Filbert Steps

Beautiful views on your way to Coit tower. There’s parakeets too! Randomly awesome!

Beautiful Steps with Gorgeous and Scenic Surroundings — Enjoyable Walk!
My mother and I walked down from the top of Telegraph Hill towards The Embarcadero via the Filbert Steps, on the morning of August 1^st.
After admiring the views from the top of Telegraph Hill and the parking lot of Coit Tower, we walked down towards The Embarcadero via the Filbert Steps. The wooden steps were surrounded by beautiful gardens, flowers and lush vegetation. There were also gorgeous homes tucked away amongst the trees and plants on the hillside, situated on both sides of the steps. It was a beautiful and scenic walk and I really enjoyed my experience walking here. The stairs were not touristy or crowded at all, and there were only a few other people there during our visit. I enjoyed the natural environment and relaxed, tranquil atmosphere.
The stairs were steep and if we had been walking uphill, it can imagine that it would be challenging and a great (strenuous) work-​out. I was very glad that we were going downhill instead!
I would recommend a walk/​hike up or down these steps for anyone looking for a unique experience, a fantastic and challenging work-​out, and/​or a peaceful walk through a beautifully natural environment.

It’s very likely that somewhere between Chinatown and the top of the Filbert Steps, I died. I knew it was steep and that there was an intense climb, but man, it was intense. None-​the-​less, I was successful. And these steps were actually really awesome instead of the steep street that was less measured.
The steps themselves are extremely picturesque with a view of lovely homes and the San Francisco skyline, even better since maybe you haven’t even seen the Coit Tower yet!

Lots of amazing views from the Filbert Steps and good exercise at that! I walked up the Greenwich Steps (which I prefer) to Coit Tower then down the Filbert Steps. Tons of greenery and lovely houses to see along the way. No clue why I rate steps on Unilocal except to make their existence clear. I really do prefer the Greenwich Steps if you had to choose one (but por que no los dos) and I heard that there are parrots nearby so check them out!

What a hidden gem in the middle of North Beach that leads to one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen in SF! It’s a little over 400 steps to get to the base of coit tower, but I would say the best view you get is between the first set of steps and the set of stairs that directly leads to coit tower. You will see a winding road and from there, you will see the most beautiful sunset and/​or views of the SF skyline. This is a very quiet, residential area so it’s very peaceful and let’s you get away from the crowded streets of SF! Definitely recommend these steps, even if you’re out of shape, there aren’t a lot and it’s well-​worth it in the end :)

After lunch at Pier 39 and dessert at Ghirardelli Square, decided to try to squeeze in Coit Tower before catching the last ferry. On foot, followed the signs and came upon these Filbert Steps to get to Coit Tower. What a workout! Skeptical at first, but the steps did go past some lovely homes/​gardens along the way up. There was one portion where the steps stopped and we had to follow the road (hairpin curve) to continue up. 350 ft ascent, 400 – 500 steps total. Once you reached the bottom of Coit Tower, the views are already pretty amazing. See my separate review for Coit Tower. Took these steps on the way back down too, a well-​hidden secret path, and part of the city I’d never seen before! They should really consider dressing up these steps with either a painting or mosaic.

Climbing these steps made me question my own fitness. 600 steps! I kid you not, they are conquerable. You might be tired, you might hate your life, but you will not regret making it to the top. The views are gorgeous. Just past the Levi campus, you’ll find the Filbert Steps leading up to Coit Tower. You’ll pass many homes and gardens wondering how on Earth people move into these hilly homes while trying to catch your breath. The path isn’t exactly one set of staircases but many. Enjoy the views!

I honestly had no idea that staircases had names. Heck, I had no idea that I was on THE Filbert Steps when I was climbing up.
Awesome name for stairs, we used these stairs to get to the top of Coit Tower. It was a mission, but it was worth it, every step of the way. I can’t believe people live up here, so many stairs, they must be super healthy! But other than that, these stairs are very well maintained and were honestly beautiful and made of wood. Many houses grow nice flowers beside it.
It felt like 350 stairs to the top, but from reading other people’s reviews, there are about 400 – 500 steps, GREAT WORKOUT IDEA. Everyone should take Filbert Steps one day and enjoy the awesome view!

I tried the Filbert Steps today for the first time. There’s a lot of them, but the vertical rise is only about 350 feet. I was determined to make the ascent non-​stop.
I did. So can you.

A great part of any walking adventure in San Francisco. We took the steps up towards Coit Tower, and found that it offers great views of the city, as well as a nice stroll through quaint backyards. It’s about 400 – 500 steps, and really isn’t that bad as long as you pace yourself. There are plenty of landings where you can take a break and check out the view.

With all the stairs we did in SF, this by far my favorite! Second is 16^th Ave Mosaic of course.
Located in the intersection of Sansome Street and Filbert Street. (lowest)
Parking sucks but we managed to find parking along Sansome Street.
Three sections of the staircases – Sansome St is the bottom concrete part, Montgomery is the middle part which is also drivable and the highest point is on Telegraph Hill where the Coit Tower is located.
After the concrete stairs, the whole surroundings shift into a jungle-​like place. It was pretty!
Wooden houses with nice little garden, it was amazing to look at.
The higher stairs are steeper that heads to the Coit Tower (which is also drivable and has parking spaces.)
Three-​story high reliefs of SF, you can even see the Oakland Bridge!
It was a great experience! Not only you’re looking at the view and Coit Tower, you’re also getting your exercise on haha. Such an adventure!

This is a cool little walk between Coit tower and the street level. If you don’t want to get sweaty, I suggest you walk down instead of up — it’s quite a workout to climb to the top! It’s cool to walk through what seems like a secret garden.

Overlooked Gem of SF. totally enjoyed this part of history, while getting a work out. Did not know that places (along the steps) like Napier Lane still existed, like I went back in time. It is ok to take you time along these steps, there is many things to ponder. I was told by a local, who was walking with us, that the houses on the right side, are the original homes from the late 1800’s, they were not ruined by the earthquake and fire of 1906. sooo cool. I am sure there were many more stories, but that is something you will have to discover when you visit.
HINT: the start of the steps is across the street from Levi Plaza.

I greatly enjoyed walking down the steps and seeing the beautiful homes and gardens. It’s best to start at Coit Tower on top of Telegraph Hill and walk your way down to Levi Plaza. From there you can explore the Piers. If you feel you’re in top physical shape and you want to walk up, good luck because the steps are a bit steep in some parts.

Walk your way up to see colt tower and you will have your exercise for the year. No joke. you will be climbing up the stairs so much your gluts will thank you. Being an unfit person and a person who is used to walking on FLAT land, I took many breaks during this journey. SF is known to have steep hills and this is just one of them. if you have a fear of heights, take the easy way up because looking down will make you dizzy probably. Luckily for me i am not afraid of heights so it was a wonderful view for me. the top is rewarding.
IF you didnt read my review, please do know these points:
DO bring a bottle or water or maybe 2…
DO take your time…
DONT GO if you have height issues

Do it! Your legs will burn and it will be hard to finish. But do it. Great views and beautiful gardens lining the steps all the way to the top. (Even saw dozens of wild parrots!)
Definitely a unique way to see San Francisco. And it was even a nice quiet area to enjoy a beautiful view!

Looking to see Coit Tower but want a different way to get there, then head up the Filbert Steps a literal hidden gem of San Francisco.
Located on the «backside» Coit tower these steps will either lead you down from the Tower to Levi’s Plaza or visa versa. Which ever way you decide to take these steps you are in for a treat as the steps (steep in either direction) take you through some pretty lovely views both of the canopied gardens that line either sides of the steps and some pretty spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay.
So glad I stumbled upon these steps — it was still a workout heading down the steep incline but I loved the fact that I had stumbled upon something that few know about.
Although I am hesitant to share my discovery for fear the Filbert Steps will become more congested and touristy, I loved them so much that I know only those looking for something off the beaten path will read this review and attempt to find this hidden gem!

For anybody planning on visiting Coit tower, I would recommend taking the 15 minutes to climb up the Filbert steps. It’s great exercise and you get to admire some scenic views and cool neighborhoods on the way, tacitly avoiding getting in the way of/​gossiping about the people who actually live in these houses.
There are some beautiful gardens on the way, as well as increasingly better views of the bay and gradually, Coit tower starts peeking over. There is lots of available parking both at the lot directly near the base and at the meters lining the streets. Great place!

I love the Filbert Steps! Usually on my weekends in SF, I have this loop that I walk around the FiDi and North Beach area where I have the long way taking the Embarcadero all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf to get to North Beach and back to the FiDi. But on some weekends when the weather is gorgeous outside, and when my testicular fortitude kicks in, I like to take a shortcut and use the Filbert Steps to get to North Beach instead.
It’s pretty incredible and also a great workout walking up these steps which lead you to the bottom of Coit Tower. The first part is kind of scary though since it’s a hollow set of metal steps where you can the view underneath each step (
). But along the way you pass through all these gardens and trees that are very scenic and make the trek up the steps more inviting (
). And when you finally reach the Coit Tower, you get rewarded to probably one of the best views in all of San Francisco (
).
The Filbert Steps is one of those «hiddem gems» in SF that doesn’t get much publicity, but it’s really a great spot to show off to your out-​of-​town friends and relatives. Everyone I’ve taken up the steps with me had a great time!

My friends, my friends, where for art thou?
I was certain that upon taking keyboard in hand I’d be greeted by my smiling horde, all of you already pronouncing on this special place. But, oddly, not so much.
Let me then be your introduction. Let me then urge you to one fine summer SF day this year make yourself a little detour off the waterfront or up the hill from North Beach or maybe even simply out of your way from someplace across town — check this vertical park. It isn’t a place to tarry so much, because a fortunate hardy few do make the lanes off the steps their homes, but as a strip of up and down green from the Embarcadero or thereabouts to Coit Tower with views and wild parrots and lush tended beautiful growth and smells, the Filbert Steps are really a magical spot for a visit.
Then you’ll come back with others at times when you have a little extra time and maybe want to work up an appetite for three desserts and a glass of whiskey.
I’ll say no more. Groove on the images posted by the others. Great views, sublime climb. Nice time. Go.

My husband and I are on a mission! We hope to venture into the city to see as many staircases as we possibly can before we move next year. I’m sure that if you are reading this that you may have a similar agenda. Let me help!
Visit this beautiful website for a full list of the Stairways of San Francisco. Prepare to be amazed!
.
We sectioned off stairways by location, and the Filbert Steps were a part of our Telegraph Hill day. We also wanted to see the Coit Tower/​stairs over there. It was a day FULL of exercise and sunshine. Perfect.
These stairs were just beautiful. Start out early in the morning if you can, though, because the heat and direct sun can definitely be an anchor that pulls your energy down. Bring a camera and some sunscreen and get to hiking! This is an experience of a lifetime.
Oh! Keep your eyes open for the Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Here, learn more about them!
–Documentary:
–Beautiful website created by Mark Bittner himself: