The Painted Ladies of San Francisco
Experience San Francisco's iconic Victorian architecture at the Painted Ladies, a vibrant symbol of the city's history and charm, located across from Alamo Square.
The Painted Ladies are a celebrated group of Victorian and Edwardian houses located at 710–720 Steiner Street in San Francisco, facing Alamo Square Park. These homes are renowned for their elaborate architectural details and vibrant, multi-colored paint schemes, which highlight their unique features. The term "Painted Ladies" refers to Victorian or Edwardian houses painted in three or more colors to accentuate their architectural details. Built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, these houses are prime examples of Queen Anne-style architecture. This style, imported from England, is characterized by asymmetrical facades, ornate details, prominent gables, and turrets. The houses have become a symbol of San Francisco and have been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements, most notably in the opening credits of the sitcom "Full House". Originally, Victorian homes were painted in more subdued earth tones. The vibrant colors seen today are the result of a colorist movement that began in the 1960s, when artists and homeowners chose brighter, contrasting colors to emphasize the woodwork and architectural details. This transformation revitalized these homes and solidified their place as iconic landmarks. Located across from Alamo Square, the Painted Ladies provide a stunning backdrop with the San Francisco skyline in the distance. Alamo Square itself is a popular spot for walking, relaxing, and socializing, offering a dual-level playground, tennis court, and dog play area. The park is open from 5 AM to midnight daily.
Local tips
- Visit Alamo Square Park for the best views of the Painted Ladies and the San Francisco skyline.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in Alamo Square Park while admiring the Painted Ladies.
- Walk around the Alamo Square neighborhood to see other examples of Victorian architecture.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photos.
A brief summary to The Painted Ladies
- San Francisco, Alamo Square, California, 94117, US
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Union Square, take the 5-Fulton bus from Market and Powell Streets to the corner of McAllister and Pierce Streets. Walk south (uphill) on Pierce Street for one block to reach Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. A single ride fare is $3.00, or $2.85 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass, good for unlimited rides on Muni buses, trains, and historic streetcars, is available for $5.70 via the MuniMobile app.
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Walking
From Hayes Valley, walk west on Hayes Street about three blocks past the commercial sector. The entrance to Alamo Square Park is at Steiner Street and Grove Street. The Painted Ladies are located across the street from the park on Steiner Street. This is a relatively easy walk, and takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services offer a direct route to Alamo Square. From downtown San Francisco, a taxi ride to Alamo Square typically costs between $9 and $15, depending on traffic. Taxi fares include a $4.15 flag rate for the first one-fifth of a mile, plus $0.65 for each additional one-fifth of a mile and $0.65 for each minute of waiting time. Note that prices may be higher during peak hours or special events. There is no dedicated parking at Alamo Square. Street parking is limited and can be difficult to find. Several parking garages are located within a mile of Alamo Square, with hourly rates ranging from $15 to $30.
Landmarks nearby to The Painted Ladies
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Hayes St
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Victorian houses at McAllister st.
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William Westerfeld House
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Alamo Square Historic District
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Abner Phelps House
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John Spencer House
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The Shortest Street in San Francisco
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Rothschild House
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Delano House
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Civic Center
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Vollmer House
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Bush Street-Cottage Row Historic District
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San Francisco City Hall
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Sarcophagus of Thomas Starr King
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Stanyan House