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16th Avenue Tiled Steps: A Mosaic Masterpiece

4.7 (2879)

Discover San Francisco's hidden gem: a vibrant mosaic staircase transforming an ordinary climb into an extraordinary artistic journey.

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps in San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights is a vibrant mosaic staircase created through a community collaboration. Inspired by Rio de Janeiro's Santa Teresa Steps, the 163-step stairway features a stunning sea-to-sky themed mosaic with over 2,000 handcrafted tiles.

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.
  • Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
  • Be mindful of the steep climb and take breaks to enjoy the views.
  • Street parking is available, but it can be limited. Remove all belongings from your car to prevent break-ins.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Grandview Park for stunning city views.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown San Francisco, the easiest way to reach the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is by taking the N-Judah Muni light rail line. Ride the N-Judah to the 16th Avenue and Judah Street stop. From there, walk south on 16th Avenue to Moraga Street. The steps will be on your left. A single ride on Muni is $3.00, or $2.50 if you use a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass, good for unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and historic streetcars, is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient way to reach the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. From downtown San Francisco, a typical ride would cost approximately $20-$30, depending on traffic and demand. Be sure to set your destination as 16th Avenue and Moraga Street, San Francisco.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Inner Sunset District, walking to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps is a great option. From the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street, walk west on Irving Street to 16th Avenue, then turn left and walk south on 16th Avenue to Moraga Street. The steps will be on your left. The walk is approximately 0.7 miles and should take about 15 minutes.

Discover more about 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, also known as the Moraga Steps, is a dazzling example of community art in San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights neighborhood. This 163-step stairway, located on Moraga Street between 15th and 16th Avenues, has been transformed into a vibrant mosaic masterpiece. Inspired by the famous Escadaria Selarón in Brazil, the project was conceived in 2003 by local residents Jessie Audette and Alice Yee Xavier, who sought to connect neighbors and beautify the area. Artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher were chosen to design the mosaic panels, which depict a journey from the depths of the ocean to the stars. The project was funded through the sponsorship of over 220 named tiles, and community members participated in workshops to create the panels. The steps are adorned with over 2,000 handcrafted tiles and 75,000 glass fragments, creating a breathtaking underwater scene that transitions to land animals, birds, and celestial bodies as you ascend. Native California plants and succulents flank the staircase, with gardens maintained by local residents. The opening ceremony on August 27, 2005, was a festive occasion, marked by lion dancers and the presence of dignitaries. Climbing the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps offers not only a visual treat but also leads to Grandview Park, which rewards visitors with panoramic views of San Francisco.
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