People confuse this staircase with the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, and they are certainly similar as they both feature lovely colorful artwork created by the same artists. But they are not the same thing. The Hidden Garden Steps are located a little further away from Grandview Park (the bottom of the stairway along Kirkham Street) and presents a slightly different theme, the focus of its design more on flowers and plants rather than sealife. It's a unique and beautiful work of art, in good condition (as of January 2026), and located in a nice neighborhood in SF. It's also free to visit with free street parking nearby too. I couldn't find a reason to give it anything less than 5 stars. read more

See all

Definitely a highlight to my trip to San Francisco. I did the 'Hidden Stairways of San Francisco' tour with GuruWalk and it was fantastic! Greg, our guide, was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about each location. He even took amazing photos for us, capturing the beauty of the stairways and the stunning city views. It was the perfect way to explore some of San Francisco's hidden gems. Highly recommend this tour. read more

See all

After visiting the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, I was just on my way out of Golden Gate Heights, when I noticed a sign that said, "Hidden Garden Steps." The sun was almost down, but I decided to check it out. With 148 steps designed by the same artists as the 16th Avenue steps, this really almost felt like a continuation of the same staircase. The Hidden Garden steps have more of a garden theme, with lots of flowers, bugs, mushrooms, birds, etc. The plants around the steps are similar to those found around the 16th Avenue steps. Succulents are interspersed with California native plants chosen to attract butterflies, including the locally endangered green hairstreak butterfly. My favorite design on the staircase is the snail near the bottom. The shell swirls up several stairs, with patches of mushrooms sprouting from the head. The snail is surrounded by mosaics of California native plants such as hibiscus flowers and buckeye sprouts. The Hidden Garden steps are about 10 years newer than the 16th Avenue steps. In my opinion, the artists improved their skills over time, and, while one flight smaller, these steps are actually more impressive than their sister stairs. The design feels more imaginative and detailed. While the 16th Avenue steps were a bit slippery, the Hidden Garden steps were even more slippery. Because the sun was setting, I really had to watch my step. This must be why the steps are "closed" after dark. Overall, this is such a beautiful community art project, and I'm so glad I happened to stumble across it. My only regret is not having visited earlier so that I could compare the sunset views with the views from a block away. read more

See all

These beautiful tiled stairs are located in a nice neighborhood in San Francisco, with plenty of free roadside parking, If you're ever in the area stop by and enjoy the very detailed stairs. Don't forget to make your way up to the top and check out the view of the city. read more

See all

After coming across the Mosaic Stairs last year, it had been on my mind to go find this set of stairs the next time I went out to San Francisco. The times I make my way out to San Francisco is rare, but today was the day! My friend wanted to go out to visit the Japanese Tea Garden and try a ramen place I raved about. I mentioned wanting to find this set of stairs as well and he was on board with it since it would make a great workout. Our mission was to be tourists today and walk around San Francisco, and oh boy, that was fun! We ended up spending way more time taking pictures at these stairs than walking around the Japanese Garden, haha! The Japanese Garden was the first stop, and then we walked to the Hidden Garden. These stairs live up to its name as the entrance isn't located on a busy street and it doesn't look like a lot of people frequent the area. Each set of stairs is beautiful designed with nature themed mosaic tiles. I love that this artwork is volunteer-driven, community-based effort and open for all public to see. It's such a nice place to stroll. I would normally dread going up such a long flight of stairs, but this was a nice, relaxing stroll up since I couldn't help but stop to take a close up picture of every set of stairs! The people around the area are really nice too. I think locals are just used to people wanting to take pictures so they know to stop and be patient. I appreciate it! As a side note: I went on a Sunday, so I think the hours reflected on the Yelp page may need to be updated. I'm so glad I got to see this today! I'm hoping to find more beautiful artworks to visit around the Bay, so send some recommendations this way if you have any! read more

See all

They weren't kidding about the "hidden" part since it's not nearly as famous as the instantly Instagrammable 16th Avenue Tiled Steps just 2-1/2 blocks away (review: https://bit.ly/3rRhxgn). However, the arresting ceramic tiles at both locations share the same artists, Aileen Barr and Colleen Crutcher. This one consists of 148 steps over nine flights between Kirkham and Lawton Streets on 16th Avenue. You can't see them all at once because of all the overhanging trees and dense shrubbery. Each flight features a mosaic design with specific motifs: flowers, plants, dragonflies, butterflies, snails, leaves, bees, and a salamander that stretches over 26 steps.. Don't forget to come here when you're at the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps because you'll get a twofer. RELATED - Exploring the Sunset? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2EI8eIJ read more

See all

This is quite a beautiful and impressive staircase with 149 decorated stairs. The Hidden Garden is not as popular as the nearby similar Tiled steps because you can't get the full view of the staircase in the photo, so it's not as great for photos but I like them better because it's nice to go up the stairs for a workout without always trying to dodge everyone's Instagram picture. I like the Tiled Stairs but sometimes it can be a bit much. I use this as a starting off point for a staircase hike in the neighborhood, there are actually a few really good ones like Oretga Way, Ariel Way, and Cascade walk. I go to Golden Gate Heights Park and back incorporating all those staircases which is about 2.5 miles and a good workout with all the up and down. For something not as time consuming you can do the Hidden Garden with the close by 15th street staircase which is on the same block and go on repeat for a few times. This part of the city gets misty and foggy often so it's great when it's hot outside but not so great when you want sunny pictures to capture the colorful mosaic of the stairs. read more

See all

Gorgeous steps in SF! I've been wanting to peruse the city's several tiled steps so my parents and fiancé obliged and joined me on a sprinkly gray Saturday to begin 2021. The stairs are rightfully hidden as it cuts through the middle of a neighborhood street (Kirkham) and forms another (16Th St), where you will see the descending stairs. Make sure to turn around as you carefully go down each flight. You don't want to miss the beautiful intricate tiled artwork gradually turning into mosaics of a garden with vibrant flowers and greenery. If you look closely at the tiles there are a variety of names who I assume are donors. I was able to find most of our names with the exception of my Dad (his name is Elmer- go figure). I am in awe of how tedious this process must have been and I'm very thankful for all of the efforts that went into building these magnificent steps. I highly recommend visiting these steps along with the other stair gems in the area. You're guaranteed to get some good exercise, enjoyment, and unique IG shots! read more

See all

The steps are beautiful and fairly short so it is suitable for all fitness levels. The mosaic flourishes of each step are quite intricate and detailed. It is worth taking your time heading up the stairs in order to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that went into constructing them. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

My niece goes to school close by. If I didn't get a chance to run or do cardio, I come here earlier, park and jog up these steps for 20-30 minutes. And up the street is connected to the 16th st. step. So I run a circle back. These steps are perfect for photo shots and IG model pictorials if anyone is interested. I have witness many people who take photos here at any time of the day. It's fun to watch them some times. read more

See all

The Inner Sunset is sprinkled with hidden magic. The Hidden Garden Steps is a beautiful example of community art - that is both inspiring and functional. These steps are located on 16th Avenue between Kirkham and Lawton. There are 9 sections with a total of 148 stairs. If you have time to spare - I highly suggest you dedicate a good amount of time to really studying the intricate designs on each step. The mosaic tiles build such an enchanting world of insects, flowers, animals, and much more. It's a reminder that amongst the constant ebb of transition that San Francisco is and will continue to go through - that there is lasting art created by a community of people, who are dedicated to seeing San Francisco come together and flourish. Trust. read more

I was looking for the 16th Ave Tiled Steps and found these first!! Another great SF find!! Very colorful tiled steps in the Inner Sunset District near Golden Gate Park!! I gotta give the creators of these steps so much credit!! If you really look at them closely, they are intricately detailed, the time, effort, patience, and creativity it took to do this is spectacular!! As you climb these steps, you do actually enter a hidden garden, thus the name fits appropriately!! These steps are walking distance from the 16th Ave Steps, so if you're in the area, checking out both of them is your best bet!! Enjoy!! read more

See all

Random Sundays are the best... After Dim Sum we decided to go adventure since we were in SF. As I was driving I see a group of people taking pictures at a random corner. I mentioned outloud why are they taking a photo there infront of a house lol?? As I come closer I see colorful tiled steps. I've been wondering were this location was ever since I visited 16th Ave Tiled steps. The location is the same but on the other side of the hill. As you can see the name states Hidden Garden Steps. More like a hidden gem tucked away. Totally worthy of paying a visit. read more

See all

And I thought the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps were gorgeous... Well, I actually find the Hidden Garden Steps even more artful, prettier, but that's like saying Van Gogh is better than Monet. You don't have to choose between them. Both are stellar examples of public art that anyone would be hard pressed not to enjoy. If viewing them from the base is your only option they're lovely but climbing them reveals the intricacy of the designs and the vibrancy of their colors. It's worth knowing that you can have a true SF altitude-raising experience by scaling first the Hidden Garden Steps then turning right and walking a couple of blocks to encounter the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and, at the top of those, cross the street and head up again to Grandview Park. Your out of town guests will be delighted. There's actually a slew of staircases in this part of the city and I'd personally be in favor of all of them being turned into tiled stairways though the neighbors of these would probably disagree. Depending on the time of your visit it can be difficult to get a full stairway photo without a human in the shot. If you're in need of a little joy in your life - free joy - head on over and drink in the artful beauty of this set of tiled stairs. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - The stairway is most beautiful in person and best viewed by climbing it. - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

After taking pictures of the iconic, 16th Avenue/Moraga St steps, keep walking on 16th Avenue going northbound and find these steps tucked away on the left. Shaded by trees, it's a gem to behold. Find well-kept mosaic murals of flora along the steps. The stairs aren't just straight down/up, they veer off in another direction slightly. They're certainly beautiful in their own way. Walk down to the bottom of the steps, and you'll find your way to the Golden Gate park in a 20-30 minute walk. That's how I approached a trip here! Alternatively, park/start at the bottom of these steps and walk southbound towards the 16th Avenue/Moraga St steps afterward. I do recommend going my route though, so you can get shade from here after enjoying the former stairs! read more

See all

Beautiful public art! I lost track of how many reviews I've written about stairs and steps... Koko Head stairs, Rocky Steps, Exorcist Steps, steps to the pedestal of Lady Liberty, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are some I remember writing about. Here is another hidden gem in San Francisco. This one found at the Inner Sunset. It's easy to miss these steps because the stairs are narrow and very steep, hence the name, maybe? Hidden Garden Steps? The stairway is between Kirkham and Lawton Streets and we were lucky to stop by when there were no tourists -yeah!- unlike the very popular 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. These hidden steps are truly a gem! The ceramic tiles are colorful, some bright and vibrant, beautifully tiled stairway and each tile has a donor name and some have dedication on them. One side of the stairway has flower beds and during blooming season the flowers add color to the beauty of the tiles. Right now, during winter season, they're kinda dull. Once you reach the midpoint of the steps there are some great views to be seen of the city. Below (Kirkham) has a painted bench against a beige wall and on its opposite side is a tiled plaque with the name of the steps. We ascended all the way to the top at Lawton Street with plenty of photo ops along the way. The sign here is on a piece of wood with information about the steps. Great exercise tool... a plus for locals! Review #1254 read more

See all

Forget walking up the steps. The best part is looking down at the spectacular view. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Cousins visiting from El Salvador. - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

This was such an incredible hidden gem. The time and energy that went into those steps is breathtaking! I especially loved the animal prints dedicated to loved fur babies and the hidden details that allowed us to explore for quite some time. Highly recommend swinging by! read more

Hidden Garden Steps - The beautiful steps are an incredible background for a photo op - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

Beautiful steps and easily accessible from bus route 28! Also very close to more tiled steps on 16th Ave ("16th Ave Tiled Steps")! There is also a third set of tiled steps called "Lincoln Park Steps". read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Gorgeous, mosaic steps hidden on 16th Avenue. I enjoyed the beautiful mosaic flowers, the community art work honoring lives lost or causes. If you are in the area and enjoy local art, come check these out! When you reach the top, you have a gorgeous view of the city. read more

See all

We love steps of all kinds, it has an unique unpredictable way, every steps are unpredictable and special. Go check it out, Then after that walk 7 mins to 16th Ave steps for an amazing view of SFO. Each sections has its own theme. read more

See all

Review #194 - 2019 Since my godson's cousin was visiting from France, I decided to take him to a few of my favorite SF tourist spots & this happened to be one that I've never been to before. We showed up around 6:30 PM on Sunday, July 28th. This spot is actually a lot easier to find than the one located on 16th street. Luckily, there was only one other guy there taking pictures so we didn't have to wait long to get our solo poses. The steps are very pretty & the garden is so cute! So grateful for all the effort & hard work that was put in to give us this awesome work of art so that we can appreciate it for many years to come! read more

Hidden Garden Steps - 07/28/2019: These tiled steps are so awesomely pretty! - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Atmosphere: relaxing and beautiful The Food: n/a The Service: n/a Cleanliness: everything is clean, make sure to take out anything you bring in Bathrooms: na Parking: it is a residential area, be aware when parking. Highlights: this one was a lot less crowded and still as beautiful as the 16th avenue read more

I love visiting these hidden gems in SF! The steps here are gorgeous and the colors so vibrant. Visiting these Hidden Garden Steps makes me want to visit all the tiled steps in SF. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been meaning to visit one of the many painted steps in San Francisco, so I came to this one on my last day in SF, as it was near a bakery that I really wanted to try. We found street parking on a weekday during the daytime right across from the steps. The neighborhood was very residential so there wasn't much around. There's a big sign telling you that you're at the right place at the bottom of the steps. Looking up, it was quite intimidating for someone who hasn't exercised lately, and sure enough, I was dying on the steps. There were a lot of runners who just sped up and down like it was nothing. I died even more (of happiness) when I reached the top but was sad to see that it was just more houses! Still, the environment was a breath of fresh air after having been in the east side of SF for the past few days, and the artwork was nice to look at. However, it didn't blow me away like the famous ihwa mural village in seoul did. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Bussed and walked across the city to see this. Beautifully done, so intricate, and a great public art photo op. A must see. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

What a beautiful place to visit during a sunny day like today!!! Perfect background for the coquettes and coquetos out there as it looks soooo good in pictures no matter the angle. I brought colorful outfit not only because it is my style but also to blend in with the tiles! Super well manicurated gardens. Perfect tiles telling stories of past lives. Just enchanting and charming. I was in awe with the views and the whole hippie aura of the place and i would like to say thanks thanks thanks to all these volunteers who have dedicated their time and love to make this hidden corner so wonderful. If you go from SJ area by train please plan in advance what it takes to reach there. I thought we could walk from Cal train station and then my friend and I ended up taking an expensive uber ride to get there. Very recommendable, I can believe I have been in South Bay for 6 years and still first time there! Never late. read more

See all

The Steps of San Francisco, part 2 The Hidden Garden Steps are another place to enjoy local art and public gardens as well as get your cardio done. A local community project that developed out of a desire to end graffiti and litter issues in the neighborhood, the Hidden Garden Steps are located at 16th Avenue, extending from Kirkham to Lawton in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. It took four years for the committee involved in the creation of the art project to organize and fundraise for the steps, ending with the ribbon-cutting on December 7, 2013. Truly a wonderful sight to see, the steps feature fabulous mosaic and tile work . The gardens contain succulents, California native plants, and other drought-tolerant species. Volunteers meet once a month to clean-up and maintain the steps. There are 148 steps total and the nine flights have tiles with designs of butterflies, bees, snails, leaves, plants, flowers, and more. Go see it and get to steppin'. read more

See all

Many know of the 16th Ave tiled steps, but do you know about Hidden Garden? It's similar to the 16th Ave tiled steps, but less crowded. Hidden Garden is in inner Sunset on Kirkham. The entrance is on Kirkham and16th Avenue. This community project was put in place maily to beautify the steps due to an increase in graffiti and litter. Since then it has been enjoyed by local residents and tourists. After you get to the top of these steps you can continue to the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and to Granview Park for a great glutes workout. I forgot to count the number of stairs, but please share if you find out. read more

See all

These set of steps are, well, a bit more hidden than the 16th Avenue ones over on the Moraga side. These start off on Kirkham. Beautiful set of stairs for a short workout, and less people around so you can take as much photos as you want. read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Volunteers are very special people. Think about it: why would a person do work, knowing that they're not getting a paycheck? The Hidden Garden Steps Organizing Committee, its sponsors, and its artists Aileen Barr & Colette Crutcher, presented this beautiful and special gift to the City of San Francisco on December 7, 2013. Look for the sign at 16th Avenue and Kirkham Street. It's almost like a continuation of the "16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project". We're so thankful for this functional masterpiece! Climb to the top and continue upwards until you find the Grand Park! The views are fantastic! read more

See all

I personally like the Hidden Garden steps better than the 16th....it feels way more intimidate, and has a lot more flowers and plants surrounding it than the 16th. Tiles are beautiful- perfect for photography! Only bad thing is, it's smack dab in the middle of the crossings of streets, making it out of place. However, it's a must see if you are here! Proceed up the stairs and head to 16th tiled steps! read more

See all

Honestly, it's a really good short exercise. Start at the bottom and climb up as you take pics for the gram. Then you come back down and go back up again just to take in the art. BAM. You've gotten your steps in :) read more

Great place to enjoy the beautiful artwork and succulents as well as a good workout climbing the steps!

Just happened upon this set of mosaic stairs randomly while driving on Kirkham. The mosaic art is relatively new, having just opened on December 7, 2013...but is just as wonderful as the first set on Moraga. When I came to shoot, I actually intended to visit both staircases, but the Moraga one was FULL of people each time I went back (3 separate visits)...but this one was empty - like a best kept urban secret. And actually, it's so new that even the neighborhood isn't quite aware of its existence...I mean, I probably brought this onto myself sprawling out over a landing to get a good shot...but a older couple and their dog stopped and asked what I was taking a picture of. I looked at them quizzically before pointing to the stairs at which point she was like "Oh my goodness, when did this happen? THAT'S BEAUTIFUL." Turns out they live just across from the top of the stairs too. read more

See all

Nice! Glad I found this one on Yelp. So much nicer than the mosaic stair on 16th and Moraga. And when I was there, NO ONE else around -- unlike the mosaic stairs which are always packed with people. This is a, still, undiscovered gem. Go visit before it's overrun with tourists ruining the shots of the stairs and the amazing mosaics here. read more

See all

A hidden gem. Not to those who use yelp : ). Pretty cool when you walk down the stairs. But even more once you turn around and walk back up. My wife heard that this was one of the areas most frequently visited by tourists when they come to San Francisco. Good thing we book marked it on yelp. It made it easier to find once we arrived. It makes you get more than just the benefit of getting a little workout in, LOL. But it also lets you take a step back and truly appreciate what it is that the people of San Francisco made with these mosaic tiles. Glad we stopped and checked it out. I'd say if your in the area. Check it out. read more

See all

I like the hidden garden theme of these stairs. The transition between the different subjects flow so well. It's a pretty short flight of stairs, so do walk all of it to take a closer look at the details! read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

Want to do a step workout? Want to burn some calories? Do you like beautiful artwork? Well, I thought that I found a place to go when we were in the San Francisco area. Came to the Inner Sunset neighborhood in search of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps. While writing the review, I realized that I took my wife to a different stairway. Oops!! Turns out that we went to the Hidden Garden Steps instead. It was Stunning!! You will find these marvelous steps on 16th Avenue between Kirkham and Lawton Streets. This beauty is made up of 148 beautifully decorated mosaic tiles. Stop by if you are in the area. Enjoy the sight and get some exercise at the same time. read more

See all

Beautiful set of stairs that don't get as enough attention as they deserve (in my opinion). If you are planning to go to the 16th Avenue stairs and just finished your time at the Golden Gate Park, I'd really advise walking this way (up 16th avenue), where you find the Hidden Garden Steps as a via point! One of the best methods to work out your gluts, thighs and calves! The Hidden Garden Steps definitely deserve it's name as it doesn't get a lot of attention, is in a shaded area and has different garden patterns with different mosaic tiles instead of a big long set of stairs. I really appreciate the ways that these stairs are designed, where there are series of steps before you take a break and then continue up the next series of steps! I wonder if there are more stairs in this neighbourhood with such beautiful mosaic stairs! read more

Hidden Garden Steps - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all