Painted Ladies Victorian Walk

🎯 Tour

The Verdict

"The classic photo is from the east side of Alamo Square park facing the houses. Morning light is best. The neighborhood around the park has dozens more painted Victorians on side streets worth exploring."

What you need to know

The Painted Ladies on Steiner Street are the most photographed homes in the city. But the surrounding neighborhoods of Pacific Heights, the Haight, and Noe Valley have equally stunning examples. Walk from Alamo Square east along Hayes Street through Hayes Valley, or head north into Pacific Heights for the grandest mansions in the city.

More Things to Do Nearby

Three Gems (James Turrell Skyspace)

The Richmond

Free and outside the museum, so no ticket needed. The LED light shifts are best at sunrise or sunset. Inside a grass mound behind the de Young. Most visitors walk right past it without knowing it's there.

Community Music Center

The Mission District

A Mission District music school offering classes and free community concerts. Recitals happen regularly and are open to the public. A good way to hear classical, jazz, and world music in an unpretentious setting.

Park

Golden Gate Park

The Richmond

Rent bikes at Stanyan Street and ride west to the windmills. The park stretches over a mile longer than most people realize. The bison paddock and botanical garden are in the quieter western half.

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

The Tenderloin

A music conservatory in the Civic Center with free student recitals and affordable faculty concerts. The performances are high quality and the venues are intimate. Check their events calendar for weekly recitals. A great way to hear classical music without paying symphony prices.

Jack’s Record Cellar

Haight Ashbury

Open Saturdays only, 2pm to 7pm. The owner knows every record in the place. On Haight Street. If you collect vinyl, plan your visit around this narrow window. More neighborhood ritual than retail.

PUSH Dance Company

SoMa

A small SoMa dance studio that hosts performances and workshops in contemporary and modern dance. Shows are intimate and the dancers are skilled. Tickets are usually under $20. A good pick if you want to see cutting-edge dance without the formality of a big theater.