San Francisco, a city celebrated for its stunning vistas and vibrant streets, holds many hidden gems waiting to be explored. Among these, the Lyon Street Steps stand out as a unique attraction, offering a blend of urban exploration, fitness, and breathtaking scenery. Nestled in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood, these steps are more than just a staircase; they’re a local favorite and a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
What makes the Lyon Street Steps so special? For starters, the views from the top are simply mesmerizing. On a clear San Francisco day, you’re treated to panoramic sights encompassing the iconic Palace of Fine Arts, the shimmering San Francisco Bay, and even glimpses of Marin County across the water. It’s a view that truly captures the beauty of the Bay Area.
A picturesque view looking up the Lyon Street Steps, showcasing the manicured greenery and artistic features of the upper section.
This photo captures the upper section of the Lyon Street Steps, known for its beautiful landscaping and distinctive artwork that has gracefully weathered time, adding to its charm.
Beyond the views, the Lyon Street Steps are a beloved spot for locals seeking an invigorating workout. With over 300 steps spanning two city blocks, it’s easy to understand why fitness enthusiasts and personal trainers frequent this location. A climb up these stairs is guaranteed to get your heart rate up and legs burning, offering a unique way to exercise while enjoying stunning surroundings.
My own visits to the Lyon Street Steps are usually brief, often incorporated into explorations of nearby attractions like Billionaire’s Row or the Presidio. Each visit reveals subtle changes, particularly in the artwork along the steps, showcasing the passage of time and the evolving character of this urban oasis.
Exploring the Lyon Street Steps: Section by Section
A breathtaking vista from the summit of Lyon Street Steps, capturing a sunny late summer day with a soft fog rolling over the San Francisco Bay.
This image showcases the captivating views from the top of Lyon Street Steps, taken on a sunny late summer afternoon, with a touch of fog gently embracing the San Francisco Bay in the distance.
The Lyon Street Steps are strategically placed along Lyon Street in Pacific Heights, a neighborhood where the steep terrain made a traditional road impractical. Instead, a staircase was ingeniously integrated into the urban landscape, running north to south.
The ascent begins at the intersection of Broadway and Lyon Streets, marking the upper entrance to this unique stairway.
Descending, or ascending from the lower end, brings you to Vallejo Street, the location of the staircase’s base.
The section between Broadway and Vallejo is arguably the most visually striking. It’s meticulously maintained, adorned with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a piece of public art at the base that embodies the spirit of San Francisco. This lower section offers a particularly inviting view when looking upwards from Lyon and Vallejo Streets.
A view from Vallejo Street looking upward at the Lyon Street Steps, highlighting the inviting ascent and surrounding greenery.
This photograph presents another perspective of the upper Lyon Street Steps, captured several years ago when the artwork was relatively new, showcasing its earlier appearance.
This primary section comprises eight flights of stairs, thoughtfully interspersed with landings. These landings serve as perfect resting points, allowing you to catch your breath and fully absorb the surrounding beauty.
Continuing southward, the steps extend from Vallejo Street towards Green Street for about half a block, marking the second section.
While this segment is characterized by greenery on both sides, the stairs are narrower, and the landscaping is less elaborate compared to the upper section.
Notably, this second section is considerably steeper, adding an extra challenge to your climb. This is evident in a photo taken looking down this steeper segment of the stairs.
A downward view from the top of the second block of Lyon Street Stairs, emphasizing the steepness of this section.
This image, taken at the summit of the second block of Lyon Street Steps, distinctly illustrates the very steep nature of this particular section.
The final, lower section of the Lyon Street Steps, below Green Street, consists of just two flights of stairs, bringing the total count to 332 steps across the entire length.
Planning Your Visit to Lyon Street Steps
The Lyon Street Steps are accessible to the public around the clock, every day of the week. With no admission fee, they represent a fantastic, free attraction in San Francisco, often considered a hidden treasure.
For those aiming to incorporate a workout into their visit, early morning is highly recommended.
Arriving early helps you avoid the busier times when fitness groups and personal trainers are conducting their morning sessions.
A closer view of the upper section of Lyon Street Stairs, emphasizing the well-maintained steps and surrounding foliage.
This image provides a detailed look at the upper section of the Lyon Street Stairs, showcasing the well-kept steps and the lush greenery that frames them.
Mid-afternoon also tends to be less crowded, as many locals are at work, offering a quieter experience for exploring the steps.
If you do visit during busier periods, a simple etiquette tip enhances everyone’s experience: walk on the right side when descending and on the left when ascending.
If you’re in a group, walking single file allows those using the stairs for exercise to pass by easily.
Whether you’re in a group or alone, staying to the sides of the stairs—either the inner or outer edge—facilitates smooth passage for those jogging or running.
Following these simple guidelines ensures a pleasant visit for everyone, whether you’re there for a leisurely stroll or a rigorous workout.
Nearby Attractions to Enhance Your Visit
The Lyon Street Steps are conveniently located near several notable San Francisco attractions, making it easy to combine a visit here with further exploration of the city.
[Link to streetsounds.net articles about nearby attractions if available, otherwise remove this sentence]. Consider exploring Billionaire’s Row with its impressive mansions or the expansive Presidio with its historical sites and green spaces.
For more ideas on what to do in San Francisco, [link to a general San Francisco attractions page on streetsounds.net if available, otherwise remove this sentence].
Getting to Lyon Street Steps
An intersection view of Broadway and Lyon Streets, marking the upper entrance to Lyon Street Steps.
This photo clearly marks the corner of Broadway and Lyon Streets, indicating the top entrance to the Lyon Street Steps.
The upper entrance of the Lyon Street Steps is found at the junction of Broadway and Lyon Street. Spotting this street sign confirms you’ve arrived at the correct starting point.
Directions from Fisherman’s Wharf
From Fisherman’s Wharf, public transportation offers a straightforward route. Take the 8 bus from Powell and North Point Streets and transfer to the 45 bus at Columbus Avenue & Union Streets.
Ride the 45 to the stop at Union Street and Baker Street. From there, walk west for one block along Union Street to Lyon Street, turn left, and begin walking uphill.
You’ll reach the base of the Lyon Street Steps after a short walk of about one and a half blocks.
Directions from Union Square
Reaching Lyon Street Steps from Union Square is also convenient with a couple of public transit options.
You can take the 45 bus and follow the same directions as from Fisherman’s Wharf.
Alternatively, you can catch the 2 bus at Sutter and Stockton Streets. Get off at the California and Presidio Avenue stop.
From there, walk up Lyon Street towards Broadway. This is a six-block walk, and be prepared for some steep hills in the last few blocks.
This walk will bring you directly to the top of the Lyon Street Steps.
Discover More San Francisco Stairways
Filbert Street Stairs: Perhaps San Francisco’s most iconic staircase, the Filbert Street Stairs ascend from the waterfront area to the summit of Telegraph Hill, leading to Coit Tower. [Link to streetsounds.net article about Filbert Street Stairs if available, otherwise use external link like original article: https://www.sftourismtips.com/filbert-street-steps.html].
Greenwich Stairs: Located just a block from the Filbert Street Stairs, the Greenwich Stairs offer a less crowded alternative to reach Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower. [Link to streetsounds.net article about Greenwich Stairs if available, otherwise use external link like original article: https://www.sftourismtips.com/greenwich-steps-in-san-francisco.html].
Explore More Staircases: San Francisco is dotted with numerous other staircases worth discovering. [Link to streetsounds.net article about more San Francisco staircases if available, otherwise use external link like original article: https://www.sftourismtips.com/stairways-of-san-francisco.html].
