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Filbert Steps: A Hidden Stairway Oasis in San Francisco

Discover a hidden gem in San Francisco: the Filbert Steps, a scenic stairway adorned with gardens, historic homes, and panoramic city views.

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The Filbert Steps, nestled on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, offer a unique urban escape. These stairways, adorned with lush gardens and charming homes, connect the Embarcadero waterfront to Coit Tower, providing stunning views and a tranquil pedestrian route through a vibrant neighborhood.

A brief summary to Filbert Steps

  • 202 Filbert St, San Francisco, Telegraph Hill, California, 94133, US
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the steps can be steep and require a moderate level of physical exertion.
  • Bring water, especially on warm days, as there are no facilities for purchasing refreshments along the steps.
  • Listen for the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill; they often frequent the area and add a unique element to the experience.
  • Take your time to explore Napier Lane, a charming wooden lane off the steps, and admire the unique homes and gardens.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Embarcadero, walk towards Levi's Plaza. The Filbert Steps begin just past the plaza at the intersection of Filbert and Sansome Streets. Look for the steep staircase leading uphill. Be prepared for a climb of approximately 400 steps to reach Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Muni F-line streetcar along the Embarcadero and disembark at the stop closest to Sansome Street. Walk inland towards Sansome Street and then north towards Filbert Street. The Filbert Steps begin at the intersection of Filbert and Sansome Streets, just past Levi's Plaza. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.75 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Use a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) and enter "Filbert Steps, 202 Filbert St, San Francisco, CA 94133" as your destination. The driver can drop you off at the base of the steps on Filbert Street near Sansome. A short ride from Fisherman's Wharf or downtown San Francisco will typically cost between $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about Filbert Steps

The Filbert Steps, located on the east slope of Telegraph Hill, offer a pedestrian route from the Embarcadero waterfront to Coit Tower. More than just a means of traversing Telegraph Hill, the Filbert Steps represent a unique slice of San Francisco history and community. The steps themselves are a journey through a micro-neighborhood, showcasing the city's characteristic charm and resilience. The history of the Filbert Steps is intertwined with the development of Telegraph Hill. In the late 19th century, as San Francisco boomed during the Gold Rush, the city’s steep hills presented a challenge to development. The Filbert Steps were originally built as a wooden staircase in the 19th century to provide pedestrian access to the homes on Telegraph Hill, as the steepness of the hill made it nearly inaccessible by other means. Over time, as the city continued to grow, the steps evolved alongside it. During the 1920s and 1930s, the steps underwent significant renovations. The wooden steps were replaced with concrete, enhancing their durability and safety. In 1949, Grace Marchant, a former Hollywood stuntwoman, moved to Telegraph Hill and transformed the area from an informal garbage dump to a stunning garden. With permission from the city, she burned the trash and began planting the stairway gardens you see today. Today, the lush greenery and gardens are maintained by the residents who live along the steps. The garden was officially named in honor of Grace Marchant, cementing her place in the steps' history. As you climb, you'll also encounter Napier Lane, a small boardwalk intersecting the steps. This historic lane offers a glimpse into life in old San Francisco, with longshoremen once using these paths to spot arriving ships in the harbor and rush to unload cargo. The homes along Napier Lane were once inhabited by Italian families in the early 1900s. The steps are also home to the famous flock of parrots featured in the film "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill".

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