The Painted Ladies in San Francisco’s Western Addition district are six adjoining Queen Anne-style houses that perfectly represent the soul of the city. They’re neat, orderly and inviting in a communal sense. Walk past these houses on Steiner Street in the city’s core and you will have experienced a part of San Francisco that is historically entrenched in people’s minds.
A number of movies and TV series have used the Painted Ladies as their setting, adding to their popularity. Don’t look for any bus tours that travel down their street because they’ve been prohibited from stopping in the area. Take public transit to the corner of Hayes and Steiner streets and arrange to be there when the sun is getting low for impressive photography. Minivan, walking and bicycle tours are other options to take.
Prior to the 1906 earthquake, the city had many houses in the same style as the Painted Ladies, but these private homes are among the few that survived the disaster, while others fell victim to redevelopment. Walk across the street to view this area from Alamo Square to get a sense of these houses being surrounded by a major city. The picturesque location is also known as Postcard Row.
The 12-acre (5-hectare) dog-friendly park, Alamo Square, is a cultural experience in a community that seems to take a casual approach to life with its relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy many activities in the park, which includes a tennis court, playground and picnic tables, making it a popular family destination.
Take photos of the Painted Ladies, but remember that these are people’s homes. Refrain from posing on doorsteps or next to front doors. If driving, street parking is limited find a spot elsewhere in the vicinity. Be sure to also visit trendy shops, intimate cafés and excellent restaurants throughout the Western Addition neighborhood.
