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Filbert Steps
Rating Details »
Categories: Local Flavor, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Embarcadero, North Beach/Telegraph HillFilbert St & Sansome St
between Sansome Street & Coit Tower
San Francisco, CA 94111
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
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88 reviews for Filbert Steps
Since the weather has been amazing lately I've decided to do lots of walking around town. The Filbert Steps is one of the best workouts for your legs and that little area right above them!
The best part of this little climb are the cute cottages along the way.
There's a beautiful little jungle of trees and plants. Everything from giant Aloes to Rose Trees so take breaks and enjoy it. It's definitely special.
Of course the famous wild and crazy Parrots of Telegraph Hill come flying in squawking back and forth constantly. They definitly watch you, it's oddly erie .
They're probably laughing at us silly humans trudging up steps and sweating while they can fly .
Once your up at Coit Tower you can walk across the small parking lot and decend on the other side of the hill and end up at Washington Square in Northbeach and have a cool refreshment =icy cold beer. Hey I'm only human .
Definitely takes your mind off whatever might be ailing you and reminds you of the beautiful city that SF is.
It's basically a short workout but firms you up quite nicely when done regularly. Be prepared to sweat and definitely bring a water bottle.
Are we there yet?
Are we there yet?
Are...we...there...yet...??? (breathes heavily)
So these are the steps that lead up to Coit Tower.
When we first arrived at these steps only the first set are visible. They were nice but nothing spectacular. I was like eh this isn't nothing.
Then when you reach the peak of the first step you realize oh they are called the Filbert STEPS for a reason. It goes up and up and UP!
Once you are past the first set you are transported to a beautiful garden of flowers and plants. I didn't even feel like I was in America anymore but far away in some forest far far far away. It was so peaceful here.
Even though the Coit Tower was beautiful the trek up there is worth so much more.
Definitely a cool thing to do to ascend the steps (there are alot!) and check out the amazing gardens on the way up. However it only gets 3 stars from me because at the top you reach tourist hell in the form of Coit Tower and it's army of ppl with DSLRs and huge lenses.
It's worth checking out at least once but if you want to avoid the tourists might be better off checking out the Vallejo steps and Ina Coolbrith Park.. less tourists and a better view (keep going to the very top past the park!).. though the gardens aren't as nice.
It is indeed beautiful. Definitely a work-out. Great way to get to /from Coit Tower although if you are not up a lot of walk, you should take these steps down and never to go up all the way to Coit Tower.
Nice thing to do when you have a moment to discover San Francisco.
One of my first days after moving to SF last September, my brother encouraged me to join him for his Pac West Bootcamp workout. That night, they happened to be going to Coit Tower. As I had no idea as to what Coit Tower was, I happily stretched and jogged my way over with the rest of the group. I finished the workout 1/2 wanting to kill my brother for making that my intro to SF outdoor workouts, and 1/2 amazingly grateful to have seen that trek/view. I went back the following Saturday to try and conquer them in a better way than I did on day one.
I have since done these steps a dozen or more times. They get easier . . . well . . . a little bit easier. But the reward is always the same. An amazing view from the top (just ignore the tourists). Take the time at some point to peek at the houses along the way. They are ecclectic, and some filled with amazing treasures :)
I lived two blocks away from here for over a year before I discovered the magical world that exists surrounding these stairs. It's like San Francisco's own secret garden. When I need to "get away" I come back here. They are also a great little workout.
Got attacked by damn PARROTS during my last night's run!
Cuuul!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
4/30/2009
Dear Filbert Steps,
Running up you I adore
My legs look really good
You keep me sweating more and more… Read more »
I'll take these steps over the stairmaster any day.
Great workout, beautiful gardens to admire along the way... I have yet to see a parrot however. Hopefully soon.
If I had to complain, it would be about the fact that I am incredibly jealous of the people who live along these steps... not only do they live in a garden paradise with an amazing view, but they also must have the most incredible legs on earth.
From embarcadero, cut through Levi Square, past the girl meditating with her dog, past the waterfall, past the workers rushing to lunch, and you will find the humble beginning of these steps. A few concrete stairways that offers little hint of the gem behind it.
I came expecting a good workout, and was not disappointed. It delivered a full server of 400 ass blasting steps with a side of tranquil garden, scenic ocean view, and even the occasional Japanese tourist with their SLR camera throwing peace signs.
Wish I saw the fabled parrots, but maybe next time. I'll definitely be back.
Coupled with my gym membership at BayClub (which conveniently happens to be across the street) these are a great way to burn calories and get your rear in gear.
First time i did them it was impromptu (brother was visiting and he wanted to get to Coit Tower from the Embarcadero) and I was wearing too-tight jeans on a sizzling hot day (FML). Rookie mistake- athletic gear encouraged!
What goes up, must come down... except I prefer to skip the going up part. Trust me when I say this, you will too after your first trek up.
So here's my tip, if you like to get the full Filbert Steps experience (and why wouldn't you? it has lots of green) without the risk of checking into a bed & breakfast mid way because you are just about ready to check out, head up to Coit Tower on the 35 bus (Grant & Lombard) and save the steps for later.
Nothing like strolling down on a sunny San Francisco day and helping fatigued tourists steady their cameras as they struggle to fight the urge to buckle over.
Free treadmill -- no gym fees! Just go up and down ten times and you're done with your exercise for the day... (Yeah I saw someone do that.)
Or start from the Ferry Building (after a bite at one of the many amazing eateries) and walk up the Embarcadero, cut across the park and up the Filbert Steps, then walk down North Beach (grab something to drink at Puccini Cafe) and catch the Muni on Market St home. S.F. has perfect weather for exercise!
i totally love this gem! you're sure to catch some gorgeous views (on a clear day) as you make your way up the stairs. just make sure you have your bottled water with ya as I believe the only water fountain is allll the way up at the top where the Coit is.
If I could walk up these steps every single day I would be one healthy chica. I do wonder about the people who live along the steps, I hope they don't have to deal with the smell of B.O. passing by their front porch every five minutes.
So remember, if you walk up these steps do wear deodorant, because you will sweat no matter how slow you walk. there are many many steps.
I've never reviewed steps before, but I believe the Filbert Street Steps are worth reviewing. They are part of one of my favorite walks in all of San Francisco.
I didn't find them on a website or in a book, but I was walking by one day, near Jackson Square and I saw the steps. I decided to walk up the steps to see where they ended.
The steps are beautiful. Wooden and charming, similar to something you would find in Europe, not in San Francisco, yet still with the breathtaking views. When I walk up the steps and look back, I can just stare at the view and the water.
I don't want to ruin the charm, so I don't want to say more. Walking up the steps is great for more than exercise, it is great for reflection, exploring, or a day with a friend, romantic interest, or a spouse.
Come'on. The steps aren't that strenuous.
Don't bring kids.
PARROTS!!!! 5 stars, bitches.
Feel the burn, enjoy the view.
The Filbert Steps is a great way to check out the Coit Tower if you are in the Embarcadero area. The first steps are extremely steep and your legs will begin to burn right off the bat, but after that, it's not so bad.
You will see some great views of the bay bridge and the Embarcadero area.
We continued our walk from the Coit Tower, went to the North Beach area, then to Chinatown and back down to our hotel in the Financial District. I highly recommend doing this because it's a great way to see San Francisco without worrying about parking.
Holy crap- This is what my friend and I tell ourselves every week when we wake up and run these stairs.
Nothing like running embarcadero, filbert steps up to Coit Tower, back to Pac Heights all before 7am.
Why do I pay gym membership? Oh yea, because I would be crazy to do this run more than once a week- all my calves can handle.
Talk about a high for the rest of the day...
damn these steps.....haha. i was dying going up these steps with my bf. He tricked me! 358 steps....felt like it was never going to end...but when you finally make it up tp coit tower....you will feel like Rambo....by the time we were on the top...we were both sweating like crazy...but so worth it....everyone should try it one time....our goal is to be able to do these steps 3 times up and down....there was a lady there who did it at least 3 times during the time we went up and down once. haha...i will see you soon filbert steps...and ILL BRING IT......
Not too long ago I had one of the nicest days in San Francisco. After walking from the Embarcadero we decided we wanted to head over to Little Italy for pizza. We found these amazing stairs that took us through lovely gardens and when we looked back there was an equally amazing view of the bay and the bridge. Yeah, the stairs burned but hey, it made me not feel so guilty when I ate the pizza.
This is a super late review from Valentine's Day after THE big pillowfight. I walked the Filbert Steps without even knowing it that night. We decided to walk from the Embarcadero to Vanness rather than waiting for the bus. It was a gorgeous night for a stroll. Little did we know that we would be huffing and puffing up those never-ending steps. I knew we were heading in the right direction (for the most part), but decided it would be nice to know how much more trekking uphill it would take. I stopped a fella' who was walking down the steps and asked him how much longer until we'd reach Vanness. He just chuckled and said once you get past this, you're almost there....you can do it. We made it bathed in sweat as well as a few stray feathers from the fight earlier that evening.
Sweats rolling down my chin and I found myself huffing and puffing...asking myself, Am I there yet?
Filbert Steps may be new to you (those who are not tourist nor people who stay at Telegraph Hill...you know what I mean, couch potato?) but Filbert Steps has become part of life who I will see twice a day. Why? I heard you ask. I'm glad you ask...here's why..
Founding myself staying at Telegraph Hill and work at Financial District, it will be ashamed for me not to walk down the steps and cruise around Levi's Plaza with my longboard. It's all about going green people! Anyway, let's not get carried away. If you are new to the steps, don't look up or they will eat you alive. Instead, keep your composure and relax...enjoy the view around you. Let the mother nature take away your stress and relieve all the tensions. There's only one thing should stay in your mind, to conquer the steps.
There are gorgeous plants and flowers along the stairs which make the Filbert Steps so enjoyable to walk. From time to time, you will see people jogging up and down the steps as if they are walking in the park. Some of them are so focused that they forget to acknowledge that you are there. Also, tourists are no stranger to the steps as you will see them stopping at the middle of Filbert Steps and taking pictures of the view or for the elderly tourists, taking a break. Close your eyes and you can easily hear at least three different types of languages flowing in your ears. Ahhhh...the beauty of melting pot.
Oh...by the way, after reading this review, if you happens to see a guy with a longboard going up or down the Filbert Steps, be sure to tell him that you read about his review on Yelp and I'm pretty sure he will acknowledge you and introduce himself to you. So, what are you waiting for? Get off the couch and off you go to Filbert Steps and head to Coit Tower.
Gorgeous views. But very demanding steps. And I really detests the crazy green parrots. Yuck.
But i'd Love to live on this side of the Hill...phenomenal views of the Bay
How does one get the legs of a supermodel/elite athlete/action figure, while being able to enjoy some of the finest abodes in SF? Win the lottery, get plastic surgery and buy a place up there.
Since I am still waiting for my lottery numbers to be picked, with no whammys, I use the time that I would normally be spending my non-existent winnings on doing these stairs. Some other stairs are at an insane incline, while some others are really more like a gentle slope, but this Goldilocks says these are just right.
Plenty of places to stop and stretch, with a pulchritudinous view at the top. Can't beat it.
I am convinced that the people who live along the Filbert Steps:
1. Do not work for a living. The kind of money required to buy something like this and hold on to it is won or inherited. Okay maybe they do work for a living if it was inherited but I highly doubt it. They probably run the family business, also inherited. And
2. Do not own cars because god knows parking wouldn't be worth owning one. They probably have a car hiring service. See attribute 1. And because of 1 & 2, they have
3. Great legs
Number 3 I am ABSOLUTELY sure of because all through college I walked up hills/stairs like that and still have a smashing set.
So to the residents of the Filbert Street steps, I am highly jealous of you since your view is AMAZING. There are no words for what you are able to see out your window every morning. And the idea of waking up to the parrots sounds wonderful. I hope you thank God/Allah/Jehovah/The Universal Spirit/Your Higher Self/Your blatant good luck everyday for what you have. You should.
And for those of you who actually do fall into #2, Go team light carbonfoot!
Lovely and charming.
Lots of green. Hidden.
Doesn't feel like you are in the city at all.
Hiking Telegraph Hill gives you one of the best ways to sample the flavors of San Francisco. It is easily accessible from either Embarcadero (Ferry building) or North Beach.
For a suggested short hike, lots of great photos of what you will see on the hike, check out:
http://locomotoring.ne...
I was really bored last night and decided to hit up Filbert Steps since it's been on my list for awhile. I wasn't disappointed at all even though it was so dark we couldn't appreciate all the little gardens on the sides. The flowers were blooming and we could smell every single one of them.
We parked up by coit tower and walked down to Sansome and then walked up again. I could see how it could be romantic and all, but going at night made it a little more difficult to be walking down steps, enjoying to the cute gardens, and paying attention to each other at the same time. Taking breaks to check out little alleys along the way make the hike up easier for us.
If I could ever afford it, I would buy a house up here in a heart beat. I would come back here again on a sunny day so I could take pictures :) In fact, I would come back here on the next sunny day that comes along. This is why I love our city so much. There's a hidden paradise at every 10th street corner.
Coit Tower at the top, Il Fornio (for cookies) at the bottom, great views and wild parrots in between. What could be better?
One of those great San Francisco experiences. Take out of town visitors up to Coit Tower in a cab or the 39 bus if they aren't up to the walk, then down the steps and a flat walk through the financial district to Market Street and the subway.
What is it you may ask? It is a long set of stairs going up the side of a hill. Then you may ask, are there dancing elf clowns throwing little pickles at you on the way up!? Unfortunately, no. Then you realize that drugs don't make everything better.
Anyway the Filbert Steps are one of those SF landmarks that is more of a locals or repeat visitor spot. The climb itself is charming, serene even. This may even be a great exercise spot if you live close by. Other than that it is one of those things you should do just once.
The first time I conquered the Filbert Steps was after a long night out. Luckily for me it didn't seem the bad but maybe I was impaired.
If I were named Filbert I would definitely want these steps named after me. A demure tribute to our own Hanging Gardens of San Francisco, I am both watched and heckled endlessly by raging parrots flocking me higher.. higher.. higher up to Coit Tower, but yet I can't help but linger on my side of the fence to contemplate a Fibonacci succession of modest garden plots forming a continuous mosaic of speckled flora from base to summit.. an ascension filled with such sedate fresh air I nearly forget the fantastic vistas of Our Bay that lie a quiet distance yonder. Wonderful cubby homes align each side of the narrow stair case, occasional bored orange cats sleepily strut their sentry walks, with Deco and Bogart both playing gotcha from the fronds. Don't rush the stairs, the journey here is where most of the fun can be found.
The steps are better than the tower at the top, one example of the journey being better than the destination. So many interesting gardens and flowers! It's good exercise and of course great views.
I feel sorry for the mailman. Does he/she have to go up and down every day?
I just moved here from AZ and noticed these steps next to my new place. Since I have yet to join a gym, I thought I would go for a run in the rain and run the stairs. What a great workout! And so beautiful. I take these steps any day over the brown dirt mountains I use to hike in Phoenix. This is going to be a part of my daily routine. Yayyyy, I love SF!
Conquer the steps, and having bragging rights.
I climbed up this romantic path, lined with foliage and fresh blooming flowers with a gimp leg... and it was totally worth it.
You get pretty warmed up climbing it. Towards the top, you can leave the steps for a dirt hike and sneak up on tourists enjoying the Coit tower view.
On the way down, you can slide down the steep handle bars (if you dare)(and have good balance), it helps if you have leather gloves to serve as brakes.
Pretty view and great place for active people. Great bonding activity!
There are 384 of them. Am I the only one that has counted these? I can't be. It helped keep me focused while enjoying the calf burn and amazing views. Like others have noted, going up the steps is a great way to hike up to the bay side of Coit Tower from the Embarcadero area.
Cancel your gym membership and do these steps daily. Wow.
It's a great landmark to conquer!
Similar to the Tuesday, noon siren, if you were anywhere in the vicinity of North Beach, Telegraph Hill, China Town, Financial District and/or SoMa... chances are you heard a high pitched YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW sound Thursday a.m. at around 10:30 a.m.
That was me. Going up.
Sorry about that.
Of course I'm partial to the steps on my side of the city, but you can't deny the Filbert Steps are in a class of their own--leafy, bohemian, labyrinthine..."hidden gem" would be an understatement. An apartment here might be the closest thing to European living you can get in this car-obsessed land. Imagine having to take 300 steps every time you leave the house--and that includes taking the garbage out. I wonder what kind of surcharge the movers have for places up here?
Anyway, don't miss the Greenwich steps 1 block north. Or "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" (available on Netflix).
One of the secret spots in SF that only locals would know about. Who needs a Stairmaster when you can climb up and over Coit Tower/Telegraph Hill?
The most interesting part of the Filbert Steps is that there is a single fire hydrant right in the middle of the Secret gardens. I can't imagine any firemen hauling that heavy hose up those steep stairs and managing to weave through the short canopy of the trees to lock into that hydrant. Nonetheless, it's kinda quirky that it is there. It's the first hydrant I've seen incased in its own wooden patio. Find it on Darrell Place.
Second most unique thing you find along the steps are, of course, the "secret" gardens. I am guessing the residents maintain these and boy! what a great job they do of it! They're lush and green and when I was there many of the flowers were in full bloom. The residents are creative using rock formations and picket fences. Everything is just aethstically pleasing!
Speaking of the residents, their houses are unique in their own rights. I love SF architecture with the Victorians and ornate buildings. You will find Spanish inspired abodes here... painted in a faded orange. I'd imagine it to be great fun living here and although space is limited, they make up for it in height. If you do pay a visit, please respect their privacy. Hikers, tourists, parrot watchers, and bored girls on their lunch break do frequent the steps... they must get annoyed of strangers on their front steps. ;)
When you admire and visit quietly, really observe everything around here. The steps are unique, but there are several other oddities to be noticed. Those annoying parrots are everywhere here and fun to watch. There are short pathways to kind of poke your head through.
If you descend down to the Greenwich St Steps, be wary that these are very steep and may not fair well for those with height phobias. My kneees buckled a few times as I crawled down.
This is the perfect 20 minute vacation. Leave the city and your worries behind. Commune with nature, and listen to the parrots. For the length of the steps, you are completely surrounded by lush, green vegetation. Most of all, envy the people that are lucky enough to live there.
Tip: Bring a camera.
