How to See 3 Stunning Mosaic Steps of San Francisco in One Day
Gorgeous mosaic tiled stairs are some of the most favorite hidden gems of San Francisco. Here’s how to visit the top 3 most beautiful and best-kept secrets in one day – 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, Hidden Garden Steps, and Lincoln Park Steps. As a bonus, read on for more memorable vistas nearby.
Map for Visiting Top 3 Mosaic Steps of San Francisco
The top 3 mosaic steps of San Francisco was located in the same general area. That makes it easy to visit all of them in one trip, along with beautiful sights near them.
Here is a map to help you plan your route to San Francisco’s Tiled Mosaic Steps –
16th Avenue Tiled Steps and Hidden Garden steps are just a few minutes walk apart, within the same neighborhood.
You can drive between the 16th Ave Steps and Lincoln Park or take a 1.5hr walk through Golden Gate Park. There is so much to do there, you could spend a day in Golden Gate Park. I’ll cover that in a future post.
There are many beautiful sights around Lincoln Park, including the new Lincoln park and play structure, golf course and walk, Legion of honor, views of the Golden Gate bridge, China beach and more. We left our car parked at the Lincoln Park Steps and walked to the rest of the sights.
1: 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are the oldest and probably the most popular of the many gorgeous steps on the steep hills of San Francisco. The steps are many flights long from the base to the top of the hill. Each flight is a canvas where the artists have created a beautiful design that flows into its adjacent canvas – the flight of steps below and above it.
This was a huge community endeavor that started in 2003 and completed in 2005. Thereafter additional projects for building the beautiful gardens have been completed with support from local organizations.
Looking closely, tiles are laid precisely on each step. Together sections of steps combine to create beautiful scenes. The scenes flow seamlessly to create one giant painting of many scenes. It’s really quite remarkable! Hats off to the artists, designers, tile makers, all the kids, families and friends that created these masterpieces.
Several scenes waived together at the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps The Sun at the top of 16th Avenue Tiled Steps An ocean scene at the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Shining tiles laid precisely at 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Three sections showing a larger scene at the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps The Moon at the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
The top of the stairs offers beautiful views of the city. If you have the time, do plan to climb the next hill up for even larger views.
Here’s a video of much of the climb up the 16th Avenue Steps –
There were some visitors on the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps but this is still a relatively lesser known attraction, so it’s not too crowded. There is no charge to see the steps as its part of a residential neighborhood.
I’m a big fan of succulents, so seeing the succulent garden at 16th Avenue Tiled Steps was exciting. In addition to the popular succulents, the garden features some exotic species. Learn more about them here.
2: Hidden Garden Steps
The Hidden Garden Steps are part of an amazing neighborhood community project. They are located within walking distance of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps but they are completely hidden. As you walk by the steps, you’ll see them from the top. From that vantage point, they look like any other regular city steps. It’s only when you come down the steps and look up, the great mosaics reveal themselves.
Hidden Garden Steps Hidden Garden Steps Hidden Garden Steps Hidden Garden Steps
Unlike the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, the Hidden Garden Steps are very quiet. Only a few people make it there and even fewer people find the mosaic designs.
The Hidden Garden Steps are located in this pristine neighborhood lined with beautiful San Francisco homes. Learn more about them here.
3: Lincoln Park Steps
The Lincoln Park Steps lay in disarray for years. They posed a risk for the people using the stairs and a nuisance for the community.
The Lincoln park steps are built with funds raised by Friends of Lincoln Park and a grant from the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, Community Opportunity Fund. The idea initiated in 2007 and the stairs were completed in May 2015 with support from the community, the school, and local government. Learn about the project here.
Lincoln Park Stairs Lincoln Park Stairs Lincoln Park Stairs Lincoln Park Stairs
More Things to do By Lincoln Park Steps and San Francisco
If you’re in the Lincoln Park area and if you have an hour or so to spare, there are some easy walks and areas to explore in addition to San Francisco’s Mosaic Steps.
- The beautifully restored Lincoln Park Playgroup and Picnic area would be heavenly for the little ones and families. There is also a restroom nearby.
- We didn’t really explore the Lincoln Park Golf Club. It’s certainly beautiful to walk around.
- Legion of Honor is an important museum nearby that I have yet to visit.
- My favorite is the short hike to Lands End Trail and Recreation Area and the beach. Here’s a view of my favorite bridge from Lands End –
If you have a little bit more time, I’d recommend these few more experiences –
- Kiyoko from Footsteps of Dreamer shared her ideas for a short trip.
- Take an e-tuk tour of San Francisco as described by Travel Realizations and discover some beautiful views.
- My absolute favorite is to go sailing or cruising on the San Francisco Bay at sunset. Several cruises depart from Pier 39, which is in itself is a tourist magnet because of the fun vibe, restaurants, shopping, and sea lions. Adventure Cat Sailing Charter provided us with a sailing experience which was an absolute blast with adventure, thrill, amazing views of the city, Alcatraz Island, Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate bridge along with fun conversations and delicious snacks. Check this video for a sneak peek.
Tips on Visiting San Francisco’s Mosaic Steps
16th Avenue Tiled Steps and Hidden Garden Steps are sponsored and built by the community to beautify their neighborhood. Lincoln Park Steps were built by community groups in partnership with the local government. It is inspiring to see how neighborhoods, local governments, and non-profit groups can work together to create fantastic art that people use every day in an urban setting.
- To get to the steps, use map apps. I use Apple Maps and it got me to the exact spot.
- The steps are best viewed from the base. If you approach from the top of the stairs, they will look like any ordinary steps. So, it’s easy to miss the mosaics.
- When you’re visiting the steps, be mindful of the fact that these are community projects built and maintained by the neighbors. So, be respectful of the neighbors and not create litter or noise.
- There are no restrooms, restaurants or water fountains in 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and Hidden Garden Steps, just homes of families that built the steps. Lincoln Park Playground has a restroom.
- Lincoln Park Steps are facing west, so avoid mid to late afternoon as the sun will make it hard to see or photograph the steps.
- Lincoln Park Steps are right next to a school, so likely it will be very busy during school drop off and pick up times.
- Don’t leave valuables in the car, as cars do get break-ins, even in broad daylight, especially around the16th Avenue Tiled Steps.
- Needless to say, dress in layers as the weather changes quickly. Wear comfortable shoes so climbing is comfortable.
- Remember to take a charged phone or camera.
- Enjoy art. Take nothing but pictures and memories.
Eva
April 3, 2018 @ 7:23 pm
Amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge! I live an hour from SF and have never seen those stairs. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jyoti
April 3, 2018 @ 7:44 pm
Hi Eva, same here. We live so close and yet his was our first time for the stairs and this perspective of the bridge 🙂
Anna
April 3, 2018 @ 10:59 pm
Wow I had no idea these existed! What a great way to brighten up some dull steps, get the community and artists working together to create beautiful art!
Jyoti
April 4, 2018 @ 9:23 am
Hi Anna, totally my feeling. I saw pictures of how rundown and shady the Lincoln garden steps looked just a few years ago. When they are unkept they attract crime and when they’re so pretty, they attract art appreciators. So its a win-win 🙂
Demi
April 18, 2018 @ 10:02 am
Cool post, I love hearing about things I never even new existed. The steps look beautiful and I really like the tulip!
Jyoti
April 18, 2018 @ 6:25 pm
Hi Demi
The tulip is definitely a favorite of mine too. I’m glad you like it. Hope you’ll visit 🙂
Michelle
April 18, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
I love this post! So creative. One of my favorite things about San Francisco is the great street art that is so abu can’t throughout the city! Fabulous share!
Jyoti
April 18, 2018 @ 6:26 pm
Thanks Michelle. You’re so right about San Francisco incorporating art in urban living. For example the Mission neighborhood is just out of this world.
Dorothy
April 18, 2018 @ 12:10 pm
These are all so beautiful! I love that the communities came together to push for it too. I think actually came across one of these last year while visiting my sister/brother-in-law, I just sent them the link.
Jyoti
April 18, 2018 @ 6:28 pm
Hi Dorothy,
That’s so nice! I would have loved to just run into them and be surprised. It happened to us in mission district and I loved it. I hope sister and brother-in-law love it too
Nerissa
April 18, 2018 @ 1:57 pm
Ohhhh I love the one with the butterfly. I had no idea this was in San Fransisco and I totally missed it when I visited. Gives me a reason to go back now!
Jyoti
April 18, 2018 @ 6:24 pm
I’ve lived here most of my life and I hadn’t heard of them because there is so much to to see. Do visit again and I’m sure you’ll find many more hidden treasures.
Stella Jane
April 18, 2018 @ 5:24 pm
I’ve been to San Francisco but I’ve never seen these hidden stairs. They are so gorgeous! I love how the mosaics create this incredible pattern on the steps. I am a big fan of succulent gardens as well.
Jyoti
April 19, 2018 @ 10:12 pm
Hi Stella, I do hope you’ll visit again. The city is filled with amazing popular destinations and even more hidden gems. And succulents are all the rage now.
The Starving Artist
April 18, 2018 @ 8:40 pm
OMG this is amazing. I LIVE FOR THOSE STEPS. imagine how many hours and days it took to make such a beautiful masterpiece! I love the view of the bridge too! Away from all the tourists. Thank you for this post!
Jyoti
April 19, 2018 @ 8:28 am
I totally agree… It’s so amazing!
What a collaboration it must have been between artists and the community – including kids, moms, dads, friends! It must have been a huge endevour for the project leads. Hats off to them.
Adrienne
April 18, 2018 @ 9:23 pm
I didn’t know there were so many of these in SF! I love the incredible level of detail. They must have taken a long time to make!
Jyoti
April 18, 2018 @ 11:24 pm
You’re right Adrienne, it took the communities years to make these.Therei s a lot of attention to details in all of these steps.
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Rosie Fluskey
April 19, 2018 @ 1:42 am
These steps are an absolute delight. I love the giant poppy! It is so wonderful to see such a simple idea transform a community’s spirit and give them a common area to be proud of.
Jyoti
April 19, 2018 @ 8:22 am
Hi Rosie, you’re so right. I love SF traditions of art in urban settings. More importantly, I love how these projects bring together the community – during the creation and for years thereafter.
It’s even more important these days with large numbers of new and busy tech workers. I hope it helps strengthen the community’s culture.
umiko
April 19, 2018 @ 8:48 am
Another hidden gems that need to be put on my SF bucket list. They’re so gorgeous. I will share this information with my sister who will visit SF this June.
Jyoti
April 19, 2018 @ 10:08 pm
Hi Umiko, I hope your sister loves them and take the time to walk around Lincon park too. All the best to you. I hope you visit soon.
Francesca Murray
April 19, 2018 @ 4:29 pm
Crazy, I’ve been to San Fran several times and never seen these steps! Looks like a missed out! I don’t even think I went to Lincoln Park which is a shame!
Jyoti
April 19, 2018 @ 10:09 pm
Do cheer up… most people I know have lived here for decades and have not heard of any of these 🙂
I hope you’ll visit again. If you enjoy urban art, do check out the mission district too.
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