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 that is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the West, the San Francisco Bay on the East, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to the North.
This walking tour starts at the fantastic Ferry Building at 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 as I 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.
- THE SAN FRANCISCO FREE WALKING TOUR: Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf via Coit Tower
- A. THE FERRY BUILDING AND THE EMBARCADERO
- B. LEVI’S PLAZA
- C. FILBERT STEPS
- D. TELEGRAPH HILL BOULEVARD STAIRWAY
- E. COIT TOWER ON TELEGRAPH HILL
- F. GREENWICH STAIRWAY
- G. PIER 39
- H. MUSEE MECANIQUE AT PIER 45
- I. FISHERMAN’S WHARF
- J. GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
- K. END OF THE HIKE / OTHER OPTIONS
- OTHER SAN FRANCISCO WALKS / POSTS
- BEFORE YOUR TRIP
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)
MAP
Feel free to download and share the FREE walking tour MAP below.
Star this map on your mobile phone & it will automatically save in your Google Maps. We would 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 with you and plenty of water. Lots of spots where you can stop for a snack.
THE SAN FRANCISCO FREE WALKING TOUR: Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf via Coit Tower
A. THE FERRY BUILDING AND 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, as well as the location of SF’s Financial District.
Enter the Ferry Building with its distinctive clock tower. This outstanding structure used to be the busiest transport hub back in the late 1800s when bridges and trains were not able to 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 to say, 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 of the evolution of San Francisco 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, a must-visit experience!
Presently, the Ferry building 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, 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: Exploratorium is located at Pier 15. The website describes this place as not just a museum; it’s 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. No parking 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 just so 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 definitely will 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 STAIRWAY
The first section of these stairways consists of stone steps. Do not forget 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 stairs made up 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 it is not blanketed by its frequent fog.
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. A fantastic spot for endless trails and ocean vistas. Savor the stellar views.
Signal Hill
Telegraph Hill was previously called “Signal Hill” as signals were emitted from this vantage point to announce the arrival of ships in the bay. It was subsequently called “Telegraph Hill” as it was San Francisco’s first Morse Code signal station back in 1853.
A plaque commemorates this hill’s invaluable contribution to the blossoming city of SF back in the Gold Rush days of 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 with its easily recognizable pyramid architecture. It stands at 853 feet and has 48 stories.
It was SF’s tallest building until 2018 when the construction of the 1,070-feet Salesforce Tower was completed (located to the far left of TransAmerica in the image below).
Picnic, Murals, and 360-degree views
This lawn area may be the best spot to have a picnic on this tour. You can pretty much pick what bridge views you want 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.
Should you wish to explore the tower’s interior and climb to the top, it is possible to access it 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 entrance of the tower and locate a commemorative plaque — on the left of the entrance — dedicated to the generous donor who funded the construction of this tower.
This structure is named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who as a little girl got 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 that she even sprinted out of a wedding party in her bridesmaid dress when she heard the truck passed. 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 STAIRWAY
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.
Do not forget to look back before proceeding onto 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 chirps of birds. Roses, irises, ferns, cedar & 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.
You will reunite with Sansome Street at the end of the Greenwich steps. 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 the direction of 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 if 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, so beware as 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 glory “arcade” days of the past.
It is free to enter and provides a pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the Wharf. There are approximately 300 antique coin-operated items of all kinds here, ranging from mechanical orchestras to ancient slot machines.
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 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.
If you are curious to learn about some of the other items in this museum, check out this gallery.
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 and browse through seafood restaurant menus and gawk at salivating tourists lining up to purchase Fisherman’s Wharf signature clam chowder. This is your last opportunity to grab 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. It is possible to 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 get in the famous Ghirardelli store/restaurant to pick up some souvenirs and/or a dessert. Read the square’s history below while you’re waiting for your treat to arrive.
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 turn right down on to 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 that’s why it’s conceivable 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 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.
BEFORE YOUR TRIP
A. Recommended Guides
If you want to do an in-depth exploration of different walks around SF, you can borrow the books below at your public library or purchase them from Amazon.com. Click the image below to read more about these guides.
B. Where to Stay
San Francisco is expensive, even for locals.
For tourists, I suggest staying outside of the city or staying in a hostel to save some cash.
I usually go to booking.com to search for reasonably-priced deals. Below are the current hotel deals being offered at www.booking.com in San Francisco.
Booking.comI use Hotels.com regularly as well. What I like about hotels.com is you get a free night after every 10 stays. The price of the free night would be the average of your previous 10 stays. What a generous perk!
Click Here for the Best San Francisco Hotel Deals!I also use hostelworld.com every so often, particularly when hotels are insanely expensive or when I’m traveling solo. This gives me the opportunity to meet other travelers and join cheap tours that are frequently offered by these budget-friendly accommodations.
C. Walking Tour Essentials
Click any of the images for more product information.
D. FLY to San Francisco for almost FREE
All of my trips the past decade had been ALMOST FREE via travel miles.
I’ve visited a total of 85 countries using miles and points. I accumulate these points from credit card rewards and bonuses.
Check out the different travel rewards credit cards here.
E. Travel Insurance
Don’t Leave Home without Travel Insurance. Get a Quote Here:
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Hope you enjoy this wallet-friendly walking tour! Leave me a comment about this tour and feel free to connect with me below.
