Explore the most popular city walk trails near San Francisco with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Make sure it's a clear day and you'll get great views of the city; if the fog is in, don't bother. Have been on top during both conditions. On a nice day, it's basically a party on top. Enjoy the views, some good sitting areas, spray can art, and all kinds of fun. Take a picnic if you can find a parking spot.
Fun drive
Must do in SF; especially when the flowers are blooming; be prepared to wait on the uphill on the other side as it is only one way down. Be considerate of the residents who live on the road. Enjoy the view of Coit Tower. Drive it and walk it.
Interesting but short...
The tiled steps are quite beautiful, if you go in the middle of the day. Avoid the crowds
That's a must see place in San Francisco. traffic is terribly bad (may that was weekend).
A bit too easy. Great views! Bring gloves for when you're at the peak and in cloud cover if your hands freeze like mine do.
This is a really beautiful stop. The steps and landscaping are very well done. Don’t just climb to the top of the steps; continue on to the top of Grand View Park for sweeping views all the way from Golden Gate Park to Downtown San Francisco.
You have to drive down it once
Took a beautiful July 4 morning walk up the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower. Hardly a soul stirring. Beautiful gardens and flowers in bloom on the way up. Great views of the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge from the top. Great way to get to Coit Tower and get some exercise in! At the bottom of the stairs at the end of the hike you can walk across the street to check out the lovely fountain at Levi Strauss' headquarters.
Neighborhood gem!
This was a fantastic jaunt with many vistas and secluded trails connecting neighborhoods of San Francisco. Beware two unexpected trail conflicts -- the entry to Glen Park from O'Shaughnessy was overgrown and required careful bushwhacking. A detour to the south entrance would be advisable. Also, the open lot from Topaz Way to Diamond Heights is steep and inaccessible -- continue to Gold Mine Drive to make the connection.
Nothing special, but can be easily combined with the Golden Gate Park loop.
So cool step and nice views
Short loop with stunning city views and fun stops along the way.
Did this at night in the rain and it was still fun. Great looking trees and a surprise basketball court.
Easy to find and beautiful mosaics there
Probably the most magical little staircase in all of SF. It's hard to describe just how amazing it is, you just have to do it! I have no idea why this was rated as hard. I'm writing this review in case someone decides not to go because of the rating. We didn't stop once and I wasn't even out of breath by the time we reached Coit Tower. If you're not in the best shape, I'd rate this as moderate at the most. It's only about a 5-10 minute walk up the stairs, so even if you're out of shape, it will be over before you know it, and you can always take a mini break on the steps and just enjoy the scenery around you. Coit tower offers some nice views, but it doesn't have the same magical feeling as the steps. Highly recommend to everyone. Although, I'd avoid large groups, as the stairs are narrow and people walk on them all the time. Also, please be respectful of the people who live in the neighborhood, they are very nice. Marked this activity as walking because this isn't actually a hike.
Great place to overlook the city. Good as a short trip, not too much nature but the views are fantastic.
This trail will take you through parts of the city that only the locals know about. Lots of steps, nice view from the tower. Glad that I took the time, no regrets.
A short touristy walk. Steps are small and can be crowded, but all in all easy to check off the list.
An urban delight. Tons of tourists all the time, but that’s what we get for being in such a beautiful place.
The views are worth it!
Jeanie W. on The Panhandle Loop
Sweet walk with the dogs any day of the week
Long time ago and a slightly different path.
I wouldn't consider it a trail but it's a nice stair case to take on the way to Grand View Park; which has a 360 degree view of Financial District, the gate, the beach, and the colorful sf houses.
Ranjun C. on Filbert Steps to Telegraph Hill
I've been doing these steps 3x a week for the past few months. I'll climb the step 4-8x in a workout. The views and scenery are really nice and it never gets boring. I've lost 25 lbs since I started doing this workout. Definitely consider taking advantage of the steps! : )
a nice walk but becareful when you reach to the end of fort funston. There isn't really a pave-way for walkers. So watch out for the cars. Its a nice overview walk to see some nice houses and Stern Grove, then the Lake Merced. Just know to keep a look out once you reach the end.
This place is never a let down. Super easy walk with not only those awesome stair works but an amazing view at the top as well, especially when the fog kicks in. Great workout for your hamstrings and quads!
a must in San Fran