Painted Ladies

The basics

The Painted Ladies sit directly across from Alamo Square, a centrally located park 11 blocks east of Golden Gate Park. It's easy to stop by on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge if you're coming from Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. 

Because of certain bus restrictions, you'll need to book a small-group tour by minivan or an alternative activity such as a bike or walking tour if you wish to take a Painted Ladies tour with a guide. Otherwise, put on your comfiest shoes and walk there from other popular neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, or Pacific Heights.

Things to know before you go

• The Painted Ladies are private homes where San Francisco residents live, so be respectful of their property by not posing for photos on the front steps or near the front doors.

• Street parking can be hard to find in this residential neighborhood, so give yourself time to circle the block if you're driving. There are time limits, so check all signs carefully.

• Bring a jacket for the potential wind or fog that can roll across the city at any minute.

• Tour buses can't stop on the streets closest to the Painted Ladies, so be ready to do a little walking if you're taking a bus tour.

How to get there

The Painted Ladies are on Steiner Street between Grove and Hayes streets. The area is well-connected to downtown San Francisco and elsewhere in the city by public transportation. Bus lines 5 (Pierce and McAllister stop), 21 (Hayes and Steiner stop), 22 (Hayes and Fillmore stop), and 24 (Divisadero and Hayes stop) will get you the closest to the Alamo Square Painted Ladies (tickets are available onboard). You can also take the N light rail line to Duboce Park, seven blocks away.

When to get there

The houses face west, so go just before sunset for a glowing photo op in the best light. Evening and early morning provide better chances for fewer crowds. If you want to do as the locals do, head to Alamo Square on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with a blanket, food, drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker for a relaxation session on the grass.

Exploring Alamo Square

After a multimillion-dollar renovation that ended in 2017, Alamo Square Park features new paths, trees, landscaping, and an accessible restroom. The 12-acre park is home to a tennis court, playground, picnic tables, and plenty of green space. The park is dog-friendly, making it a favorite place for locals to gather—the Tanner family included.

Can you go into the Painted Ladies?a

No, not unless a resident invites you in. The Painted Ladies are private homes and not open to the public except on rare exclusive tours. Be mindful that people live in the candy-colored Victorians—visitors can respect the San Francisco residents by not posing for photos on the front steps or near the front doors.

Are the Painted Ladies worth seeing?

Yes, the Painted Ladies are worth seeing. Made famous by the opening credits of the late-’80s TV show Full House, they're a prime example of San Francisco's candy-colored Victorian architecture. They're also free to visit within walking distance of Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park, and the Lower Haight.

What is the best time to visit the Painted Ladies?

The best times to visit the Painted Ladies are mid-morning and at sunset. You’re less likely to bother residents if you visit during mid-morning, when many people are out for the day. Visitors should remember that these ladies face west, making sunset a great time to take pictures.

What's so special about the Painted Ladies?

Does the TV show Full House ring a bell? The Painted Ladies appeared in that sitcom's opening credits, dozens of movies, and endless postcards. They're also a prime example of the Victorian homes built in San Francisco until the early 20th century—and repainted in candy colors in the 1960s.

Where is the best place to get photos of the Painted Ladies?

It's hard to get a bad shot of the Painted Ladies, no matter where on Steiner Street you happen to be standing. To snap the best photos, stand atop the staircase entrance to Alamo Square in front of Grove Street or farther up the park path towards Hayes Street.

Do people live inside the Painted Ladies?

Yes, people live inside the Painted Ladies. These colorful townhouses may be a tourist attraction, but they are also private homes and not open to the public except on rare exclusive tours. Avoid posing for photos on the front steps or near the front doors, as doing so could disturb residents.

Ways to explore

The Painted Ladies sit directly across from Alamo Square, a centrally located park 11 blocks east of Golden Gate Park. It's easy to stop by on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge if you're coming from Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf.

If you wish to see the Painted Ladies with a guide, you can book a small-group minivan tour, a guided bike ride, or a walking tour—bus tours aren't offered due to local traffic restrictions. Otherwise, put on your comfiest shoes and walk there from other popular neighborhoods including Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, or Pacific Heights.

Accessibility

The sidewalks leading to the Painted Ladies and Alamo Square Park are generally wheelchair accessible, though hills may pose an issue for some.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun or rain protection, water bottle, camera, handheld bag

What to wear

Wear weather-appropriate layers and good walking shoes, especially if visiting as part of a full day out in San Francisco.

Not allowed

Disruptive behavior, off-leash pets in Alamo Square Park

Amenities

Within Alamo Square Park, you’ll find restrooms, picnic areas, walking trails, and recreational facilities.

Address 

The Painted Ladies are located in San Francisco’s central Alamo Square neighborhood, right across from Alamo Square Park. The area is well served by public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services. Tours that include transportation are a good choice for this hilly area.

Driving

While you could drive to the Painted Ladies, parking in the area can be limited. Instead, use taxis or rideshare services for a hassle-free way to travel.

Public transportation

Several local bus routes and light-rail lines serve the area, and stop within 10-12 minutes of the Painted Ladies.

Best times to visit

Aim to visit during the late afternoon golden hour on a clear day, if you can. Alternatively, stop by at sunset to see San Francisco’s lights come on.

Best days to visit

There’s rarely a bad day to visit the Painted Ladies, although weekends are typically busier than weekdays.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, which are often cool and foggy. Spring and early autumn are ideal times to explore San Francisco.