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16th Avenue Tiled Steps: A Mosaic Masterpiece

Discover San Francisco's hidden gem: a stunning mosaic staircase transforming a neighborhood into a vibrant work of art with breathtaking city views.

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The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, also known as the Moraga Steps, are a vibrant mosaic staircase in San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. This community-driven art project features 163 steps adorned with over 2,000 handcrafted tiles, depicting a sea-to-sky theme. It's a popular destination offering both artistic beauty and a good workout.

A brief summary to 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and details of the mosaic tiles.
  • Consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds.
  • Take public transportation to avoid parking challenges in the residential area.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the 163 steps.
  • Bring water, especially on a warm day, as the climb can be strenuous.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, take the N-Judah Muni Metro line towards Ocean Beach. Get off at the 16th Avenue and Judah Street stop. Walk south on 16th Avenue to Moraga Street (approximately 20 minutes uphill). The steps will be on your left. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.85 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app, offering unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and streetcars.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Inner Sunset neighborhood, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are accessible by foot. From the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street, walk west on Irving Street to 16th Avenue. Turn left onto 16th Avenue and walk south to Moraga Street. The steps will be on your left. Be prepared for a steep uphill walk.

  • Ride Share

    From anywhere in San Francisco, you can use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to reach the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. Input "16th Avenue and Moraga Street, San Francisco" as your destination. The ride will cost approximately $15-30 from downtown San Francisco, depending on traffic and demand.

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Discover more about 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, located in San Francisco's Sunset District, represent a remarkable blend of community spirit and artistic vision. Inspired by the Escadaria Selarón in Rio de Janeiro, the project was initiated in 2003 by neighborhood residents Jessie Audette and Alice Yee Xavier. They sought to connect neighbors and beautify the Golden Gate Heights area. Local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher were chosen to design the mosaic panels. Over 220 neighbors sponsored handmade tiles in the shapes of animals, fish, and shells, which were embedded within the mosaic. The project was largely funded by these tile sponsorships, with additional support from the Mayor's Neighborhood Beautification Fund. Community members participated in workshops to create the mosaic panels. The 163-step stairway, completed in 2005, is adorned with over 75,000 fragments of tile, stained glass, and mirror. The mosaic design flows from the bottom to the top, creating a stunning underwater scene that transitions to the sky. The opening ceremony on August 27, 2005, featured lion dancers and was declared "16th Avenue Tiled Steps Day" by then-acting Mayor Sean Elsbernd. On either side of the stairs, you'll find gardens with native California plants and succulents. The south side garden was donated by the Xavier family, while the north side was developed in 2006 with a grant from San Francisco Beautiful. These gardens support the endangered green hairstreak butterfly. At the top of the steps lies Grandview Park, offering panoramic views of the city, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps have become a beloved tourist attraction and a symbol of community-driven art in San Francisco.

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