Painted Ladies San Francisco
Iconic Victorian houses in San Francisco, famous for their colorful facades and prime location in Alamo Square Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Painted Ladies San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Victorian houses in San Francisco, famous for their colorful facades and prime location in Alamo Square Park.
"A quintessential San Francisco postcard view with stunning city skyline backdrops."
🎯 Wear comfy shoes!
San Francisco is hilly; walking to the Painted Ladies is a workout! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Golden hour is magic
Visit at sunset for stunning photos, but expect more people. Early mornings are quieter. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Painted Ladies
Steiner Street between Hayes and Fell Streets
The famous row of colorful Victorian houses, a quintessential San Francisco postcard view.
Alamo Square Park
Across from the Painted Ladies
A beautiful park offering stunning city skyline views and a perfect picnic spot.
Blue Painted Lady Micro Museum
One of the Painted Ladies
Step inside a piece of history with tours showcasing family heirlooms and SF lore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Photos
Embrace the Hills & Public Transit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear comfy shoes!
San Francisco is hilly; walking to the Painted Ladies is a workout! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Golden hour is magic
Visit at sunset for stunning photos, but expect more people. Early mornings are quieter. :camerawithflash:
🎟️ Tour the Blue Painted Lady
Experience history inside one of the houses with a donation-based tour. :ticket:
🌳 Picnic with a view
Alamo Square Park is perfect for a picnic with iconic views. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear comfy shoes!
San Francisco is hilly; walking to the Painted Ladies is a workout! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Golden hour is magic
Visit at sunset for stunning photos, but expect more people. Early mornings are quieter. :camerawithflash:
🎟️ Tour the Blue Painted Lady
Experience history inside one of the houses with a donation-based tour. :ticket:
🌳 Picnic with a view
Alamo Square Park is perfect for a picnic with iconic views. :sandwich:
🚗 Avoid driving if possible
Parking is tough, and car break-ins are a concern. Use public transit or ride-shares. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Painted Ladies a visually striking landmark, especially when viewed from Alamo Square Park, which offers great city skyline views. The Blue Painted Lady tour is highly recommended for its historical insights. While some find the houses' colors muted in person, visiting at sunset or early morning enhances their appeal. The area is safe for walking, though hilly, and offers diverse dining options nearby.
"Beautiful park. Highly recommend stopping by this landmark. The houses are great to look at. There’s also a walk-in exhibit that you can check out. You can say you’ve been inside one of the painted ladies."
Alex Rivera
"Our tour guide was Jack who was an amazing tour guide very informative with all the knowledge of the history of San . From the beginning, he made us feel comfortable and welcomed. He had no issues answering questions that we had had great music and being a photographer . At the end of the tour, we walked away with much knowledge And an amazing new outlook for this wonderful city of San Francisco! We would definitely do this tour again, ensuring that Jack will be our guide."
Maria Garcia
"We came here because my wife really wanted to see the houses immortalized in the opening credits of Full House. We took a Waymo to get there which was a safe and quick way to get there.
There were a fair amount of tourists there taking pictures of the houses. The colours of the houses were pretty muted. I was thinking they would be brighter colours based on their name, something like you might see in the Caribbean.
I’d agree with what others say that being there at sunset would result in much better photos. We were there in the early afternoon. The large trees also did obscure them as previously mentioned by others.
You do get a great view of the city in the background behind the ladies. You can see the Transamerica Pyramid, Bank of America Tower and Salesforce Tower rising above the city in the background.
Worth seeing but wouldn’t quite call it a must see when you are here. If you have time stop by around sunset for the best photos."
Patrick Graham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Painted Ladies are located at Alamo Square Park. You can reach them via public transportation like Muni buses (e.g., the 5 Fulton or 21 Hayes) or BART to Civic Center station, followed by a bus or ride-share. Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging and car break-ins are a concern. Many visitors find walking from nearby neighborhoods safe but hilly. +1
Yes, walking to the Painted Ladies is generally considered safe, as you'll be passing through affluent neighborhoods. However, be prepared for significant hills, making it more of a workout than a stroll.
For the best experience, consider taking public transit like the 5 Fulton or 21 Hayes bus lines, which stop near Alamo Square. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option.
While street parking is available, it can be very difficult to find, especially during peak times. Many visitors and locals advise against driving due to potential parking issues and the risk of car break-ins.
Reddit users suggest routes that incorporate beautiful streets and parks. Consider walking up Lyon Street for the famous steps, exploring Fillmore Street for shops and cafes, or taking Chestnut Street for boutiques.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Painted Ladies from Alamo Square Park is free. However, if you wish to tour inside one of the houses, like the Blue Painted Lady, there may be a donation or ticket fee.
Yes, the Blue Painted Lady offers tours that provide historical insights and a chance to see inside. These tours often require advance booking or donations. +1
Alamo Square Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The Blue Painted Lady museum has specific operating hours, typically Wednesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 8 PM, but it's best to check their schedule.
Alamo Square Park is a public park and has no entrance fee. You can enjoy the views and the park grounds for free.
Information about tours, particularly for the Blue Painted Lady, can often be found on their social media pages or by searching online for 'Blue Painted Lady house tour'.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
For the best light and fewer crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon. Sunset offers a beautiful glow, but can be crowded. The large trees can sometimes obscure views, so timing is key.
The classic postcard view is from Alamo Square Park. Experiment with different angles within the park to capture the houses with the city skyline in the background.
Yes, from Alamo Square Park, you get a fantastic view of the San Francisco skyline behind the Painted Ladies, including prominent buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower.
Absolutely! The neighborhoods surrounding Alamo Square are filled with stunning Victorian architecture. Walking a block or two away from the main row reveals even more intricate homes. 
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire row of houses and the surrounding park. A telephoto lens can be good for isolating details or capturing the city skyline.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Divisadero corridor, a short walk from Alamo Square, offers a wide array of dining options, from BBQ at 4505 Burgers & BBQ to Ethiopian at Oasis and Mexican at El Rancho Grande. Japantown and Hayes Valley also have excellent choices.
Alamo Square Park itself is a popular picnic spot, offering great views. You can pack your own food or grab items from nearby delis and cafes.
For diverse options, explore Divisadero Street for places like Souvla (Greek), Little Star (deep-dish pizza), or RT Rotisserie. For a more upscale experience, Fillmore Street has Michelin-starred restaurants.
Bi-Rite Creamery on Divisadero Street is a highly recommended spot for delicious ice cream, though it can get busy.
This area offers a mix of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, Middle Eastern, Ethiopian, and classic American comfort food. You'll also find great pizza and BBQ.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Painted Ladies themselves are a visual treat, the real fun for kids might be exploring the park and enjoying the open space. Consider a visit to the Blue Painted Lady tour if your children are interested in history, as it offers an engaging way to learn about the house and its past. 📸 Photographers
Sunset provides a dramatic backdrop with the city skyline, but be prepared for more competition for the best spots. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to get the full row and telephoto lenses to focus on architectural details or the distant city landmarks. 🚶♀️ Walkers & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of the Painted Ladies
These houses are not just facades; they are actual residences. One of them, the 'Blue Painted Lady,' even offers tours, providing a glimpse into the history of the house and its former inhabitants, including stories of Gold Rush ancestors and early San Francisco life.
The popularity of the Painted Ladies surged after their appearance in media like the opening credits of the TV show 'Full House' and the movie 'Mrs. Doubtfire.' This has cemented their status as an iconic San Francisco landmark, drawing tourists from around the globe. Despite their fame, they remain private residences, and visitors are reminded to be respectful of the homeowners.
Experiencing Alamo Square Park
The park's elevated position provides an unparalleled vantage point to see iconic city landmarks, including the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance on clear days. It's a popular spot for photographers, especially during the 'golden hour' before sunset, when the light casts a warm glow on the city and the Victorian houses.
Visitors often bring blankets and snacks to enjoy a leisurely afternoon, making it a quintessential San Francisco experience. Beyond the visual appeal, the park is a hub of activity. You might see impromptu games of frisbee, families enjoying the playground, or individuals simply taking a moment to appreciate the urban oasis. The combination of the historic Painted Ladies, the expansive city views, and the lively park atmosphere makes Alamo Square a must-visit destination for anyone exploring San Francisco.
Beyond the Postcard: Exploring the Neighborhood
For those interested in architecture, a walk through the adjacent streets reveals numerous other stunning Victorian homes, showcasing intricate details and unique designs that are characteristic of San Francisco's historic housing stock.
+1 The Panhandle, a long, narrow park stretching east from Alamo Square, also offers a pleasant green space for a stroll. Public art installations and community events can often be found in these areas, adding another layer to the visitor experience. Exploring these neighborhoods allows for a deeper appreciation of San Francisco's charm, moving beyond the iconic postcard view to discover the city's vibrant culture and diverse streetscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit