Filbert Steps: A Hidden Stairway Oasis in San Francisco

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".