Coit Tower and the Secret Gardens of Telegraph Hill

http://www.communitywalk.com/secretgardenstelegraphhill (click here for map)

The first time I discovered the wooden steps of Telegraph Hill with Gold Rush cabins, unpaved footpaths, lush ferns, fragrant roses and wild parrots flying above, I decided that I could live in no other city but San Francisco.  These stairs, so close to the famous Coit Tower, remain concealed, and the discovery of them is truly magical.  Start at Union Street & Columbus and board  the 39 Muni Bus to Coit Tower. (If you are feeling energetic, you can walk up to Coit Tower by walking up Lombard Street). This tower was built in 1933, its shape has been compared to a firehose nozzle. Funds for this tower was donated by Lillie Coit, to honor the original Volunteer Fire Department.

1. Take in the spectacular view of San Francisco from Pioneer Park.
2. The inside of Coit Tower contains frescoes painted by San Francisco muralists Bernard Zakheim, Ralph Stackpole and other artists with funding from the Public Works Administration.
3. Walk partially down Telegraph Hill Blvd and keep a lookout for the Filbert Steps on the left.  Walk down concrete steps.
4. Cross Montgomery Street and continue down the steps onto the boardwalk of the Grace Marchand Gardens, an absolutely enchanting hillside garden started by the late preservationist Grace Marchand. The steps are made of wood and you may glimpse the famous parrots of Telegraph Hill.  Sit on a wooden bench and enjoy the Art Deco architecture, Gold Rush cabins, ferns and birds.
5. As you walk down the steps, take detours onto the small paths on the left, Darrell Place and Napier Lane and view the lush gardens and dreamy cabins.
6. Though the uphill climb to Coit Tower is strenuous, the downhill walk through the hidden gardens is peaceful. Take your time walking all the way down the steep hill.
7. End your descent at Sansome and Greenwich. Walk on towards the Embarcadero and catch the historic F trolley back to Powell Street.

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