Comments (0) Best Scenic Stairs - 2007

Harry Street Stairs

A perfect way to experience the varied architectural and horticultural charms of San Francisco with an elevated heart rate is to climb the Harry Street stairs. The wooden steps climb in a reasonably straight line from Laidley to Beacon Street in the border region of Glen Park and Noe Valley referred to by some neighborhood precisionists as Fairmont Heights. Start out among the preciously painted Victorians and quaint cottages on Laidley, then climb through a panoply of greenery that turns exotic, and ultimately you'll find yourself in a tranquil and secluded setting in the big city. One minute you're bushwhacking in the Amazon, the next you're sure Bilbo Baggins is lounging behind the next tree. When you reach Beacon about 250 steps later, a row of Brady Bunch-style houses looms over you. Just turn your back on them and take in one of the best views in the city.