3 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Overview
San Francisco is undoubtedly a hilly place, and this challenging 5-mile walking tour doesn’t shy away from the steepness. Instead, it takes you off the beaten path and onto some of the city’s stairways for an incredible exploration of several neighborhoods and downtown attractions. While meandering through SF’s Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill and North Beach neighborhoods, you’ll come upon some hidden gems, jaw-dropping views, and world-famous sites. Climb to Coit Tower via the Filbert Street Steps; ascend Lombard Street, often referred to as the crookedest street in the world; and discover a tiny park overlooking St Peter and Paul Church, where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio took their wedding pics after tying the knot at San Francisco City Hall.
- Urban hiking tour of San Francisco
- Climb the city’s famous hills and take in fantastic views on this strenuous 3-hour walking tour
- Ascend Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, walk up Lombard Street and stroll through North Beach
- Visit lesser-known cultural landmarks and hidden lookouts
- Get an excellent workout climbing numerous staircases!
- Choice of morning or afternoon departures
Saved to wishlist!
This three-hour urban hiking adventure starts off at Levi’s Plaza Park, where your guide will be waiting (be sure you’re sporting your most comfortable shoes). Once there, get immediately into your workout with a heart-pumping climb up the Filbert Street steps along Telegraph Hill. The steps are separated into three sections, providing great excuses to stop, take in the incredible panoramic views and snap a few picks. Along the way, keep your eyes and ears open for the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. You’ll usually hear these beloved birds before you see them.
Atop Telegraph Hill is the 210-foot-tall Coit Tower, an art deco monument and one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top, savoring unprecedented views of the city itself, the Golden Gate and Bay bridges and Alcatraz Island.
Next, ascend a hidden staircase to Jack Early Park—a tiny lookout offering superb views of Alcatraz and Pier 39—before heading toward San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood. Getting here requires a steep walk up Lombard Street, one of the city’s best known streets due to its unusual crooked section.
As you hike, climb and take in the views, your tour guide will share bits of local history and take you past some fun pop culture landmarks such as Macondray Lane, author Armistead Maupin’s inspiration for Barbary Lane in his Tales of the City novels.
Lastly it’s off to North Beach, San Francisco’s lively Italian neighborhood. Explore its alleyways and learn about its interesting past before returning to your starting point via a stroll down the Greenwich Street Stairs.
Atop Telegraph Hill is the 210-foot-tall Coit Tower, an art deco monument and one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top, savoring unprecedented views of the city itself, the Golden Gate and Bay bridges and Alcatraz Island.
Next, ascend a hidden staircase to Jack Early Park—a tiny lookout offering superb views of Alcatraz and Pier 39—before heading toward San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood. Getting here requires a steep walk up Lombard Street, one of the city’s best known streets due to its unusual crooked section.
As you hike, climb and take in the views, your tour guide will share bits of local history and take you past some fun pop culture landmarks such as Macondray Lane, author Armistead Maupin’s inspiration for Barbary Lane in his Tales of the City novels.
Lastly it’s off to North Beach, San Francisco’s lively Italian neighborhood. Explore its alleyways and learn about its interesting past before returning to your starting point via a stroll down the Greenwich Street Stairs.
Itinerary
Put on your walking shoes and meet your guide at Levi's Plaza Park to begin your 3-hour adventure. Your guide will get your heart pumping right away with a climb up the Filbert Steps, which run along Telegraph Hill. Pause along the way to capture photos of the panoramic views, and keep your eyes open for the wild parrots who call this hill home.
Admission Ticket Free
Then, go where few tours can, as you ascend to the top of Telegraph Hill to admire Coit Tower, the 210-foot (64-meter) art deco tower, one of San Francisco’s best-known landmarks. From this vantage point, take in a commanding view of San Francisco, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Pier 39 and more.
Admission Ticket Free
Continue on to Jack Early Park, a very tiny lookout at the top of a hidden staircase, and take in views of Alcatraz and Pier 39. Next, it’s time to visit the Russian Hill neighborhood and walk up the famous curvy section of Lombard Street that is commonly referred to as the world’s crookedest street.
Admission Ticket Free
Throughout your tour, your knowledgeable guide will share facts about the sights you see and historical anecdotes. You’ll also see some pop culture landmarks, such as Macondray Lane, which was the inspiration for Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City novels, and Saints Peter and Paul Church, where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their wedding photos taken.
Admission Ticket Included
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Product code: 6032TALES
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