View of San Francisco buildings from a penthouse apartment.
Essex Apartments

Bay Area Apartments with Breathtaking Views

ByEssex

From San Jose to San Francisco, views in the Bay Area are some of the most stunning you’ll find anywhere in the country. Whether you’re enjoying your morning cup of coffee admiring the grandeur of the Diablo Mountain Range in Santa Clara or settling in for the night while gazing out over the historic Bay Bridge from downtown San Francisco, penthouse suites and top-floor apartments provide a sky-high oasis for you to enjoy sweeping views of the city you call home.

No matter which direction your windows face, luxury apartments and penthouses for rent across the Bay Area offer spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities and eye-catching perspectives that are sure to take your breath away. City living at these three high-end apartment communities are some of the most scenic you’ll find in the area.

Staged living room of a penthouse apartment at 500 Folsom.

500 Folsom – San Francisco

The Skyline Penthouse Collection at 500 Folsom features luxurious one- and two-bedroom residences spanning up to 1,366 square feet. Featuring stunning floor-to-ceiling windows with unrivaled views of the city and bay, these brand-new penthouse apartments include custom-designed closets by California Closets® and upscale finishes like gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line GE Appliances and Caesarstone® quartz countertops. Select units offer an in-home wine fridge to safely store your personal wine collection and private balconies to soak in the skyline views. Equipped with keyless smart locks, Smart Home technology allows you to digitally open your front door and provide remote access to guests.

Penthouse apartments and the remaining studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans at 500 Folsom are accompanied by a curated collection of social and wellness-centric amenities. From the comfort of the Sunset Terrace or Bay Terrace located on the 9th floor podium, residents can enjoy al fresco lounges, community gardens, BBQ grills and an outdoor spa, all with Bay Bridge views as the stunning backdrop. The fully appointed fitness center includes state-of-the art equipment, a spacious yoga studio, and a HIIT Zone featuring Peloton® bikes and TRX® Training rack system. Four-legged friends are never left out! The indoor Paw Spa will keep your pets clean and happy throughout the year.

Located in the heart of the up-and-coming East Cut neighborhood, 42 stories below the penthouse suites at 500 Folsom you’ll find a bustling hub of activity. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Ferry Building and Salesforce Park are just outside the community’s doors, and amid the energized locale, you’ll see world-class public art and unexpected views of the Bay sparkling in the sunshine.

500 Folsom Skyline Penthouse Collection Now Available for Rent

Penthouse living in the heart of San Franciso has never been more attainable. With a variety of floor plans and layouts, The Skyline Penthouse Collection at 500 Folsom includes brand-new residences available for rent starting at just $5,000 per month.

Visit the Penthouse Collection to view available units, browse current specials and secure your new home today.

Staged living room of a penthouse apartment at 360 Residences.

360 Residences – San Jose

When you consider the buzzing technology hub of Silicon Valley, sensational mountain views may not be the first thing that comes to mind. At 360 Residences, luxury homes and lavish penthouse apartments rise 23 stories high, span up to 3,440 square feet in size, and boast spectacular panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains on one side and California’s Diablo Mountain Range on the other. As the sixth tallest building in Downtown San Jose, top-floor apartments feature oversized windows that showcase sunset reflections over the mountain range in the summer months and snow-capped peaks during the winter months. Natural light, high ceilings and open-layout floor plans are just a few of the features that define luxury living here.

In addition to two floors of penthouse residences, various floor plans throughout the high-rise community include one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as one- and two-bedroom lofts. Resort-style amenities are available to all residents including a fully equipped, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, expansive sundeck with fireplaces, urban-style courtyard, and community WiFi lounge.

Downtown San Jose delivers on metropolitan views and the hustle and bustle of the city’s urban lifestyle. With Japantown just to the north and Willow Glen to the south residents at 360 Residences are in the center of it all. Access to world-class restaurants, exceptional entertainment and world-class shopping are just outside your door, so no matter what you crave, there’s always excitement to take in.

Staged living room of a penthouse apartment at The Grand.

The Grand – Oakland

Eclectic city life meets luxury living in Downtown Oakland. Apartments on the highest floor of The Grand include spacious two- and three-bedroom homes with distinct layouts up to 1,850 square feet in size and best views in the building, not to mention some of the best views in the area. Select homes boast scenic views of Lake Merritt, a unique urban space with three miles of tidal lagoon shoreline in the heart of the city, while others overlook the expanding skyline of Downtown Oakland or stunning San Francisco Bay.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, soaring ceilings and modern finishes offer a contemporary vibe within The Grand’s portfolio of apartments, which includes studio, loft, one-bedroom floor plans. Within each home, stainless-steel appliances, an in-home washer and dryer, and abundant storage space offer the comforts of luxury living. The pet-friendly community has something for everyone to enjoy with a posh fitness center, several expansive sundecks—including 180-degree views from the sundeck on the 22nd floor – complete with gathering space, BBQ Grills and an expansive lawn overlooking the surrounding views.

As one of the Bay Area’s fastest-growing cities, Oakland is a hub of beauty, creativity and entertainment. The Grand provides a serene escape from busy city life, while keeping you centrally located to everything happening within this diverse melting pot of people, cultures and lifestyles.

Explore all of our Essex communities with penthouse apartments, and learn more about current leasing or move-in specials.