City exploration game

The Firebelle's Beacon

Play at your pace · usually 125 min 3.5 km San Francisco App-guided
Play in
English

The experience

About this quest

Follow Lillie Hitchcock Coit, San Francisco's eccentric heiress and honorary firefighter, from Little Italy up Telegraph Hill to light her beacon at Coit Tower. 

Climb the famous Filbert Steps through wild gardens and descend via the Greenwich Steps to the waterfront piers. A story-rich walk through North Beach's bohemian history and San Francisco's Gold Rush legacy, with sweeping bay views of Alcatraz and The Golden Gate Bridge at the summit.

Is this for you?

Who it's for

Active visitors and couples who want to climb Telegraph Hill will get the Filbert Steps, Coit Tower and views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, told through the life of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, honorary firefighter. Expect just over two hours and 3.5 km of North Beach and Gold Rush history with medium puzzles. Anyone who struggles with long staircases or needs a wheelchair-friendly route should pick a flatter walk.

What makes this quest special

Highlights

  • Visit monuments at Washington Square, then ascend the Filbert Steps through terraced gardens to Coit Tower, the 210-foot Art Deco beacon left to the city by Lillie Coit.

  • Explore the New Deal murals in the lobby, enjoy 360 degree views at the top, then descend via the Greenwich Steps and wild-parrot gardens to the Embarcadero waterfront.

From your phone to the streets

A walk that turns into an adventure.

  1. 1

    Open the app. You’re on your way.

    Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.

  2. 2

    Get outside. Follow your curiosity.

    Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.

  3. 3

    Crack a clue. Share a little victory.

    Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.

Your walk, at a glance

San Francisco

A · Start

Union St & Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

B · Finish

23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA

Get directions to the start

Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.

Along the way

Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included

The people behind the adventure

Created by Mat Darch.

A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.

Made by Mat Darch

Good to know before you play

  • Best in the morning to avoid the heat
  • Difficulty level: Medium 🟡🤔
  • Route is not accessible for wheelchairs due to uneven terrain and/or stairs
  • We recommend not playing at night
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen, have enough water
  • Minimum recommended age: 12+

A little clarity before you go

Frequently asked questions

Where does the walk start and finish?
It starts at the crosswalk on Union Street and Stockton Street in North Beach and finishes at The Embarcadero on the waterfront. It is not a loop, so plan your onward journey from the piers rather than back to the starting corner.
What is the Embarcadero in San Francisco?
The Embarcadero is San Francisco's waterfront along the piers, and it is the final stop of this quest. You reach it by descending Telegraph Hill on the Greenwich Steps and passing Levi's Plaza Fountain, ending the walk beside the bay.
How long does it take and how far is it?
Most players take just over two hours, including walking and puzzles, to cover about 3.5 km. The route climbs Telegraph Hill by the Filbert Steps to Coit Tower and comes down the Greenwich Steps, so allow time for the stairs and the views.
Is it suitable for children?
It suits older children who can manage a lot of stairs and puzzles rated medium difficulty. The route covers 3.5 km with steep climbs and takes over two hours, so it can be tiring for young children. It is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs because of stairs and uneven ground.
When is the best time to play, and can we pause?
Mornings are best to avoid the heat, and playing at night is not recommended. Bring a hat, sunscreen and enough water. It is free to play, there is no time to book, and you can pause and continue later on your phone.

Your next story starts outside.

Your next adventure is an app away.

Get the Questo app. Pick a quest, follow the clues and make the city your playground.

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