Form meets function. I'm a big fan of making beautiful things of necessity. Many cities are jumping…read moreon the bandwagon these days with public art and for good reason. Sometimes I listen to city council meetings in Hayward. Nothing is better to put a person to sleep. All that bureaucracy and paper pushing and formality talking in circles. City planners complain that they are powerless and the state makes all the plans and forces them onto the city - but the planners can do only one thing extra to any plan to justify their salary - and that is to add public art to any given project. The city of Hayward is building these monster towers that cast shadows directly on the Haward fault - requiring no extra earthquake safety construction measures than if it were built anywhere else in California - but the one thing they love to do is add a public mural to a project. These steps are like a useful public mural. I think the Hayward city planners are feverishly taking notes on how its done San Francisco. Oh so pretty. Look at all the little tiles and grout. Lets not worry that there is one pedestrian collision with a vehicle on average every month on B St alone. We've got our art. I inspected the stairs and they are lovely. Just lovely. Clean and well taken care of and seemed to be not slippery when wet or rainy. For me that's number one. Make sure they are safe. No polished concrete - need something with a little grip to it - and it passed my inspections.

Lincoln Stairs is a picturesque short wide staircase displaying beautiful mosaic tiles. It's done…read moreby the same artist as the 16th Tiled Steps in the Sunset district. I like how it has 2 benches on the side and one long bench on the top. The stairs are at the end of California Street next door to a school so it can get very hectic during pickup/drop off hours, so I'd avoid around that time. At the top there is a trail that goes down along the golf course about a quarter mile to El Camino Del Mar where you can start the Lands End Trail or if you go the other way it takes you to Legion of Honor drive where you can walk up to the museum.

Beautiful!! I'm not sure but I think they do this every year! I absolutely love it. I hope they…read morekeep doing this. It's always beautiful to see.

Tiny labyrinth at the end of the trail. Great place to view…read moreGolden Gate Bridge. There's no proper trail to go down to the labyrinth, need a good hiking boot

Too bad this wasn't open when we were wandering around the area…read more For those who don't know what this little structure is, it's essentially a camera you can walk into. There's a rotating mirror and a lens to project a 360-degree panoramic view onto a table inside the building. What's the point of doing that when you can just see it yourself in real time with your own two eyeballs? Good question. Answer - because it's cool. THE PARKING. Parking is available adjacent to the former Cliff House. It's free, but there's a warning sign not to keep valuables in your car due to frequent break-ins.

This giant camera establishment is closed for maintenance according to the hand written sign posted…read moreon the door. There's no specific dates when the closure started, and no clue how long it would take to reopen. I found it's a disappointing experience.

People confuse this staircase with the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, and they are certainly similar as…read morethey both feature lovely colorful artwork created by the same artists. But they are not the same thing. The Hidden Garden Steps are located a little further away from Grandview Park (the bottom of the stairway along Kirkham Street) and presents a slightly different theme, the focus of its design more on flowers and plants rather than sealife. It's a unique and beautiful work of art, in good condition (as of January 2026), and located in a nice neighborhood in SF. It's also free to visit with free street parking nearby too. I couldn't find a reason to give it anything less than 5 stars.

After visiting the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, I was just on my way out of Golden Gate Heights, when I…read morenoticed a sign that said, "Hidden Garden Steps." The sun was almost down, but I decided to check it out. With 148 steps designed by the same artists as the 16th Avenue steps, this really almost felt like a continuation of the same staircase. The Hidden Garden steps have more of a garden theme, with lots of flowers, bugs, mushrooms, birds, etc. The plants around the steps are similar to those found around the 16th Avenue steps. Succulents are interspersed with California native plants chosen to attract butterflies, including the locally endangered green hairstreak butterfly. My favorite design on the staircase is the snail near the bottom. The shell swirls up several stairs, with patches of mushrooms sprouting from the head. The snail is surrounded by mosaics of California native plants such as hibiscus flowers and buckeye sprouts. The Hidden Garden steps are about 10 years newer than the 16th Avenue steps. In my opinion, the artists improved their skills over time, and, while one flight smaller, these steps are actually more impressive than their sister stairs. The design feels more imaginative and detailed. While the 16th Avenue steps were a bit slippery, the Hidden Garden steps were even more slippery. Because the sun was setting, I really had to watch my step. This must be why the steps are "closed" after dark. Overall, this is such a beautiful community art project, and I'm so glad I happened to stumble across it. My only regret is not having visited earlier so that I could compare the sunset views with the views from a block away.

All Man, The Entwined Lighted Festival is FIRE. You have to come check out the vibes and beauty…read morehere of the forest and lights. Its like a scene in a Fairy Tale. Its not far from the Golden Gate Bridge, but it is a joy to see and be around. I took plenty of photos that I will have our every chance I get. It was just a scene to see for me. I will visit again.

Had the chance to visit this art installation during my work trip in San Francisco! It's a…read morebeautiful piece of art that captures the night and great for a walking date in Golden Gate Park. It's an installation that turns off at 9:30 pm until late April, 2024. It's near peacock meadows, so be careful if you're taking an Uber/Lyft there as Golden Gate Park as your intended destination will bring you to the other side, which is what I experienced! Great attraction for families, couples, and all ages!

A playground, sanctuary, skate park, historical place, artists' canvas, fortress, meditation place,…read moreescape, hidden gem, nature trail, haunted place and whatever you want it to be. Fort Miley is located between Lands End and the VA Medical Center on Point Lobos covering 54 acres on prime real estate that the federal government purchased for $75,000 in 1891. That's equivalent to approximately $1.9 million dollars in today's rate. It sat empty for several years until the U.S. Army started the fortification beginning in 1899 and completed in 1902. Over the years, they added garrisons, barracks and other improvements as it was the first line of defense for the city. However, they also built on top of a huge cemetery, which they promised to move and relocate. Additional construction for the Palace of the Legion of Honor in 1993 determined that this was not the case as the digging led to discoveries of bodies and coffins underground. This means that only the headstones were removed while the bodies remained in place. I'm not the least bit surprised since how many times has the government lied to the general public. But how morbid is that? One could easily get lost here as there are many places to explore or if you're hiking Lands End and make this a part of your trail for additional challenge. I don't mean lost as in can't find your way back, but lost as in one can easily wander and get carried away. That's what happened to me the first time I was here as I spent hours exploring and studying the history of this place. Local teens also use the area as their skate park and I can't fault 'em since they're using the space to their advantage. There are numerous graffiti on the walls, and some of 'em are very impressive and artistic. One can learn to appreciate this form of artwork while others may disagree. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Don't be surprised if you encounter a homeless encampment here or even actual homeless people. If you go deeper in the woods, just keep that in mind. Also, if your bike is stolen, there's a chance it may turn up here. Just take extra precautions should you decide to check it out. According to historical records, this vantage point used to have a clear view of the Pacific Ocean and all around the bay. Now, most are covered with tall trees, but I am fine with that. The same trees provide a canopy and shelter from the hustle and bustle of the city that one can find relaxing. I can easily seat on the bench while meditating to get rid of stress and forget one's worries. There is a clear patch of land on the west side with a lone picnic table overlooking Ocean Beach. I've seen some people flying their drones here, but I just gaze at the amazing view since you can see as far as Pacifica from here. This could also be a great photo-op for weddings or any celebrations that may come to mind. Fort Miley is named after Lieutenant Colonel John D. Miley, who passed away in Manila, Philippines in 1899 at the young age of 37. That's like some six degrees of Kevin Bacon, right there.

Fort Miley is an old defense fort protecting San Francisco. It was used during World War II and has…read moresince been abandoned. It's a big fort that you can hike to that's been boarded up. However, if you like graffiti art, it's a great place to visit. You can climb three different levels enjoying the concrete fort and beautiful graffiti art that is constantly being added to. I went here and felt safe.

As a longtime Legion of Honor member, I wanted to highlight a special exhibit celebrating Women's…read moreDay, running from March 3-8. The floral arrangements throughout the galleries feel like interpretations of the artworks around them - some seem to be echoing the colors, shapes and even painting "moods". This is a definite must-see.

I've lived in the Bay Area for almost 30 years, and I'm a little embarrassed to admit this was my…read morefirst visit to the Legion of Honor. I'd heard about it, but it never quite made it to the top of the list. Today my son suggested we go since admission is free on Saturdays for Bay Area residents, so we stopped by late in the afternoon -- and I was genuinely blown away. That's not an exaggeration. First, parking was easier than expected. The small lots right by the entrance were full, but there's another lot less than a quarter mile down the hill where we found a space without any trouble. Maybe we got lucky, but it was smooth. The setting alone is worth the visit. The museum sits among rolling green hills with views that feel very different from the usual tourist spots. The architecture is striking, and I was surprised to learn the building is now over a century old. The centerpiece collection features works by Auguste Rodin, and seeing so many of his sculptures up close -- in different sizes and forms -- was fascinating. It felt like a real privilege to experience them in person. There are rotating exhibits throughout the year; currently the spotlight is on Édouard Manet and Berthe Morisot. I'm not a major art expert, but I still enjoyed learning about their partnership and viewing these Impressionist works. The unexpected highlight was the Spreckels Organ performance. We happened to catch the Saturday 4pm concert -- pure luck. The organ pipes are built into the structure itself, and the hour-long performance was mesmerizing. It's one of those experiences you just have to hear for yourself. Highly recommended. I'll definitely be back.

Who needs a stairmaster when there are actual outdoor steps all over SF?…read more The Moraga Steps ascend on beautifully tiled stairs to a tiny mountaintop with trees and vistas of the Sunset district and beyond. The reward is the view from the top!

Such a treasured landmark in San Francisco, so much that it's maintained in pristine condition by…read morelocals and donors. This 163-step mosaic stairway was open to the public in 2005 and this community project was started by neighborhood residents Jessie Audette and Alice Yee Xavier with the collaboration of artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher. Donated California native plants adorn these stairs. I'd say for the San Fran tourist, it's worth a visit especially if you have a car and you want to venture into SF neighborhoods (I used public transit and the Muni bus stop right next to it isn't the most reliable as when I was ready to leave here I saw the route bus zoom past the proposed bus stop seen on my GPS; I ended up having to walk a few blocks to another bus stop). Unsure about how crowded it would be on weekends, but when I visited on a weekday morning I had good chunks of time with the stairway all to myself!

Came here recently for magnolia season! A lot of trees in bloom but already started to fall away…read more And some buds yet to bloom! Loved the rhododendrons, and all the different sections of the park. It was really relaxing to stroll through and admire all the nature. Free entry for SF residents, otherwise $17 for entry. Found parking along the park and walked over!

Amazingly Beautiful. A must go. Serine, fragrant, visually pleasing gardens. Lots of bench's and…read morewalking paths and can always find a secluded spot to reflect. Reasonable prices but challenging parking. Treat yourself and give a visit. Check out their website to find out what's in Bloom and what's going on. Tip It's very easy to pre purchase tickets on line which is a plus.

October 15, 2025. I visited the Holocaust Memorial and can…read moreonly hope that the those who come here not only reflect on all the persons murdered during WW II, but also the sad moments where we continue to see one group dehumanize another. It's worth taking some time to reflect here.

Having studied the Holocaust and related historical events in college, I was pleased to find that…read morethis monument exists, near the Legion of Honor in SF. It's a fairly simple exhibit, but what it symbolizes can evoke a world of emotions, contemplation, and reflection. The sculpture is presented tastefully, a work of art, just enough to remind visitors of this horrible act of genocide during WW2, and to show respect, while perhaps bringing attention to the importance of learning from the past. This memorial is located right next to the Legion of Honor parking lot, and can easily be missed because the wall of plaques is blocking from view the sculpture, which is on a lower level, down some steps. The plaques have words by the sculptor, George Segal, and a description of the exhibit and history of what it stands for, as well as a list of the concentration camps and killing centers as a symbolic memorial for survivors and their families. A reminder of evil from the past, and the repercussions, but also a message of strength and hope and the importance of remembering.