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16th Avenue Tiled Steps: A Mosaic Masterpiece

Discover San Francisco's hidden gem: a vibrant mosaic staircase transforming urban space into a breathtaking work of community art.

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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 stunning public art project features 163 steps adorned with over 2,000 handcrafted tiles, depicting a colorful journey from the sea to the sky.

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.
  • Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as San Francisco weather can be unpredictable.
  • Take your trash with you to help keep the neighborhood clean.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are accessible via San Francisco's Muni system. Take the N-Judah light rail line to the 16th Avenue and Judah Street stop. From there, walk south on 16th Avenue to Moraga Street. The steps are located at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Moraga Street. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.85 if you use 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

    From the Inner Sunset neighborhood, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps can be reached by walking. From 9th Avenue and Irving Street, walk east on Irving Street to 16th Avenue, then turn south. Walk up 16th Avenue to Moraga Street. Be prepared for an uphill walk. The steps will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Francisco. A taxi ride from downtown San Francisco to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps will cost approximately $16 to $47, depending on traffic and distance. Taxi fares in San Francisco start at $4.15 for the first one-fifth of a mile, with each additional one-fifth of a mile costing $0.65. There is no on-site parking. Street parking is available, but it can be limited.

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Discover more about 16th Avenue Tiled Steps

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps represent a remarkable example of community spirit and artistic vision in San Francisco. Located in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood, the steps connect Moraga Street and 15th Avenue with a stunning mosaic staircase. Inspired by the Escadaria Selarón in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the project was initiated in 2003 by local residents Jessie Audette and Alice Yee Xavier. They sought to create a public art project that would beautify the neighborhood and foster a sense of community. Artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher were chosen to design the mosaic panels, and the community rallied to fund the project through sponsored tiles. The 163-step staircase is adorned with over 2,000 handcrafted tiles and 75,000 glass fragments, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and patterns. The mosaic design depicts a journey from the sea at the bottom to the sky at the top, featuring sea creatures, land animals, birds, and celestial elements. The steps were completed and unveiled in 2005, quickly becoming a beloved landmark and a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Today, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps stand as a testament to the power of community-driven art. Visitors can climb the steps, admire the intricate mosaic, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Grandview Park at the top. The gardens on either side of the steps feature native California plants and succulents, adding to the beauty of the site.

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