Hotel Fiona: Stay for the Secret Tiled Staircase in San Francisco
Last Updated: October 2026
Key Takeaways for Attendees:
- Event Dates: Open daily year-round to the public.
- Location: 16th Avenue and Moraga Street in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood of the Sunset District.
- Transit Options: Direct ride on the Muni N-Judah line from Civic Center Station or a 20-minute rideshare.
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Inquire About Group RatesTucked away in the quiet, residential hills of Golden Gate Heights, the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps showcase one of the city's most inspiring community art collaborations. Ascending 163 stairs, this sea-to-stars mosaic installation turns a steep neighborhood stairway into an extraordinary public gallery.
After a day exploring San Francisco's residential enclaves and hidden stairways, Hotel Fiona offers an artful, serene retreat. Relax in chic boutique surroundings in Mid-Market, positioned at the center of the city's transit system.
About the Event
Created by local ceramic artists alongside more than 300 neighborhood volunteers, the steps were inspired by Brazil's famous Escadaria Selarón. The mosaic panels depict an organic transition from swirling ocean waves, sea creatures, and native flora up toward birds, starry skies, and a blazing sun at the peak.
Climbing to the top brings you to native succulent gardens and a pathway that leads to Grandview Park, offering 360-degree vistas of Golden Gate Park, the Pacific Ocean, and the downtown skyline. Nearby, the Hidden Garden Steps on 16th and Kirkham provide an equally captivating second tiled installation.
Getting to the Event / Activities
From Hotel Fiona, walk two blocks north to the Civic Center / UN Plaza underground station. Board the Muni Metro N-Judah light rail line heading west, exit at 16th Avenue and Judah Street, and take a 5-block walk south up 16th Avenue to Moraga Street.
Alternatively, an on-demand rideshare from Hotel Fiona reaches the base of the staircase in roughly 20 minutes, offering a direct, hill-free journey.
Make It a San Francisco Weekend
Pair your morning stairway walk with an afternoon in Golden Gate Park, visiting the de Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, or the Conservatory of Flowers. Sample fresh dumplings and artisanal bakeries in the Inner Sunset before heading back to Mid-Market for evening dinner and theater.
San Francisco's architectural treasures attract travelers year-round. Reserve your room directly with Hotel Fiona to secure exclusive member rates and design an unforgettable boutique city getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Secret Tiled Staircase located?
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps are located at 16th Avenue and Moraga Street in the Sunset District.
Is there an admission fee to view the steps?
No, the steps are a public neighborhood staircase and are completely free to visit at any time during daylight hours.
How many steps are on the staircase?
The installation features 163 intricately decorated mosaic steps leading up toward Grandview Park.
Learn More About the Secret Tiled Staircase
To read about the history, artists, and neighborhood gardens behind the installation, visit the official website: https://tiledsteps.org