San Francisco’s Best Urban Hike: Coit Tower

Last updated on December 22nd, 2024 at 06:37 pm

One thing that I love about San Francisco is that even after growing up here I still find hidden pockets of the city to be explored. A recent hidden gem I found was the Coit Tower hike! This urban hike takes you up staircases, past stunning gardens, and gorgeous homes, and ends at the top of Telegraph Hill where you can visit one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks – Coit Tower. While you can drive to the top of the hill to visit Coit Tower, you would miss out on seeing this unique side of San Francisco and a great workout!

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Where is Coit Tower

Coit Tower is located on the top of Telegraph Hill in between North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Embarcadero. 

As mentioned above you can drive to the parking lot at the base of Coit Tower via Lombard St which turns into Telegraph Hill Boulevard. However, for this staircase walk, you’ll park along Sansome Street to access the Filbert Street Steps and the Greenwich Street Steps.

A Brief History of Coit Tower

Coit Tower was built in the early 1930s to honor the firefighters of the city of San Francisco. The tower is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit who was a wealthy patron of the firefighters. Side note, she is not related to Alfred Hitchcock.

When she was young, Lillie’s family was saved from a house fire by firefighters. From that age to her death she was an avid supporter of the city’s firefighters. Upon her death,  she left money for a monument to be built to add beauty to the city she loved. 

That building was Coit Tower. While I think it resembles a fire hose, that was apparently not the intention of its architect, Arthur Brown Jr., who also designed City Hall. 

Inside Coit Tower, you’ll find murals painted by artists of the Public Works of Art Project in the 1930s. These murals depict life during the Great Depression.

Coit Tower Staircase Walk

There are many hidden staircases throughout San Francisco that were created to help residents navigate the steep hills the city is known for. While you won’t find the tiled staircases on this walk, the gardens you’ll pass along the way and the views you’ll see are well worth the effort. You may even see the famous parrots of Telegraph Hill flying around on your way. 

Filbert Street Stairs

The starting point for this hike at the Filbert steps so once you park your car (make sure to pay and leave no valuables behind) head over to the wooden steps. As you get to Napier Lane, check out the lush greenery of Grace Marchant Gardens. 

This garden was started by a local resident in 1949 and since her death in 1982 residents continue to tend to its beauty. It is a really peaceful part of the city, and the perfect place to catch your breath, smell the roses, and rest before continuing to climb.

Once you reach Montgomery Street you’re almost there! The first time I reached Montgomery Street the homes blew me away. It felt like I stepped into a small Italian town. Take a moment to wander the block before continuing the final climb.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be at the back of Coit Tower. 

Coit Tower

While you’ll have magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and down into North Beach from Pioneer Park (the park at the base of the tower), you can pay a small entrance fee to ride the elevator to the observation deck at the top of Coit Tower.

However, the elevator may be unavailable so you may need to climb the stairs (yep – more stairs) to the top of the tower for the best views in San Francisco.

The elevator entrance fees vary based on age and residency (SF resident or not). For more information, visit this website. 

There are also docent-led tours that explain the murals and the artists who created them. These guided tours last about 30-40 minutes and can accommodate 4-6 people. It costs $10 for the full tour and $5 for only the second floor.

You can see the ground level interior of Coit Tower where the murals are for free as well.

Spend as much time here as you’d like, but when you’re ready, it’s time to head back down to your car via the Greenwich Steps.

Greenwich Street Steps

Head to the eastern part of the parking lot and look for a brick staircase. These are the Greenwich steps that will take you back down Telegraph Hill.

As you descend the concrete steps you’ll have more amazing views of the Bay Bridge and out across Telegraph Hill. I loved the homes perched on the side of the cliff. It really feels like you’ve left San Francisco.

There are more beautiful gardens as well to see and no matter what time of the year you do this walk, I’m sure something will be in bloom! 

Safety Tips for the Coit Tower Hike

While San Francisco is getting a lot of negative press right now, I still feel very safe in the city, especially in this area.

That being said here are a few safety tips to follow when visiting Coit Tower.

• Car break-ins are a major problem in the city and it takes less than 10 seconds for thieves to smash and grab. Since it’s only street parking on Sansome, do not leave anything valuable in your car (whether it’s visible or not).
• Bring water! This is definitely a workout so make sure you have some water with you and a light snack!
• Watch out for coyotes! The first time I did this hike, I emerged from the gardens onto Montgomery Street and almost walked right into a coyote who was trying to go down the steps. They usually don’t bother people, but if you have a dog, make sure it’s on a leash.
• Be respectful of residents. People live here (amazing I know – what a dream!). Be respectful of their gardens – don’t pick any flowers! And keep noise levels low!
• Wear good walking shoes. This walk has lots of steps so make sure you are wearing comfortable walking shoes!
• Make sure you’re prepared for the intensity of the hike! If you have a moderate fitness level you should be fine. Take breaks when you need them!

Things to Do Near Coit Tower

Coit Tower is right near all of the fun things to do in San Francisco! After checking off this bucket list item you could do any of the following!

Explore North Beach: Head into the North Beach neighborhood to have brunch at Mama’s Cafe. Or grab a sandwich from one of the Italian delis for a picnic in Washington Square Park! You can also visit another San Francisco landmark, Saint Peter and Paul’s Church. This is where Joe Dimaggio and Marilyn Monroe were married.

Be a Tourist in Fisherman’s Wharf: Yes – Fisherman’s Wharf is very touristy – but there are fun things to do there besides the wax museum. Get a taste of the famous In-N-Out burger, see the sea lions at Pier 39, or enjoy an ice cream sundae at Ghirardelli Square!

Take a Walking Tour: If you’d like a free walking tour by SF City Guides of Telegraph Hill. The guide will provide a detailed history of the people who called Telegraph Hill home! 

Check out other Popular Staircases in San Francisco

If you loved this staircase walk, there are other great ones to add to your San Francisco bucket list.

• 16th Ave Tiled Steps: Perhaps the most famous tiled staircase in San Francisco. It is located in the Sunset neighborhood and the tiles have a sea-to-sky theme. At the top of the staircase is Grandview Park which has great views across Golden Gate Park and even downtown!
• Hidden Garden Steps: A few blocks away from the 16th Ave tiled steps is the Hidden Garden Staircase. This staircase’s tiles have a garden theme! I like to make a loop with this staircase and the 16th Ave staircase. 
• Lyon Street Stairs: This is a popular place for people to get a workout in! While not tiled, the top offers a gorgeous view of the Marina neighborhood, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

I hope that you have fun exploring this hidden gem located right in the heart of San Francisco! If you have any other favorite places to visit in San Francisco that I should check out, let me know!

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