Stairs to See in San Francisco

Looking for some stair climbing and amazing views? Some awesome ones to check out are the 16th Avenue Tile Steps, Lyon Street Steps, and Twin Peaks. These three are the best to do on a clear day so you can see, but I guess if you want a workout, then you can do it in the fog. We haven’t seen all the stairs yet, but we’re planning to soon!

16th Avenue Tile Steps

The famous 16th Avenue Tile Steps are incredible to do and they’re only 163 steps not including the bonus staircase for a better view.

This staircase is perfect for those perfect Instagram pictures or just to see the amazing artwork. As you progress up the steps, the tiled scenes change from ocean, river, flowers, and sun and moon. It’s best to start at the bottom on these to see the tiled artwork as you go up the staircase.

Once you get to the top of these stairs, go down the street a little bit to the right for another short staircase. This wooden one takes you up to a hill where you get a 360 degree view of San Francisco. But know this: it’s very very windy so bring a jacket!

Lyon Street Steps

The Lyon Street staircase is longer with 332 steps, but again, it’s worth the effort. These stairs have amazing landscaping and are absolutely beautiful. When you go, know that this place is very famous for people to run up and down, so don’t be surprised when you see them! You can start at either the top or the bottom of this staircase and either way you’ll have amazing views and a great climb.

Twin Peaks Lookout

Hence the name, Twin Peaks, the lookouts is two twin hills you take flights of wooden stairs up and down for incredible views of the city. If you don’t want to hike the stairs, there is a lookout with benches at the bottoms. Number one tip: Bring a jacket and food shoes! It’s insanely windy and cold, plus the steps are the kind with wood fronts, but filled with dirt and rocks.