The term 'Painted Ladies' was coined by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book of the same name.
Architect Matthew Kavanaugh, who built the row, resided in the mansion at 722 Steiner Street, the oldest house on the block.
The houses survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and subsequent fire that leveled much of the surrounding neighborhood.
In the 1960s and 1970s, many of these homes were stripped of their original Victorian detail and painted flat colors before a preservation movement restored their polychromatic aesthetic.
The houses are often incorrectly identified as the specific home used in the television show Full House; however, that filming location is located nearby on Broderick Street.
The Painted Ladies are a row of seven Victorian and Edwardian houses located at 710–720 Steiner Street in San Francisco. Constructed between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh, they are prime examples of the Queen Anne architectural style. The homes are famously known as 'Postcard Row' due to their frequent appearance in media, including the opening credits of the sitcom Full House. The exterior color schemes feature three or more distinct shades to accentuate intricate architectural details like gables, turrets, and balconies. These properties remain privately owned residential homes and are not open for public tours. The row overlooks Alamo Square Park, which provides the classic elevated vantage point for viewing the skyline backdrop.
The grassy slope on the eastern side of Alamo Square Park, which frames the houses with the San Francisco skyline in the background.
Bring a jacket, as the microclimate in Alamo Square often brings sudden fog and wind even on sunny days.
Visit the park early or late in the day to avoid the largest crowds of tourists.
Respect the privacy of the residents by remaining on the public park side of the street.
Do not attempt to knock on doors or request entry, as these are occupied homes, not museums.
Maintain a quiet distance as these are private residences; do not step onto the porches or private property.
