Mrs. Doubtfire House
The Verdict
"A photo stop, not a destination. It's a private home, so stay on the sidewalk. At 2640 Steiner Street near Broadway in Pacific Heights. Worth combining with a walk through the neighborhood's other Victorians."
What you need to know
The Victorian from the Movie
The house at 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights served as the exterior of the Hillard family home in the 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire.” It’s a well-kept Victorian on a tree-lined block, painted in soft tones, looking exactly the way San Francisco houses are supposed to look in the movies. The interior scenes were actually filmed elsewhere (a converted candy warehouse in the Richmond District) but the facade is the real thing.
What Makes It Worth It
It’s a photo stop, not a destination. The house is a private residence. You can stand on the sidewalk, take a picture, and appreciate a handsome Victorian on a pretty street. That’s the extent of the experience.
What makes the detour worthwhile is the surrounding neighborhood. Steiner Street between Broadway and Vallejo is lined with some of the finest Victorian and Edwardian homes in the city. Pacific Heights in general is a showcase of San Francisco residential architecture at its best. If you walk a few blocks south, you’ll hit the famous Painted Ladies on Alamo Square.
After Robin Williams’ death in 2014, the house became an impromptu memorial. Flowers and notes appeared on the sidewalk for months. It’s quieter now, but fans still stop by regularly.
Skip this if you’re not a fan of the movie or Victorian architecture. There’s no plaque, no exhibit, nothing to “do” here.
Visiting
Address: 2640 Steiner Street, Pacific Heights
Hours: Exterior viewable anytime (it’s a public sidewalk)
Cost: Free
Best time to go: Late afternoon when the light hits the facade. Weekdays are less crowded with other tourists.
What to know: This is someone’s home. Stay on the sidewalk. Don’t ring the bell, peek in windows, or block the driveway.
Getting There
Transit: Muni 22-Fillmore to Pacific Heights, then walk. The 24-Divisadero also stops within walking distance.
Parking: Street parking on Steiner and surrounding blocks. Pacific Heights has 2-hour limits on most streets.
Walking: Combine with a walk through Pacific Heights to see other Victorian mansions, or head south to Alamo Square for the Painted Ladies.
📍 Location: This activity is in Pacific Heights. Explore the neighborhood →
