The Painted Ladies in San Francisco are a row of colourful Victorian houses located at 710-720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square Park. The term Painted Ladies was first used in 1978 by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their book Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians. The term refers to houses painted in three or more colours, accentuating their architectural details. The Painted Ladies in San Francisco are one of the most iconic and photographed sights in the city, with their striking colours and imposing presence. While you can't go inside the Painted Ladies, there are several ways to admire them, including taking a hop-on-hop-off tour bus or a Movie Sights Tour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 710-720 Steiner Street, Alamo Square Park, San Francisco |
| Direction | East side of Alamo Square Park |
| Transportation | Muni buses, Hop-on-hop-off tour bus |
| Best time for photos | Sunset, midday |
| Style | Queen Anne, Victorian |
| Number of houses | 7 |
| Colors | Pastel, purple, green, lime, vermilion, gold, turquoise |
| History | Built in the 1860s, popularized in 1978 |
| Popularity | One of the most photographed sites in San Francisco |
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What You'll Learn

The Painted Ladies are a row of colourful Victorian houses
The Painted Ladies are a popular attraction in San Francisco, with their striking colours and imposing presence, they have become one of the most photographed sites in the city. Visitors can admire the beauty of these homes and capture memorable photos, especially during sunset when the houses are bathed in a golden glow.
The Painted Ladies are not just a unique feature of San Francisco, but they also serve as a reminder of the city's rich history. The construction of these Victorian-style houses began in the 1860s, following the California Gold Rush in 1849, which caused San Francisco's population to surge. This architectural style, characterised by balconies, porches, and impressive height, reflects the grandeur and prosperity of the era.
While the Painted Ladies in San Francisco are the most famous, there are also Painted Ladies in other US cities such as St. Louis, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. The Painted Ladies in San Francisco have played a significant role in catalysing the appreciation of Victorian architecture and historic houses in general. They stand as a testament to the past, whispering tales of fortunes made and dreams realised during the California Gold Rush.
Although the Painted Ladies themselves cannot be entered, there are various ways to experience them. Visitors can stroll down Steiner Street, capturing the vibrant hues and intricate details of these architectural marvels. Additionally, hop-on-hop-off tour buses and Movie Sights Tours pass by the Painted Ladies, allowing tourists to view the exterior from a different perspective. For the perfect photo, it is recommended to go inside Alamo Square Park, where a rise in the landscaping offers a classic view of the Painted Ladies with downtown San Francisco in the background.
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They are located on Steiner Street, Alamo Square
The Painted Ladies are an iconic site in San Francisco. The term refers to houses painted in three or more colours, accentuating their architectural details. The Painted Ladies in San Francisco are a row of seven pastel-coloured Queen Anne Victorian houses located at 710-720 Steiner Street, Alamo Square.
The Painted Ladies are situated between Grove and Hayes Streets, across the street from Alamo Square Park in the Alamo Square Park neighbourhood of San Francisco. You can get to the Painted Ladies by riding a Muni bus from Fisherman's Wharf, which takes approximately 40-45 minutes. You can also book a hop-on-hop-off tour bus, as several companies include passing the Painted Ladies as part of their loop.
The Painted Ladies are best photographed at midday to get a clear view of Downtown San Francisco in the background or when the sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the houses. The most popular view of the houses can be seen by going inside Alamo Square Park, where there is a rise in the landscaping.
The term "Painted Ladies" was first used by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book, "Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians". However, this style of row houses was first built in the 1860s, with San Francisco's Victorian building boom beginning after the 1849 Gold Rush. Between 1849 and 1915, it is thought that up to 48,000 houses were constructed in San Francisco in the Victorian style.
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The best time to take photos is at midday or sunset
The Painted Ladies are a row of colourful Victorian houses in San Francisco, located at 710–720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square Park. They are one of the most iconic and most photographed sights in the city, with their striking colours and imposing presence. The term "Painted Ladies" refers to houses painted in three or more colours, accentuating their architectural details.
If you're looking to capture the perfect photo of the Painted Ladies, the best time to take photos is at midday or sunset. Here are some tips to make the most of your photo opportunity:
For a clear view of Downtown San Francisco in the background of your photo, visit the Painted Ladies at midday. The sun will be directly overhead, providing even lighting and minimal shadows. Enter Alamo Square Park, where you can find a spot that offers a rise in the landscaping, giving you an elevated perspective of the houses. This is the most popular viewpoint and will provide you with a classic photo of the Painted Ladies.
At sunset, the Painted Ladies take on a whole new character. As the sun dips below the horizon, a golden glow washes over the pastel-coloured homes, creating a warm and dreamy atmosphere. The soft, sidelight from the low-hanging sun will accentuate the textures and architectural details of the houses, making your photos truly stand out. The golden hour light will also complement the vibrant hues of the Painted Ladies, from bold purples and greens to softer pastels.
To get to the Painted Ladies, you can take a hop-on-hop-off tour bus, which includes a pass by the houses. Alternatively, you can stroll down Steiner Street, soaking in the vibrant colours and unique architecture along the way. Remember to take your time, admire the homes, and capture plenty of photos from different angles and viewpoints.
By following these tips and timing your visit right, you'll be able to capture stunning photos of the Painted Ladies at midday or sunset, each offering a distinct and captivating perspective of this iconic San Francisco location.
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The houses were built between 1892 and 1896
The Painted Ladies in San Francisco are a row of colourful Victorian houses located at 710–720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square Park in the Alamo Square Park neighbourhood. The term "Painted Ladies" was first used by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book, "Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians". The style of these row houses began in the 1860s, and the houses now known as the Painted Ladies were built between 1892 and 1896.
San Francisco's Victorian building boom began after the 1849 gold rush, when the city's population rapidly increased from 800 to 25,000 in a single year. Between 1849 and 1915, it is estimated that up to 48,000 houses were constructed in the Victorian style in San Francisco. The Painted Ladies are a visual reminder of this era, with their striking colours and grand architecture.
The Painted Ladies have become one of the most photographed sites in San Francisco. Visitors can admire the houses from Alamo Square Park, where they can capture the iconic view of the houses with the Downtown San Francisco skyline in the background. The best time for photography is said to be at midday or during sunset, when the sun casts a golden glow over the Painted Ladies.
While the Painted Ladies are best known for their exterior beauty, it is possible to see inside one of the houses. Visitors can book a tour that includes entry into one of the homes, allowing them to step into San Francisco's past and experience the grandeur of Queen Anne-style architecture up close.
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You can get there by bus or car
The Painted Ladies are a must-see when visiting San Francisco. These iconic, colourful Victorian houses are nestled along Steiner Street, overlooking the scenic Alamo Square Park. The Painted Ladies are easily accessible and you can get there by bus or car.
If you are located near downtown San Francisco on Market Street, you can take the 21-Hayes Muni bus to Alamo Square, getting off on Steiner Street. Alternatively, you can take bus number 5, 22 or 24 to get to the Painted Ladies. The Painted Ladies are a stop on several hop-on-hop-off tours, so you can also opt for one of those bus tour companies.
If you are new to the city, it might be best to first read up on how to ride the Muni buses. The Muni map will also help you get to the Painted Ladies from different points around the city.
You can also drive to the Painted Ladies. If you are visiting San Francisco with your car, you can drive past the Painted Ladies and park across the street from Alamo Square Park.
The Painted Ladies are numbered 710-720 and are located between Grove and Hayes Streets. They are also sometimes known as the "Seven Sisters" or the "Six Sisters". The Painted Ladies were built between 1892 and 1896, before the famous earthquake and fire of 1906, and are a symbol of San Francisco's architecture.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can go inside the Painted Ladies. They are located at 710-720 Steiner Street, and you can take a walking tour to see inside one of the houses.
You can take the #21-Hayes Muni bus from Market Street to Alamo Square, getting off on Steiner Street. You can also take bus numbers 5, 22, or 24.
The best time to take photos is at midday, when you can get a clear view of Downtown San Francisco in the background. The best shots come when the sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the Painted Ladies.
The Painted Ladies are a row of Victorian and Edwardian houses painted in three or more colours to enhance their architectural details. The name was coined by authors Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book, "Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians".
























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