SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
- Home
- Attractions
- Lincoln Park Steps
Lincoln Park Steps: Tips to Visit this Hidden Gem in San Francisco's Outer Richmond
by Jill Loeffler •
The Lincoln Park Steps in San Francisco is a gorgeous staircase with colorfully tiled stairs. They feature lovely designs with colors of blue, yellow, orange, and green tiles.
The original concrete stairs date back to the early 1900s. Over the years, they fell into some disrepair and needed a face-lift.
In 2007, the organization Friends of Lincoln Park wanted to make a change. They worked closely with the City of SF and interested donors to get a project approved so they could update and beautify the stairs.
California Street dead ends just after 32nd Street. This is where you will find the stairs. At the top is Lincoln Park, which features a golf course, the Legion of Honor, and parts of the Lands End trail.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
More About the Lincoln Park Steps
The Lincoln Park Steps are made up of 52 steps. There are two flights with benches in between and at the top. All sections are covered with stunningly beautiful mosaic tiles.
Here is a view of the entire staircase. It's a little difficult to get a feel for the full design on sunny days.
This is a close-up view of the middle of the stairs.
This is another close-up view where you can see the details within each step.
This is just one of two beautiful benches between the two flights of stairs. There is one on each side of the staircase so you can take a break and just relax when you are visiting this beautiful place.
This is a view from the landing between the two flights. This is the design on the second half of the stairs.
This is the view from the top. It's facing east and you are looking down California Street toward downtown SF.
The benches at the top are also full of wonderful artwork. Here is a close-up of one section of the benches.
>> More things to see and do in the Outer Richmond
Top Tours & Activities Around San Francisco
Best Times to Visit the Lincoln Park Steps
The Lincoln Park Steps are easy to visit all year long. When it's sunny, I try to visit them in the mid-morning so there are fewer shadows on the designs. When it's overcast or foggy, you will get a great view of them because the absence of shadows from the nearby trees allows them to be more vibrant.
The temperatures in this part of SF are usually about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than on the eastern end. The closer you get to the Pacific Ocean, the cooler it becomes in this district. Make sure to bring along some warm clothes if you plan to visit.
You can also learn more about the weather throughout the year by clicking on the links below. Keep in mind this area of the city is always on the cooler end of the ranges provided on each page.
Other Colorful Staircases Around San Francisco
16th Avenue Tiled Stairs: These stairs are some of our most popular. It's a set of 163 stairs with a theme around the stars and the ocean. The most dominant color all the way up and down is a deep blue. It features a sun, moon, and several spiraling waves. You will also see ocean animals and plants throughout its design. It is located in the Inner Sunset District. Learn more here.
Lyon Street Stairs: The Lyon Stairs are used quite a bit by locals in the Pacific Heights District. It's two blocks of stairs starting at Broadway Street. From the top, you get lovely views of the SF Bay and the Palace of Fine Arts. The first section features gorgeously manicured gardens with one of our Hearts of SF at the bottom.
Filbert Street Stairs: The Filbert Street Stairs are also very well known. They run from the Embarcadero up to Coit Tower. Along the way, you will find lovely gardens, flowers, and statues. You can take breaks along the way to admire some of the few Coast Redwoods in SF as well as some art deco works on nearby buildings.
More Top Picks: On my list of 10 best stairways, you will find some additional wonderful options all around SF. Click here to see a list of my favorites.
How to Get to the Lincoln Park Steps
The easiest way to get to the Lincoln Park Steps is on the 1-California bus. You can pick up this bus in the Financial District, Chinatown, or in Nob Hill. It runs the distance of the city along California Street (and Sacramento and Clay Streets for stops east of Van Ness).
This bus has a stop at 32nd and California, which is right where the street dead ends into the Lincoln Park Steps.
A great option from Union Square is the 38-Geary. You can pick it up at Geary and Stockton and take it to the stop at 33rd and Geary. You will then walk back to 32nd Avenue and north two blocks to California Street. Turn left at the corner of 32nd Avenue and California to find the stairs.
From Fisherman's Wharf, pick up the 28 along Beach Street. Take it to the stop at California Street and Park Presidio Blvd. This is where you will transfer over to the 1 and take it all the way to the stop on 32nd Avenue.
Things to See & Do Nearby
Legion of Honor: The Legion of Honor is a fine arts museum just a short distance away from the Lincoln Park Steps. This museum focuses on European art, antiquities, and a wonderful set of traveling exhibits.
Lands End: The Lands End area runs along the waterfront on the northwestern side of San Francisco. It offers a trail that is set high above the water with gorgeous views all around. The trail is less than a half mile from the Lincoln Park Steps with several up and down sections (and plenty of additional stairs).
China Beach: China Beach is a small beach area in the Seacliff District. It sits in the area where the Pacific Ocean and the SF Bay meet. From this small beach, you will get great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's also not as touristy, so it's a great place to escape the crowds.
San Francisco Events by Month
Discover some of the best events and other things to do on my monthly calendars. Click the links below for details.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!