Yerba Buena Gardens: Green space with cultural venues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the public visit the Salesforce Tower observation deck?
A: Public access is only available for scheduled Ohana Floor tours; there is no general observation deck.
Q: How do I get tickets for Salesforce Tower tours?
A: Register in advance for free tickets via the official Salesforce Community Tours page.
Q: What are the hours for Salesforce Park?
A: 6 a.m.–9 p.m. (May–Oct), 6 a.m.–8 p.m. (Nov–Apr).
Q: Is Salesforce Tower accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the building and park are fully ADA-compliant.
Q: Are there dining options in Salesforce Tower or Park?
A: Seasonal kiosks and a future rooftop restaurant in Salesforce Park; numerous cafes and eateries nearby.
Q: Is Salesforce Park free?
A: Yes, there is no admission fee.
Notable Facts and Figures
- Height: 1,070 feet (326 meters)
- Floors: 61
- Total Area: 1.4 million square feet
- Construction Cost: ~$1.1 billion
- Main Tenant: Salesforce (floors 3–30, 60–61)
- Sustainability: LEED Platinum, blackwater recycling, energy-efficient systems
- Public Spaces: Salesforce Park, retail, transit center
- Art: “Day for Night” LED sculpture with 11,000 lights
Related Articles
Official Resources
- Salesforce Tower Official Website
- Salesforce Transit Center
- San Francisco Travel - Official Tourism Site
Conclusion and Recommendations
Salesforce Tower is a testament to San Francisco’s innovative spirit, ecological leadership, and vibrant urban culture. While general interior access is limited, visitors can enjoy the iconic architecture, panoramic views from the Ohana Floor during special tours, and the lush Salesforce Park rooftop oasis. The tower’s cutting-edge sustainability features, public art installations, and integration with city attractions make it a must-visit for anyone exploring San Francisco.
To make the most of your experience:
- Check official websites for the latest tour schedules and event announcements.
- Use public transit to reach the tower and Salesforce Park.
- Explore nearby historical sites and cultural destinations.
- Download the Audiala app for guided tours, insider tips, and real-time visitor updates.
For more information and future updates, refer to the Salesforce Tower Official Website, Salesforce Park, and San Francisco Travel.
References
- Salesforce Tower: A Dozen Years in the Making (BuildZoom)
- Salesforce Tower - Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (ArchDaily)
- Salesforce Tower Community Tours
- Salesforce Tower San Francisco - About
- Inside Salesforce Tower’s Water Recycling System (MIT Sloan)
- Salesforce Green Headquarters (PropTechOS)
- Guide to San Francisco’s Salesforce Park (SF Travel)
- Salesforce Transit Center Fact Sheet (TJPA)
- Salesforce Transit Center - PCP Architects
- Klook - Salesforce Tower Experience