Painted Ladies Tours and Activities

Made famous by the opening credits of the late-’80s TV show Full House, San Francisco’s Painted Ladies are a prime example of the city’s candy-colored Victorian architecture. Also known as Postcard Row, the houses stretch uphill, boasting a view of the downtown skyline beyond.
The Basics
The Painted Ladies sit directly across from Alamo Square, a centrally located park 11 blocks east of Golden Gate Park, making it easy to stop by on your way to Golden Gate Park 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 like a bike or walking tour if you wish to visit the Painted Ladies with a guide. Otherwise, put on your comfiest shoes and walk there from other popular neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, Hayes Valley, or Pacific Heights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- 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.
- Coaches and other large tour buses are not allowed to stop on the streets closest to the Painted Ladies, so be ready to do a little walking if you’re taking a big-bus tour.
How to Get There
The Painted Ladies are on Steiner Street between Grove and Hayes streets. City buses 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, or take the N light rail line to Duboce Park, about a 7-block walk from Alamo Square.
When to Get There
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 less 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.
Exploring Alamo Square
After a multimillion dollar renovation that ended in 2017, Alamo Square 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. Dogs are allowed, making this a favorite place for locals to gather—the Tanner family included.
Address: Alamo Square - Steiner and Hayes Streets, San Francisco, California 94117, USA
43 Tours and Activities to Experience Painted Ladies
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Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour
430
Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this "painted ladies" tour by vintage Volkswagen bus decorated with long gorgeous eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and the Castro, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, and more.
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From
$85.00
Price varies by group size
From
$85.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour
145
Avoid the crowds, confusion, and limitations of large buses and discover San Francisco by luxury minivan. This half-day tour takes you to numerous parts of the city for the perfect overview. Enjoy fascinating facts provided by your guide's live commentary. Stop for photo opportunities at some of the city’s most popular attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.
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From
$89.00
From
$89.00

Painted Ladies and the Western Addition
1
We provide the only tour in San Francisco that goes to both the Painted Ladies/ Alamo Square and Lombard Street without requiring walking. These are the two most requested sites in the city. We also provide a small group experience so that you can truly enjoy the tour
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From
$158.67
From
$158.67

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour
2201
Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a choice of 2 different passes. Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. Go at your own pace, hopping off at any of 16 stops, exploring at your leisure, and then hopping back on when you're done. Choose the Premium pass to include a night tour or a Deluxe pass for an additional 24 hours of hop-on-hop-off and a night tour.
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From
$36.00
From
$36.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Private Tour: Personal Travel Photographer Tour in San Francisco
2
Explore San Francisco in the company of a professional photographer on this private tour. Choose a custom route through the city that is tailored to your interests. As you stroll, your photographer-guide will capture candid moments of you on your vacation. After the tour, all your images are available to download.
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From
$280.36
per group
From
$280.36
per group

Vantigo San Francisco City Tour
298
Step aboard a vintage Volkswagen bus for a San Francisco city tour. Travel down streets a typical tour bus can't access while your guide fills you in on the history of the City by the Bay, from the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley. Get views of landmarks such as Twin Peaks, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Painted Ladies as you travel through distinct city districts.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00

Streets of San Francisco Guided Electric Bike Tour
7
Explore the streets of San Francisco on two wheels. This easy guided bike tour takes you to many of the city’s most notable neighborhoods and attractions. Pedal past the Transamerica Pyramid and through bustling North Beach; peruse the Mission and Castro districts and the Haight-Asbury, home of 1960s hippie counterculture; and visit popular sites such as Fisherman’s Wharf and AT&T Park. Your guide will provide information and history on local landmarks en route, and there’s also a stop for lunch (added cost). At the end of the tour there’s even time to do your own exploring.
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From
$69.00
From
$69.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

San Francisco Private Sightseeing Tour
4
Make your visit to San Francisco easy by taking this private sightseeing tour that includes round-trip transport in a luxury vehicle of your choice and bridge tolls. See some of the city’s most famous and memorable areas as this tour takes away the stress of maneuvering through the streets and parking in congested areas. Walk down Pier 39, stop for a cannoli in North Beach, see historic cable cars at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, and take photos of the windmills in Golden Gate Park. Whatever you choose to do, it's up to you when and where to stop.
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From
$269.00
per group
From
$269.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
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Full Day Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf
46
Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day bike rental. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and other culturally rich and unique San Francisco neighborhoods. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay. The entire fleet of equipment is sanitized regularly and curbside pick-up is available to ensure that your rental experience is safe and enjoyable.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

Night Tour: Happy Hour History of SF
44
Get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today aboard a colorful 1970s-era Volkswagen bus. Enjoy the illuminated city during this night tour that takes you to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. Check out the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. So dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet and shake some beaded curtains. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

City and Sea Adventure: 1 Day Hop-On Hop Off Pass and San Francisco Bay Cruise
14
In just one day, experience the best of San Francisco by land and sea with this combo package that includes two hop-on hop-off bus tours and a cruise. Check out the top attractions of San Francisco, wind through the downtown streets, and cross over the Golden Gate Bridge. Each hop-on hop-off bus tour lasts 60 minutes to 2 hours and offers live commentary. The 1-hour boat cruise takes you through San Francisco Bay, giving you prime views of Crissy Fields, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
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From
$79.99
From
$79.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Hello San Francisco! - Painted Ladies, Castro & Mission District Private Tour
1
First time in San Francisco? Wondering where to go and what to see in this colorful city? We got you! Kickstart your time in San Francisco with a 90-minute introduction of two of its unique neighborhoods with the help of your favorite local. See the main highlights of San Francisco’s Castro and Mission areas and discover the best the city has to offer. Your local host will answer all of your travel questions and will provide you with local insights and recommendations according to your liking.
On this private tour, you’ll visit the must-see historical spots, but also find hidden places that will give an authentic feeling of the character and contrasts in these parts of the city. Start at the iconic Painted Ladies, see where the city takes time out at Dolores Park, and walk among the bright, bold street art of Clarion Alley. Hear all about how The Castro helped to make San Francisco the gay capital of the world. Ready for a unique private journey to the past?
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From
$48.50
Price varies by group size
From
$48.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

4-Hour Painted Ladies and Haight-Ashbury GoCar Tour
On this tour, you will see everything on the extensive 3 hour tour plus you will take the options that include a winding detour to the top of Twin Peaks, 922 feet above the City, where on a clear day you can see an epic panoramic view of San Francisco. You will then descend back down to Alamo Square to view the Painted Ladies, made famous by the popular TV show Full House, working your way back to the Presidio and Lombard Street.
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From
$228.38
per group
From
$228.38
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Private San Francisco Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito By SUV
10
See more of the San Francisco Bay Area on a private full-day tour by SUV. Your knowledgeable driver-guide takes you to the places you want to see most, mixing natural wonders like Muir Woods with sightseeing at the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and throughout San Francisco. By SUV you can take on crooked Lombard Street, the hill to Coit Tower, and the windy road to Sausalito. See the Painted ladies in Alamo Square, Chinatown, the shops of the Haight-Ashbury, Union Square, and more.
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From
$848.00
per group
From
$848.00
per group

Classic Sidecar Tour of San Francisco
17
Enjoy the wind on your face as you're whisked through San Francisco on this private motorcycle tour with a twist: you get to ride in the sidecar. From Chinatown to the Golden Gate Bridge, your guide drives you through the city and helps to showcase its charm. Highlights include passing the famed Painted Ladies, cruising through the countercultural hub of Haight-Ashbury, and admiring the greenery in Golden Gate Park—all with your personal guide.
…More
From
$160.00
From
$160.00
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More

Entertaining Tour of San Francisco
1
Getting there is half the fun.
My Expedition is more like a Gondola.
On stage since age 5, I will entertain you with singing, car karaoke, juggling and stories from my weird and fun life where home ran away from me when I was 15 and I joined the Circus.
As a Lyft and Uber driver for 3 years I learned where to go in San Francisco.
Testimonials:
"Honestly the best ride I’ve ever had. The man has the voice of an angel and the personality of
Johnny Carson. Could not recommend a better driver. "
"Fantastic driver and extremely entertaining!!!!!"
…More
From
$480.00
per group
From
$480.00
per group

Custom 3 hour Tour of San Francisco
1
Getting there is half the fun.
My Expedition is more like a Gondola.
On stage since age 5, I will entertain you with singing, car karaoke, juggling and stories from my weird and fun life where home ran away from me when I was 15 and I joined the Circus.
As a Lyft and Uber driver for 3 years I learned where to go in San Francisco.
Testimonials:
"Honestly the best ride I’ve ever had. The man has the voice of an angel and the personality of
Johnny Carson. Could not recommend a better driver. "
"Fantastic driver and extremely entertaining!!!!!"
…More
From
$314.67
per group
From
$314.67
per group

San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off 2 Day pass
4
Discover San Francisco from the Bay to the Pacific Ocean, with stops throughout for photo opportunities you won’t want to miss. Stunning panoramic views off Nob Hill and the colorful life of the Mission district. Come see the beauty of Fisherman’s Wharf, Lombard Street, Chinatown, Civic Center, the breathtaking waterfront and the fashionable Union Square, these are just some of the sites you’ll treasure long after your visit to the magnificent city by the bay.
San Francisco is an extremely popular international tourist destination famous for its landmarks, including Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, and Coit Tower, its steep rolling hills, and its eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture. The city is also known for its diverse, cosmopolitan population, including large and long-established Asian American, and LGBT communities
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From
$55.00
From
$55.00

The Ultimate Wine Country Experience (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our Ultimate Wine Country Experience through Sonoma and Napa Valley will take you to the most incredible spots from San Francisco to Wine Country all in one day. If you are looking for some delicious world famous wines, nature, great food and a ton of beautiful photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with a private pickup directly from your hotel by one of our friendly, English speaking guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous vineyards, amazing scenery, secretly located spots and much much more!
====
Full schedule
9:00 AM – Pick up at hotel
10:30 AM - Arrive at a Secret Winery
12:00 PM - Enjoy a Private Wine Tasting at Miner Family Winery
1:40 PM - Take a picture in front of the Welcome to Napa Valley Sign
2:10 PM - Lunch
3:00 PM - Taste the wines at Jacuzzi Family Winery
4:00 PM - Return to hotel
5:00 PM - Arrive at Hotel
…More
From
$532.27
Price varies by group size
From
$532.27
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Magical Muir Woods Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
Our San Francisco Muir Woods Tour will take you to the most incredible spots from San Francisco to Muir Woods National Park all in one day. If you are looking for some culture, nature, delicious food and a ton of great photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with a private pickup directly from your hotel by one of our friendly, English speaking guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable, spacious and air-conditioned vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more!
====
Full schedule
7:00 AM – Pick up at hotel
7:15 AM - Leave SF over the Golden Gate Bridge
8:00 AM - Hike thru Muir Woods
10:00 AM - Visit the cute town of Sausalito
11:00 AM - Lunch
12:00 PM - Stop at Bakers Beach
1:00 PM - Explore Fisherman's Wharf
1:20 PM - Return to hotel
2:00 PM - Arrive at Hotel
…More
From
$465.07
Price varies by group size
From
$465.07
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

San Francisco Instagram Private Tour: Most Famous Spots with All-Inclusive
1
If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of great photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with a private pickup from your hotel by one of our friendly, local guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable and spacious vehicles.
This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more!
====
Full schedule
10:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel
10:30 AM – Check out the legendary Painted Ladies
11:00 AM – Explore Union Square
11:45 AM – Catch of view of Alcatraz from Pier 39
12:00 PM – Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf
12:30 PM – Lunch time
1:00 PM – Explore Ghirardelli Square
2:00 PM – Awe at the view from the Golden Gate Bridge
2:40 PM – Stop by Golden Gate Park
3:10 PM – Get a picture at one of SF’s Hidden Gems (16th Avenue Tiled Steps)
3:30 PM – Overlook the whole city at Twin Peaks Viewpoint
3:45 PM – Return to hotel
4:00 PM – Arrive at hotel
…More
From
$393.60
Price varies by group size
From
$393.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

San Francisco Instagram Walking Private Tour: Most Iconic Spots
1
Our San Francisco Walking Instagram Tour will take you to some of the most famous spots in San Francisco in one day by foot! If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of photos, then this is the tour for you!
The morning will start with meeting your friendly guide at the Embarcadero BART Station. From there your tour will begin as you start your walk through San Francisco’s beautiful streets.
This half-day tour will be packed with famous landmarks, architecture, secretly located spots and much more!
====
Full schedule
10:00 AM - Meet your guide at the Embarcadaro BART Station
10:20 AM - Get a view of Alcatraz Island from Pier 39
10:50 AM - Explore Fishermans Wharf
11:35 AM - Catch a view of the Golden Gate Bridge
12:20 PM - Explore a secret street in Mission District (Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley)
1:20 PM - Walk around Dolores Park
2:00 PM - Say bye to your guide & get dropped off at the 16th St Mission BART Station
…More
From
$201.60
Price varies by group size
From
$201.60
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

2-Day San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + Night Tour
1
Explore San Francisco at your own pace. Make the most of your time in San Francisco with our flexible hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tours. Explore the city's sights at your own pace - you'll have the freedom to hop off the tour at any of our conveniently located stops, and rejoin when you're ready.
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39
Union Square
Ferry Building Market Place
Chinatown
Little Italy
Nob Hill, Russian Hill
Civic Center
Haight Ashbury (the Hippies Street)
Golden Gate Park
Treasure Island
Bay Bridge
Sausalito
…More
From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

San Francisco Private Love Tour
27
If you’re going to do a sightseeing tour of San Francisco by bus, make it a memorable one. Book a 1970s-era Volkswagen bus for your private party of six and wind through the city’s top attractions with a personalized guide on a 4-hour tour. Travel into streets that larger vehicles cannot pass through as you explore Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. Hotel transport included.
…More
From
$528.00
per group
From
$528.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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