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The first thing to know is that the Painted Ladies are older than their nickname—much older! These gorgeous homes were only first referred to by this now indelible name in 1978. (Who takes credit for the moniker is up for debate.)

The homes on Steiner Street were all built between 1892 and 1896, meaning that these lovely Ladies survived San Francisco's most infamous disaster: the earthquake and fire of 1906.

The Painted Ladies also survived generations of change in a city that thrives on it. Many homes in similar Victorian and Edwardian styles were demolished in the 1940s and 1950s, as San Francisco rapidly grew and newer, simpler housing was in demand. 

Beginning in the 1960s, local residents and artists began advocating for the preservation of these unique buildings and painted them in vibrant color palettes. The result was a renewed appreciation for these homes—and the birth of a San Francisco icon.

The blocks around the Painted Ladies are largely free of high-rise buildings, meaning that the sun is often shining on these beauties. Of course, this is San Francisco, where the weather can change suddenly and without warning. Generally speaking, you can avoid our famous fog if you visit the Painted Ladies in the late morning or early afternoon. 

In the morning, the sun will rise behind the Painted Ladies, causing shadows that may dull the vibrancy of their colors. In the afternoon, however, the sun will shine down from the west, illuminating the houses so that they visually pop.

The added height and slope of Alamo Square Park is a boost to photographers. It allows you to see over the Painted Ladies' roofs to the downtown skyline and beyond. This elevated, unobstructed view has become one of the most widely captured in all of San Francisco. With the historic Painted Ladies in the foreground, the modern skyscrapers in the background, and a wide canvas of sky above both, you'll have a view that encapsulates everything breathtakingly beautiful about the City by the Bay.

Wondering what to do after you've soaked in the beauty of the Painted Ladies? Here are a few ideas.

Shopping

A short walk east or west of the Painted Ladies will put you on two of San Francisco's most unique and charming commercial streets. One block to the west is Divisadero Street. From Haight Street to the south and McAllister Street to the north, you'll find a number of local legacy businesses selling anything from comic books to home decor. Walk one block east and hop on the 22 Muni bus to ride a few blocks north along Fillmore Street. Starting at Geary Street, you'll find terrific stores all the way north to Jackson Street.

Dining

The only thing better than the shopping along Divisadero and Fillmore is the eating! No matter what you're craving or your budget, you can find something delicious along either street. Don't overlook the great restaurants popping up south of the park along Haight Street, either. Head east past Fillmore Street to find lively bars and top-notch restaurants in Hayes Valley, too.

Neighborhoods

A visit to the Painted Ladies puts you within walking distance of some excellent San Francisco neighborhoods.

The Fillmore is full of music history, and sits right next to Japantown, with its beautiful monuments and authentic shops. Haight-Ashbury is where San Francisco counterculture began to change the world in the 1960s. Hayes Valley is where boutique retailers and enterprising restauranteurs serve a clientele of both tech disruptors and artistic pioneers alike. You won't be terribly far from the Castro or Mid-Market, either; both can be reached easily on Muni.

Attractions

The Painted Ladies are not far from some of San Francisco's biggest performance venues and museums. A few blocks east in Civic Center, you can take in a performance of the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet, or Opera. You can also visit San Francisco's excellent Asian Art Museum in this neighborhood. Head west and you'll find yourself in Golden Gate Park. An amazing attraction in its own right, Golden Gate Park is also home to the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum.

Why are the Painted Ladies famous?

Their ornate architecture, vibrant color palette, and juxtaposition with their surroundings makes the Painted Ladies utterly unique and exceedingly photogenic. They've become as synonymous with San Francisco as the Golden Gate Bridge. In books, movies, and art, people all over the world see the Painted Ladies and know exactly where they are.

Can you go inside the Painted Ladies?

No. While they draw droves of visitors, the Painted Ladies are not part of a Hollywood set or empty museums; they're homes, and people live in them!

Are the Painted Ladies part of "Full House"?

The Painted Ladies have been featured in many films and TV series over the years. "Full House" is one of the most memorable for millennial travelers. In the opening credits of the classic '90s sitcom, the cast was seen having a picnic and playing in Alamo Square Park, with the Painted Ladies in the background. The characters did not live in one of the Painted Ladies, however; the home that was used as the exterior of the Tanner family home sits a short ride away at 1709 Broderick Street.

Are the Painted Ladies free to visit?

Absolutely! There's no charge for observing the Painted Ladies. You can enjoy them and Alamo Square Park for as long as you like.