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    Filbert Steps Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Filbert Steps

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    Concrete staircase up from Sansome St.
    Al L.

    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.

    Phil A.

    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!!

    Gerard Y.

    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.

    Cris I.

    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.

    Joan W.

    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

    Montage of images from the Filbert Steps
    Ed U.

    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

    Very steep...so many steps!
    Nadine C.

    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!

    Filbert Steps
    Stephanie G.

    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.

    At first, the steps from afar seemed intimidating. It ended up not being too bad - made it from the bottom to Coit.
    Laura C.

    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.

    Tram N.

    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.

    Christy A.

    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

    Luke L.

    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.

    you've made it to the top! now where to?
    Julie C.

    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.

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

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Filbert Steps

    Would it be possible to start the Filbert steps from the top, then descending steps? I'll be travelling with some older people that could have some difficulties to step up. In that case, where should we start from and how could we get there?

    Yes you can drive to the top where the monument is and walk down. There are different paths to take. You would have to walk back up to retrieve your car.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Filbert Steps

    On an otherwise overcast day, the sun was shining on Levi's Plaza where we began our ascent (Filbert & Sansome).

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    Japantown

    Japantown

    4.2
    (552 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

    I'm sure I'm biased bc I grew up up coming here in the 70s/80s and then as a teen and grown up in…read morethe 90s... 2000s lol... it's like a second home despite a lot of changes over the years. Some of the changes I like and some not so much. Parking is hella easy in the underground lot and you can always find a nice gift at any price range as well as a nice snack, drink or meal. I always bring my visitors here when we run out if other stuff to see- but it's hit or miss. My company either loves it and always asked to return, or they think it's a waste of time lol. Like I said, I love it and always will- but I'm not sure how much is pure nostalgia. Recommend visiting at least once. I know the J town in LA feels a lot bigger and I appreciate that one too, but this one is my favorite and I have to show support as a Sansei. Most importantly, restrooms are always clean lol ...

    Photos
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    Godzilla

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    Godzilla
    Palace Of Fine Arts

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    2.5 mi

    One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

    The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

    Photos
    Harmonious
    Harmonious
    Evening view
    Evening view
    Palace Of Fine Arts

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    The Westerfeld House

    The Westerfeld House

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    2.5 mi

    This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

    "You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

    Photos
    Another view
    Another view
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Beautiful building- Westfield House

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    Beautiful building- Westfield House
    Cottage Row

    Cottage Row

    4.1
    (12 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

    Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

    Photos
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row

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    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    3.7
    (25 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

    This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

    Photos
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive

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    Dragon's Gate

    Dragon's Gate

    4.3
    (144 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

    I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

    Photos
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate

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    Filbert Steps - landmarks - Updated July 2026

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