Background

Filbert Steps: A Stairway to San Francisco Charm

Discover San Francisco's hidden gem: a charming urban hike with lush gardens, historic homes, and breathtaking bay views.

4.7
Find your perfect hotel, anywhere in the world.

When's your trip?

Who's coming?

Adult (18-90)
Min: 1 Max: 6
Add a child
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

The Filbert Steps are a unique pedestrian pathway in San Francisco, ascending the east slope of Telegraph Hill from the Embarcadero to Coit Tower. This urban hike combines steep stairways with lush gardens and historic homes, offering stunning views of the city and bay.

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.
widget icon

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.

Unlock the Best of Filbert Steps

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Filbert Steps

The Filbert Steps offer more than just a route up Telegraph Hill; they provide a journey through a unique slice of San Francisco history and community. Located on the east side of Telegraph Hill, these steps create a pedestrian-only path from the Embarcadero waterfront to the iconic Coit Tower. The steps themselves wind through a micro-neighborhood, showcasing the city's charm and resilience. The history of the Filbert Steps is closely tied to the development of Telegraph Hill. During the Gold Rush, San Francisco's steep hills posed a challenge. The Filbert Street Steps were built as a solution, connecting the lower and upper parts of Telegraph Hill. Over time, local residents, like Grace Marchant, transformed the steps into a peaceful landscape with gardens. In 1949, Grace Marchant moved into a cottage near Napier Lane and began cleaning up what had become an illegal dumping ground. She created a garden, now known as the Grace Marchant Garden, that continues to be maintained by the community. As you ascend, you'll encounter Napier Lane, a small boardwalk offering a glimpse into old San Francisco. Longshoremen once used these paths to watch for ships arriving in the harbor. The homes along Napier Lane were once inhabited by Italian families in the early 1900s. The climb to the top can be challenging, but the views are worth the effort. At the summit, Telegraph Hill Boulevard provides access to Coit Tower and Pioneer Park.

Popular Experiences near Filbert Steps

Popular Hotels near Filbert Steps

Select Currency