Staff Picks

San Francisco is home to some incredible works of art, so it might surprise you to learn that some of the city’s greatest masterpieces are right below your feet. If you’re looking for a great way to explore the local art scene and sneak in some light exercise, check out our favorite flights of stairs. See which colorful mosaic works as the best backdrop for your social media pics while enjoying a delightful day outdoors.

Flights of Fancy
This four-foot-wide staircase located in the Bayview-Hunters Point District is comprised of 87 mosaic steps inspired by Native American pottery and Middle Eastern tile.

16th Avenue Tiled Steps
From the sea to the stars—that was the inspiration for the 163-step tiled stairway in Golden Gate Heights, created by mosaic artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher.

Hidden Garden Steps
Depicting colorful butterflies and blooming flowers, this 148-step flight of stairs was one of 14 San Francisco projects to win a Neighborhood Empowerment Award.

Lincoln Park Steps
This neglected staircase turned Beaux-Arts beauty was a seven-year project conceived by Friends of Lincoln Park founders Meg Autry and Anna Yatroussis.