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    Lyon Street Steps Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Lyon Street Steps

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    Sherri W.

    A hidden gem in SF & a great alternative to hiking when the weather is rainy & cloudy. This isn't a congested tourist place, but because it is in a residential area you may have a hard time finding parking. But be patient & persistent.

    Stefan T.

    Very stunning views of palace of fine arts, the bay and beyond. Not the kind of place anybody would typically go out of their way to see - but if your nearby its worth spending a little extra time on. The perfectly manicured hedges and gardens alone are noteworthy. The trees and concrete steps are all so perfectly taken care of - this could only exist in the most affluent neighborhood. As you walk down the center piece seems to be one of those large sculpture pieces of art - one of countless found around the city - an Easter egg hunt so to speak. Late night you might find some residents - some young people wandering - presumably the children of very very wealthy nearby residents. The probably sneak out of their large homes to smoke some weed - likely the most deviant behavior they participate in. As you walk up and down the stairs you can see just the same views as the homes that cost many many millions of dollars - they look to be 8,000 square feet and probably so large its easy for anybody to sneak out of. As I walked up and down the most unpleasant thing was these large flood security lights flashing as I walked. I'm sure some teens in the past were getting too snugly and the home owners decided they didn't like people getting too comfortable too close to their large flashy mansion. Again, this is probably more of a locals thing - but maybe your trying to take a walking tour of the city - such things exist online - you might pick one that includes some of this route.

    New Bloom
    Beatriz P.

    This is am amazing location in San Francisco to get a lovely view of a part of the city. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in the distance. It was beautiful to see so many people using these steps as part of their morning walk. I even saw a family that was setting up to do a yoga session at the top of the stairs. I loved taking a short walk here and enjoying the quiet of the early morning. It is also the location of one of the heart sculptures in San Francisco. Beautiful spot whether you are a tourist or an SF native just wanting to take in some of the beauty of the city.

    Archana R.

    Loved this! And not many ppl at all at the time we came! Steps are a bit steep so go slowly but views looking up and down were great!

    Maruko X.

    The Lyon Street Steps serve as a great off the beaten path attraction, which cover two blocks on the side of a steep hill with spectacular views from the top. I am sure you will like the amazing views of the Palace of Fine Arts, the blue waters of the bay, and parts of Marin. Be mindful it's very steep and could be slippery.

    Montage of images from Lyon Street Steps
    Ed U.

    Now that I've gotten familiar with the artistic mosaic tiled steps around the city like the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps (review: https://bit.ly/3rRhxgn), I was initially wondering why the Lyon Street Steps wouldn't get the same treatment. After all, I assume funding such an endeavor wouldn't be an issue given their proximity to Billionaires' Row, the mansions owned by the city's wealthiest homeowners. But I assume they don't want to turn it into more of a tourist attraction than it is already. Apparently Dianne Feinstein has a security guard on duty since her house abuts the stairs. Granted it's quite a sight with nearly three hundred steps over two blocks between Broadway and Green Street. It looks classically European with manicured landscaping reflecting the tony neighborhood. No surprise that it's a magnet for workout junkies of which there were several bolting up and down the stairs. Maskless. And social distancing was impossible to maintain. I came here as the climax of the Mountain Lake Trail which lines up with the southern perimeter of the Presidio (review: https://bit.ly/34gS3S9). Unless I amped up my fitness regimen, I'm not sure when I'd come back. RELATED - Exploring Pac Heights? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2Djsn6d

    Lyon Street stairs
    Michele R.

    Stunning views all the way to the Palace of Fine Arts and the bay. City Park between Presidio and Pacific Heights with hidden staircases, 3 in total 288 steps if you're feeling like giving it a go Does get a lot of trainers and fitness types for the workout

    Mayu H.

    It's ok and I only saw the bottom of stairs. One of my dogs doesn't like stairs so I didn't climb up. I took some pics there but young group kept taking pics for 15min so I didn't take nice ones.

    Lyon Street Steps
    Mila E.

    COVID-19 precautions can improve. Nice views. Great stairs for a workout. Free parking in surrounding Pacific Heights neighborhood. See below for more info: COVID-19 precautions can improve: Unless you are an early riser and can avoid locals and tourists here, there are safer places to get a workout during the pandemic. Most people do not wear face masks at the Lyon Street steps nor are respectful of keeping a distance, which is not ideal as the stairs are so popular. Many are eager to bypass and do so without much concern of people falling. Nice views: The views at the top and even middle of the Lyon Street Steps are nice. You can see the Palace of the Fine Arts and water, especially on a clear day sanz Karl the Fog. No wonder the steps are popular!! Great stairs for a workout: I have been working out here since my good ole high school cross country days in the city. The Lyon Street Steps are a great place to physically challenge yourself. Doing several sets of sprints along with squats leave you feeling tired but oh so great. Free parking in surrounding Pacific Heights neighborhood: I typically just run here from home. However, there is free parking for a few hours in the Pac Heights (unless you have a residential parking permit, in which case not limited to a few hours).

    Lyon st stairs
    Elaine D.

    This is a beautiful place located in a residential side of Pacific Heights. It is street parking only. It had a beautiful view of the palace of fine arts and the ocean when it's a clear day. A lot of people uses these beautiful stairs to work out on as it is a long walk up/down. Beautiful place and great view.

    Tina L.

    I found these stairs on accident after finishing up a family walk around the area. My kiddo and I made our way up the hill. That in it of itself is a workout! The stairs are steep going up and down. We didn't feel rushed going up or down. A lot of people use these stairs for exercise but you don't get that "your in my way vibe" at all. It's a very family friendly stairs location. We didn't make it all the way but enjoyed the quick brisk walk up and down the stairs. I will definitely come back prepared to go the whole way.

    06.13.20 view from the top of the stairs
    May A.

    Gorgeous panoramic views from the top of the stairs! What beautiful steps and its surroundings including the lone house that reside by those steps. The other homes on Broadway are just as gorgeous, in fact, the western blocks of Broadway, at the top of Lyon Street Steps between 2600-3000 Broadway St., is called Billionaires Row or the Gold Coast. The properties have manicured lawns and many balconies. Wow, just wow! This area is one of the most wonderful places in all of San Francisco... oh yah, the stairs. What a feeling just standing there and being on the summit of the steps. From the top one can get an amazing view of the Palace of Fine Arts Dome, the blue San Francisco Bay, the Presidio, and the Pacific Heights mansions. There was not a foggy sky beyond that day. We came on a Saturday morning and although many of its visitors seem to be tourists we encountered a few who were using the steps as their personal gym... uh, yah, be careful as you try to dodge them. Maybe a visit later in the day would be better but it was a beautiful day in SF so who can fault them. Down below there is a heart sculpture "Migrant Heart" by Hung Liu 2004. It is one of the 130 sculptures on display in an exhibit of "public hearts" throughout SF in 2004. After all, it's the city where we love to leave our hearts... Here's the deal here... this area in Pacific Heights is where the seriously rich people live. It used to be called Millionaire's Row but it has since been renamed to Billionaire's Row when a number of tech gurus bought homes on the street: Larry Ellison (Oracle), David Sacks (PayPal), Danielle Steel (romance novelist), Gordon Getty (son of oil tycoon), Dianne Feinstein & her billionaire husband Richard Blum and several others just as wealthy but less famous. Be wowed! Review #1820

    Spencer Q.

    Some nice views of the bay with Alcatraz in the background. You will definitely see a lot of runners going up and down the stairs to get a little bit of cardio in for the day. Unfortunately some of them are privileged to not wear any masks...

    Kids race to the top

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    5 years ago

    Beautiful local spot close to Presidio and view of Palace of Fine Arts. Lots of joggers going up and down.

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    2 years ago

    Very romantic place to in the evening for walk and relaxing with your friend or your spouse

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    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - Lyon Street Steps

    Review Highlights - Lyon Street Steps

    The first round of going up and down is ok, but repeat this several times and the workout is killer.

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    Japantown

    Japantown

    4.2
    (549 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

    Japantown has always been a go to spot for us when we miss Japan, of course there is no comparison,…read morebut Nijiya Market has always been a good spot for Bento boxes, sushi, Sashimi, anything you want- quality has always been good, and if you get there later before closing, they discount some of the items. It's located on Post and Buchanan, street parking if you can find it but they have a parking garage underneath the shops and restaurants. They have so many good spots for Sushi, Ramen, Sophie's Crepes is another fav, Boba, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

    Photos
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    The last of the cherry blossoms
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    12/28/25 FYI. Food & drink options.
    Godzilla

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    Godzilla
    Palace Of Fine Arts

    Palace Of Fine Arts

    4.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    0.5 mi

    One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

    The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

    Photos
    Harmonious
    Harmonious
    Evening view
    Evening view
    Palace Of Fine Arts

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    The Westerfeld House

    The Westerfeld House

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    "You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

    This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

    Photos
    Another view
    Another view
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square
    Beautiful building- Westfield House

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    Beautiful building- Westfield House
    Cottage Row

    Cottage Row

    4.1
    (12 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

    Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

    Photos
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row
    Cottage Row

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    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    49 Mile Scenic Drive

    3.7
    (25 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

    This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

    Photos
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive
    49 Mile Scenic Drive

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    Dragon's Gate

    Dragon's Gate

    4.3
    (144 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

    I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

    Photos
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate
    Dragon's Gate

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    Lyon Street Steps - landmarks - Updated June 2026

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