A free, gorgeous 163-step mosaic staircase in the quiet Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. Locals funded and built it, so treat it with respect: come in daylight, keep the volume down, and climb to the top of nearby Grand View Park for the payoff panorama.
Key facts
| Hours | Open 24 hours (residential area, daytime visits encouraged) |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | N-Judah to 16th Ave, then walk ~10 min south (uphill) |
| Time needed | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time to go | Late morning on a clear day for light on the tiles |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.6/10- Value9.0
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence7.5
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility6.0
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get there on public transit?
- Take the N-Judah light rail to the 16th Avenue stop, then walk about 10 minutes south and uphill to Moraga Street. The 66 and 71 Muni buses also run nearby. It's a genuine hill climb, so wear real shoes.
- Are the steps accessible for people with mobility issues?
- Honestly, no. It's a steep staircase with 163 steps and no ramp or elevator, set on a hill. You can still admire the mosaic from the bottom, but there's no way to reach the top without climbing.
- When is the best time for photos?
- Late morning to early afternoon on a clear day, when sunlight hits the tiled sea-to-stars design. Fog is common out here in summer, so check the forecast. Early morning also means fewer people in your shots.
- What are the visiting hours?
- Technically open 24/7 since it's a public staircase, but this is a residential street. Come during daylight hours and keep noise down out of respect for the people who literally live on those steps.
- Is it worth combining with anything else?
- Absolutely. Climb the 163 steps, then keep going up to Grand View Park (Turtle Hill) just above for one of the best free 360-degree views in the city. The nearby Hidden Garden Steps on Kirkham are a second, quieter mosaic staircase.
- How crowded does it get?
- It's popular with photographers and gets busy on sunny weekends, but it never feels like a tourist crush. Weekday mornings you may have it nearly to yourself. Just remember families live right here.
- Is there an entrance fee?
- No, it's completely free and open to the public. The steps were funded by the surrounding neighborhood through donations and volunteer labor, so consider giving to the nonprofit that maintains them if you enjoy your visit.
- Where can I park?
- Free street parking is available in the neighborhood but limited. Park considerately, don't block driveways, and never leave anything visible in your car anywhere in San Francisco.
Nearby in Ask San Francisco
- Little ShamrockBar1.14 km · 14 min walk
- California Academy of SciencesAttraction1.59 km · 20 min walk
- California Academy of SciencesMuseum1.6 km · 20 min walk
- de Young MuseumAttraction1.72 km · 22 min walk
- de Young MuseumMuseum1.73 km · 22 min walk
Where to stay near 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
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