Last updated on June 2nd, 2026 at 03:09 pm
Mosaic steps are the perfect decoration for San Francisco’s notoriously hilly streets. Works of art in their own right, mosaic steps or tiled steps projects have brought communities together and are now must see destinations for visitors and locals alike.
In this post I’ll share 3 of the best mosaic steps I saw during my last visit to San Francisco. I’ll also offer some suggestions for further mosaic steps to add to your San Francisco itinerary as well as some other stairways that, although not decorated in the same way, are still impressive, not to mention useful!
1. 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
Location: Moraga Street between 15th Avenue and 16th Avenue in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a 163 step stairway featuring a sea to stars themed design. They are stunning and, unsurprisingly, some of the most famous steps in San Francisco.
The Steps are the result of a collaboration between neighbours which began in 2003. Designed to connect the neighbours and beautify the area, the community project utilized the skill of local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher. Neighbours sponsored handmade tiles and attended workshops to help in the creation of the mosaics. Names and messages left by the community can be seen on individual tiles. The steps opened in August 2005.
On either side of the stairway are some lovely gardens containing various Californian native species and succulents. Apparently, some of the native species have been planted in an effort to support the endangered green hairstreak butterfly.
Overall, I think the gardens create a lovely avenue through which the staircase climbs.
At the top of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is Grandview Park….and it is a grand view! At least it would be if not for the fog! That said, be sure to look back toward the bottom of the stairs for the view over San Francisco.
Keep in mind when visiting the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps that they are located in a residential neighbourhood. Therefore, keep noise to a minimum, don’t block roads and driveways, keep the area clean and don’t use a drone.
I visited the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps after having spent time in Golden Gate Park. I caught a bus close to the Rose Garden within the Park, getting off near 16th Avenue. There is a bit of a climb up Moraga Street to get to the steps.
2. Hidden Garden Steps
Location: 16th Avenue and Kirkham Street on the Western edge of the Inner Sunset District
The Hidden Garden Steps are the result of another community project. Designed to strengthen community bonds and beautify the area, planning the project began in 2010. The steps opened to the public in 2013. Artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher collaborated again in the design and construction of the Hidden Garden Steps.
As the name suggests, the Hidden Garden Steps feature a beautiful collection of mosaics depicting flowers, plants and insects. There are nine sections to the stairway and 148 stairs. Look out for names, quotes and memories in the individual tiles.
As with the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, the Hidden Garden Steps are edged with native plants and succulents.
The Hidden Garden Steps are located an easy walk (couple of blocks) from the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. They too are in a quiet residential area so the same considerations to be given when visiting the 16th Avenue Steps apply here.
3. Lincoln Park Steps
Location: 32nd Avenue on the Western end of California Street into Lincoln Park (close to the Lincoln Park Golf Course) in the Richmond neighbourhood
The Lincoln Park Steps date back to the early 1900s, however after years of neglect, in 2007 the founders of community group Friends of Lincoln Park decided they needed renovating. Local artist Aileen Barr (who also played a role in the creation of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps) provided sketches of a tile design whilst the community group raised funds, dealt with approvals and generally managed the project. The Beaux Arts style of architecture inspired the design of the steps.
The Lincoln Park Steps comprise 52 steps all of which are covered in mosaic tiles. At the top and at the midway point you will find tiled benches. The top bench was completed in 2010 and the steps themselves in 2015.
Once at the top of the steps, don’t forget to look back at the view East down California Street toward the San Francisco city skyline.
The Lincoln Park Steps are a good place to start if you plan on hiking the Lands End Trail. The hike offers great views of the coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge…unless it’s really foggy!
I visited the Lincoln Park Steps ahead of hiking the Lands End Trail. The hike was part of a group hiking trip I was taking and transportation to the steps was by private vehicle and included as part of the tour.
Discover more about that hike in my post Hiking The Beautiful Lands End Trail – A First Timer’s Experience.
Additional Mosaic Steps
The three sets of mosaic steps I visited in San Francisco are not the only ones the city has however. In researching my trip I came across quite a few more. Here are a selection you may want to include in your San Francisco itinerary – checking them all out however may become its own road trip:
- Dragon’s Tale Staircase (aka Miraloma Mosaic Steps) – located in the Miraloma Park neighbourhood from Bella Vista Way near Dorcas Way to Miraloma Elementary School
- Athens Avalon Green Space – located in the Excelsior (Outer Mission) neighbourhood at the intersection of Athens Street and Avalon Avenue
- Kenny Alley Stairs – located in the Excelsior (Outer Mission) neighbourhood on Mission Street between France and Italy Avenues
- Tompkins Stairway – located in the Bernal Heights neighbourhood between Nevada and Putnam Streets
- Unity Plaza Ocean Avenue History Staircase – located in the Ingleside neighbourhood within Unity Plaza
- Quesada Gardens Tiled Steps – located in the Bayview/Silver Terrace neighbourhood between 3rd and Newhall Streets
Other Stairways
San Francisco also has plenty of other stairways that you may come across. Look out for:
- Lyon Street Steps – located in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood close to the Presidio at Vallejo Street (bottom of the stairs) and Broadway and Lyon Street (top of the stairs). There are 8 flights of stairs with over 300 steps so it’s a great workout! The view from the top is incredible and looks out toward the Palace of Fine Arts and San Francisco Bay.
- Filbert Street Steps – located on the corner of Sansome and Filbert Street, these stairs rise in 3 sections up to Coit Tower.
- Ghirardelli Rainbow Steps – located at Ghirardelli Square, this is my kind of stairway….straight up toward chocolate and ice cream!
For more information about visiting Ghirardelli’s, Coit Tower, the Presidio and the Palace of Fine Arts, read my blog post How to Spend an Amazing 4 days in San Francisco.
Final Thoughts
Mosaic staircases are dotted around San Francisco’s neighborhood’s and are definitely worth including in your itinerary. Seeing the artistic skill that went in to creating them and learning about the community spirit that built them are both great additions to a visit to San Francisco.
If you are keen to discover more things to do in the Bay Area be sure to read my post on How to Spend an Amazing 4 Days in San Francisco and my post 13 Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in San Francisco.
If you need any general assistance with planning a trip to San Francisco then check out my Resources page.
Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Comment