Hidden StairwaysSan Francisco is a city of hills, and the dictates of such undulating geography mean that it is also a city of stairways—some 300 of them scattered throughout the city. For residents, they’re often a practical necessity or a convenient shortcut to get from point A to point B. From a tourist perspective, these stairways are often worth seeking out, not only for the exercise and the views but because—in a town that does such a good job putting a crimp in your budget—they’re free.
Some stairways, like the Lyon Street Steps (see attraction listing), have greater visibility and thus a higher profile. Finding the Vulcan Steps, on the other hand, seems like unlocking a mystery. The foot of the stairway is on Ord Street, a block off 17th Street; it leads up to Levant Street in a residential neighborhood located between the Haight and the Castro.
The stone steps are shaded by trees and bordered by luxuriant vegetation. The houses lining them are architecturally varied, and accessible only on foot. It’s a quiet little enclave that truly feels hidden, and if you’re looking for things for couples to do, this is the perfect place for a quiet, intimate walk hand-in-hand.
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Half a block back toward 17th Street, the Saturn Steps run parallel to the Vulcan Steps, connecting Ord and Saturn streets. There are gardens along these steps as well, and a brick terrace with benches where you can sit and take in the view.
The Vallejo Street Stairway is built into the side of Russian Hill. These steps begin heading uphill at a point between Mason and Taylor streets, about three blocks west of Columbus Avenue. Three separate terraces not only provide a chance to catch your breath but offer different vistas.
Ina Coolbrith Park (at Taylor Street) offers an unobstructed view of downtown San Francisco and landmarks like the soaring Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower, which sticks up above tree-crowned Telegraph Hill like a small appendage. A bit farther up is a landscaped rock garden and a couple of benches. Here the lovely views of North Beach and San Francisco Bay are framed by trees.
Cross Taylor Street and keep climbing to the top of the steps, which end at Jones Street. On the other side of a stone wall from the hilltop cul-de-sac is a little postage stamp of a park, complete with a manicured, tree-shaded patch of grass. On sunny days, the view of the bay and Alcatraz Island from this elevated perch is stunning.
The Chestnut Street Steps are a block north and two blocks west of the famous block of Lombard Street billed as “the crookedest street in the world.” If you stand at the bottom of this short, steep stairway and look up, the practical obstacles to street construction will be obvious.
Angling off to the right is Culebra Terrace, one of many charming little alleyways that contribute to San Francisco’s reputation as one of the world’s most picturesque cities. Climb to the top of the steps for a nice view looking down to Chestnut Street below.
San Francisco, CA
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The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square335 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94102
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805,235
Elevation
63 ft.
Sales Tax
State and county sales taxes total 8.5 percent in San Francisco. A hotel room tax of 15 to 15.5 percent also is levied.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(415) 553-0123
Hospitals
California Pacific Medical Center, (415) 600-6000; Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, (415) 353-6000; St. Mary's Medical Center, (415) 668-1000; Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, (415) 206-8000; University of California San Francisco Medical Center, (415) 476-1000.
Visitor Information
749 Howard St San Francisco, CA 94103. Phone:(415)391-2000
Air Travel
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 13 miles south near San Bruno off US 101 (Bayshore Freeway); it receives flights from some 50 airlines as well as private charters. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 3 miles northwest of downtown San Jose. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is off I-880 about 10 miles south of downtown Oakland.
Rental Cars
Hertz, with locations at the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose airports, offers discounts to AAA members. Phone (650) 624-6600 for the San Francisco airport location, (415) 771-2200 for the outlet at 325 Mason St., (510) 633-4300 for the Oakland airport location, (408) 938-6000 for the San Jose airport location, or (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
For schedule and fare information phone Amtrak at (800) 872-7245.
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc., (800) 231-2222, departs from Bus Deck Level Three of the Salesforce Transit Center, 425 Mission St.
Taxis
Taxis in San Francisco are metered, with fares averaging about $3.50 for the first one-fifth mile and 55c for each additional one-fifth mile or minute of waiting time. Either phone for a cab or wait at a hotel taxi stand (hailing one on the street often takes time and persistence). Limousine service ranges from $60-$80 per hour.
Public Transportation
San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) provides public transportation consisting of buses, streetcars, light rail, trolley buses and cable cars. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects San Francisco with East Bay cities, and passenger ferries link the city with the northern Bay Area.
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