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Filbert Steps San Francisco

San Francisco's enchanting Filbert Steps: a steep, residential climb through lush gardens with stunning bay views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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coit tower

Filbert Steps San Francisco

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

San Francisco's enchanting Filbert Steps: a steep, residential climb through lush gardens with stunning bay views.

4.5
(22 reviews)

"It felt like stepping into the Garden of Eden with beautiful gardens and stunning views."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

These are steep steps! Good grip and support are essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.

🤫 Be a Respectful Guest

Remember these are homes. Keep noise down and stay on the public path.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 22 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Gardens

Enchanting Gardens

Along the steps

A lush, vibrant oasis of flowers and greenery cascading down the hillside. Feels like a secret garden.

Instagram
Panoramic Bay Views

Panoramic Bay Views

Midway and top of the steps

Stunning vistas of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge.

Reddit
Coit Tower Ascent

Coit Tower Ascent

Top of the steps

The steps provide a scenic and challenging route to the iconic Coit Tower.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Residents

These are private residences, not just a tourist path. Be mindful of noise, don't enter yards, and let residents pass. It's a neighborhood first, a scenic route second. Reddit

Embrace the Climb

The Filbert Steps are steep and offer a fantastic workout with rewarding views. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a good climb, especially if heading to Coit Tower. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the bay
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The most beautiful Street in San Francisco #thingstodo #placedtovisit #california #californiaadventure #sanfrancisco #bayarea #ilovesf #thingstodoinsf #ca#californiahiddengems #hiddengems #californiastreet
@teresactw
28.8K likes • 765.8K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

These are steep steps! Good grip and support are essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. Reddit

🤫 Be a Respectful Guest

Remember these are homes. Keep noise down and stay on the public path. Reddit

At first, the only reason we started climbing these steps was to get to our favorite pizza place from where we were. Then I soon found many other reasons to climb them and started clicking the shutter. These steps will actually take you from the Northern Waterfront (Embarcadero/Piers Area) to Coit Tower by way of some beautiful bay and garden views. 🤫 Be quiet and respectful though as people liv...
weve_got_ears
88 likes • 0 views
A Garden of Eden in the City by the Bay . . . . . . . #sf #sanfrancisco #bayarea #sfbayarea #filbertsteps #telegraphhill #coittower #gardens #fujifilm #fujifilm_xseries #サンフランシスコ #カリフォルニア #庭 #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #富士フィルム
zirocket
77 likes • 0 views

🦜 Look for the Parrots

Keep an eye out for the famous wild parrots that inhabit the area! Reddit

💪 Great Workout Spot

Perfect for an intense cardio session with incredible scenery. Reddit

reddit.com

My favorite steps in SF.

Check out the Filbert Street steps this weekend. The gardens are beautiful, the views are stunning, and the steps keep your heart rate up. Walking or running stairs strengthens the heart and posture. Posture reminders: 1. Keep your eyes looking ahead to maintain your…

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

These are steep steps! Good grip and support are essential for a safe and enjoyable climb. Reddit

🤫 Be a Respectful Guest

Remember these are homes. Keep noise down and stay on the public path. Reddit

🦜 Look for the Parrots

Keep an eye out for the famous wild parrots that inhabit the area! Reddit

💪 Great Workout Spot

Perfect for an intense cardio session with incredible scenery. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for breathtaking bay vistas and charming garden shots. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(22 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Filbert Steps for their stunning gardens, breathtaking bay views, and the invigorating workout they provide. Many describe it as a hidden gem and a 'Garden of Eden' in the city. However, some note the extreme steepness can be challenging, and a few mention occasional issues with tourists not respecting the residential nature of the steps.

"Oef thats scary. 31,5% incline. Love it"

Marco van Dam

"I love taking my daughter on the street to drive. She's a semi new driver and needed to find out what it was like driving in the city. I like the fact that it gives the young kids a challenge and builds their confidence when they drive around"

Karie Howard

"Great exercise. Exceptional views. An oasis of greenery to explore"

Marilyn Dalton

What People Like

Beautiful gardens
Spectacular bay views
Great exercise

What People Dislike

Very steep incline
Respect for residents

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can access the Filbert Steps from the Embarcadero (near Pier 1) or from the top near Coit Tower. Many visitors start at the bottom and climb up. Public transport options like Muni buses are available nearby. TikTok

Parking directly at the steps is extremely limited as it's a residential area. It's best to park further down near the Embarcadero or use public transportation. Reddit

You cannot drive directly on the steps themselves, as they are pedestrian-only. The closest you can get by car is to the bottom near Levi Plaza Park or the top near Coit Tower. Reddit

From Fisherman's Wharf, you can take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero or catch a Muni bus heading towards the Ferry Building, then walk to the base of the steps. TikTok

Yes, several Muni bus lines stop near the Embarcadero or North Beach areas, providing access to the base or top of the steps. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Filbert Steps are a public thoroughfare and are free to access and walk. Reddit

The steps are accessible at all hours, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety and to enjoy the gardens and views. Reddit

The gardens are part of the residential properties and are not open for public entry. Please admire them from the public steps. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to steepness, lack of lighting, and potential safety concerns. Reddit

While official guided tours might be limited, many visitors explore independently. Local community cleanups are sometimes organized. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for viewpoints offering clear shots of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. The lush gardens themselves also make for beautiful, vibrant photos. InstagramReddit

It's best to focus your photography on the gardens and views. Avoid taking intrusive photos of private residences or their inhabitants. Reddit

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while mornings can provide clearer skies and fewer people. Instagram

While not explicitly forbidden, be mindful of space and other visitors. Avoid setting up tripods in narrow sections or blocking the path. Reddit

Besides the views and gardens, keep an eye out for the famous wild parrots and any unique architectural details of the homes. Reddit

🎫 💪 Fitness & Exercise

Absolutely! The steep incline makes it an excellent cardiovascular workout and leg-strengthening activity. Many locals use it for their fitness routine. Reddit

The time varies greatly depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to admire the views. It can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes to reach the top. Reddit

Yes, San Francisco is famous for its stairways! Other popular options include the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and the Lyon Street Steps. Reddit

Comfortable athletic wear and supportive shoes are highly recommended. Bring water, especially on warmer days. Reddit

Many people do run the Filbert Steps for exercise. Just be aware of other walkers and residents, and maintain control. Reddit

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