One of the most recent art projects in the city, the Lincoln Park Steps are located on the edge of Lincoln Park – very close to Lincoln Park Golf Course on 34th Avenue. They are so bright and colorful, and typically quiet especially if you visit in the morning like we did. In fact, try to visit when it’s daylight and ideally a bright day – as this is when the colors of the steps really pop!
To be honest, I had never heard of the Lincoln Park Steps before spending 5 days in San Francisco this year. In fact I happened across these colorful steps by pure chance whilst on the 1-California bus, which I caught from Nob Hill.
You best believe that as soon as I saw the steps from my window seat, I hit that ‘stop’ button and jumped off to take some photos. It was approximately 11 am on a weekday and the steps were quiet so I had them all to myself!
What are the Lincoln Park Steps?
The Lincoln Park Steps are one of the entry ways to Lincoln Park. They have 52 steps in total, each step is covered in beautiful colorful mosaic tiles. They were in fact constructed back in the early 1900’s and were simply the entrance to the Lincoln Park Golf Course, they are inspired by what is known as ‘Beaux Arts’ design which combines ancient Greece, Roman and Renaissance design ideas. This was a very popular design movement at the time of their construction.
Over the years became damaged, dull and lost their appeal to tourists. Thankfully in 2007 the founders of Lincoln Park decided it was time for a complete overhaul of the steps. They used famed local artist Aileen Barr to design the colors and designs on the steps.
Can you get public transport to the Lincoln Park Steps?
The Lincoln Park Steps are located in Lincoln Park on the Western end of California Street
The easiest way to get to the Lincoln Park Steps is on the 1-California bus. You can pick up this bus in Chinatown, in the Financial District or on Nob Hill, like I did. This specific route follows along California Street. Hop off the 1-California at 32nd and California, which is a dead-end residential street as you drive up to this stop you can’t but miss the colorful steps. If you’re unsure as to where to get off you can always ask your driver to give you notice before your stop.
Heading here from downtown, hop on the 38-Geary at Union Square, the exact bus stop you need is located at Geary and Stockton. If you take this bus you will need to get off at 33rd and Geary, you will then need to walk back on yourself a couple minutes to 32nd Avenue and then walk two blocks North onto California Street. Turn left at 32nd Avenue and California Street and voila you will see the Lincoln Park Steps.
Another option is to take the 4 bus from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Van Ness and Sacramento bus stop. It is here you will need to transfer onto the 1-California bus ( as I’ve described above).
Can you walk to the Lincoln Park Steps from downtown San Francisco?
You can walk to the Lincoln Park steps in Lincoln Park from downtown San Francisco, and depending on where you start your journey, it should take you approximately 2 hours each way. For example, if you were to start at Union Square, you would head North to Post Street, turn left at Post Street, and follow that for 1.7 miles before turning right onto Scott Street and then after 300 meters right onto California Street, which you will follow for 2.7 miles.
This is the google maps directions that will take you from Union Square to Lincoln Park Steps.
Best things to do near the Lincoln Park Steps
Bakers beach
A 22 minute walk away via 26th Ave and California is the famed Bakers Beach, this mile-long beach has one of the best photo opportunities in all of San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge right next to you. You’ll also be treated to views of the Marin Headlands and Lands End!
It’s a popular spot for photographers and land fishing. There’s also many picnic benches here, so, pack a picnic and take in the breathtaking views. From Bakers Beach you can access a few awesome walking trails, including the 3 mile Lands End Trail and Mile Rock Beach.
Ocean Beach
This 6-mile-long Ocean Beach is popular with surfers. The beach is so huge that it spans the entire Sunset District, starting at Cliff House and ending at Sloat Boulevard. You will also find some fun things here including the famous Beach Chalet and the San Francisco Zoo.
Ocean Beach is a 45-minute walk from Lincoln Park Steps, via 34th Avenue. Alternatively, you can take the 18-bus from 33rd Avenue & Clement Street.
San Francisco Zoo
San Francisco Zoo is located on the Southern end of Ocean beach. It’s a fun place to visit for kids of all ages. Here you can see a variety of animals from polar bears to gorillas.
Cafes/Restaurants near Lincoln Park Steps
The Garden House Cafe on 3117 Clement Street is a cute Cafe with a great outdoor patio that serves freshly baked cakes, sandwiches and good coffee. The Art Bistro on 2960 Clement Street is a great breakfast spot. And finally, the Legion of Honor Cafe within the Legion of Honor Museum is modern, spacious and has several snack and drink options.
Best Hotels in San Francisco
The Westin St Francis – conveniently located at Union Square, all rooms have great city views and there’s a number of on-site dining options as well as a fitness center.
Fairmont San Francisco – a 5-star hotel located at the top of Nob Hill, the Fairmont is renowned with luxury and many of the hotels rooms offer views of Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. The on-site restaurant is famous, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar serves Polynesian food and has live entertainment nightly.
Hotel Zephyr – is located just 300 meters from Fishermans Wharf plus the rooms are all nautically themed! There’s an on-site mini-mart as well as a shared lounge and a games room.
Phoenix Hotel – this 1950s motor lodge has had a stylish makeover recently. This is one of the only affordable, indie boutique hotels in San Francisco!
Thanks for reading!
P.S I’ve also written a very detailed blog post on the best things to do in Seattle and 10 of the cutest towns near San Francisco I’d love if you could check them out! another favorite blog post of mine is 15 fun things to do in San Francisco with kids!