The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian houses on Steiner Street, facing Alamo Square Park, with the downtown skyline rising behind them. The view from the park’s eastern slope is a classic San Francisco photo. The houses are private homes, so you admire them from the park and sidewalk.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco attractions hub. For the surrounding area, see the San Francisco neighborhood guide.
At a glance
- Where 710 to 720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square Park
- Cost Free
- Park hours 5am to midnight
- Best view From the hill inside Alamo Square Park
- Inside the houses Private homes, not open to visitors
The view from Alamo Square
Walk into Alamo Square Park and up the grassy slope on its east side. From there, the row of houses lines up in front of the city skyline. Many people bring a picnic and stay for a while.
Photo tips
The houses face west toward the park, so they sit in shade in the morning and catch the sun in the afternoon. Late afternoon is the favorite time for photographers. Fog can hide the skyline, so clear days work best for the full scene.
Visiting respectfully
People live in these houses. Stay off the steps and porches, do not block driveways, and keep noise down, especially early in the morning.
More Victorians nearby
San Francisco has thousands of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many painted in bright colors. The streets around Alamo Square have plenty, and so do Haight-Ashbury and the Western Addition. Walk a few blocks in any direction to see more.
What to do nearby
Hayes Valley, a short walk east, has boutiques, cafes and restaurants around Hayes Street. NoPa, just north of the Panhandle, has more places to eat. Haight-Ashbury and the eastern end of Golden Gate Park are about a 20-minute walk west and south.
Getting there
Muni buses run along Fulton Street and Hayes Street, on the north and south sides of the park. From Union Square or the Civic Center, the bus trip is short. Street parking is limited.
Official resources: Alamo Square Park, San Francisco Recreation and Parks, SFMTA trip planner.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go inside the Painted Ladies?
No. They are private homes and are not open to the public.
Where is the best view of the Painted Ladies?
From the hill in Alamo Square Park, looking east across Steiner Street toward the skyline.
How long should I spend at Alamo Square?
About 30 minutes for photos, or longer for a picnic in the park.
Photo credits
Featured image: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; More Victorians nearby: Tobias Kleinlercher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.