Discover the Filbert Street Steps in San Francisco
The Filbert Street Steps are part of Filbert Street, which runs from the Presidio to the Embarcadero. While most of Filbert Street is drivable, the stretch east of Kearny Street becomes a series of pedestrian staircases that climb the steep eastern slopes of Telegraph Hill. These steps lead directly to Coit Tower, one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks.
What makes the Filbert Street Steps stand out from other stairways in the city (there are over 900), such as 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and the Lyon Street Steps, is not just their length or steepness. The steps take you through some of the best views and gardens San Francisco has to offer.
Creating the Filbert Street Steps, San Francisco
The Filbert Street Steps began as a functional solution to the city's steep hills. They were initially built to connect the lower and upper parts of Telegraph Hill, but have since come to feature gardens and other peaceful aspects.
This transformation is largely thanks to the hard work and dedication of local residents like Grace Marchant and those who followed in her footsteps. Over the years, the steps have become famous not only for their breathtaking views but also for the community spirit and preservation efforts that keep them thriving.
The Grace Marchant Garden
In 1949, Grace Marchant moved into a modest cottage near Napier Lane, an area that was far from the picturesque location it is today. At that time, the hillside near the steps was a dumping ground for everything from old furniture to garbage, which residents threw over the top of the stairs. However, Marchant saw potential where others saw waste. She requested permission from the city to begin cleaning up the area, and she set to work on transforming the hill into a beautiful garden.
Over the next few decades, Marchant not only cleared the trash but also cultivated a garden filled with fuchsias, roses, and other lush plants. What started as a small personal project became a massive community effort, and her vision turned the once-neglected hillside into a celebrated part of San Francisco.
The Fight to Preserve the Grace Marchant Garden
After Marchant’s passing in 1982, her neighbor, Gary Kray, continued to care for the garden for another 33 years. During this time, Kray and other locals took swift action when the garden came under threat from a nearby property owner who intended to expand his home into a large, private space, overtaking much of the garden.
They organized the community, involving local government, the Telegraph Hill Dwellers neighborhood group, and even the Trust for Public Land. A grassroots fundraising effort began, with residents and supporters selling symbolic "square inches" of the garden for $10 each.
The campaign garnered significant attention, raising over $200,000 from individual donors and foundations. Ultimately, they succeeded in protecting the garden and secured an easement to keep it public. The garden was officially named in honor of Grace Marchant, cementing her place in the steps’ history.
In 2012, when Kray died, the role of primary caretaker was taken up by Paula McCabe, who continues to look after the Grace Marchant Garden, using funds from the Friends of the Garden nonprofit.
Maintaining the Filbert Street Steps
Following Grace Marchant’s pioneering work, a tradition of care has developed around the steps. Residents living in the area actively tend to the garden, ensuring that it remains vibrant and inviting for the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy its beauty each year.
One particularly memorable community effort occurred one Christmas when a local couple adorned the steps with twinkling lights, extending all the way from the base of the steps up to Coit Tower. Neighbors along the route helped by providing electrical hookups, and the whole area was able to enjoy the festive display. These small acts of kindness reflect the communal spirit that has sustained the steps and garden for decades.
Climbing the Filbert Street Steps: What You Need to Know
Where Do the Filbert Street Steps Begin?
The adventure begins just past the intersection of Sansome and Filbert streets, a few blocks away from the bustling Embarcadero waterfront. From here, the steps wind their way up Telegraph Hill, with the first section consisting of metal stairs. Though the initial industrial look might seem uninviting, don’t be discouraged. The true magic of the climb begins once you enter the green spaces beyond.
What to Expect Along the Climb
Once you pass the first set of stairs, the Filbert Street Steps transform into charming wooden stairways flanked by well-kept gardens and colorful homes. These cottages are some of the oldest in the city, dating back to the 1850s, and have survived major events such as the 1906 earthquake. One of the most spectacular buildings along the route features impressive three-story-high Art Deco reliefs depicting San Francisco.
Residents like Larry Habegger and Paula McCabe have shared stories of life on the steps. From hauling groceries up the stairs to tipping delivery workers generously, life on the Filbert Steps is certainly a little different from the rest of the city, but it’s one full of character and charm.
As you ascend, you’ll also encounter Napier Lane, a small boardwalk intersecting the steps. This historic lane offers a glimpse into life in old San Francisco, with longshoremen once using these paths to spot arriving ships in the harbor and rush to unload cargo. The homes along Napier Lane were once inhabited by Italian families in the early 1900s. During the devastating fires of 1906, they used wine-soaked burlap sacks to protect their homes from catching fire.
The Grace Marchant Garden is one of the most remarkable features of the steps. This garden is maintained by the local residents and provides a peaceful retreat filled with sweet-smelling plants and flowers, from roses and fuchsias to seasonal blooms that keep the hillside colorful year-round.
Along your climb, you might hear or even see the famous parrots of Telegraph Hill. These birds, known for their bright green feathers and lively personalities, have become somewhat of a local legend, thanks to their starring role in the 2003 The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill documentary.
How Many Steps Are There?
The climb from the bottom of the Filbert Street Steps to Coit Tower consists of approximately 445 steps. While this might sound daunting, the journey is filled with enough scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings that it’s well worth the effort. Most visitors find that the climb takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on fitness level and how often they stop to take in the views.
Is It Worth the Climb?
Absolutely! The Filbert Street Steps are not just a means to an end; they are an experience in their own right. As you climb, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Bay Bridge, the waterfront, Treasure Island, and the San Francisco Bay. The peaceful atmosphere, away from the busy streets below, makes it feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem within the city.
Moreover, the steps lead to Coit Tower, one of San Francisco’s top attractions. Once at the top, you can explore the tower, which was built in 1933, and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck (for a small fee). If you don’t want to go inside, the surrounding Pioneer Park offers equally beautiful sights of the city and the bay.
Know Before You Go
- Location: The Filbert Street Steps are situated in the Telegraph Hill/North Beach District of San Francisco, CA 94133.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at Levi's Plaza Garage nearby, and there are public parking lots along the Embarcadero.
- Stair Count: Although sources claim there are 600 steps, many only count around 400. Why not count them yourself during your climb?
- Respect the Neighborhood: Be mindful that the steps pass through a residential area. Stay on public paths, respect private property, and keep noise levels down.
Explore Beyond the Filbert Street Steps with CityDays
After you’ve got your heart rate up with a climb up the Filbert Street Steps, why not extend your adventure with a CityDays scavenger or treasure hunt tour?
Scavenger Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
For more information about our San Francisco Scavenger Hunts then click here: Top 6 Immersive San Francisco Scavenger Hunts & Treasure Hunts | CityDays.
