The Painted Ladies sit directly across from Alamo Square, a centrally located park 11 blocks east of Golden Gate Park. It's easy to stop by on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge if you're coming from Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf.
Because of certain bus restrictions, you'll need to book a small-group tour by minivan or an alternative activity such as a bike or walking tour if you wish to take a Painted Ladies tour with a guide. Otherwise, put on your comfiest shoes and walk there from other popular neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, or Pacific Heights.
The Painted Ladies are private homes where San Francisco residents live, so be respectful of their property by not posing for photos on the front steps or near the front doors.
Street parking can be hard to find in this residential neighborhood, so give yourself time to circle the block if you're driving. There are time limits, so check all signs carefully.
Bring a jacket for the potential wind or fog that can roll across the city at any minute.
Tour buses can't stop on the streets closest to the Painted Ladies, so be ready to do a little walking if you're taking a bus tour.
The Painted Ladies are on Steiner Street between Grove and Hayes streets. The area is well-connected to downtown San Francisco and elsewhere in the city by public transportation. Bus lines 5 (Pierce and McAllister stop), 21 (Hayes and Steiner stop), 22 (Hayes and Fillmore stop), and 24 (Divisadero and Hayes stop) will get you the closest to the Alamo Square Painted Ladies (tickets are available onboard). You can also take the N light rail line to Duboce Park, seven blocks away.
The houses face west, so go just before sunset for a glowing photo op in the best light. Evening and early morning provide better chances for fewer crowds. If you want to do as the locals do, head to Alamo Square on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with a blanket, food, drinks, and a Bluetooth speaker for a relaxation session on the grass.
After a multimillion-dollar renovation that ended in 2017, Alamo Square Park features new paths, trees, landscaping, and an accessible restroom. The 12-acre park is home to a tennis court, playground, picnic tables, and plenty of green space. The park is dog-friendly, making it a favorite place for locals to gather—the Tanner family included.
