What are the Painted Ladies?

The Painted Ladies are a row of colorful Queen Anne-style Victorian houses located at 710–720 Steiner Street across from Alamo Square in San Francisco. They are among the most recognized examples of California Victorian architecture and are widely known as 'Postcard Row' or the 'Seven Sisters'.

What is the architectural style of the Painted Ladies?

These are Queen Anne-style Victorian and Edwardian houses. The term 'painted ladies' refers to houses repainted in three or more colors to embellish or accentuate their architectural details.

Were the Painted Ladies featured in Full House?

The Painted Ladies are popularly associated with Full House and appeared in the opening credits during the Tanner family picnic scene. However, the actual exterior house used for the show is located at 1709 Broderick Street, not within the Painted Ladies row at Alamo Square.

Where is the best place to take photos of the houses?

The best views are from the edge of Alamo Square Park at the junction of Steiner and Hayes Streets, where visitors can see the houses with the San Francisco skyline in the background.

How do I get to the Painted Ladies using public transit?

You can take the westbound Muni 5 bus and exit at McAllister and Pierce streets, followed by a short walk to Alamo Square Park. Muni lines 21 and 22 also provide access to the area.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Painted Ladies in San Francisco

Painted Ladies

A row of vibrant Victorian homes known as Postcard Row, offering a stunning contrast of 19th-century Queen Anne architecture against the modern San Francisco skyline at Alamo Square.

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What to know

The Painted Ladies are a world-famous row of Queen Anne-style Victorian homes located at 710–720 Steiner Street, directly across from Alamo Square. Built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, these residences are among the most recognized examples of California Victorian architecture. They are celebrated for their architectural resilience, having survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. The term 'Painted Ladies' refers to a specific architectural style—Victorian and Edwardian houses repainted in three or more colors to emphasize intricate details. While the style exists throughout the city, the name became widely popularized in 1978 through a book by Morley Baer, Elizabeth Pomada, and Michael Larsen. This specific row is often called 'Postcard Row' or the 'Seven Sisters' due to its immense popularity with photographers. Beyond their visual appeal, the houses are a pop-culture staple, appearing in more than 70 movies, TV shows, and advertisements. They are most famously associated with the TV show Full House, which featured the homes in the background of the Tanner family picnic scene during the opening credits. This connection has made the site a primary bucket-list destination for visitors worldwide. The surrounding Alamo Square Historic District provides a broader look at the city's growth boom from the late 19th century. Visitors can explore a variety of other Victorian-era styles in the neighborhood, including Italianate and San Francisco Stick architecture, creating a living museum of the city's residential history.

Visitor tips

For the most iconic view, stand at the edge of the park at the junction of Steiner and Hayes Streets.
Take the westbound Muni 5 bus to McAllister and Pierce for a short walk to the park.
Bring a blanket and relax on the grass to enjoy the skyline view behind the houses.
Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the wider Alamo Square Historic District.

Nearby context

The Painted Ladies anchor the eastern side of Alamo Square Park. They are situated within the Alamo Square Historic District, a neighborhood characterized by a dense concentration of Victorian-era homes in Italianate and San Francisco Stick styles.

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