How to Visit the Painted Ladies, San Francisco
Last Updated on 7th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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One of the most iconic vistas of San Francisco is undoubtedly that of the Painted Ladies, a row of seven pastel hued Queen Anne Victorian houses in the Alamo Square Park neighborhood in the Fillmore section of San Francisco. Here’s how to visit the Painted Ladies of San Francisco, as well as what to know before you go.
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What is a Painted Lady?
Painted Ladies is not just the term for the row of Victorian House sin SF. Instead, Painted Ladies is a general term in American architecture which denotes a row of Victorian or Edwardian houses which have been repainted (usually post 1960s) in three or more bright colours with plenty of embellishments.
It’s worth noting that, while the Victorians were not ones to shy away from painting structures in bright colours, the tones used on Painted Ladies today would not have been used historically.
The term was actually first coined in the book by Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen, Painted Ladies: San Francisco’s Resplendent Victorians, which was published in 1978.
There are actually Painted Ladies in other US cities, including St. Louis, Baltimore, and Cincinnati. However, those of SF remain the most famous.
How did the Painted Ladies come about?
Between 1849 and 1915, it’s thought that up to 48,000 houses were constructed in San Francisco in the Victorian style. They were painted in all kinds of different colours, though during the World Wars many were painted in battleship gray.
It wasn’t until 1963 when the San Francisco artist Butch Kardum began painting his house in bright colours that others soon followed suit, leading to the brightly coloured Painted Ladies appearance that so many people enjoy to this day. The trend was known as the “Colorist Movement.”
Though there are dozens of Victorian and Edwardian houses still standing in SF today, when referring to the Painted Ladies, most people are talking about the row of seven houses at 710–720 Steiner Street, just across from Alamo Square Park, on the eastern side of the green space.
These houses are sometimes fondly referred to as ‘Postcard Row’ or the ‘Seven Sisters’ on account of their stunning appearance. Another area where you can enjoy beautiful Painted Ladies is in Haight-Ashbury. One particular group of Victorian homes in this district which is starting to become famous is the four seasons.
How to see the Painted Ladies in San Francisco
The easiest way to visit the Painted Ladies (you can only see their exteriors) is by heading to Alamo Square Park. It’s a popular spot for picnics in the summer months and you can enjoy your snacks while overlooking the houses, with a further view of the city beyond.
The best time to visit is undoubtedly sunset when the beautiful colors of the sky are reflected on the equally beautiful gingerbread gabling, multiple balconies, overhanging eaves, detailed brackets, and stained glass paneling of the homes.
You can also book a hop-on-hop-off tour bus as several companies include passing the Painted Ladies as part of their loop. Alternatively, another way to see the exterior of the Painted Ladies is by booking onto a Movie Sights Tour like this one.
For more inspiration about visiting San Francisco, check out our guides on the best things to do in San Francisco and our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in San Francisco.
The Painted Ladies in Popular Culture
If you want to see their interiors, you’ll have to do that by watching YouTube or by watching a movie (unless you follow my tip below). Indeed, so emblematic of the city are these seven houses that they have been used in countless film productions over the years (well over 70).
One particular film that truly features one of the Painted Ladies is the 1978 version of the Bodysnatchers, which features 720 Steiner street. The film showcases a number of the house’s interiors, thus lifting the lid on an interior that is otherwise little seen.
Other films which feature the Painted Ladies of SF include:
- The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
- Shut Up Little Man (2011)
- Bicentennial Man (1999)
- So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993)
- “Full House” (TV show: 1987–1995)
- The Woman in Red (1984)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
- The Conversation (1974)
- Dirty Harry (1971)
Does anyone live in the Painted Ladies San Francisco?
Yes, all of the Victorian houses are privately owned and it’s not possible to enter most of them. Currently none of the Painted Ladies are used as tourist accommodation.
Every few years, one of the houses ends up for sale and these historic landmarks are so iconic that it often makes the news when one is put up for sale!
Visiting the inside of the Painted Ladies
As of 2021, it has been possible to enter the inside of the blue painted house, i.e. No. 712 Steiner Street. The guided tour is by homeowner George Horsfall and allows visitors to see the top three floors of the home. You can find more details on Instagram @bluepaintedladyhousetour.
Tours cost a suggested donation of $20, with funds raised going to charities, funds, and causes. Alternatively, you can book a visit through Airbnb experience. Check more information here.
