Who needs a stairmaster when there are actual outdoor steps all over SF? 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! read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Last lag of the stairs! - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Up and ready to do something early, while the rest of the family was sleeping, my wife and I decided to go check out the 16th Ave Tile Steps, also know as the Moraga Steps. From what I've read, the project came together started in 2003 all thanks to some of the local neighbors that were tired of looking at 163 plain concrete steps to the top of the hill. They collected donations and raised money, selling tiles, which could be customized with names, dates, phrases, anything people wanted to add to make this project come to life. It took two years of raining money, and assembly, "opening" in 2005. The steps really are truly worth checking out, for being over 20 years old, they still have beautiful and vibrant color. I would have though the sun would have faded them, but i guess the color being baked in to the ceramic tiles really holds up. The design, is very stunning, going "from sea to the star", with so much detail, so much creativity. At the top of the steps, you can hike another set of steps up to an amazing 360 degree panorama of the city. Worth the extra 150 or so steps to go all the way up. If you're able bodied, I'd recommend checking this spot out. It's free, and in a residential neighborhood, so parking is also free and easy to find. read more

See all

Such a treasured landmark in San Francisco, so much that it's maintained in pristine condition by locals 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! read more

You can't NOT like this place. Double negative sentence! Every time I visit I'm just in love and remember the beauty of this spot in the city Over the 20-30 years it has gotten to look even more beautiful than I remember it. The plants, flowers, succulents on both sides of the steps have really grown and you can tell someone takes care of them. The colors! The variety! Really complements the colorful tile steps Look closely at the tiles and you'll see names of businesses too. Beauty is in the small things Good exercise and flat areas to stop and take a breath and don't forget to TAKE IN THE VIEW! the magnificent view read more

See all

This is a neighborhood gem. The mosaic tiled steps are beautiful works of art. It is located in the Inner Sunset area of San Francisco. When you are at the top of the hill, you can also get an amazing view of San Francisco. To get to these beautiful steps, you have to walk a bit. You get some good exercise while appreciating the beautiful art work and wonderful gardens surrounding the steps. read more

See all

Lovely mosaic stairway displaying colorful designs, plant life, and sea creatures galore, situated within a quiet neighborhood. A nice opportunity for getting some exercise while checking out the beautiful artwork of Colette Crutcher and Aileen Barr. Even the surrounding vegetation is picturesque. The bottom of the staircase is located at 1700 16th Avenue with plenty of free street parking, which was easy to find directly in front this past Thursday. If you're willing to climb additional stairs, once you get to the top of the Moraga Steps, head to Grandview Park where you'll discover even more scenery to enjoy and appreciate. read more

See all

Beautifully done I visited with family in San Francisco. It was tiring, but the view at the end made it completely worth it. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Beautiful with amazing San Francisco views at then end 10/10 recommend. - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

How do I even do this place justice? I grew up coming to visit relatives who live just a few houses down from the bottom of the steps so I can remember when these tiled steps were just the wooden planks. So why have I never written this place a review? Because it's one of those things you just take for granted. Lame excuse, I know. And while I won't go into detail about the beauty of the steps and all the artistry of it, here's what I will say: If you get a chance and you just want to visit a place in SF that you haven't been, come here. Get your Cardio in. Soak up the views + fresh air. Take a moment to be grateful for a body that can take you up the steps. Once you get to the top, there's another set of steps (not tiled-- these ones are wooden) and go the extra stretch so that you can get even better views. Totally worth it. read more

A great walk/climb. Over 300 steps up and back down. The best part? You get to Coit Tower.

The tiled staircase is a beautiful instagrammy staircase with 162 steps in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. It used to be a regular nondescript staircase until 2005 and neighbors got together and commissioned artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher to create this beautiful, mosaic staircase. I think it's great for pictures and the view on top to the ocean. Many people just take a picture and leave but I think it's best to incorporate Grand View Park and the nearby Hidden Garden steps (another tiled staircase) while here which is a about a .85 mile loop. For something a little longer walk to Golden Gate Heights Park which is about a 1.2 loop. read more

See all

I've been coming here for years taking visitors from out of town and I recently came back for the first time in a long time. I usually park on the side street at the bottom of the stairs, take a couple pictures, and leave. I really should make another visit here and go to the stop to get a top-level view of the city. It's a nice scenic spot to stop by for locals and visitors alike. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

My girlfriends and I pick out a new stairway walk in SF each month from a fabulous book. Although I've been to the Mosaic Steps in the past , it's always worth another visit. The stairs may seem daunting at first but there are many landings along the way. The succulent gardens that are on both sides of the stairs are well maintained & lovely. At the top you are met with a 360 view of the city. It's also worth it to walk on the sandy path around the park. read more

See all

My friend wanted to see these steps so we went. And I'm glad we did, very pretty! I love the star/night theme and all the colors in the different patterns. read more

See all

A lot of love and creative devotion went into tiling these steps with intricate mosaic work! When we were last in The City, our daughter had found these steps as a recommended must-see venue. Neither Dear Hubby or I had heard about this spot before. Turns out that they were built / decorated long after we each had lived in the Bay Area. We viewed them on a cool, clear, breezy day. The sky was vivid blue, which helped set off the artwork on the steps beautifully. Given the steepness of the slope on either side of the steps, it's another marvel of the scene that a beautiful garden with succulents and other low water plantings fills the beds on either side of the stairs. Dear Hubby and I didn't ascend too far up, but I can imagine that the view gets in to the spectacular territory the higher one climbs. To the victors go the spoils! The steps are smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Depending on time of day, there is parking available. Most people seem to come and go fairly rapidly, taking photos, appreciating the venue, and then moving on to make space for the next visitors. Being polite to the area by not littering, driving respectfully, and keeping talking to a medium volume should keep this a place where visitors can enjoy a unique place that's completely free to take in while touring S.F. read more

See all

These tiled steps were mentioned to me by my botfriend because he knew I would love the art and to take pictures so finally, he took me here during our trip! It is in a little neighborhood with a really nice view. We didn't end up taking the stairs all the way up because of a time crunch in our schedule but next time, we shall! read more

See all

Fun and free! The steps are pretty steep but worth the hike up. Once you arrive to the top, you are reward with this macficient view of the city! I would add this as a side trip if you touring SF for the day. The top can get pretty chilly and cold. Love that you get a great view of the city. The steps are beautiful and surrounded by plants, succulents, etc. Plenty of parking in the neighborhood, but please be mindful and considerate! Take your trash and keep noise level down! read more

See all

How many staircases do you know of that are so cool that they have their own website? The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are 163 beautifully decorated stairs located in between 15th and 16th streets in Golden Gate Heights. This is a quiet, residential neighborhood with fantastic views, but very limited parking. What's special about this staircase is that every single step is unique. There is no uniform or repeating pattern. The overall theme of the staircase is, "From Sea to Stars." Standing at the bottom of the staircase is meant to be like looking up towards the sun from the bottom of the ocean. Mosaic fish, starfish, snails, octopuses, and sea creatures decorate the lowest steps. Partway up the staircase, mushrooms, flowers, and birds begin to take their place. Nearing the top, the stairs are made up of tiny stars falling from the moon. Finally, the top set of stairs represent the sun, comprised of white, silver, yellow, and orange mosaics. Both sides of the stairs are lined by stunning succulent gardens, interspersed with California native plants. Many of these plants were chosen to support butterfly habitat restoration, particularly for the endangered green hairstreak butterfly (which I've personally never seen yet). According to the website, the two artists who were chosen to head the project spent over two and a half years designing, creating, and placing all of the mosaic tiles, with the help of over 300 local volunteers. The names of many of the sponsors are visible on the mosaic fragments, as well as on plaques in the surrounding gardens. Just by luck, I happened to visit the steps near sunset. I don't think I could have picked a more perfect time. The views down the steps towards the ocean were incredible. read more

See all

A perfect Instagram-worthy spot! I came on a Saturday morning and it actually wasn't that busy - maybe 1-2 families there at a time. You can do street parking at the houses in the neighborhood, but make sure it's not at the times they have on the street signs. The stairs themselves are very well maintained and clean. The upperside of the stairs have white tile. read more

See all

I knew these stairs existed but didn't think I would be all that impressed by what I perceived to be a simple flight of steps decorated by mosaic tiles. I believe that would be my cue to pooh pooh them, but even before I uttered my first pooh, I decided to take a walk in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood since I had never really been there before. When I came upon them walking up Moraga Street, I was startled by how tall and imposing it was, truly a standout piece of public art like a Gaudi masterwork that's been around since only 2005. There are 163 steps which means there are 163 separate mosaic tile panels. Local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher recruited the neighborhood to sponsor the creation of each tile, and the sum effect is quite dazzling, a colorful mural covering the transition from sea to sky as they make their way up to Grandview Park. Lush floral landscaping complements the visual splendor. There's a similar staircase nearby, the Hidden Garden Steps, so do a twofer. Don't make the erroneous presumption I made and just come here. No pooh pooh from me. RELATED - Exploring the Sunset? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2EI8eIJ read more

See all

Whether you're from the bay or out of town, the 16th Ave Steps, also known as the Moraga Steps is a nice place to check out. Located in a residential area, it's more of a low-key site, however, it has become more crowded over the years. I appreciate this area even more because it is a community sponsored project. After climbing up the 100+ mosaic steps, take a moment to enjoy the view from above, it's well worth it! read more

It's a creative and community-driven mosaic featuring a flowing sea to stars design up a 163-step stairway. The colorful elements bring enlightenment to the locals and tourists. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is not a business. These are special mosaic tiled steps that run through a neighborhood, so respect the neighbors when you visit. Make sure you spend some time checking out the different tiles so you can spot the details. I love the little mushroom tiles hidden among the others. The view from the top is amazing. It takes maybe five minutes to reach the top, and that's if you walk slowly. It's worth the stop just for the view alone. There are some amazing succulents along side of the steps as well. Such a little magical place in the city. read more

See all

Exploring hidden gems is always a delight for me! The charming steps and remarkable houses at the summit make this spot truly special. It's such a joy to discover yet another stunning location within the City. read more

Such a beauty spot in San Francisco to get 360 degree views.. kids love the colorful tiles.. amazing spot to capture beautiful portraits or holiday pictures... I have been here multiple times but only on my recent visit i observed the beautiful succulents, flowers and trees on both sides of the stairs... you would easily pay to visit such a spot at some other places in the other parts of the world but this is free and such a nice treat for nature lovers. I think the recent rains in the Bay Area has made the greenery around the steps more lush and colorful which makes it even more beautiful... all the tourists, do yourself a favor and visit this spot.. you can even take a small picnic and eat at the top of the steps.. there are 2 benches on the top where you can sit and soak in the beautiful views. read more

See all

These steps are beautiful, just like the one on (15/kirkham). I love how the sun shines on it like a warm hug. I still haven't gotten a chance to go up the Grandview, because I'm already pooped when I walk up these steps & Kirkham. But one day, I'll go there all together. read more

See all

Great free spot to bring active people. Furthermore, the Kirkland garden steps are only about a quarter of a mile away. You can also go up the next two set of step to grand view park. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Da steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Beautiful tiled steps. They're easy to get to and an easy trek. The best part is that it's very close to Grandview Park which is a few hundred feet away and a must see. The view from the top is stunning! Oh and if you're on a mission to hike more steps, Hidden Garden Steps are nearby at 16th Ave at Kirkham St. read more

If I'm being honest, I just wish the steps were a little larger. No, I'm not Bigfoot. Small steps just make me anxious Ok so, I was excited to see these steps and make it all the way to the top. Light exercise coupled with picture taking and staring at art sounds like a beautiful start to the new year, and it definitely was. The view from the very bottom is the best - I didn't get a full picture of my own, but I got what was most intriguing to me at the time. Great stairs, but don't just come here only for that. There's a more stairs nearby leading to a trail to a view of the entire city. Take the time to explore. You'll be pleasantly surprised around here! Happy new year! Here's to great views all year long! read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

Beautiful mosaic staircase in Sunset. If you need a place to do leg day in the city, this is it! The staircase is well maintained and the steps are all even and so pretty. It's nice to stop and take a look back as you climb- on a clear day you can see the water. read more

See all

Now this is what I call Local Flavor!!! This is definitely worth the walk, as these tiled steps are intricately detailed individually that blend together collectively to make awesome patterns from all angles!! If you're here, you might as well complete the trifecta as at the top of these stairs is Grand View Park, which has great views of the city. And at the bottom and just a short walk away is the Hidden Garden Steps, which is also a nice find!! This is a low key great SF landmark!!! read more

See all

Beautiful staircase especially when you come during sunset and the tiles just glow. You'll get unobstructed views to Ocean Beach on fogless days. And once you're done there's still Turtle Hill just further up for the best 360 views of SF. Can get windy so come prepared. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Sunset on the staircase - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Telegraph Hill has its parrots but the Sunset District lays claim to "hidden" stairways like the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Commissioned over 15 years ago, the tiled steps are beautifully inset into the steep hillside of Moraga and 16th Avenue and have become a tertiary tourist spot to those in the know. It's good workout jogging up the steps. You can stop and catch your breath and pretend you're only admiring a tile ("Look, is this a salmon?") I used to do an occasional quick run up the steps after dropping off my wee little at Wah Mei preschool. It explains why I was in better shape then - and with a strong core and enviable triceps from hoisting a sleeping toddler off the floor or out of a car seat. Ah, I miss those sweet days so much. Signs warn to lock your valuables in the trunk or take 'em with you: The steps have attracted thieves preying on out-of-towners rich in cash, luggage, passports & cameras. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - There was a small crowd forming to climb the steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, as part of the San Francisco Beautification Fund, offer to their visitors these fantastic tiled artwork on the steps along Moraga Street, between 15th & 16th Ave. The vertical portion of each step has tiles added to form a variety of designs. (The horizontal portion are normal for stepping.) If you look closely, you'll see names on the sea life for those involved with this project. Seemingly random patterns look great in a distance and up-close. Each design leverages a segment of the steps to form a theme. They start with the ocean and its many sea life, moving upwards to the earth, florals, squirrels, and birds. Then black, white, and silver tiles create a galaxy-like pattern. And finally, golds, yellows, oranges dominate the final segment to form a gorgeous sunburst pattern. It's quite a "cream of the crop", so to speak. One area that we didn't get to was the hidden garden steps, which is within walking distance from there after several blocks from the top. Many signs in the area from kind neighbors warned folks about burglaries of vehicles and to not leave any valuables visible. That was enough for us to make this a quick visit and do a get-in-get-out thing. read more

See all

When I was first looking for things to do during my trip to SF, this popped up quickly. I thought it would be perfect for Instagram, and I was happy that I got to check this place out on my first full day in the city! So after I browsed the farmer's market in the area, I hopped on the nearest Muni, which dropped me off at the bottom of the hill that led me up to these steps. I took the #7 going eastbound and got off at the 22nd/Moraga St stop, and it was a 10 minute walk uphill to get to the bottom of the stairs. After catching my breath, I was amazed at how well-maintained the stairs were! The mosaic steps were comprised of different sections that boasted different murals and there are succulent plants lined along the sides. So many photo-ops! There are also nice views of Golden Gate Park and the Pacific beyond the Sunset District. I loved literally everything about these staircases. This is really pretty on Pinterest, but even more pretty in person! read more

See all

I stopped by on Saturday to see the steps in the afternoon. It wasn't too busy this day so I was able to take my time and walk up the stairs/check out the cool tiles. There is a good amount of street parking nearby, but please be mindful of those that actually live around here and do not block their driveways. After you get to the top of the steps, you could continue up towards what seems like a park at the top of the hill if you aren't already winded from walking up the steps. Overall, cute little art area and worth a quick stop if you're nearby. read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

I gotta be honest here. Pretty much came here to take some photos for the gram and then pieced out. Sorry not sorry. The artwork is just phenomenal where it has gained enough attention, for even myself to take notice, and to travel out of the way just to come see it. It's also quite the view if you decide to hike all the way to the top. read more

I did not know "it was a thing" until I saw people clutching a little guidebook in the Forest Hill neighborhood where my wife resides (I am away most of the time, in New York City, my legal home): at least in San Francisco, touring famous staircases is a pastime. This set is good exercise. Its primary feature is the artwork. If you are around here, you owe it to yourself to go up to Grand View Park (also called "Turtle Hill," according to the internet -- though I have never heard it referred to by that nickname). The tiled steps could be a warmup. Then if you are up for more, the Forest Hill neighborhood (not too far to hike) boasts numerous steps that are counted by those who are into the activity. Across town, the Filbert Steps and the Greenwich Street Stairs would be the most famous of the routes to take, and if you did all those mentioned here you'd have covered the best of this type of destination. read more

The steps are very beautiful for pictures and the view from the top is amazing! My husband and I come here a lot and sometimes we sit on the bench while sipping coffee. You can see the nice ocean view and the golden gate bridge. read more

See all

Another gem in San Francisco that I didn't know about until I was brought here couple of Sundays ago. The key is to arrive early so that you can have all the stairs to yourself! The steps are intricately designed of colorful patterns. If you look closely, some names are listed on the steps. The icing on the cake is that once you get to the top, there's a 360 view of San Francisco! I came on a cloudy day, but still enjoyed the view and the calmness of the city bustle. Street parking alongside the residential area. Hope the residents don't mind. I spent about 20 minutes lingering and taking photos, would have stayed longer, but I had a flight to catch and needed one more fixing of gourmet ice cream during this fabulous Bay Area trip! #58/2018 read more

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - Local Flavor Near Me - San Francisco, California

** During Quarantine Review ** The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is a wonderful and picture-perfect place to get those shots for the gram. You can sit or stand in various poses on the steps and if you choose to go all the way to the top you'll have one of the most beautiful views of SF. Definitely a cool free thing to do in the Bay regardless if you're young or old, although it is quite popular so you'll need to shoot fast! read more