Alta Plaza Park Terraced Summit: The Stepped Amphitheater

Why is it significant?

Climb the grand, stepped earth terraces of Alta Plaza Park, rising to an elevation of four hundred thirty feet above sea level at the summit of Pacific Heights. Acquired by the city in 1858, this twelve-acre hilltop was originally a windswept quarry and grazing pasture for Gold Rush dairy cows.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Climb the grand, stepped earth terraces of Alta Plaza Park, rising to an elevation of four hundred thirty feet above sea level at the summit of Pacific Heights. Acquired by the city in 1858, this twelve-acre hilltop was originally a windswept quarry and grazing pasture for Gold Rush dairy cows. In the 1890s, master park superintendent John McLaren landscaped the hill with rolling lawns, cypress groves, and monumental southern stairs carved into cascading garden terraces, creating an open-air neoclassical amphitheater.

Stand on the paved summit promenade beside the tennis courts and spin slowly in a complete circle to take in one of San Francisco's most awe-inspiring panoramas. To the north, the sparkling blue waters of San Francisco Bay open toward Marin County and the Marin Headlands; to the east rise the glass spires of the downtown financial canyon; and to the south, thousands of colorful Victorian rooftops ripple across the Mission and Twin Peaks valleys like an ocean of pastel timber.

Cinephiles will instantly recognize the grand southern staircase dropping toward Pierce Street. In 1972, director Peter Bogdanovich filmed the climactic comedy car chase for 'What's Up, Doc?' starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal right here, intentionally driving four cars down the concrete steps and chipping the stone treads, an incident that prompted city supervisors to strictly regulate filming in public parks. The meticulous craftsmanship visible in every stone foundation and timber balustrade serves as a living testament to the community's extraordinary dedication to historic preservation and public enjoyment. The meticulous craftsmanship visible in every stone foundation and timber balustrade serves as a living testament to the community's extraordinary dedication to historic preservation and public enjoyment.

On clear afternoons, the sun sets directly through the Golden Gate, casting a warm golden glow across the stepped terraces where neighborhood dogs and children play.

Walk north down the hill along Steiner Street to Broadway, arriving at the world-famous Gold Coast mansion corridor.