Distelfalter
Die Painted Ladies sind die schönsten Frauen in San Francisco, besonders vor dieser atemberaubenden Kulisse. Hier erfahren Sie, wie Sie sie finden, interessante Fakten und was Sie in der Nachbarschaft unternehmen können.
An der Ostseite des Alamo Square Parks befindet sich eine der berühmtesten und am häufigsten fotografierten Sehenswürdigkeiten von San Francisco. Diese pastellfarbenen Häuser, die Schulter an Schulter am sanften Hang der Steiner Street stehen, werden Painted Ladies genannt. Diese viktorianischen Häuser (die immer noch von Einheimischen bewohnt werden) sind aufgrund ihrer malerischen Schönheit auch als „Postkartenreihe“ bekannt und eine schöne Erinnerung an das alte San Francisco, während in der Ferne die glänzende Skyline des neuen San Francisco schimmert.
Dieser Ort steht bei den meisten Besuchern ganz oben auf der San Francisco-Bucket-List, da er in einigen der beliebtesten Geschichten vorkommt, die in San Francisco spielen – die berühmteste davon ist wahrscheinlich „Full House“.
Where Are The Painted Ladies?
The Painted Ladies sit along San Francisco's Steiner Street, between Hayes and Grove streets. They are on the east side of the street, opposite the popular Alamo Square Park.
The Painted Ladies sit at the intersection of three great San Francisco neighborhoods: the Fillmore, Haight-Ashbury, and Hayes Valley.
From hotels downtown and in Union Square, you can easily reach the Painted Ladies aboard the 5, 5R, and 6 Muni buses.
The History of the Painted Ladies
The first thing to know is that the Painted Ladies are older than their nickname—much older! These gorgeous homes were only first referred to by this now indelible name in 1978. (Who takes credit for the moniker is up for debate.)
The homes on Steiner Street were all built between 1892 and 1896, meaning that these lovely Ladies survived San Francisco's most infamous disaster: the earthquake and fire of 1906.
The Painted Ladies also survived generations of change in a city that thrives on it. Many homes in similar Victorian and Edwardian styles were demolished in the 1940s and 1950s, as San Francisco rapidly grew and newer, simpler housing was in demand.
Beginning in the 1960s, local residents and artists began advocating for the preservation of these unique buildings and painted them in vibrant color palettes. The result was a renewed appreciation for these homes—and the birth of a San Francisco icon.
The Best Time to Visit the Painted Ladies
The blocks around the Painted Ladies are largely free of high-rise buildings, meaning that the sun is often shining on these beauties. Of course, this is San Francisco, where the weather can change suddenly and without warning. Generally speaking, you can avoid our famous fog if you visit the Painted Ladies in the late morning or early afternoon.
In the morning, the sun will rise behind the Painted Ladies, causing shadows that may dull the vibrancy of their colors. In the afternoon, however, the sun will shine down from the west, illuminating the houses so that they visually pop.
The added height and slope of Alamo Square Park is a boost to photographers. It allows you to see over the Painted Ladies' roofs to the downtown skyline and beyond. This elevated, unobstructed view has become one of the most widely captured in all of San Francisco. With the historic Painted Ladies in the foreground, the modern skyscrapers in the background, and a wide canvas of sky above both, you'll have a view that encapsulates everything breathtakingly beautiful about the City by the Bay.
Know Before You Go
Here are a few things to remember before you set out to see the Painted Ladies.
- The Painted Ladies are very popular, so you can expect the east side of Alamo Square Park to always be busy with visitors. Everyone wants to get the perfect snapshot or selfie, so be polite and be aware of your surroundings.
- If you want to get a close-up look at the Painted Ladies, do so respectfully. These are residential homes, after all; people live inside them! You wouldn't want strangers hanging out on your front steps or driveway just to boost their Instagram following.
- The neighborhood around the park is residential, with the park serving as residents' collective backyard. If you have a picnic in the park, be sure to pick up your trash. If you're visiting with a big group, be respectful of other people's space. And if you're in the park at night for a starry snapshot, don't make too much noise.
- Alamo Square Park is dog-friendly. The west side of the park has a designated off-leash area where your four-legged friend can romp around. On the east side of the park, which is typically more crowded, it's best to keep your dog leashed. You never know who might not be comfortable around your pet—or who might have the best snacks that could distract them!
- Alamo Square Park is accessible to travelers with any mobility limitations. The southeast entrance at the corner of Hayes and Scott streets is accessible to wheelchair users. There is also an accessible picnic area and accessible restroom at the center of the park.
- On weekdays, the park is busiest between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays will see crowds forming as early as 10 a.m. On a gorgeous day, you can spend hours relaxing in the park; but if seeing the Painted Ladies is just one item on your jam-packed San Francisco itinerary, you can allot 20 minutes for a visit.
Things to Do Near the Painted Ladies
Wondering what to do after you've soaked in the beauty of the Painted Ladies? Here are a few ideas.
Shopping
A short walk east or west of the Painted Ladies will put you on two of San Francisco's most unique and charming commercial streets. One block to the west is Divisadero Street. From Haight Street to the south and McAllister Street to the north, you'll find a number of local legacy businesses selling anything from comic books to home decor. Walk one block east and hop on the 22 Muni bus to ride a few blocks north along Fillmore Street. Starting at Geary Street, you'll find terrific stores all the way north to Jackson Street.
Dining
The only thing better than the shopping along Divisadero and Fillmore is the eating! No matter what you're craving or your budget, you can find something delicious along either street. Don't overlook the great restaurants popping up south of the park along Haight Street, either. Head east past Fillmore Street to find lively bars and top-notch restaurants in Hayes Valley, too.
Neighborhoods
A visit to the Painted Ladies puts you within walking distance of some excellent San Francisco neighborhoods.
The Fillmore is full of music history, and sits right next to Japantown, with its beautiful monuments and authentic shops. Haight-Ashbury is where San Francisco counterculture began to change the world in the 1960s. Hayes Valley is where boutique retailers and enterprising restauranteurs serve a clientele of both tech disruptors and artistic pioneers alike. You won't be terribly far from the Castro or Mid-Market, either; both can be reached easily on Muni.
Attractions
The Painted Ladies are not far from some of San Francisco's biggest performance venues and museums. A few blocks east in Civic Center, you can take in a performance of the San Francisco Symphony, Ballet, or Opera. You can also visit San Francisco's excellent Asian Art Museum in this neighborhood. Head west and you'll find yourself in Golden Gate Park. An amazing attraction in its own right, Golden Gate Park is also home to the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum.
Filme mit den Painted Ladies:
- Fünf Jahre Verlobung (2012)
- Halt die Klappe, kleiner Mann (2011)
- Der 200 Jahre Mann (1999)
- Also heiratete ich einen Axtmörder (1993)
- „Full House“ (Fernsehserie: 1987–1995)
- Die Frau in Rot (1984)
- Die Körperfresser kommen (1978)
- Der Dialog (1974)
- Dirty Harry (1971)
Painted Ladies FAQ
Why are the Painted Ladies famous?
Their ornate architecture, vibrant color palette, and juxtaposition with their surroundings makes the Painted Ladies utterly unique and exceedingly photogenic. They've become as synonymous with San Francisco as the Golden Gate Bridge. In books, movies, and art, people all over the world see the Painted Ladies and know exactly where they are.
Can you go inside the Painted Ladies?
No. While they draw droves of visitors, the Painted Ladies are not part of a Hollywood set or empty museums; they're homes, and people live in them!
Are the Painted Ladies part of "Full House"?
The Painted Ladies have been featured in many films and TV series over the years. "Full House" is one of the most memorable for millennial travelers. In the opening credits of the classic '90s sitcom, the cast was seen having a picnic and playing in Alamo Square Park, with the Painted Ladies in the background. The characters did not live in one of the Painted Ladies, however; the home that was used as the exterior of the Tanner family home sits a short ride away at 1709 Broderick Street.
Are the Painted Ladies free to visit?
Absolutely! There's no charge for observing the Painted Ladies. You can enjoy them and Alamo Square Park for as long as you like.
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