There are three sets of stairs that were built on the eastern slope of Telegraph Hill, and it's clear to me which one is which. With its leafy foliage, the Filbert Steps are Ginger, and with far less foot traffic than the Filbert Steps, the Greenwich Steps are Mary Ann. That must mean these stairs are Mrs. Howell because let's face it, they're the least sexy. Three stairways make up the Vallejo Street Steps, but the central one is the only one that allows you to wander the surrounding gardens. These steps are the closest ones to Broadway, and that counts for something. Isn't that right, Lovey? RELATED - Interested in climbing the stairways around the Bay Area? Here's a collection of steps I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3UkMHud read more

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Yeeees, beautiful views from these steps! I've come here in the very early morning to see lovely views of the Bay Bridge and then in the afternoon to see the city humming with life below me. Never too crowded, but worth the work out for the view. 2024: 66/100 read more

One of San Francisco's many beautiful and functional staircases. Vegetation and a quick way up. Clean and free of vagrants.

I love to come here for an urban walk with elevation and views with stopping in North Beach in the middle for some Italian food or a cappuccino. It's the best in the spring when the wildflowers are abundant or in early Feb when the plum blossom trees are in bloom. There are a few different staircases on Vallejo Street. The first one starts at Jones with a small grassy area with views of the Bay Bridge, East Bay, and Treasure Island before going down 116 stairs down to Taylor Street. Across the street is beautiful Ina Colbrith Park with more views and benches, then 167 stairs down to Mason Street. I often see the wild parrots flying around and congregating here. There aren't more stairs for about .4 miles so keep going down Vallejo, cross Columbus and the third leg is between Kearney and Montgomery. This leg has 89 stairs over a couple of landings and more of a garden setting. This part has much closer views of the Bay Bridge and it was featured in the movie The Presidio with Mark Harmon and Meg Ryan frolicking on these stairs. This leg you are pretty close to the Marciano stairs taking you to Broadway or the Filbert/Greenwich stairs. read more

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Are you in the mood for a workout? Are you in the mood for a workout and you'll prolly be complaining the whole time? Will it be worth it? Absolutely! Just take your time and enjoy. This place in another "hole in the wall". You'll get a great view of the Bay Bridge, Coit Tower, Alcatraz Island and basically SF in general. Smooth and intense walk. Enjoy!! read more

Vallejo Street Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

Have you discovered these steps yet? The hills are filled with these secret steps cum gardens. Love them all. This is right by Ina's Coolbrith Park and offers amazing views and so many gorgeous flowers here. A fantastic Russian hill neighborhood to dream about as you walk around. Very close by it's the russian hill-vallejo crest historic district with more gorgeous views and steep upward climbing. read more

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Quite a hike, depending on where you're coming from, but I'd say it's worth it. Great views, lots of nature, and a good amount of bench seating. You'll love the view of the bridge and neighborhoods, but you may love seeing the occasional parrot or two even more (if daytime). I'd recommend hanging walking through North Beach or Chinatown, picking up dim sum or a panini to-go before 'hiking' up the stairs for a rewarding view. I wouldn't say this is the best view in the city, but it should be part of your 'urban hike' if you're in the area. Might as well! read more

I was told not to walk in areas that I am unfamiliar while staying in San Francisco, but if I stuck to that advice, I wouldn't have observed the lushness, steepness, and calmness of the steps on Vallejo! I was also told to take a street car, which would be tempting if you could see how steep some of the streets of SF are, but if I took that advice, I wouldn't have wallowed in the peace and aura that is on Vallejo. I'm glad I lived a little and took a change to go up this strange place, because in early April when the air is still crisp, but the botany is bright and colorful, the views from Vallejo are stunning!! Your legs feel like they're going to fall off, but the flowers are gorgeous! You may break a cold sweat, but your walk is not in vain. And once you're at the top (finally at the top) you harbor serious jealousy at the beautiful condominiums and landscaping features. Acgh! Anyway. This was a highlight while I was in San Francisco. read more

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The poor man's stair climber! This is a great way to work off all the late night partying you've done on those North Beach Pub Crawls!! Or, if you've had a late night on Polk or Hyde St, you can use the VStairs as your sobriety rest (if you don't break your neck stumbling down them you are sober!). read more

The view from these steps are breathtaking on a clear day. You can see the tall buildings of the financial district on one side and the bay on the other side. There is nice greenery adjacent to the steps as you make your way up or down that adds to beauty of this place. I would definitely recommend visiting this spot if you are nearby to take some pictures of the view. read more

Vallejo Street Steps - View of the financial district - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Vallejo Street Steps has been my go-to spot for morning and evening walks in the City. I usually am staying in or around Union Square on my visits, so a walk up Nob Hill to Huntington Park, then over to Russian Hill, is a perfect route. Depending on how I go, this can mean starting at the top of Vallejo steps and heading down, or cruising to the bottom for even more uphill action. Highlights here include death-march style endless stairs. Sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, as well as Alcatraz, Coit Tower and the skyscrapers downtown. Also there's a flock of parrots that hang out in the trees up near the top of the hill in the afternoons. They're loud as hell, and quite pretty. If you come at this park from some other direction, consider a detour over to the top of Nob Hill as a second stop. There's a little more elevation gain (you have to go down to go back up again) but you get a bunch more views. read more

It was an overcast Sunday afternoon in Sa Francisco when I decided to walk through many of the tiny insignificant parks in Northbeach and Russian Hill. I wanted to get my exercise and explore the beauty of nature through my SLR. It seemed like the perfect way to spend an afternoon off work. I walked up the Vallejo steps starting at Mason and ending at Jones. I walked all the way up, twisting and turning with the uneven stairs until I reached the clearing at the top of Jones street with the most amazing view of the Bay Bridge, Transamerica, Coit Tower, and the entire East Bay before you. The scenery is beautiful, the setting feels serene and the steps give you a pretty decent workout (though it's not like it helps being so close to the cafes in Northbeach afterward) read more

You think you're in shape because you work out a bit at 24 hours!? Ha! I laugh in your general direction. You wanna see some fabulous views of SF? Ha! You're gonna have to work it, baby. Nothing worth having comes easy. Immediately after just eating half of a Molinari's sandwich at North Star café, the oldman wanted to take a walk. I'm thinking - oh, a nice little walk around the neighborhood, peeping into stores, and window shopping... Then we turn onto Vallejo at Powell. As I saw the inclining hill, I thought "oh no, I remember this 'little' workout... Sh&t!" I wanted to wring his neck, and bap the back of his head (I'm always bappin' the back of his head, though). But, it was either walk up Vallejo St. and try to enjoy the spectacular views, or walk the Broadway tunnel (been there, done that... never again). So I grit my teeth and kept the 'safety on', by keeping my hands in my pocket. Starting at Powell and Vallejo, you'll start to feel the steady incline of the hill leading up to the steps at Mason St. By the time you get to the actual steps, you should feel a sensational tingle/burn/pain in your butt and quads. Once you start walking up the steps, you may think... -Ah, how lovely! -Damn my legs are starting to hurt -What lucky bastards must live along these steps? -I don't envy having to deal with all of the looky-loos and peeping toms -When I get a house here, I'm definitely hiring a gardener! -Why am I attempting these steps on a full belly? -Where the f@$k is my camera? -Huff, puff, huff, puff... *hand over heart* Elizabeth! this is the big one! -Why am I keeping the 'safety on'? -When did that bulls eye form on the back of old man's head? Whew! So you've make it up the hill leading to the steps, then you make it up the steps by the cute little Ina Coolbrith park, and think... -Halle-fricken-lu-yeah! I made it! -Why didn't I bring the good camera? -WTF? Am I seeing another set of steps? -That's it, he's a gonner! Yes Virginia, there is ANOTHER set of steps as you cross Taylor St. Take a deep breath, count to 10, and keep your hands in your pocket. Again, in every direction, there are beautiful views of SF, Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, etc. Just breath-taking, figuratively and literally speaking! Beautiful flora n' fauna (pet doggies), and wonderful architecture to behold. Once you get to the top, you'll see the Hermitage building and more great views... it will almost make you forget about burning buttocks, stinging quads, and bulls-eyes growing on the back of bapp-able heads. It's all down hill from here. read more

One of my all-time favorite SF sites. Incredible views and some beautiful homes (and of course, the added bonus of toning your butt). I'm a part-time voyeur, and I love getting to take a peek into some of these older homes. I like to make up stories about the cat-lady in the gray house with baloon drapes that are full of dust...[Incidentally, I've named her Mildred; her story is the 3rd in my series of a Salinger-esque stab at describing SF life. Yes, I'm being facetious.] Don't just hit the section between Jones and Mason...go a bit further East and find the last bit of stairs between Kearny and Montgomery. If you're a real masochist, you can always loop north on Montgomery and head up Telegraph Hill. Primo workout, but you'll be so struck with the beauty of our fair city that you'll forget about your huffing and puffing. read more

Vallejo Sreet Steps You make me run up You make my butt tight You make my heart pump You make me feel so right! Best workout ever. Try the Jones Street Steps from Filbert to Broadway! read more

Oh the memories of the Vallejo Street Stairs. When I went to Galileo, I would use this route sometimes to get to school. Up and over the hill and make a right and I'm there. Never thought of this place as a means for a work out. I thought of it a different way to get to school. As I got older and had my bachelor party, I was too drunk. I walked or staggered from Van Ness all the way up to the grassy knoll on Vallejo. Realizing I didn't have my house keys with me, I decided to pass out and sleep there. Oh the memories. See, these steps serve other purposes other than working out. read more

The first set of seriously insane steps I ever climbed in San Francisco.... People rave about the Lombard street steps as a place to get a good workout -- the Vallejo Street steps offer an equally great workout, with the added benefit of having a view of both bridges and North Beach -- with a very clear view of the North Beach Cop Shop, aka Central Station, in case you pick up a stray stalker on one of your flights down. (Not that there are any STALKERS on the steps, or on YELP....) Plus, at the bottom of the steps, after you've done your required number of reps up and down the stairs (one, for me), you can just stroll down to any number of coffee shops and cafes laid out at your feet, and cool off. read more

I love the Vallejo Steps. Gorgeous views, great workout. They replanted the section between Taylor and Mason in 2006 with California native plants, so you can see our beautiful ceonothus, monkeyflowers, mahonia and poppies. We bring all our visitors here to enjoy the view. Close to both the North Beach cafes if you are walking downhill and the Hyde Street and Polk Street cafes if you are walking uphill. read more

This is a place that absolutely warrants a visit at night! Still, some people have been mugged nearby, and one must exercise caution. read more

Terrific viewing on Auckland from here!!! This place is absolutely a must!!!!! Don't lose it fellas! ;) read more

Vallejo Street Steps - Who's better? Humans or nature? ;) - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

A definite treat. Undoubtedly one of the best views in the city (there may be 100s of best views, but still;). I love coming up here during the morning when other morning walkers are strolling about, and there are actually quite a few benches to sit on and gaze over the downtown SF skyline, complete w/the beautiful Bay Bridge in the background. Inspires me to try to find similar vistas throughout the city! read more

Stumbled upon this secret garden and was rewarded with the most beautiful view of the bridge and the water. Great place to wander and take some photos. read more

Very cute area with great views of the city + a nice workout! If you're up for exploring the city, I would highly the Vallejo Street Steps. Reminds me of the Santa Monica Stairs, but with more views & scenery and not quite as hard of a work out. read more

Holy MOLY. My friend and I honestly stumbled across this while we were slowly making our way from Union to Fisherman's Wharf (much steep, very sore, ow) and I was blown away by the view. San Francisco is a beautiful city, it really is, and the Vallejo Street Steps allow you to soak it all in! The skies were clear, the air was crisp, and the sun was warm. Combined with the gorgeous view, there are few spots finer than this in California. Always make this a stop while wandering the city, you'll do your life a favor. Cheers. read more

These are AMAZING. As in, I'd do a lot of things to be able to enjoy the steps on a pleasant night. Great for exercise, great for a leisurely stroll, great for many other occasions. Also, there's no point in using flash photography to take pictures of the SF skyline if you come here during the night. You're just going to get grainy pics and annoy the other people there. read more

Meh, overrated. There are so many other places to get a good view of the city for tourists :).

Stairway to heaven. Music destination: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcL---4xQYA View destination: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ina-coolbrith-park-san-francisco#hrid:8xpve32ZbNl3SXj522u1Zw These steps are magic for taking you there and being part of a city that is just heavenly. read more

Holy Jesus, I walked a whole lot to get to the top of these steps on a pilgrimage to honor my bordering-on-unhealthy fixation on all things Laura Ingalls Wilder. Laura's daughter, Rose, lived in San Francisco for many years, and in 1915, Laura came out here for the Pan-Pacific Exhibition and stayed with her in her home at 1019 Vallejo. Little did I know that when I looked up after leaving the all-you-can-eat dim sum for $5.99 place (don't look at me like that--it was PETER who ate there) and realized I was only a few blocks from Vallejo, what a Herculean effort it was going to take to make the trip to the home. I was thinking, get a few photos and leave. Well, I thought the hill heading UP to the steps was bad. Then I saw the first set of steps. After hiking those, I thought I had to be there. We even took some photos of the house at the "top" because it was a brown shingle house and I knew that was the sort of home she had lived in. However, I had seen photos and I didn't see a balcony, which had been a major feature of the house. Then I noticed the second set of steps across the street. Now, it was Thanksgiving Day, 2008. I have to tell you, at that moment of realization, yeah, I was a little despairing. But then I thought of Laura, and the prairie, and the blizzards and grasshopper infestations, and the kind of rough life she had lived, and I kicked myself in the ass and hauled my considerable self up the rest of the steps. Peter has video. It isn't pretty. However, I made it to the top. There is a really pretty little park there, with a view that defies description. It's GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! We met some folks who were waiting for their turkey to be done and hung out for a few minutes. I got some pictures of the part of the house that was visible from the street (they have a fence) and debated bothering them to ask if I could take a photo from inside the fence. I didn't. I can now say, Jessica, 1; Vallejo Street Steps: 0. read more

Who needs a corny overpriced gym membership when you have free steps? whew! Maybe I'll add more to this review once I catch my breath....

Such a cute little area! Stumbled upon it while on a run and couldn't believe the views! There are a couple of benches to sit and enjoy the view, but otherwise not an area to set up picnic blankets and hang for hours like the park. read more

These steps will give you a workout. I love hidden San Francisco gems like these, it gives each neighborhood so much character! These steps are tucked into beautiful greenery and have a fair amount of shade, these would probably be a great workout for people who are really active ie NOT ME. read more

it's definitely a cool view when it comes down to seeing both coit tower & transamerica, but there are definitely other locations throughout San Francisco that would be worth more of your time to go see if you are a tourist. for example, mosaic steps @ grand view park, twin peaks, battery spencer, and much more! read more

Vallejo Street Steps - @smiley_brookie Instagram - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great view. I wouldn't call it a tourist attraction, but it is a nice place to walk through if you're planning to get between North Beach and Russian Hill... especially if you're going west. Makes the trip uphill not so bad! read more

Stellar view, parrots hang nearby, beautiful architecture.

A beautiful secret spot. I recommend walking up from the Broadway street steps to stroll past the pretty homes on Florence Street before stopping at the park. read more

Beautiful view. My wife and I stumbled to it while getting brunch at North Beach and wanting to go to Lombard Street.