I have been coming here for many years and each time I am wowed. It's always fun to bring somebody visiting, which is what I did yesterday I love climbing so I have no issues with the stairs but my friend has a fear of heights so was a bit leery. She persevered and was delighted she did so. No matter what time of year it's always lush here and through the seasons there are a variety of things blooming. To me it's always beautiful. And of course, arriving at Coit Tower is always spectacular. We intended to take the Greenwich steps back, but forgot to change course. read more

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Fun and steep climb with beautiful views up to Coit Tower! It's a mostly shaded incline walking between houses with cute little gardens. We got views of the bay bridge and ships coming in under it. Good views of Treasure island as well. There's a handful of parking spots right at the base of the steps, with other metered street parking across the street. We came on a Saturday morning and found a spot across the street with ease. read more

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To get some cardio, our group decided to take the Filbert Steps to North Beach. So after leaving the Ferry Building, we headed along the Embarcadero and walked through Levi's Plaza, crossed Sansome St and we were at the base of the Steps. This Filbert Steps has a gradient of 17.5 degrees, making it one of the steepest streets in the Western Hemisphere. The 400+ steps are in three sections and seems to continue forever as you first reach Montgomery St., then to the stairs to Coit Tower and then the final stretch to Kearny St. You start off on a concrete staircase, then to wooden stairs and then to concrete steps. You will see cottages, houses and nice gardens that line both sides of the staircase and the only access is by these steps. Walking along these steps, you seem transported to a rural area. When you look back on the way up, you get amazing views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and the East Bay. As we got to the stairway to Coit Tower, we decided to make the short 100+ step walk up to Coit Tower for more amazing views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. We then continued back down the Steps to until we reached the end at Kearny St, I think this is one of the hidden gem staircases in the City. For those that don't want to endure the steep climb from Sansome St., you can start from Kearny St. and take the walk down the majority of the Steps. read more

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It was one of my last steps that I will always remember while heading to my sister's big wedding day being hosted at my Grandma's house in Filbert, North beach neighborhood. It was the last I saw of my granny in person. She passed later in the weeks after. Reflecting now, I see why these steps and this area is such a hidden charm to be residing in. Tucked away from main crowd and escaping from gentrification, this spot exudes the old SF city life and brings back memories of being here as a kid. Just enjoying my grandparents presence, usually Italian food since we're in Little Italy and enjoying being a carefree child for the most part, it was nice to not care too much beyond that. Besides strolling on memory lane, this is a nice stroll up and down and very hidden from the energy of the city life! read more

Beautiful views and amazing workout. These steps will take you to Coit Tower. The homes surrounding this area are also a hidden secret. There is parking in layers and at the base of Filbert Steps. read more

Maybe I skipped a flight or two somewhere but it took me all of 5 minutes to get up these and I did it twice in a row. I did not think it was a particularly impressive workout, but I live in Marin and regularly do the Dipsea stairs which are closer to ~700 steps. The beginning is definitely steep but takes all of 60 seconds to climb so if you're in even moderately good shape you won't get much of a workout from that. That being said, it was a charming walk with beautiful views throughout and especially at the top. There is a nice deli adjacent to the tower plus an excellent lookout point. You can drive up as well but parking is limited to 30 minutes if you don't have an A permit. Although I'm not sure how frequently they actually check. read more

Dude, take these stairs to get toned legs. I was visiting my friend in SF and when she wanted to show me Coit Tower she forgot to mention that we would be heading there via Filbert Steps lol (I was wearing jeans!). There are 400+ steps here (yeah I looked it up.....no way was I counting while huffing and puffing). My friend is relatively fit so she was like Sophie in the Howl's Moving Castle stair scene while I felt as much like a melting blob like the Witch of the Waste. Complaining aside, we did end up reaching Coit Tower (hooray). I'd be down to do these stairs again but with a proper outfit lol /masochist. read more

Great stairs that lead directly up to Coit Tower!! These stairs are across the street from Levi's Plaza Park. Be prepared, they are steep in the beginning, but as you get about halfway up, it's still a good climb, but not as steep. The views up here are spectacular!! It's also cool that these stairs take you through the apartment entrances, everybody has a gate and a little patio with flowers. If I lived here, these stairs would be my workout partner!! read more

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Playing tourist in my own city over this holiday weekend. I took the F Streetcar from the Ferry Building and stopped on Greenwich. I decided to take these steps on my way to Coit Tower and I wasn't disappointed. The views looking back gets more breathtaking as you climb up. There were some beautiful flowers along the way which I'll come back to take photos of. It's a little exhausting but if you take your time and then stop ever so often, it's not so bad. read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We had a hard time finding it but we didn't give up so after several tries and turns, we finally made it! There it is, the Filbert Steps that'll lead you to Court Tower in Telegraph Hill through Sansomme Street. The stairs seemed steep as we looked up from the base down the street. There were several people going down the stairs when we dropped by. I heard there's 400 steps for the whole trek. There's not much to see by just looking at it from the ground but most reviewers pointed out that the passage is quite beautiful as you pass by various gardens, hidden residential houses and mind you, parrots. That's a lot of things we missed but the million dollar question now would be "will I ever make this trek?". That's something we'll have to wait and see. read more

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This is one of my favorite urban hikes. If driving it's better to start near Levi's plaza because parking in North Beach can be difficult. Along the way up the many stairs are lovely gardens, hidden houses, and views of the bay. It feels like a rustic hideaway. The steps itself are very strenuous so it's not for people that aren't in shape. I'm always out of breath by the time I reach the top so I know I'm getting a good workout. After hitting Coit Tower there are a few different options to walk down but I like to go to Washington Square Park or get a coffee at one of the many Italian cafes in North Beach. Hike is about 2 miles round trip if you go all the way from the base at Filbert to Columbus Street and back on the Greenwood steps read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

A bit overgrown and a tad ragged is the rolling garden that former bathing beauty and Hollywood stuntwoman Grace Marchant grew back in the middle of the last century (photo: http://bit.ly/2P34Ie1). However, it still fits the charm of this aerobic series of steps that connects Coit Tower with the Embarcadero. I think it's less daunting to start from the top rather than climb the initially concrete steps from Sansome. I actually started on Broadway and climbed Montgomery to get the glorious view down Union Street (photo: http://bit.ly/2PXdrUr) before descending on Filbert. The walk down the wooden steps reeks so much San Francisco charm that you kinda expect Armistead Maupin to come out to greet you on Napier Lane. You'll want to check this off your tourist must-see list. RELATED - Interested in other San Francisco landmarks? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2MTlxeg read more

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A workout in San Francisco... Ann S. suggested that we go here for the view. I had bookmarked it and we were in the area. We finally found it with our GPS - at Filbert and Sansome. Gosh...I didn't realize how many (steel) steps up there are - over 400?! Kudos to those who climb up to Coit Tower! We were tired and hungry, so we will leave this for another day! It just looked very overwhelming! read more

Filbert Steps - Very steep...so many steps! - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

the filbert steps. Just when you think you have walked all the steps in San Francisco, you stumble onto the filbert steps. Functional and fun. Throughout the covid-19 pandemic, Urban hikes in San Francisco served as one of the best forms of exercise. These in the other steps are great for cardio. read more

We actually came from Stockton Street and walked up to Coit Tower. We found Filbert steps and walked down. It was very step and it is slick if it is wet. I enjoyed the view from the top though! If you don't want to take steps, you can drive to Coit Tower and park. read more

Filbert Steps - Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been on a few "step" walks around SF and I would rate Filbert Steps as one of my favorites so far. It has views, gardens, flowers, lush foliage, a nice mix of sun & shade, quaint homes, isn't too crowded, and is a nice workout. Check, check, and check. We made the uphill trek from Sansome & Filbert all the way to Coit Tower. As you walk the steps, you'll see lovely views of the Bay and the Bay Bridge. We frequently passed jogging locals and tourists, but it wasn't overly crowded (on a Saturday afternoon). It's a pleasant walk, considering most of the area lacks any traffic (no car access) and there was a nice mix of sun and shade to the path. There was at least one lovely garden and you certainly notice the lush foliage along the path - one might forget and think you're in the tropics and no longer in SF. The wooden steps added to the aesthetics as well. Tips: -If you're walking along Embarcadero/piers, it's about a 6 or 7 minute walk from Pier 19 (you head West). -If you want to walk uphill, start at Filbert & Sansome. If you prefer to go downhill, you can start at Coit Tower and head East. I'm not sure if parking will be an issue; and, for the directionally challenged, it could be hard for you to find the path to Filbert Steps from Coit. I noticed several trails going out of Coit Tower. As an alternative, you can start at Montgomery and Filbert as well (if you want to avoid Coit Tower parking and have a shorter walk). I think you can also park further West of Coit on Filbert if you want a longer descending walk (see Google Maps). -If you're relatively unfit, this may be hard for you (going uphill). I saw one lady who seemed to struggle not too far into the walk. Our group's fitness level ranged from below average to average and we did OK on the hike. It helped since we stopped periodically to admire the scenery, which allowed us to rest. Bring water as there are a lot of steps. There are handrails for most of the path for those curious. -The start of the steps (near Filbert & Sansome) is minutes away from Levi Plaza. Levi's Plaza has their company HQ, a Levi store, a man-made waterfall, and benches. The main building which houses the store does have bathrooms inside by security (if you need to pee before or after your hike). Right across Battery Street is Levi's Plaza Park that's a small, clean park. -If you'd like to stop & picnic before/after your walk, you can do so at Levi Plaza Park (bottom of the hike) or at Coit Tower (top of the hike). Along the hike, there were a few spots to stop off and rest or admire the views, but nowhere to really sit or do a proper picnic. read more

Filbert Steps - At first, the steps from afar seemed intimidating. It ended up not being too bad - made it from the bottom to Coit. - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My kids went. I stayed behind. Even staring up at them made my heart flutter. I am afraid of heights. It was just.. "Hell-no!" Pro Tip: there is parking and a short walk to Pier 39. read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Filbert Steps are KILLER! Looking for an amazing workout? Just visit Filbert Steps for an hour. I promise it'll give you a full body workout that'll leave you feeling sweaty, sore and accomplished. The steps are steel, don't play it cheap. Wear comfortable shoes that offer stability on the steel, wood & concrete pavements. Again, these are very steel and winding. There is railing for your support. Trash cans to keep the area immaculate, alarms for fire & police should you need assistance and epic views. Take your camera and capture the moments, I did. ~Christy read more

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Filbert Steps are flights of stairs that take you all the way up from Sansome Street (near Levi's Corporate Headquarters) to Coit Tower. Expect lengthy steps (took us 15 minutes to get to Coit Tower), various public gardens (including Grace Marchant Garden which named after a resident who dedicated her time to beautify the wooden Filbert Steps back in late 1940's), hidden residential houses, and wild parrots (I didn't get to hear any of them). I was surprised by how lengthy these steps were, but hey at least it was an excellent work out. These stairs also have handrails, so you can grab them if you have some fear of heights. Unlike The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and Lyon Street Steps, you won't have too many opportunities to take bird-eye scenic pictures on Filbert Steps due to surrounding trees. Even if you reach to the designed viewing area outside of Coit Tower, these same trees prevent you from taking breathtaking 360-view pictures (I feel like someone did this intentionally so that visitors are forced to pay and go up to Coit Tower for panoramic pictures). Overall a great steps for exercise and gardens, but there are better steps for better city views. P.S. - Greenwich Street Stairs are in parallel with Filbert Steps. So you can make a loop to go up and down. read more

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My little girl has been looking forward to one of our mother-daughter adventures here so we celebrated our school-free summer by tackling this walk. We began our walk early as we got off at Embarcadero BART(Montgomery BART may be closer). When we got to Levi's Plaza, we saw the sign indicating "steps to Coit Tower." After sliding past a sleeping man, we began our journey. The gardens are beautiful and lush. The noises of a busy city fall away as you climb higher. We didn't hear or see the parrots though my daughter hoped every chirp and squawk she heard meant they still live here. Once you get to the bottom of Coit Tower, you can visit the landmark or head downhill into North Beach . We did both. This is definitely worth a visit especially since you can treat yourself to Italian deliciousness as a reward. Tie on your sneaks, bring a water bottle, and dress in layers. It may be a tourist treat but it's also a legit workout. Make sure to pause to take in amazing views of the Bay Bridge and Embarcadero. read more

Filbert Steps - you've made it to the top! now where to? - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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These stairs are definitely urban hiking at it's best. Be warned that it is a workout. There are spots where you can stop and rest but use them as an opportunity to turn around and get a good look at the view. It's incredible, especially on a clear beautiful day. And bring water! I failed to do this and suffered a little. The gardens tended by the residents here are amazing! You can tell they really love their neighborhood. I haven't seen a passion flower in a long time so it was great to be able to bask in the glory of these gardens. I read somewhere to take the Filbert St Steps up (and continue up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower) and take the Greenwich St Steps down (if you happen to be headed back that way) and not the other way around. I'm sure glad we did this because the Greenish St ones are much steeper and slightly dicier. There were a few loose steps that scared me a little. It actually hurt both our knees a little to go down these steps. However, if you're looking for a harder workout, do it! read more

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The Filbert steps were everything I hoped for. I read other reviews before I took the trip. It was actually Yep they gave me the idea to trot up the steps. We went on a Thursday so they were not too crowded. Our trip was perfect weather wise. The views are amazing. And all the trees a little houses that you get To walk by are so serene. And my favorite thing that I did not realize Coit Tower is at the top. Recommend the filbert steps Highly. read more

Filbert Steps - Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Last month, on a typical lazy Sunday, while Wifey and I were at Half Moon Bay, we drove to the city to squeeze more activity for the weekend. I told her, "Let's climbs some stairs" and to my surprise, she agreed. I placed the directions on the Waze app and drove here and found parking easily since it was on a Sunday. We looked at the stairs and thought, "How bad could this be?" since we are hikers. Well, the first part of the stairs is a pretty steep incline and by the time I got to the top part of the concrete steps before the wooden stairs begin, I was huffing and puffing like a dog in heat. We had to stop and catch our breaths and was surprised with the difficulty we were having. As we ascended the wooden steps, there was a nice garden on the left called Grace Merchant Garden named after a resident who lived on Napier Lane, a woodplanked road along the steps. She started cleaning up the place as that part of the steps became on informal garbage dump and the garden was named in her honor. It's a nice area to enjoy the different plants and flowers (as well as a Banana tree) and if you're lucky, you'll run in to the resident cat. (That cat is the friendliest cat I ever met and such a sweetie.) As we came upon Montgomery, the wooden steps ended and the concrete steps began all the way up to Coit Tower. We stopped there to catch the view of the Bay and the Transamerica Pyramid on the left. Who am I kidding, we stopped because we wanted to rest and catch our breaths again. As soon as got our wind back, we made our way up to more stairs leading to the back of Coit Tower. It took us about 20 minutes and some spare change to make our way to the top and we were both winded. We did enjoy the view on top though and had to the descend back down the stairs, which is not my favorite part. It's easier for me to walk up the stairs than climb back down due to my knee surgeries. From that day, Wifey said she wanted to return to the steps to get back in shape and we have been doing so after work for several weeks now. We don't go everyday, but sometimes I would walk there to meet here as we had made it quite a routine. From 20 minutes, I made improvements to 15, then 9, then 8 minutes. My current fastest is 7 minutes and my goal is 5 minutes. I don't know if I can break that marker, I might have to jog up the steps in order to achieve that, but I'll keep trying. Heck, there's even an Asian lady probably in her late 50's who goes up and down the steps like it was a piece of cake for her. In a nutshell, Filbert Steps is another one of those local spots that you can get a workout on while enjoying the great view of the city and the bay. read more

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This was a kick ass workout especially with a young kid. Coming from the wharf it was easy to see which way to go but the beginning wasn't pleasant with all the bushes and tourist whom who stand in the middle of everyone's way. Not also to mention the narrow stairs. On the way back some of the path isn't very clear where to begin or continue other than going down. read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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. read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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! read more

Filbert Steps - Stairs to Coit Tower - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of my favorite parts of the city and something I enjoy on every visit to San Francisco. After walking along the waterfront, I turn in at Fog City Diner and head to the Filbert Steps. Such a beautiful, lush, wild part of the city as you climb the steps and listen for the parrots of Telegraph Hill. If you are lucky, you'll see the birds. Even if they are being shy, you can still appreciate the steps as a good workout as you climb past artwork, flowers and adorable apartments with wrought iron gates that allow you peek-a-boo views of the bay. When you arrive at the top of hill, you are at Coit Tower. On a clear day, or at sunset, the views are amazing. Then down the other side of the hill to North Beach where you can enjoy all of the amazing bars, restaurants and Italian bakeries. After this little urban hike, you can indulge guilt free. Pass the cannoli! read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

Doesn't look that far to Coit tower. Don't be fooled! A beautiful, heart-pounding walk thru gardens up the hill. Awesome views and it's free! Be mindful of the private property signs! I didn't make it to the top ...... this time! read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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! read more

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If you feel like you've completely exhausted your San Francisco to-do list (believe me, it can happen quickly whether or not you actually live here), there's always the stairways. While searching through different lists of "off-the-beaten" things to do in the city, I came across the Filbert Steps. Filbert Steps is one of 8 different stairways that can be found throughout San Francisco (see more here: http://www.sftourismtips.com/stairways-of-san-francisco.html). Basically, due to the hilly nature of SF, there are going to be some opportunities for architects to use their creativity and construct beautiful steps that carry people from one street to another. The steps on Filbert Street is one such creation. Filbert Steps, as indicated by the name, is located on Filbert Street perpendicular to Sansome Street. The really amazing thing about this stairway (as well as the other 7 in SF), is that it really does serve a purpose. Essentially, these steps allow direct access from the bottom of Sansom Street, to the top on Montgomery Street. And so they'll be TONS of people going through Filbert Steps each day, whether for commuting purposes, working out, or even for tourism... ...and the last part is definitely true because Filbert Steps is GORGEOUS! My girlfriend and I decided to venture out and explore the steps as part of our whirlwind tour through San Francisco's lesser-known landmarks. If you have any desire to come, I highly recommend you take public transportation, as parking can be REALLY bad. Filbert Steps is located close to the Pier/Union Square and so chances are you may have to pay. There are some free spots (free on weekends) next to the base of the steps, but they may be taken up. Let me preface by saying that Filbert Steps is truly a workout, especially if you don't exercise. Because remember, you're climbing up one of the steeper hills in San Francisco. Especially during the first part near Sansome, you are going to be climbing very high. I'd tread slowly if you have a fear of heights because it may get gnarly. But, the view is WORTH IT. It's not even that you get a great view of the Bay. Once you are in the middle of Filbert Street, you can get a glimpse of all the beautiful gardens and greenery that residents on the hill maintain. Yep, people actually live on Filbert Street. It's pretty cool! The end destination of Filbert Street is Montgomery Street, where Telegraph Hill begins. This is actually a really nice area both because Coit Tower is there and also because you might see some parrots (https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-parrots-of-telegraph-hill-san-francisco)!!! Overall, I give Filbert Steps an "omg, I'd travel 2 hours for this" rating. It's such a tranquil and transformative experience, both mentally and physically. More often than not, this area will be very quiet. And so it's a great opportunity to work out those legs and enjoy the view that San Francisco has to offer! Have fun and prosper, read more

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Stop and smell the roses. No, really, stop and smell the roses!!! The Filbert Steps are a great FREEEEEEEE point of interest. How often does that happen in SF? I absolutely adore taking people up these steps and showing off the views. I also enjoy looking at and smelling the fragrant flowers that residents of TelHi grow here. Some are truly stunning. Take your time-- enjoy the walk, the views, the smells here. This is a great way to see the city. By all means, go all the way to the top of the hill and head to the Coit Tower. The views get even better up there! I find that these stairs are a great way to burn a few calories of the hearty North Beach Italian meals I consume! (makes me feel a bit less guilty for devouring Tony's pizza slices!) A word of caution: These stairs are quite steep in places. They may not be great for small children, elderly, or folks with leg/ankle/knee issues. read more

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Great set of stairs. Worth noting, however, that you cannot buy Schlitz cocktails here.

From the bottom at Filbert Street these steps don't look like much to see but once you get past the first section you will be pleasantly surprised ... they climb through beautiful gardens on your way to Montgomery Street and on up to Coit Tower. I am overweight and out of shape but was able to climb all 600 steps by taking it slow and stopping at the landings to enjoy the beautiful view. read more

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Amazeballs. I love a good local secret. These stairs were my favorite. What a fun intimate peek into the gardens of a lovely hillside neighborhood. Way more fun that Coit Tower. Skip the lines, enjoy the quiet wooden stairs instead. Flowers, cats, an old man reading the paper. It was peaceful. Just what I needed my to clear my mind and get my steps in! read more

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I fantasize living in one of these cute cottages that lines up on Filbert street steps. Who wouldn't love living on the hillside with lush greens growing happily and freely, parrots chirping in the summer sun, million dollar views of San Francisco, and be cardio fit? If only I won the lottery. If only one was selling for my price range. If only... if only... ahhh... it's just a fantasy to live here. I find that these stairs are easier to climb up than the Greenwich stairs. I know because of how my lungs feel after the climb up and usually, I'm more out of breath on the Greenwich stairs than the Filbert stairs. But either way, it's a really good workout and if your super fit, it should only take you less than 15 minutes to climb from Levi's plaza to the top of Coit Tower. But for people like myself? Take plenty of breaks so that you can make it to the top! read more

What a gem of a walk! If you're active and want to do your own walking tour through unusual places, go here! You get to walk through lush green gardens that are the neighbourhood backyards so to speak. Lots of stairs so you're going to get a good workout! This is one of the green walking routes to and from Coit Tower. read more

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Climbing the Filbert steps is one of my favorite things to do in the city...besides eat. But climb the steps and then you'll have a great excuse to eat more! The stairs wend up a hill to Coit tower, past beautiful little homes nestled into the hillside with lush gardens and really interesting doors and gates. Don't forget to stop and turn around periodically for some really stunning views of the Bay. They are a bit steep, but I've done them quite a few times with little kids and they've always managed. read more

Filbert Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

If you like walks, or pretty flowers, or fresh air, or SF, or if you are reading this right now, then you should probably grab a friend and walk the Filbert Steps. On an otherwise overcast day, the sun was shining on Levi's Plaza where we began our ascent (Filbert & Sansome). Looking up, the trek looked formidable; I took some NSAIDs for my bum knee. But much to my relief, the steps had numerous lookout points at short intervals where you could take a breather and enjoy the gardens. The gardens themselves are definitely instagram worthy. Think more country cottage than manicured grounds. Try to see which varieties you can name. Nasturtium, angel trumpets, and foxgloves for me. Multiple varieties of roses and some fruit trees as well. We also got a cool sighting of the famous Telegraph Hill parrots. They chattered and swooped above the amazing architecture and settled into the palm trees. On a Friday afternoon, we only bumped into a handful of other people. We stopped often to admire and take photos and it still only took us about 20min to make it to Coit Tower. From there, you can branch off to North Beach or Chinatown to continue your walk. I live here and I'll definitely keep coming back to play tourist and to check out the changing of the seasons in the gardens. read more

Filbert Steps - Photo ops like this along the entire walk - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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 (http://bit.ly/1txKedW). 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 (http://bit.ly/1l50DWz). And when you finally reach the Coit Tower, you get rewarded to probably one of the best views in all of San Francisco (http://bit.ly/1ojySVo). 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! read more

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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! read more

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