Painted Ladies
The Painted Ladies are the best-looking ladies in San Francisco, especially against that jaw-dropping backdrop. Here's how to find them, fun facts, and what to do in the neighborhood.
Along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park is one of the most iconic and most photographed sights in San Francisco. These pastel-colored homes, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on the gentle slope of Steiner Street, are called the Painted Ladies. Also known as "postcard row" for their scenic beauty, these Victorian homes (still occupied by locals) are a beautiful reminder of the San Francisco of old, while the gleaming downtown skyline of new San Francisco shimmers in the distance.
Most visitors have this location at the top of their San Francisco bucket lists, as it has been featured in some of the most popular stories set in San Francisco—perhaps most famously, "Full House."
Did you know?
The nickname, the Painted Ladies, is a more recent one. The name took hold in 1978 and doesn't specifically refer to these specific houses but rather their style.
Movies featuring the Painted Ladies:
- The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
- Shut Up Little Man (2011)
- Bicentennial Man (1999)
- So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)
- "Full House" (TV show: 1987–1995)
- The Woman in Red (1984)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
- The Conversation (1974)
- Dirty Harry (1971)
General Visitor Info
The park is surrounded by beautiful homes—though none as eye-catching as the Painted Ladies. You'll notice that many homes built in the Queen Anne style have similar architectural features: balconies, porches, and incredible height.
Take your time in admiring these homes, and be sure to snap plenty of photos. We think the best shots come when the sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the Painted Ladies.
There are other gorgeous corners of Alamo Square Park. Grassy, open lawns are perfect for a picnic, a ball game, or a run for your four-legged friend. Yep, there's a dog park in the northwest corner of the park. And don't forget about getting a cup of coffee from the Lady Falcon Coffee truck, serving coffee every day from the middle of the park.
How to Get There
From most downtown and Union Square hotels, you can hop on the westbound #5 Muni bus and exit at McAllister and Pierce streets. From there, it's just a short walk to Alamo Square Park.
To reach the Painted Ladies from different points around the city, consult the Muni map.
Surrounding Neighborhoods
To the east of Alamo Square Park, you'll find Hayes Valley, with its boutiques and excellent restaurants; the Fillmore, with its historic music venues, high-end retail, and terrific bars.
Just one block west of the park is Divisadero Street, a major thoroughfare lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Travel north on Divisadero to reach Pacific Heights and the Marina. Travel south to reach the Castro and Noe Valley.
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