Now: The iconic Coit Tower is the focal point of the area for most visitors, but if you're willing to take your time and wander (and hike a couple of steep stretches of steps) you can catch a lot of extra scenery. Many people take the Greenwich Street steps since they are closest to the tower, and return the same way. The Filbert Street steps, just to the south, lead through much more of the lush landscaping characteristic of Telegraph Hill.

Then: The name Telegraph Hill came from a structure built on the top of the hill in the mid-1800s, which would visually signal the city with regard to the type of vessels passing through the Golden Gate.