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San Francisco, the charming city by the bay, boasts an alluring topography composed of picturesque hills and sweeping seascapes.
Peppered with over 40 hills, SF royally occupies the northern tip of a peninsula bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the West, the San Francisco Bay on the East, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge on the North.
This walking tour starts at the fantastic Ferry Building in SF’s Embarcadero District, next door to the Bay Bridge.
It ends at the world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf with enchanting views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Between our start and end points is an optional heart-pounding detour to a hike up to the top of one of SF’s most sensational hills, Telegraph Hill.
On top of this hill is the captivating Coit Tower, the former site of “Signal Hill,” which announced the arrival of ships in the Bay back in the 1800s.
We loop around this beacon of light by traversing two stretches of unforgettable stairways adorned with heavenly gardens and, if the stars align, a chance to see colorful wild parrots hovering over you.
The glorious vista up Telegraph Hill is dramatic. Worth every breath you’ll exert in the trek up.
Alternatively, if you would rather embark on a relatively flat sightseeing walk, do not worry—I’ve got you covered!
I’ll provide options on how you can customize this tour according to your fitness level and available time.
Without further delay, let’s put our walking shoes on and start moving.
What to Expect in this Walk?
- Mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, including its islands (Treasure Island, Alcatraz, and Angel Island) and its scenic bridges (Bay Bridge & Golden Gate Bridge)
- Impeccable tourist attractions such as the Ferry Building, The Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square
- Two of San Francisco’s most fabulous stairways flanked by dazzling gardens – The Filbert Steps and The Greenwich Stairway
- Conquering one of San Francisco’s legendary hills – Telegraph Hill
- Wildlife viewing: Sea lions at Pier 39 and colorful wild parrots at Telegraph Hill
Total Distance
- Complete Tour (Ferry Building to Ghirardelli Square via Telegraph Hill): 3 miles (1 hour and 5 minutes without stops. 1 full day with stops)
- Easy Option (without Telegraph Hill): 2 miles (48 minutes without stops)
Walking Tour Map
Feel free to download and share the FREE walking tour MAP below.
Star this map on your mobile phone, and it will automatically save in your Google Maps. We will need this map for this walk.
Know Before You Go
- Weather: SF’s omnipresent fog, locally known as “Karl the Fog”, has an erratic schedule. It is not uncommon for downtown to have clear cloudless skies and the Golden Gate Bridge to be entirely enveloped by Karl at the same minute. Flexibility is crucial. I’ve had more than a few hiking plans altered at the last minute because visibility was poor. Thankfully, there are countless hiking options in the city.
- Opening Hours: Check before you embark on this tour that you time your arrival at these places when they are open: The Ferry Building, The Coit Tower (if you plan to go inside), Musee Mecanique, USS Pampanito, and the Ghirardelli Square Shops.
- Restrooms: Plenty
- Dogs: May or may not be allowed
- Fitness Level: the Telegraph Hill hike can be skipped for those who prefer an easier, flatter walk.
- Picnic: Feel free to pack a sandwich or fruit and plenty of water. There are lots of spots where you can stop for a snack.
Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour
A. The Ferry Building at the Embarcadero
Embarcadero, which originated from the Spanish word “embarcar,” meaning to embark, is the thoroughfare that runs along the easternmost section of San Francisco adjacent to the bay.
Formerly a part of the water, the entire length of this scenic avenue was erected from reclaimed land and is currently where all the piers and docks are located.
We will start this hike at the historic Ferry Building located along the Embarcadero.
This section is a busy transport hub, and it is also the location of SF’s Financial District.
Enter the Ferry Building with its distinctive clock tower. This outstanding structure was the busiest transport hub in the late 1800s when bridges and trains could not reach SF.
During the Gold Rush era, when trains from other states could only reach as far as Oakland, this building welcomed countless people arriving from the “mainland” aboard ferries that connected SF with the rest of the country.
Suffice it to say that commerce would not have flourished, and the population would not have ballooned in San Francisco if it were not for the Ferry Building.
The video below is a 3:36-minute short documentary about San Francisco’s evolution from the Gold Rush era to its current status as the world’s top technology hub.
Constructed in 1898, the Ferry Building was heavily utilized until the opening of the Bay Bridge and the increased popularity of automobiles.
It descended to decay for decades until 2003 when it reopened again after a four-year restoration project.
Since its remarkable facelift, the Ferry Building and its imposing clock tower have recently regained their former glory and are currently one of the most popular tourist attractions in SF.
Undoubtedly, it is a must-visit experience!
The Ferry building currently houses artisan and gourmet food retailers. Allot about an hour to sample the various delicacies here.
After devouring a few of the delicious offerings along the “Nave,” the Ferry Building’s main hall, step outside to the back of the building to marvel at the Bay Bridge, the lesser-known brother of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Completed in November 1936, a few months before the Golden Gate Bridge opened to the public, the Bay Bridge connects hundreds and thousands of commuters to the cities and counties in the East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley, etc.) to San Francisco daily.
Consisting of 2 sections, the double-decker older Western Span strategically attaches with the striking newer Eastern Span at Yerba Buena Island / Treasure Island.
The newer Eastern Span, which finally opened in 2013, was built to withstand an 8.5 earthquake to prevent a repeat of what occurred in 1989 when a portion of the upper deck plunged into the lower deck during the 6.9 Loma Prieta tremor, killing one commuter.
Walking and biking are permitted over the Bay Bridge, and the pedestrianized path is open 24/7. Parking and additional information can be found here.
When you are ready, walk northward with the water to your right for about half a mile. Enjoy the breeze and the beauty of this gorgeous city. Our next stop is Levi’s Plaza, located right after Union Street.
Detour: The Exploratorium is located at Pier 15. The website describes it as not just a museum but an ongoing exploration of science, art, and human perception. It is not free, and the admission ticket is steep, so unless you’re fascinated by its collection, I’d pass.
B. Levi’s Plaza
Take some time here to prepare for the challenging hike up Telegraph Hill. This park has an amiable open space, complete with benches and fountains.
Levi’s was founded in May 1853[5] when German immigrant Levi Strauss moved from Buttenheim, Bavaria, to San Francisco, California, to open a west coast branch of his brothers’ New York dry goods business.
Wikipedia
Once you’re done relaxing, gaze up towards the direction of Telegraph Hill so you can take a glimpse of our next destination – Coit Tower.
It’s time to pump up our heart rates again.
Walk towards the corner of Sansome and Filbert Streets to find the entrance to the Filbert Steps. This leg is physically demanding, so skip this entire Telegraph Hill section if your body is not up for the challenge. Continue on to Pier 39 if you prefer a flatter walk instead.
C. Filbert Steps
The Filbert Street Steps will take you all the way up to Coit Tower.
The ascent is divided into two sections, with Montgomery Street being the halfway mark.
The climb is steep so please do not rush this section. Pause for a breather as necessary.
These steps are magnificent. It has divine gardens and immaculate views.
The journey here is as astonishing as the destination, so make sure to take your time to stop and smell the roses.
Halfway up to your first set of stairs, keep an eye out for prime real estate Napier Lane, a corridor accessible only via wooden planks that branch out of Filbert Steps.
The latest house sold here cost almost 3 million dollars. Parking is not included, and the only way to reach this place is through the steep Filbert Steps. Homeowners get unobstructed “priceless” views of the bay, though.
Just before Montgomery Street, you will be greeted by a mosaic reminder to keep the steps beautiful.
It is fascinating to ponder that this spectacular hillside stairway and garden were once a former garbage dump.
It currently has some of the most expensive houses in SF. A rags-to-riches story, indeed!
Look also for the plaque welcoming stairway fans to the Filbert Steps, which includes Darrell Place (not too far from this sign) and Napier Lane (where we just passed).
The plaque also says, “In Appreciation of Grace Marchant for her Unselfish, Devoted Energy in the Beautification of Filbert Gardens.”
The spectacular public garden along the Filbert Steps on the east side of Telegraph Hill is known as the Grace Marchant Garden. As the story goes, Grace Marchant moved to the corner of Napier Lane and Filbert Street in 1949, when the Filbert Steps was a pathway through an informal garbage dump. She began cleaning up the slope herself. She petitioned City Hall for permission to burn the trash that was many feet deep, and it is said the fire burned for three days. Making a garden there was a passionate embrace of public space, as Marchant spent the next few decades creating it as a public corridor.
FoundSF.org / Chris Carllson
As you negotiate the second half of the Filbert Steps, keep your eyes peeled and listen out for Telegraph Hill’s infamous occupants – wild parrots!
They will definitely make their presence known with their loud chirping. If they did not make their appearance here, they just might be in our next set of stairs—the Greenwich Steps.
The top of Filbert Steps will eventually intersect with Telegraph Hill Boulevard.
You’re almost at the peak of Telegraph Hill, where Coit Tower is gloriously situated, so catch your breath here as needed.
Walk along Telegraph Hill Boulevard keep an eye out for a stairway across the street.
Once you see a stairway, safely cross Telegraph Hill Boulevard and continue your ascent up the stairs to get to Coit Tower, located on top of scenic Telegraph Hill.
D. Telegraph Hill Boulevard Stairways
The first section of these stairways consists of stone steps.
Remember to gaze up, as the towering Coit Tower should already be visible from this vantage point.
On top of the stone stairway is another set of concrete steps.
Walk up to reach the top, where Coit Tower is located, but don’t forget to notice the names inscribed on the steps.
These commemorate the generous donors who funded the beautification of this park.
E. Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill
Golden Gate Bridge and Beyond
At the top, marvel at the distinctive tower and the expansive views of the San Francisco Bay that stretches out to the Pacific Ocean.
Weather permitting, the Golden Gate Bridge should be visible from here if its frequent fog does not blanket it.
Beneath this bridge is the point where the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay converge.
The bridge, completed in 1937, connects San Francisco to Marin County, the county to the north of SF.
The hills beyond the bridge are the Marin Headlands. It is a fantastic spot for endless trails and ocean vistas. Savor the stellar views.
Signal Hill
Telegraph Hill was previously called “Signal Hill” because signals were emitted from this vantage point to announce the arrival of ships in the bay.
It was subsequently called “Telegraph Hill” because it was San Francisco’s first Morse Code signal station in 1853.
A plaque commemorates this hill’s invaluable contribution to the blossoming city of SF during the Gold Rush, which occurred in the mid-1800s.
Restroom Break
Approach the tower on the right pathway next to a FREE public restroom.
This innovative restroom automatically cleans itself after every use.
Check out the SF map on the side of the toilet and try to pinpoint your exact location.
Bay Bridge Views
Circle around Coit Tower until you reach the lawn area, which has staggering views of the Bay Bridge in SF’s Embarcadero district, near our start point.
Try to locate the piers and our start point – the Ferry Building with its distinctive bell tower. Take in this fantastic view of the San Francisco Bay.
Financial District
Peer beyond the bushes to get a glimpse of the skyscrapers in San Francisco’s Financial District (FiDi), located just to the right of the Ferry Building.
Look for the Transamerica building, which has easily recognizable pyramid architecture. It is 853 feet tall and has 48 stories.
It was SF’s tallest building until 2018, when the construction of the 1,070-foot Salesforce Tower (located to the far left of TransAmerica in the image below) was completed.
Picnic, Murals, and 360-degree views
This lawn area may be the best spot for a picnic on this tour.
You can choose which bridge views to glance at while enjoying your snack.
Loop around Coit Tower and view its interior through the glass windows. It contains 19 murals depicting the plight of Californians during the Great Depression.
Inspired by activist Mexican painter Diego Rivera, local painters illustrated various scenes portraying the exploitation of workers during that economically challenging period.
You can access the tower’s interior and climb to the top for a small fee.
An elevator whisks sightseers to the peak for 360-degree views of this extraordinary city.
Lillie Hitchcock Coit
Walk towards the tower’s entrance and locate a commemorative plaque—on the left of the entrance—dedicated to the generous donor who funded its construction.
This structure is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who, as a little girl, became fond of her local fire company. Her favorite engine was Knickerbocker No. 5.
She was such a big fan that she even signed her name “Lillie Coit 5.”
Ms. Coit 5 had been known to chase this fire engine every time it drove down the street, and she even sprinted out of a wedding party in her bridesmaid dress when she heard the truck pass.
She eventually became the Knickerbocker Company’s mascot.
When she passed away in 1929, she left a portion of her estate ($150,000) to the city. A sizeable chunk of this donation funded the construction of the Coit Tower.
F. Greenwich Steps
Across from the tower, locate the lamp post bearing the street signs for Greenwich Street and Telegraph Hill (see picture below). This may be covered by vegetation.
To the left of this lamp post is your next stairway, the Greenwich Street Stairways – one of the most marvelous stairways in San Francisco.
The first section consists of brick steps that cut through gorgeous, well-kept terraced private gardens.
After 147 steps, the stairs will eventually deliver you back to Montgomery Street.
A landmark here is the famous Julius Castle restaurant built in 1923, located to the left of the stairs.
Remember to look back before proceeding to the next section for a different perspective of these gorgeous steps.
Similar to the Filbert Steps, Montgomery Street is also the halfway point of the Greenwich Street Stairways.
Cross over to the other side of Montgomery and look to your right.
The continuation of the Greenwich Stairways is hidden as it’s tucked behind a fence and some scaffolding during my visit.
Find the mosaic sign on a signpost leading you to the next section.
Prepare for a visual and auditory treat of tremendously breathtaking flowers and soothing bird chirps.
Roses, irises, ferns, cedar and redwood trees, and parrots are the showstoppers here.
If you did not see the parrots along the Filbert Steps, there is a higher likelihood that you might see them here jumping from one tree to the next, casually feeding on juniper berries.
There was even a documentary, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, that was filmed about these birds. Below is a snippet of it.
At the end of the Greenwich steps, you will reunite with Sansome Street. You are now just about 1-2 blocks away from the Embarcadero. Make a left on Sansome and head towards the water. Cross over to the other side, so you are walking next to the piers and the bay. Walk towards Pier 39, our next stop.
Detour: Alcatraz Cruises depart from Pier 33. Tickets can be purchased here. Advanced purchase is strongly recommended as this is a top-rated tour.
G. Pier 39
After a 0.39-mile walk, you will arrive at San Francisco’s famous Pier 39.
The jury is still out on whether this attraction is a tourist trap or an unmissable spot when visiting SF.
Regardless of which camp you belong to, the numbers speak for themselves.
It has consistently been lauded as one of the most visited tourist attractions in San Francisco, but beware: It can get exceedingly crowded.
Personally, I think it is worthwhile to come here if it’s your first time visiting SF just to check out its rambunctious resident sea lions and to obtain close-up views of Alcatraz.
Explore the various stores and once you’re done, head back out to the Embarcadero.
Continue walking along the Embarcadero towards the direction of the Golden Gate Bridge until you hit the end of the road. You are now at Fisherman’s Wharf, lined with seafood restaurants and clam chowder kiosks. Make a right towards the huge building to your right for our next stop — the entrancing Musee Mecanique.
H. Musee Mecanique at Pier 45
Located near the corner of Taylor and where Embarcadero ends, this entertaining museum pays tribute to the glorious “arcade” days of the past.
It is free to enter and provides a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the Wharf.
Approximately 300 antique coin-operated items, ranging from mechanical orchestras to ancient slot machines, are here.
Do not miss: Laffing Sal is the museum’s popular but creepy laughing automated character. Laffing Sals were common in carnivals and amusement parks back in the day to entice people to go on rides. Their chuckles have been known to terrify children and amuse or annoy adult patrons alike. The video below shows her in action.
Edward Galland Zelinsky (1922-2004) started collecting various machines at 11. His eccentric collection was previously featured at Playland at the Beach, an amusement park located near the Pacific Ocean. After the park closed its doors in 1972, these items were then moved to the Cliff House. When the Cliff House was remodeled in the early 2000, concerned locals initiated a petition to preserve these precious keepsakes, which ultimately led to its relocation to Pier 45. It is now currently being managed by Edward’s son, Dan.
Detour: Just behind Musee Mecanique is USS Pampanito.
The USS Pampanito, a National Historic Landmark, was responsible for sinking 6 Japanese ships during the height of the Second World War.
It is not free to enter. Tickets are pricey and can be purchased here. Frugal tip: These tickets are normally sold on Groupon for 50% off.
From Musee Mecanique/USS Pampanito, walk back towards the corner of Taylor and Jefferson to take an obligatory picture at the Fisherman’s Wharf sign.
I. Fisherman’s Wharf
Walk along Taylor Street, browse seafood restaurant menus, and gawk at salivating tourists lining up to purchase Fisherman’s Wharf’s signature clam chowder.
This is your last opportunity to indulge in one of these guilty pleasures.
Towering before you, as you approach the next block, is the Fisherman’s Wharf Sign.
You are now at the center of the incredibly touristy Fisherman’s Wharf. Capture a souvenir picture here.
You’re also almost at the end of our walking tour. A reward awaits at the finish line (clue: a quintessential SF dessert).
Walk down Jefferson for about 3.5 blocks until you hit the beach called The Aquatic Cove, which is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. You can swim and surf here. Now, look to your left to find the last stop on this hike—Ghirardelli Square.
J. Ghirardelli Square
Before you approach Ghirardelli Square from the beach, soak in the beauty of this brilliant city.
Take the opportunity to congratulate yourself and your friends for making it this far. You had walked about 3 miles through some of San Francisco’s famed streets, gardens, stairways, and piers.
You deserve a quintessential SF dessert – a Ghirardelli sundae or a banana split!
Ghirardelli Square was the original site of a chocolate factory established by Domenico Ghirardelli. It is now occupied by various shops and retailers.
Line up to enter the famous Ghirardelli store/restaurant to pick up souvenirs and/or a dessert.
While you’re waiting for your treat to arrive, read the square’s history below.
Born in 1817 in Italy, Ghirardelli served as a Genoa confectioner’s apprentice and at a young age developed a strong interest in the business. He left for Uruguay when he was 20 years old, then sailed around Cape Horn to Peru, where he became a coffee and chocolate merchant. James Lick—Ghirardelli’s neighbor in Lima—left for San Francisco in January 1848 taking 600 pounds of Ghirardelli’s chocolate with him. He arrived just thirteen days before the first shiploads of gold-rush pioneers. Lured by his friend’s tales of the gold rush, Ghirardelli joined Lick a year later and opened a general store supplying mustard, coffee, spices, and, of course, chocolate.
www.ghirardellisq.com
K. End of the Hike/Other Options
A. Cable Car – One block from Ghirardelli Square is the Hyde St/ Powell St Cable Car line that can take you back to Union Square, where it is possible to take the train back to your hotel or home. One way ticket costs $6. If you plan to ride multiple times on the same day, a full-day passport costs about $14.
B. F-Line Streetcar – You can take SF’s other famous transport option at Jones Street between Jefferson and Beach Streets at Fisherman’s Wharf. These streetcars run along the Embarcadero up to the Ferry Building before turning right down onto Market Street, ultimately terminating at the Castro.
Each streetcar originated from a country that participated in the Historic Streetcar Festival held in 1982. Cities all around the world shipped their old streetcars to San Francisco, so it’s possible to ride on an Italian or English streetcar while touring SF, too.
Each ticket costs $2.25. You can pay cash or via a reloadable Clipper Card (SF’s version of the Oyster Card). Bus drivers may not have exact change so prepare your exact fare before boarding.
C. Walk back to the start point – retrace your steps back to the Ferry Building.
D. Continue the hike to the Palace of Fine Arts or Golden Gate Bridge. The hike itinerary for this is coming soon.
E. Embark on another hike. See the next section.
Other San Francisco Walks/Posts
Please click the image below to be redirected to all the other blog posts and FREE walking tours in San Francisco.
Where to Stay
San Francisco is expensive, even for locals.
For tourists, I suggest using credit card points and free night awards to save some cash.
I got this free stay at the Kimpton Alton in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf from my IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card.
I also highly recommend staying at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco Airport if you love watching airplanes.
My other favorite World of Hyatt properties in San Francisco are the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf and the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.
I stayed at these properties for free using the World of Hyatt points I earned from my Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card.
Travel Insurance
How to FLY to San Francisco for almost FREE
All of my trips over the past decade had been ALMOST FREE via travel miles and points.
I accumulate these points from credit card rewards and bonuses.
Some of these credit cards are featured here.
If you are new to traveling using miles and points, join us in our Free Travel Miles and Points Facebook Group.
Final Thoughts
A walking tour between San Francisco’s Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf is not only a great way to explore the city, but also an opportunity to experience its rich history and culture.
From stunning waterfront views to iconic landmarks, this route offers something for everyone.
So, grab your comfortable shoes and embark on this unforgettable journey full of delicious food, vibrant street performers, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, this walking tour will leave you with lasting memories of San Francisco’s charm and beauty.
Don’t miss out on this unique adventure through two of the city’s most beloved destinations.
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: The Frugal Tourist is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com and Cardratings. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum has been collected independently by The Frugal Tourist.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
USER-GENERATED CONTENT DISCLOSURE: The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.
