San Francisco’s Vibrantly Tiled Stairways
16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Photo by Roxana Crusemire on Unsplash
Who needs a Stairmaster? San Francisco’s variable topography makes for ample, free cardio any day, and public right-of-way stairways dot hills all over the city. More than just a way to get your steps in, they also often come with the reward of magnificent views to boot. There are literally something like 1000 stairways all over the city, from the petite to the punishing. However, only a handful are artfully adorned with tilework.
Located near the entrance to Lincoln Park, the Lincoln Park Steps (California St. near 32nd Ave.) is a broad, Art Deco-inspired mosaic staircase that draws the eyes upward with a sweeping geometric pattern in greens, golds, and oranges. Recently restored, this 52-step staircase is a welcoming gateway to the nearby Legion of Honor museum and the scenic Lands End trails.
One of the most famous (and Instagrammed) stairways in the city, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps (Moraga St. between 15th & 16th Avenues) is a 163-step masterpiece located in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. Designed by artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher and inspired by the Escadaria Selarón (also called the Selaron Steps) in Rio de Janeiro, this community-driven project features a design that flows upward from ocean waves at the bottom to the sun and stars. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and even a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day.
Just a few blocks away and designed by the same artists, the Hidden Garden Steps (16th Ave. between Kirkham and Lawton Streets) offer another mosaic-covered stairway experience. This 148-step climb features nature-inspired designs, such as flowers, butterflies, and other creatures. Like the 16th Avenue Steps, these were also the result of a community project, and they reflect the local love for public art.
Nestled in the quiet hills of the Miraloma Park neighborhood, the Miraloma Mosaic Stairs (Bella Vista Way near Dorcas Way) are another nature-themed climb, with motifs including birds, trees, and flowers. Unlike some of the more popular stairways in the city, the Miraloma Mosaic Stairs are relatively unknown, offering a tranquil escape from the busier areas. While you’re up there, take a stroll around the quiet Miraloma neighborhood, where you can enjoy views of Mount Davidson and the surrounding hills.
Tucked away in the Excelsior neighborhood, the Athens Avalon Greenspace (800 Avalon Ave.) is more than just a staircase—it’s a community-driven green space project that turned a neglected hillside into a small urban park. Unlike the other stairways, this one sports a more austere (but no less beautiful) modern design of colorful horizontal stripes, almost as if designed by Paul Smith. Visit in spring when the garden is in full bloom for a serene nature experience in the middle of the city.
The Kenny Alley Stairs (4949 Mission St.), located in the Excelsior, is a prime example of urban revitalization. Once a neglected and rundown alley, the space was transformed into a vibrant stairway and gathering place. The narrow alley, muralized with a maritime design, leads to a brief but beautiful stairway clad in cool blue tones. the stairway mosaic and gateway mosaics were designed by Kim Jenson and the tiles were created by students at City Arts and Tech High School.
The Flight of Fancy Steps (Arelious Walker Dr. at Innes Ave) in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood is the newest addition to our city’s collection of tile-clad steps. Designed by the same duo as the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and Hidden Garden Steps, this is another exuberant mosaic design that depicts birds in flight, flowers, and other elements of nature. Formerly called Fitch Street, Arelious Walker Drive was renamed in 1995 after Reverend Arelious Walker, who founded True Hope Church in the Bayview neighborhood in 1968 and has remained an important figure in the community.
Want more steps? If you don’t already have one, get a copy of Stairway Walks in San Francisco for a fairly comprehensive set of urban hikes that traverse the city via its stairways. Author Adah Bakalinsky first publshed the book in 1984 (later editions were co-authored with Mary Burk, and the 10th edition is being released on October 8, 2024), and as of this writing in 2024, she is still alive at 101 years of age. That’s a testament to the power of walking! The city even honored her in 2015 by naming a stairway after her, from the south side of Waller Street between Broderick Street to Buena Vista Avenue East.
Need a Sherpa? Take one of San Francsco City Guides’ stairway walks for an insider’s view.