San Francisco Urban Hike: Coit Tower, Lombard Street and North Beach
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get ready to climb lots of steps and go off the beaten path on this challenging 5-mile walking tour of San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill and North Beach neighborhoods. Ascend the Filbert Steps for a close-up view of lovely Coit Tower. Walk up the world-famous crooked section of Lombard Street and discover hidden gems like a tiny park with an amazing view of Alcatraz and the church where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their wedding photos taken.
Available options
Saturday Afternoon
What's included
Narrated city hiking tour
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
2
Stop 2
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.
3
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.
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Stop 4
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5
Stop 5
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.
6
Stop 6
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Stop 7
Soak up the atmosphere of North Beach, San Francisco’s Italian neighborhood, before ending your 5-mile urban hike by descending the Greenwich Steps back to your starting point.
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Stop 10
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Stop 11
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Stop 12
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What's not included
Gratuities
Coit Tower elevator
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
6 reviews
5★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
5★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Due to the distance and intensity of the hike, this tour is not recommended for children 12 years and younger
Tour runs rain or shine. If it is raining and you would prefer not to attend, you may reschedule or request a refund
Comfortable shoes or hiking boots and dressing in layers is recommended
Bringing water is recommended
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough participants to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Meeting point
Departure Point: Levi's Plaza Park, corner of Battery and Filbert streets
Directions: BY MUNI (light rail):
• F Line to Embarcadero and Greenwich station
• Head southwest through Levi Plaza until you reach Filbert Street and BatteryBY BUS:
• Bus line 82X to Battery and Filbert
• Or bus lines 2, 4, 8, 18, 24, 27, 38, 44, 54, 56, 58, 72, 72X, 74, 76 to Sansome Street and Filbert. Then, head south on Sansome Street. Turn left onto Filbert Street and take a 5-minute walk to Battery Street
Important notes
• Please note: You must reconfirm directly with Urban Hiker SF either
• Via email at info@urbanhikersf.com
• Or locally on +01 415 669 4453at least 24 Hour(s) prior to your tour/activity date. If you are not arriving within the specified timeframe, please contact Urban Hiker SF prior to your travels, or immediately upon arrival at your destination
• Hiking shoes and sneakers are great options for our hike. Open-toed shoes are discouraged, as we may encounter rocks or mud on some of the trails. Please bring shoes you can get a little dirty
• It is not unusual for the temperature to vary 10 - 15 degrees cooler during the hike. Please bring layers that account for both warmer and colder temperatures. Please bring clothes that you can get a little dirty
• Bringing at least one full bottle of water is recommended. Feel free bring snacks
• Other suggested items: sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking poles, camera
• Please be courteous of your fellow hikers and try to arrive a few minutes before the tour, or at latest, right on time. We can wait a maximum of 10 minutes for late hikers otherwise we will have to leave without you
• Tips are optional, but always appreciated.The tip amount is at your discretion, but as a rough guide, consider giving 10-15%
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
