16th Avenue Tiled Steps: A Mosaic Masterpiece
Ascend a stunning mosaic staircase in San Francisco's Golden Gate Heights, a vibrant community art project with breathtaking city views.
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a true testament to community collaboration 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, who sought to beautify the area and connect the community. Local artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher were chosen to design the mosaic panels, which were installed in 2005. The resulting staircase is a breathtaking work of art, with over 2,000 unique tiles and 75,000 glass fragments. The mosaic design depicts a journey from the depths of the sea to the expanses of space, with sea creatures, land animals, and birds gradually ascending towards the moon and sun. Many of the tiles were sponsored by neighbors, adding a personal touch to the artwork. Climbing the 163 steps is a rewarding experience, offering not only a visual feast but also a chance to appreciate the stunning views of San Francisco. The gardens on either side of the staircase feature native California plants and succulents, further enhancing the beauty of the surroundings. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps have become a beloved landmark, attracting visitors from all over the world and inspiring other community art projects in the city.
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colors and intricate details of the mosaic tiles.
- Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
- Be mindful of vehicle break-ins and remove all belongings from your car before arriving.
- Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the 163 steps.
- Take your trash with you to help keep the neighborhood clean.
A brief summary to 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
- 16th Ave, San Francisco, Sunset District, California, 94122, US
- +1415-553-8090
- Visit website
- 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
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the N-Judah Muni light rail line to the 16th Avenue and Judah Street stop. Walk south on 16th Avenue to Moraga Street. The tiled steps are located at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Moraga Street. A single ride on Muni is $3.00, or $2.50 if you use a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass costs $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.
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Walking
If you are already in the Inner Sunset District, you can walk to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. From the intersection of 9th Avenue and Irving Street, walk west on Irving Street to 16th Avenue, then turn left and walk south to Moraga Street. The steps will be on your left. Walking is free.
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Taxi/Ride-sharing
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. A short taxi ride from the Inner Sunset District to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on traffic. Ride-sharing fares may vary based on demand.
