16th Avenue Tiled Steps
The Verdict
"Hidden at 16th Ave and Moraga in the Sunset. Take the N-Judah to 9th Ave and walk uphill. The ocean views from the top are the real reward. Go on a weekday to avoid the Instagram crowd."
What you need to know
163 Mosaic Steps Climbing to a Hilltop View
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are a 163-step mosaic staircase in the Inner Sunset, rising from Kirkham Street to the top of Grandview Park. Installed in 2005, the staircase was a community-led project modeled after the Escadaria Selarón in Rio de Janeiro. Over 300 neighborhood residents contributed to the design and funding. The tiles depict a flowing scene from sea to sky: ocean waves at the bottom, fish and turtles in the middle, sun and stars at the top.
What Makes It Worth It
The craftsmanship is legitimately impressive. Each riser is a different handmade tile mosaic, and the design flows continuously from step to step. Stand at the bottom and look up to see the full effect. The sea-to-sky progression is designed to be read from below.
At the top, Grandview Park rewards the climb with a 360-degree panorama: Ocean Beach, the Marin Headlands, downtown, and on clear days, the Farallon Islands. It’s one of the best views in the Sunset that most tourists never find.
The staircase spawned a second tiled stairway on nearby Moraga Street (the Hidden Garden Steps), which is worth visiting on the same trip. The two are about a 10-minute walk apart.
Skip this if you have mobility issues. The stairs are steep and there’s no elevator or alternative path to Grandview Park.
Visiting
Address: 16th Ave & Moraga St, Inner Sunset (base of the steps)
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
Cost: Free
Hours: Always open. The steps are on a public street.
Best time to go: Morning for softer light on the tiles and fewer people. Sunset for the view from Grandview Park.
What to know: Start at the bottom (Moraga St) and climb up. The design is meant to be viewed from below. Wear comfortable shoes. 163 steps is a workout.
Getting There
Transit: Muni N-Judah to 9th Ave & Irving, then walk south on 16th Ave (10 minutes). Bus 66-Quintara stops closer on Quintara & 16th Ave.
Parking: Free residential street parking on 16th Ave and surrounding blocks. Usually available on weekdays.
Walking: The Hidden Garden Steps on 16th Ave & Kirkham are a 10-minute walk north. Combine both for a full tiled staircase tour of the Sunset.
📍 Location: This activity is in The Sunset. Explore the neighborhood →
