The Painted Ladies of Alamo Square
Experience San Francisco's iconic Painted Ladies, a row of vibrant Victorian homes overlooking Alamo Square Park, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and architectural beauty.
The Painted Ladies, a row of vibrant Victorian houses on Steiner Street across from Alamo Square, are among San Francisco's most iconic sights. Built in the late 19th century, these Queen Anne-style homes, with their intricate details and colorful facades, offer a glimpse into the city's rich history. Alamo Square Park provides the perfect vantage point to admire these architectural gems against the backdrop of San Francisco's modern skyline. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, the Painted Ladies embody the city's charm and resilience, having survived earthquakes, fires, and urban renewal efforts. Their image has been immortalized in numerous movies and TV shows, solidifying their place in pop culture and making them a must-see destination for any visitor to San Francisco.
A brief summary to The Painted Ladies
- San Francisco, Alamo Square, California, 94117, US
Local tips
- Visit during sunset for the best lighting and photo opportunities of the Painted Ladies with the San Francisco skyline in the background.
- Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Alamo Square Park while admiring the view.
- Explore the surrounding Alamo Square neighborhood, known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and charming cafes.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, the Painted Ladies are easily accessible by public transport. Take the Muni bus lines 5, 21, or 22 to the Hayes St & Pierce St stop, which is a short walk to Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies. A single Muni fare is $3.00, or $2.75 if using a Clipper card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass, allowing unlimited rides on Muni, costs $5.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
A taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) from downtown San Francisco to Alamo Square typically costs between $12 and $15, depending on traffic and demand. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Note that surge pricing may apply during peak hours.
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Walking
For those staying in the Hayes Valley or Lower Haight neighborhoods, walking to Alamo Square is a pleasant option. From Hayes Valley, head west on Hayes Street for about three blocks. From Lower Haight, walk north on Steiner Street. The walk is generally flat and takes approximately 20-30 minutes, offering a chance to explore the surrounding neighborhoods.
Discover more about The Painted Ladies
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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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Stanyan House
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Unmissable attractions to see
Alamo Square
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Hayes Valley
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The Fillmore
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Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco
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Japantown
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Peace Pagoda
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Davies Symphony Hall
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Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
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War Memorial Opera House
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Buena Vista Park
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Essential places to dine
Nopa
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Petit Crenn
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Suppenküche
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The Progress
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State Bird Provisions
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Monsieur Benjamin
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Chez Maman West
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Nightbird
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Rich Table
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Kiln
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Starbelly
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rare Device
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The Perish Trust
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Life
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COVE
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Metier
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Reliquary
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minimal
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True
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post.script.
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Rye Cocktail Bar
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The Beehive
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Cityscape
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