For fans of Tales of the City, it's definitely worth stopping by for a pic of the sign and the view of the bay in back of it. Otherwise, it is nothing else like the show, there is no apartment complex nestled in the hill, that was filmed on a soundstage. Technically there are some apartments along the path but nothing really to see. It's nice go this way if going from North Beach to the Marina/Cow Hollow or Russian Hill. Vallejo, Lombard, Green, and Greenwich pathway stairs are nearby so best to make a stair walk out of it. read more

See all

If you've been wondering where the steps of 28 Barbary Lane are in the city, here they be. That's because the cloistered walkway that is Macondray Lane served as the inspiration for Anna Madrigal's compound in Armistead Maupin's "Tales of the City", the classic series of books about the liberating life in San Francisco primarily during the '70's and '80's. The residential path is in front of a series of charming homes that are understandably well ensconced in the seven-figure range. On the other side is a steep embankment covered with greenery and freckled with nice touches like a tranquil little waterfall and a trio of trousers doubling as planters. Just be quiet and respectful because people live here but enjoy the atmosphere. RELATED - Exploring Russian Hill? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: http://bit.ly/2IfTVOB read more

See all

For some reason, this landmark is no longer searchable on Yelp - perhaps the neighborhood wanted people to stop treating this as a city attraction. Anyway, I had this place bookmarked for the longest time - seemed like an SF gem nobody knew about. Finally had a chance to check it out and I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. Yes, it's in a quiet residential neighborhood - I followed Google Maps and ended up at the beginning of Macondray Lane. I followed the route and started seeing scenery that resembled the pictures. I kept walking hoping to see something cool - before I knew it, the walk was done (less than 5 minutes). Don't get me wrong - it's quaint and the greenery was nice and I did see a small waterfall, but I would not go out of my way to stop by here. It's very short and I felt like I was just walking through a small residential alley (well, I was) with extra green/foliage, some cobblestone ground, and a wooden staircase. It's a nice block (I wish I could afford a home here) but it's far from being any type of attraction. The view of Coit Tower was alright, but definitely not the best view within the city. If you're walking in the area, sure, cut through; otherwise, it might not be worth the trip out. To be honest, I don't know why this is listed on Yelp (plus, I'm sure homeowners would prefer to have less traffic in their backyard). read more

See all

Didn't take any pictures until I stepped out of the lane since it is a residential area...lovely and quaint place, however! Came here after grabbing some ice cream from Swensen's. If you follow Google maps, most likely it'll bring you to the "end" of Macondray Lane and it will be easy to miss too! Don't be deceived by the empty parking lot, just keep walking and you'll enter a quiet area with beautiful apartments. Once you get to the other side, you'll get a stellar view of Coit Tower and the bay. Careful of the steep steps! Hidden gem, cute bucket-list place. read more

Macondray Lane Historic District - Local Flavor Near Me

Maupin moment... Though word had it he and his love are in AZ now, he did come through earlier this year! Tales series came alive for me as I Strolled the few block lane. Surely as pretty as dozens of other hidden, ensconced lanes tucked in the hills of SF! read more

See all

Macondray Lane is a perfect emblem of San Francisco. We live in a city filled with amazing public spaces that are free to visit, like Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park, the Presidio and Fort Funston, yet one-bedroom apartments here average $3,500/month and income inequality is reportedly worse than Rwanda's. In that same vein, in one of San Francisco's toniest neighborhoods and behind a row of buildings commanding million-dollar views of the Bay, you'll find a tranquil wooded lane that offers a delightful escape. It's filled with lush foliage, sun-dappled flowers, charming historic facades, and breathtaking views. And it's free and open to the public to enjoy. Fans of Maupin's "Tales of the City" stories will especially want to visit this spot, which formed the basis for the fictitious Barbary Lane. read more

See all

I'm a native, but I really haven't spent much time in the NE section of the city. Sure, I've been to North Beach and Chinatown, but Russian and Nob Hills tend to get left off the agenda. That is why I bought the San Francisco City Walks Deck, which has 50 cards detailing different walks around the city. The other day my friend and I decided to explore the area, starting in Polk Gulch. As it turns out, two of the cards in the deck are for Polk/Nob/Russian, and they both direct you to Macondray Lane. The lane stretches across two blocks between Leavenworth and Taylor (W to E) and Union and Green (N to S). I can safely say I would have never made it here without those cards, but I am so glad that I did. The block between Leavenworth and Jones is so charming, with lots of trees bending in odd directions and cute little cottages. (It's quite reminiscent of the Vulcan Steps up in Corona Heights.) The other block isn't nearly as nice to look at, but there was a cool piece of graffiti art at the Taylor end (see picture). read more

Macondray Lane Historic District - This was one of the wonderfully odd, bendy trees on the lane. We thought it looked like a guy flexing his muscles. - Local Flavor Near Me

See all

Found out about this little gem in one of those off the beaten path books on SF. For a city with so many tourists, its actually nice to find a cute little back alley like this with so much character. To get there, cross Green St on Leavenworth, and walk down half a block to the little street that gradually gets smaller, and you think your walking into someone's yard. The photo I took is on the path between Leavenworth and Jones. As you cross over Jones, the path takes a different form, with the backs of Union St houses. It all makes for a really nice stroll, with some beautiful views, letting your imagination run free. read more

Macondray Lane Historic District - View of Alcatraz from Macondray Lane - Local Flavor Near Me

Ok, so A. this isn't a business of any sort, it's a walk pure and simple. No one's going to profit or decline from this one, but here it is anyway. If you want a breathtaking walk through the uppers of the North bayside viewable part of Nob Hill this is the walk for you. If you don't mind walking up a ridiculous amount of steep hilliage, do this trek. I guess you could always take a trolley part way, but that's not as fun, as there really is something to be said for walking through the city. It's amazing the homes you will find each few yards. This is a beautiful green patch between two main roads of the city. Actual homes have their address along this cobbled path. the views must be stunning from the back of the homes. as through the trees it's just awe-some. You can see Alcatraz and Sausalito, and hey, it's just a cool green walk in the heart of the tiny big city. Make it your pit stop on the way to downtown through Nob Hill, it's exquisite, or maybe in the opposite direction and hit up Ghirardelli or Fisherman's Wharf. I don't care, just do it. on a sunny day. read more

One of those places that make San Francisco the most wonderful place to live. Since I discovered this lane as a child I have always imagined that someday I would be blessed to live here. I love walking through the dense vegetation and looking at the amazing houses. I've taken some wonderful pictures on the creaky old steps on Taylor that end this lane. read more

Located on Russian Hill, high above the Bay with views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Marin, its origin is on Jones Street, between Union and Green. Enter this secret garden through a charming wooden trellis and proceed along a quiet cobbled pedestrian street lined with Edwardian cottages and flowering plants and trees. A flight of steep wooden stairs at the end of the lane leads to Taylor Street. It's best known as the inspiration for Armistead Maupin's fictional 28 Barbary Lane, where Anna Madrigal's boarding house was home to the very naive Mary Ann Singleton and the very gay Michael Tolliver. If you've read Tales of the City or any of its sequels, you owe it to yourself to visit this peaceful oasis. If you haven't, why not? read more

Macondray Lane Historic District - Local Flavor Near Me

See all

I wouldn't suggest going too far out of the way for this place, but seeing as it was en route from Russian Hill to North Beach, it was the perfect place to stop. I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the lane; it was like stepping out of the city and walking into a beautiful garden alleyway in Europe (It almost reminded me of Eze). A relaxing, amorous, and charming temporary escape. A good place to go alone or with a loved one. Definitely stop by Ina Coolbirth Park afterwards to continue the stroll. read more

I bookmarked the lane on my yelp account, but figured the chances of me getting there - letting alone finding it - were slim to none. But then. Absolutely beat in our room, but still san francisco drunk, we decided visit the lane for a romantic stroll. We got there around 10ish or so at night, finding our way with the help of my yelp app - which btw, i highly recommend using the google map on yelp - it takes you right there. But it being dark out & us being tourists, we also needed the help of a door man to see where the lane began. Ok, so we MAY have also illegally parked in a parking lot we're pretty sure we didnt belong in. MAYBE. You'll find that the first block is exactly like the other reviews mentioned - boooring. Concrete jungle. I was beginning to get disappointed, but then I remembered the pics I saw on yelp. No! I wouldnt be satisfied until I saw the meditation bench! the macondray sign! the cobblestone! Crossing the street, we crossed paths with an older lady walking her dogs going into the lane; I hesitated; were we trespassing on some old people's condos? Nah. My lovely mister took my hand & we ooh & ahhed. He actually enjoyed it too - score one for my nerdy sf pursuits. It's super quiet, tranquil & to be quite honest, you wont be able to appreciate a lot of the sights mentioned here on the lane such as the fountain or the parrots (!!). I mean, they're beautiful, but we can't wait to come back in the daytime. But what was great? The views! The Coit Tower took my breath away, & I took a picture excitedly, the mister took my pic. SF memory instant created. Watch out for the uneven cobblestone, & the wooden stairs are rickety as all hell. We stopped to stare at the houses when we turned around for the second time (of course) & i pray we didnt creep anyone out. We're just admiring the beauty! I'm sure they're used to that though. We'll be back. And dont think i wont dork out and read the book in the mean time. read more

Macondray Lane Historic District - Night view of Coit Tower from Macondray Lane - Local Flavor Near Me

A really cool place to take a walk if you are driving by, but don't go out of your way for it. You have great views or Alcatraz and Coit Tower from here. And I really liked the buddha fountain. Be careful on the rickety staircase, it is surely not safe. Check it out. read more

Macondray Lane Historic District - Local Flavor Near Me

This is a pleasant little walk through a very picturesque neighborhood. I made a day of steps and lanes that included the Lyon Street Stairs, Macondray Lane, and Jack Early Park. You could easily throw in Coit Tower and Lombard Street too. Add it to your "Beautiful San Francisco" sightseeing list. read more

Considering I am currently among the ranks of the, well, unemployed, I have spent many a recent hour looking up little adventures to keep myself from going insane. Last week I ended up here, at Macondray Lane, after somehow stumbling across the reviews on Yelp! This is a pretty neat discovery, a quaint little cobblestone walkway lined with overgrown trees and shrubbery. You should plan a day of walking around Russian Hill and add this to your list of sights to see that day. The entrance is located on the east side of Leavenworth between Green and Union and runs two blocks. read more

Yesterday's Mission was to find this place. When we arrived it was a bit of a let down. It is just a short two blocks. The second block is a bit nicer. At the end there is a spectacular view of coit tower. read more

What a beautiful, romantic, out-of-the-way place! The steep walk up the hill made the cool, shady, 2-block walk even better. read more

See all

As my religious viewpoint is well, Anna Madrigals' ("Tales of the City" anybody?), of course I stalked every interview with Armistead Maupin (genius creater of this fantastical San Francisco saga) and discovered his inspiration for Barbary Lane was indeed Macondray! I believe they even filmed the television series in this lane. If you love this city, you owe it to yourself to read one of the "Tales" and experience the saggy wooden staircase and mystical walkway on a cold SF night. You will fall even harder in love. Promise. read more

The spectacular view from Macondray Lane of Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay may be lost forever. The the city approved the construction of a massive 1000squre foot rooftop deck with two large powered kitchens with stainless steel sinks faucets and plate glass railings warmed with five towering stainless steel heaters. This is the street on which Armistead Maupin based Barbary Lane in his beloved in his beloved Tales of The City. There is an opportunity for you to help save this view from this important public right of way. The Board of Appeals seeks your comments at a meeting October 13 at 5 PM at City Hall room 416. Please join neighbors historic preservationists and visitors to appeal this permit and return to the public its right to enjoy this precious view and unique experience. Feel free to call me regarding additional information call Tom Kravis at 415-992-2400 thomas.kravis@comcast.net read more

One of those lovely hidden San Francisco gems. Take a walking tour of Russian Hill and check out the basis for Armistead Maupin's Barbary Lane! Very cool and short (only two blocks really) walk! read more

Fun little adventure in Russian Hill that's free- wohoo! Only accessible by foot with great views of Alcatraz and the Bay from the Taylor Street end. Gorgeous ferns and flowers; the little pond is cute too! read more

A cute little walkway to check out if you don't want to shell out the bucks to fly to Europe, this alley reminds you of a time long ago when there was no internet, facebook, twitter, or gasp yelp. It was the inspiration to Bill and Ted's excellent adventure as well as any time machine movie. You can even make time stand still indefinitely if you dress in victorian garb here. read more

Are you kidding me? The hype for this little path with scraggly vegetation is totally unmerited. If this lane ever had noteworthy charm, it's long gone now. However, the ocean views from this part of town ARE worth the trek. read more

It's a short, charming walk down Macondray Lane. It's nothing spectacular, but if you're a fan of "Tales of the City" then it's a must. I can see how this lane inspired Maupin! read more