Constructed on a steep slope in the Kalorama neighborhood, the steps were intended to provide a pedestrian link between S Street and Decatur Place on a route thought too steep for vehicles. It is the only Washington public park that occupies a street.

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The broad concrete staircase has four levels. Twin balustrade-lined steps curve around an oval-shaped basin containing a lion-head fountain before connecting to a broad brick terrace on S Street. The entire area is lined with a mix of magnolias, eastern red cedars, oaks, and other flowering trees.

The steps are listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing feature in the Sheridan-Kalorama Historic District.

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In recent years the Spanish Steps Foundation and local neighbors planted hundreds of DAFFODILS along the steps that are in glorious bloom each spring.