Things You'll Need:
- A sweater or jacket. It can be cold and windy.
- A bottle of water.
- Good walking shoes.
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Step 1
Begin this hike at the corner of Sansome and Greenwich Streets, across from Levi Plaza, in the North Waterfront neighborhood of San Francisco. Where Greenwich dead-ends just west of Sansome, you'll see a staircase rising up the steep hill. Climb the staircase to begin your ascent to Coit Tower.
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Step 2
The staircase switches back and forth up the sheer face of the mountain, finally opening up to a unique walk street with historic Gold Rush cabins on your left and a lush oasis of plants and flowers on your right known as the Grace Marchand Garden, named for the kind soul who cultivated and saved it from development. Don't miss the viewing platform and bench at the top of the garden, offering a spot to rest before resuming the remainder of your climb.
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Step 3
A final staircase leads up to Montgomery Street where you'll turn right and walk to the end of the block. A spectacular panorama of the Bay opens up and another staircase rises immediately beside the Julius Castle Restaurant, this time passing between a collection of luxury homes and apartments that feature multi-million dollar bridge to bridge views. Be sure to look up and see if the world famous "Parrots of Telegraph Hill" are resting in the trees above although you'll know right away if they're there by the cacophony of squawking.
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Step 4
At the top of the stairs you'll arrive at Coit Tower. Be sure to view the WPA murals in the lobby and it's well worth paying the fee and riding the elevator to the top.
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Step 5
When you're ready to descend, instead of going back the way you came, turn right at the top of the stairs you ascended and follow Telegraph Hill Blvd. one block to the Filbert Street Stairs.
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Step 6
The Filbert Street Stairs lead back to Montgomery Street and then all the way back down to Sansome Street. The second portion of the staircase that descends from Montgomery Street to Sansome Street is particularly lovely, book-ended by one of the City's most famous Deco apartment houses renowned for its appearance in the Humphrey Bogart movie "Dark Passage" at the top and another spectacular garden of beautiful plants and flowers at the bottom.
