To Do San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco, California
To Do San Francisco
Mosaic Staircases of San Francisco January 12, 2026
Mentioned in this episode:
- AileenBarr.com - Mosaic tile staircase artist
- ColetteCrutcher.com - Mosaic tile staircase artist
- San Francisco Stairways map and information - www.sfstairways.com/stairways/
©2026 Sublime Experiences LLC. ℗2026 Sublime Experiences LLC. All rights reserved.
Hola, this is Jamie, and you're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Monday, January 12th, 2026. This Monday, take a breath and step forward with confidence. You're capable, you're grounded, and this week is full of possibility. If you're looking for some of San Francisco's most inspiring public art, you've got to check out the city's iconic tiled staircases by artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher. Two creatives who've helped transform ordinary steps into breathtaking community-built mosaics across the Bay Area. You can learn more about their work and projects on their websites AileenBarr.com and ColetteCrutcher.com (links will be in the show notes) to see galleries of their art and other installations around the city and beyond. Here are three of San Francisco's best mosaic staircases for you to visit. First, the 16th Avenue tiled steps, also known as Moraga Steps. This is perhaps San Francisco's most famous mosaic staircase, a sweeping 163-step flight rising up 90 feet in Golden Gate Heights, covered with a sea to sky design that includes over 2,000 unique tiles and 75,000 fragments of tile, mirror, and glass. It was a true neighborhood collaboration with locals sponsoring tiles and helping fund the project that was unveiled in 2005. You can take an N-Judah MUNI subway train to get there. Second, the Hidden Garden Steps. Just a short walk away from the 16th Avenue tiled steps, this lesser known but equally delightful tiled stairway features a garden theme, with flowers, insects, butterflies, and salamanders woven into the mosaic panels across 148 steps. Installed in 2013, the design invites you to slow down and notice the details nestled in the tile work. Finally, the Lincoln Park Steps. Head over to the western edge of the city near Lincoln Park, where Aileen Barr's mosaic work brings vibrant tile art to a wide set of steps leading up into the park. These tiles, inspired by natural motifs and beaux- arts patterns, brighten this entryway into one of San Francisco's most scenic park spaces at the end of California Street. You can ride the MUNI 1-California bus to get there. Whether you're an art lover, a walker looking for a scenic urban hike, or just want a truly San Francisco spot for photos and exploration, these tiled steps are a perfect free outing to brighten your day and celebrate creativity in the city. Today's act of kindness - Genuinely check in on someone. Send a thoughtful text, make a phone call, ask how they're really doing, and take a moment to listen. Thanks for spending part of your day with me. Take care, be kind to yourself, and have a truly joyful Monday.