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I think I counted 238 steps? I feel like I lost count because it kicked my ass. But wow! It gives you a beautiful view at the top. The fact that people were running these, repeatedly for exercise was even more impressive. Not gonna lie, at the bottom I thought "too bad that tree is in the way". Lol. Little did I know. If you want to burn some calories, this is a great destination.
A hidden gem in SF & a great alternative to hiking when the weather is rainy & cloudy. This isn't a congested tourist place, but because it is in a residential area you may have a hard time finding parking. But be patient & persistent.
Very stunning views of palace of fine arts, the bay and beyond. Not the kind of place anybody would typically go out of their way to see - but if your nearby its worth spending a little extra time on. The perfectly manicured hedges and gardens alone are noteworthy. The trees and concrete steps are all so perfectly taken care of - this could only exist in the most affluent neighborhood. As you walk down the center piece seems to be one of those large sculpture pieces of art - one of countless found around the city - an Easter egg hunt so to speak. Late night you might find some residents - some young people wandering - presumably the children of very very wealthy nearby residents. The probably sneak out of their large homes to smoke some weed - likely the most deviant behavior they participate in. As you walk up and down the stairs you can see just the same views as the homes that cost many many millions of dollars - they look to be 8,000 square feet and probably so large its easy for anybody to sneak out of. As I walked up and down the most unpleasant thing was these large flood security lights flashing as I walked. I'm sure some teens in the past were getting too snugly and the home owners decided they didn't like people getting too comfortable too close to their large flashy mansion. Again, this is probably more of a locals thing - but maybe your trying to take a walking tour of the city - such things exist online - you might pick one that includes some of this route.
This is am amazing location in San Francisco to get a lovely view of a part of the city. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in the distance. It was beautiful to see so many people using these steps as part of their morning walk. I even saw a family that was setting up to do a yoga session at the top of the stairs. I loved taking a short walk here and enjoying the quiet of the early morning. It is also the location of one of the heart sculptures in San Francisco. Beautiful spot whether you are a tourist or an SF native just wanting to take in some of the beauty of the city.
Loved this! And not many ppl at all at the time we came! Steps are a bit steep so go slowly but views looking up and down were great!
The Lyon Street Steps serve as a great off the beaten path attraction, which cover two blocks on the side of a steep hill with spectacular views from the top. I am sure you will like the amazing views of the Palace of Fine Arts, the blue waters of the bay, and parts of Marin. Be mindful it's very steep and could be slippery.
Now that I've gotten familiar with the artistic mosaic tiled steps around the city like the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps (review: https://bit.ly/3rRhxgn), I was initially wondering why the Lyon Street Steps wouldn't get the same treatment. After all, I assume funding such an endeavor wouldn't be an issue given their proximity to Billionaires' Row, the mansions owned by the city's wealthiest homeowners. But I assume they don't want to turn it into more of a tourist attraction than it is already. Apparently Dianne Feinstein has a security guard on duty since her house abuts the stairs. Granted it's quite a sight with nearly three hundred steps over two blocks between Broadway and Green Street. It looks classically European with manicured landscaping reflecting the tony neighborhood. No surprise that it's a magnet for workout junkies of which there were several bolting up and down the stairs. Maskless. And social distancing was impossible to maintain. I came here as the climax of the Mountain Lake Trail which lines up with the southern perimeter of the Presidio (review: https://bit.ly/34gS3S9). Unless I amped up my fitness regimen, I'm not sure when I'd come back. RELATED - Exploring Pac Heights? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2Djsn6d
Stunning views all the way to the Palace of Fine Arts and the bay. City Park between Presidio and Pacific Heights with hidden staircases, 3 in total 288 steps if you're feeling like giving it a go Does get a lot of trainers and fitness types for the workout
It's ok and I only saw the bottom of stairs. One of my dogs doesn't like stairs so I didn't climb up. I took some pics there but young group kept taking pics for 15min so I didn't take nice ones.
COVID-19 precautions can improve. Nice views. Great stairs for a workout. Free parking in surrounding Pacific Heights neighborhood. See below for more info: COVID-19 precautions can improve: Unless you are an early riser and can avoid locals and tourists here, there are safer places to get a workout during the pandemic. Most people do not wear face masks at the Lyon Street steps nor are respectful of keeping a distance, which is not ideal as the stairs are so popular. Many are eager to bypass and do so without much concern of people falling. Nice views: The views at the top and even middle of the Lyon Street Steps are nice. You can see the Palace of the Fine Arts and water, especially on a clear day sanz Karl the Fog. No wonder the steps are popular!! Great stairs for a workout: I have been working out here since my good ole high school cross country days in the city. The Lyon Street Steps are a great place to physically challenge yourself. Doing several sets of sprints along with squats leave you feeling tired but oh so great. Free parking in surrounding Pacific Heights neighborhood: I typically just run here from home. However, there is free parking for a few hours in the Pac Heights (unless you have a residential parking permit, in which case not limited to a few hours).
I found these stairs on accident after finishing up a family walk around the area. My kiddo and I made our way up the hill. That in it of itself is a workout! The stairs are steep going up and down. We didn't feel rushed going up or down. A lot of people use these stairs for exercise but you don't get that "your in my way vibe" at all. It's a very family friendly stairs location. We didn't make it all the way but enjoyed the quick brisk walk up and down the stairs. I will definitely come back prepared to go the whole way.
This is a beautiful place located in a residential side of Pacific Heights. It is street parking only. It had a beautiful view of the palace of fine arts and the ocean when it's a clear day. A lot of people uses these beautiful stairs to work out on as it is a long walk up/down. Beautiful place and great view.
I've been to San Francisco many times. I was in the Presidio area, so I decided to finally check out the Lyon Street Steps. In hindsight, it was a bad idea to climb these steps the day before the San Francisco Marathon. However, it wasn't too bad and the views were pretty spectacular! Not quite as popular for tourists, but I would rate these steps over the windy Lombard St. read more
3 months ago
1 year ago
The Lyon Street steps connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights as well as the Presidio's Broadway Gate. The steps have a series of steep steps, terrace trimmed hedges, bay views, and a Hearts in San Francisco sculpture. My nighttime stroll was pretty lowlight and I think this space is better suited for a daytime climb. read more
I think I counted 238 steps? I feel like I lost count because it kicked my ass. But wow! It gives you a beautiful view at the top. The fact that people were running these, repeatedly for exercise was even more impressive. Not gonna lie, at the bottom I thought "too bad that tree is in the way". Lol. Little did I know. If you want to burn some calories, this is a great destination. read more
A hidden gem in SF & a great alternative to hiking when the weather is rainy & cloudy. This isn't a congested tourist place, but because it is in a residential area you may have a hard time finding parking. But be patient & persistent. read more
Very stunning views of palace of fine arts, the bay and beyond. Not the kind of place anybody would typically go out of their way to see - but if your nearby its worth spending a little extra time on. The perfectly manicured hedges and gardens alone are noteworthy. The trees and concrete steps are all so perfectly taken care of - this could only exist in the most affluent neighborhood. As you walk down the center piece seems to be one of those large sculpture pieces of art - one of countless found around the city - an Easter egg hunt so to speak. Late night you might find some residents - some young people wandering - presumably the children of very very wealthy nearby residents. The probably sneak out of their large homes to smoke some weed - likely the most deviant behavior they participate in. As you walk up and down the stairs you can see just the same views as the homes that cost many many millions of dollars - they look to be 8,000 square feet and probably so large its easy for anybody to sneak out of. As I walked up and down the most unpleasant thing was these large flood security lights flashing as I walked. I'm sure some teens in the past were getting too snugly and the home owners decided they didn't like people getting too comfortable too close to their large flashy mansion. Again, this is probably more of a locals thing - but maybe your trying to take a walking tour of the city - such things exist online - you might pick one that includes some of this route. read more
4 months ago
Amazing for a workout, you will leave wobbling. It has a great view lots of people working out too. read more
2 years ago
This is am amazing location in San Francisco to get a lovely view of a part of the city. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in the distance. It was beautiful to see so many people using these steps as part of their morning walk. I even saw a family that was setting up to do a yoga session at the top of the stairs. I loved taking a short walk here and enjoying the quiet of the early morning. It is also the location of one of the heart sculptures in San Francisco. Beautiful spot whether you are a tourist or an SF native just wanting to take in some of the beauty of the city. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
Loved this! And not many ppl at all at the time we came! Steps are a bit steep so go slowly but views looking up and down were great! read more
The Lyon Street Steps serve as a great off the beaten path attraction, which cover two blocks on the side of a steep hill with spectacular views from the top. I am sure you will like the amazing views of the Palace of Fine Arts, the blue waters of the bay, and parts of Marin. Be mindful it's very steep and could be slippery. read more
Now that I've gotten familiar with the artistic mosaic tiled steps around the city like the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps (review: https://bit.ly/3rRhxgn), I was initially wondering why the Lyon Street Steps wouldn't get the same treatment. After all, I assume funding such an endeavor wouldn't be an issue given their proximity to Billionaires' Row, the mansions owned by the city's wealthiest homeowners. But I assume they don't want to turn it into more of a tourist attraction than it is already. Apparently Dianne Feinstein has a security guard on duty since her house abuts the stairs. Granted it's quite a sight with nearly three hundred steps over two blocks between Broadway and Green Street. It looks classically European with manicured landscaping reflecting the tony neighborhood. No surprise that it's a magnet for workout junkies of which there were several bolting up and down the stairs. Maskless. And social distancing was impossible to maintain. I came here as the climax of the Mountain Lake Trail which lines up with the southern perimeter of the Presidio (review: https://bit.ly/34gS3S9). Unless I amped up my fitness regimen, I'm not sure when I'd come back. RELATED - Exploring Pac Heights? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2Djsn6d read more
4 years ago
Stunning views all the way to the Palace of Fine Arts and the bay. City Park between Presidio and Pacific Heights with hidden staircases, 3 in total 288 steps if you're feeling like giving it a go Does get a lot of trainers and fitness types for the workout read more
COVID-19 precautions can improve. Nice views. Great stairs for a workout. Free parking in surrounding Pacific Heights neighborhood. See below for more info: COVID-19 precautions can improve: Unless you are an early riser and can avoid locals and tourists here, there are safer places to get a workout during the pandemic. Most people do not wear face masks at the Lyon Street steps nor are respectful of keeping a distance, which is not ideal as the stairs are so popular. Many are eager to bypass and do so without much concern of people falling. Nice views: The views at the top and even middle of the Lyon Street Steps are nice. You can see the Palace of the Fine Arts and water, especially on a clear day sanz Karl the Fog. No wonder the steps are popular!! Great stairs for a workout: I have been working out here since my good ole high school cross country days in the city. The Lyon Street Steps are a great place to physically challenge yourself. Doing several sets of sprints along with squats leave you feeling tired but oh so great. Free parking in surrounding Pacific Heights neighborhood: I typically just run here from home. However, there is free parking for a few hours in the Pac Heights (unless you have a residential parking permit, in which case not limited to a few hours). read more
I found these stairs on accident after finishing up a family walk around the area. My kiddo and I made our way up the hill. That in it of itself is a workout! The stairs are steep going up and down. We didn't feel rushed going up or down. A lot of people use these stairs for exercise but you don't get that "your in my way vibe" at all. It's a very family friendly stairs location. We didn't make it all the way but enjoyed the quick brisk walk up and down the stairs. I will definitely come back prepared to go the whole way. read more
This is a beautiful place located in a residential side of Pacific Heights. It is street parking only. It had a beautiful view of the palace of fine arts and the ocean when it's a clear day. A lot of people uses these beautiful stairs to work out on as it is a long walk up/down. Beautiful place and great view. read more
Gorgeous panoramic views from the top of the stairs! What beautiful steps and its surroundings including the lone house that reside by those steps. The other homes on Broadway are just as gorgeous, in fact, the western blocks of Broadway, at the top of Lyon Street Steps between 2600-3000 Broadway St., is called Billionaires Row or the Gold Coast. The properties have manicured lawns and many balconies. Wow, just wow! This area is one of the most wonderful places in all of San Francisco... oh yah, the stairs. What a feeling just standing there and being on the summit of the steps. From the top one can get an amazing view of the Palace of Fine Arts Dome, the blue San Francisco Bay, the Presidio, and the Pacific Heights mansions. There was not a foggy sky beyond that day. We came on a Saturday morning and although many of its visitors seem to be tourists we encountered a few who were using the steps as their personal gym... uh, yah, be careful as you try to dodge them. Maybe a visit later in the day would be better but it was a beautiful day in SF so who can fault them. Down below there is a heart sculpture "Migrant Heart" by Hung Liu 2004. It is one of the 130 sculptures on display in an exhibit of "public hearts" throughout SF in 2004. After all, it's the city where we love to leave our hearts... Here's the deal here... this area in Pacific Heights is where the seriously rich people live. It used to be called Millionaire's Row but it has since been renamed to Billionaire's Row when a number of tech gurus bought homes on the street: Larry Ellison (Oracle), David Sacks (PayPal), Danielle Steel (romance novelist), Gordon Getty (son of oil tycoon), Dianne Feinstein & her billionaire husband Richard Blum and several others just as wealthy but less famous. Be wowed! Review #1820 read more
6 years ago
Some nice views of the bay with Alcatraz in the background. You will definitely see a lot of runners going up and down the stairs to get a little bit of cardio in for the day. Unfortunately some of them are privileged to not wear any masks... read more
San Francisco has a lot of public staircases where streets belong. Mostly because the streets would be steeper than Filbert if they were built. The result is a plethora of places to get your lungs and legs in shape. And of these, the Lyon Street Steps are the most scenic. Whether you start at the top on Broadway close to the Getty compound, or at the bottom on Green near the house that was portrayed as the prep school in "The Princess Diaries", you'll get a good workout in only two blocks. Luke L counted them, there's either 288 or 332 steps, roughly double the amount on the 16th Avenue set. Be careful; if you trip going up, you'll get a damaged knee, and if you trip going down, you'll get a concussion. I've been here several times, and I've always seen people working out here. And no wonder: mansions on the east side, a jaw-dropping view on the north side, and beautiful landscaping. Hidden away from the street is one of the hearts that was left in San Francisco. And to clarify Korina Y's comment, there are not 40 million-dollar homes here, these homes sell for $40 million. The Lyon Street Steps are good for locals and tourists alike. Enjoy. read more
This is mainly a tourist destination for beautiful photo-ops with scenic bay views mixed with manicured colorful gardens in the background or a workout spot for people doing stair repetitions. For a workout, I like to incorporate the stairs with a hike in the nearby Presidio. The path at the end of Broadway near the top of the stairs goes into the Presidio where you can add the Lover's Lane path and Andy Goldsworthy's Woodline which is another picture worthy destination. The trek through the Presidio looping back through Lombard will take you to Lyon Street and is about 2 miles. read more
Did you know there's a great free "gym" in one of the most scenic, beautiful and wealthy areas in SF? Zero initiation fees, zero monthly dues, no contract, and open 24 hours. OK, so it's not technically a gym, but you'll definitely get in a great work out here! In an attempt to get outdoors in between the rain, I headed directly to the Lyon Steps. I like to start at Filbert and Lyon, go up and down a couple of times, and then walk along Broadway (aka Billionaires' Row). On a busy weekend, you'll find lots of healthy, super fit folks bobbing up and down the steps with their headphones on. Even if you don't do a work out here, come for the views, take your out of town friends here, or just come to sneak in a few minutes of zen. It's truly one of my most favorite spots in all of SF! P.S. And tell Diane I said hello... read more
8 years ago
Super nice viewpoint, just a very scenic place. It's a good place for photos but it's also difficult because a lot of people will probably be around. Regardless, it's nice to be there and look around and take everything in. There is a long staircase so it's something to note for those that aren't able to walk stairs. The green sidelines next to the staircase help make the staircase more elegant. There's also one of those famous San Francisco hearts at the bottom of the stairs. I would recommend a quick drop by to this location. You can then continue on to the Palace of Fine Arts and/or Presidio as they are in walking distance. read more
4 years ago
The Lyon Street Steps is a hidden neighborhood gem that has one of the most fabulous views of San Francisco. Located in the Pacific Heights neighborhood and close to Billionaire Row and Presidio Park, this destination serves as a tourist attraction and outdoor workout for locals. Parking is easy to find and free during the weekends. Whether you're looking for a photo op next to the famous San Francisco heart or looking to get a workout in by running down the two blocks of stairs, you'll love spending time at the Lyon Street Steps. read more
Lyon Street Steps one of the more famous public stairways in San Francisco. There are a total of 332 steps (or 288 steps depending on where you count these steps) and they cover about two entire blocks (from Broadway [top of the steps] to Green St. [bottom of the steps]). Our group used a ridesharing app and the driver dropped us off on top of the steps. The view was simply marvelous - you can see the Palace of Fine Arts, the "Billionaires" Row (including Senator Dianne Feinstein's house which is right next to a heart sculpture), a heart sculpture (one of the "Hearts in San Francisco" sculptures scattered across the city), beautiful zen-like gardens, and the San Francisco Bay. If you are a fan of the Princess Diaries, Grove High School is located at the bottom of the steps (or dead end of Green Street). A lot of people come here for stair workout, but it is also a must-visit instagrammable tourist spot in SF. read more
6 years ago
Located on the SE corner of Presidio, it's a great place to come for a beautiful view of the city. The stairs are also no joke and can be a very popular place for people working out. There's plenty of free street parking as well. It's a nice place to start or end your exploration of Presidio where there's plenty of trails and attractions to visit. Highly recommend especially if trying to think of things to do with visitors. read more
Heck yeah! The view at the top of these steps is awesome. Also, the steps provide infrastructure to a nice workout. There's a reason why outdoor bootcamps and individual fitness buffs flock here. If you have to burn calories, you deserve a view! I like to enter the Presidio from the top of these steps. Tip: if you want a view with fewer tourist in your photo, take a pic from the inside of the Presidio, just west of the top of the stairs. read more
Last year, Yuri and I found the Hidden Garden Steps and the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, but somehow, we missed these Lyon Street Steps... Thanks to Daniel C. for pointing them out to us! WOW! The surrounding gardens are so beautiful! The landscaping is amazing! The views of the city are breathtaking! We were so sad that the Heart Sculpture was missing. It is one of 131 Hearts in the City of San Francisco. Hopefully, it's being repaired and will return soon. We'll visit again and check on it! Note: The Hearts in San Francisco Project began in 2004 to benefit the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. The most famous Heart could be the one at Union Square on the corner of Powell and Post. This Heart is named "America's Greatest City By the Bay" and was created by Tony Bennett who sang, " I Left My Heart in San Francisco". read more
Beautiful neighborhood surrounding the Lyon Street Steps. Everything from the landscaping and gardens to the exquisite homes along the steps and the view from the top and seeing the bay. It can be breathtaking... The homes are something else. I have a few favorites along the way. They are what San Francisco dreams are made of. The gardens are beautiful and expertly manicured. The view from the of the steps is something to behold. You see the Marina, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Bay. It's a great view, a great look. Lot's of people are taking photos and even more are using these steps for their aerobic workout. So definitely try and not get in anyone's way. I cant blame them for wanting to workout there. What a backdrop to their exercise... It's too bad the heart sculpture was gone. It was one of the things we wanted to see. It's still a nice SF spot to visit. Street parking only. Check the signs for street cleaning. Turn your wheels. This is San Francisco. Hills and inclines are the norm. read more
4 years ago
2 years ago
11 years ago
Wanna workout? Wanna spot one of those amazing San Fran Heart sculptures? Wanna beautiful panoramic view of the Bay? Wanna capture some of San Fran's most beautiful homes? Go to the Lyon Street Steps and get it all. ~Christy read more
STAIRMASTER PLUS BUTT LIFT The stairs start at Lyon/Green and go up to Lyon/Broadway. This is the last flight of steps, all nicely landscaped and pretty (unlike the first set of steps at the bottom): http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lyon-street-steps-san-francisco?userid=QhYJx2jQdPuSq3fGe3aGcA#e1DG7GOmI0541PN47a3O-g There are approximately 250 stairs and at the top you are rewarded with stunning views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the bridge (depending on how clear it is). http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lyon-street-steps-san-francisco?select=5hCYVWg9qndc0HCcfcQ3ig#5hCYVWg9qndc0HCcfcQ3ig There are crazy ass ninjas who run up and down this for exercise, and there are some who walk up one flight and give up and go back down. Then there are some who drive to the top of the steps and park (on Broadway) for free and just take in the beautiful scenery. Don't judge. If you still want more, there are some hiking trails at the top of the steps that go into the "forest" but we didn't venture out there this time. Thank you Phillip for leading the way. This place was a true hidden gem! We even got to catch a glimpse of the City Grazers (goats) who were still munching away! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lyon-street-steps-san-francisco?select=Ry1QRE_NtmgCn_rjduIyrw#Ry1QRE_NtmgCn_rjduIyrw Best of all, it was FREE! read more
Enjoy a serene view of nicely trimmed greens while bobbing up and down your choice of shallow or steep cement steps. Arrived here in the Presidio on a Saturday morning around 9am with plenty of parking and some energetic folks already on their way out from their stair reps. We had stopped by these steps shortly before heading into the adjacent hiking trails. read more
The address listed for the Lyon Street Steps should be changed from Lyon Street & Green Street to Lyon Street & Broadway Street. If you go to Lyon & Green, you'll be at the bottom of the steps, which is nothing special. So, type into your GPS Lyon Street & Broadway Street and you'll be at the top of the steps. At the top of the steps, there are stunning views of San Francisco facing north towards the bay. From here, you can see Cow Hollow, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Marina District. The steps themselves are located in Pacific Heights. These neighborhoods are mostly residential and very ritzy. The good thing about this is parking is easy to find. There isn't much here, so the area isn't touristy nor trafficky. A lot of folks like to exercise on the steps. There are eight flights of 15 steps on the upper, more "scenic" and decorative, section of the steps. There are two flights of 62 steps on the lower section that ends at Green St. That's 244 steps total. I don't recommend walking them unless you're specifically looking for a workout. It's widely known California Senator Dianne Feinstein owns a house on the steps. Guess which one it is. The entire stretch of steps is privately landscaped, so it always look quite nice. The steps are certainly worth a visit if you have a car and you're in the area. Visiting during the daytime is better. The fancy houses are fun to look at and admire too. read more
[Out-of-Towner Review] Sweat. Check. The view. Check. People watching. Check. Public Heart. Check. Beautiful Homes. Check. Funny thing is, there are two sets of steps here and there are THREE different streets you can use to park to get to any beginning or end of either set. But we didn't know that, so like touristy Sacramentans we started at the very bottom (insert Drake voice), no we're here! We did this leisurely, but I loved seeing people use them for their workout. I was sympathy sweating for them. Definitely a spot that has high foot traffic, but it's a great, quick little spot to visit. You get a great view of the bay and a semi decent view of the Palace of Fine Arts. I loved seeing another "Public Heart" here too. Finding these all over the City makes me smile. It's interesting that there is a gorgeous home right at this spot, but it's gorgeous, to say the least! Tourist or local, they're good for everyone! read more
4 years ago
Love this neighborhood and area. BILLIONARES row? I mean how can you not wish to see the insides of those houses. The views from these stairs are great and typically not too busy. read more
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