Alamo Square
Discover The Best Things to Do in This Beautiful SF Neighborhood
***z-below-h1.shtml***Alamo Square is a beautiful and centrally located neighborhood that lies just to the west of Hayes Valley. The centerpiece of this San Francisco neighborhood is the park which is bordered by Fulton, Steiner, Scott and Hayes Streets.
This historical district is also popular for its spectacular views of downtown and Victorian houses, some of which are called painted ladies. The most famous set of Victorian painted ladies is shown in the picture below - they are also called the "Seven Sisters of Alamo Square".
You will also see many other beautiful Victorian styled houses around the park and throughout the neighborhood.
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History of this SF District
You wouldn't know it now, but this used to be a suburb. Back in the 1850s, the land was just sand dunes. However, a group of wealthy businessmen wanted to move further away from the city. They selected this area as their new home.
Building in this San Francisco neighborhood boomed throughout the 1870s to the 1890s. Residents build several styles of Victorian houses from the well known Queen Anne style to the more modest Stick style.
The ground in this area is more stable than most other neighborhoods in the city, so the 1906 earthquake did not destroy very many Victorians here. They are still alive and well -- many with a broad array of colors.
The Victorian Painted Ladies
The most famous Victorian painted ladies in San Francisco are across from the park on Steiner Street. These seven beauties line up side by side for a picture perfect scene. They are known as the "Seven Sisters".
The reason they are so famous is because they are all similar (except the largest one on the far left). They also have a beautiful view of downtown behind them. During your visit, walk up Hayes Street to get that perfect picture.
Also, the definition of a painted lady is a Victorian with three or more paint colors. So, even though the seven on Steiner Street are the most famous -- there are several other painted ladies in the neighborhood to enjoy.
To find the great Victorians, you can just walk up and down the streets. Some of my favorite streets are Grove Street between Steiner and Webster; McAllister Street between Steiner and Scott; Steiner Street between Hayes and McAllister - this is where you will find the famous painted ladies; and Scott Street between Hayes and McAllister.
Alamo Square Park
The park is beautiful. After walking around the neighborhood, this is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. You can sit facing the Seven Sisters painted ladies and enjoy a great view of downtown San Francisco. On a sunny day in the city, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit.
Here is the map of the park. The star shows you where the Seven Sisters are next to the park on Steiner near Hayes Street.
INSIDER'S TIP: These famous painted ladies are facing west. The sun shines on them in the afternoon, so this is the best time to get your pictures. The blue stars on the map also show the locations for the best pictures.
Where to Grab Lunch, Dinner or Drinks
If you decide to skip the picnic lunch, there are several other great options in this neighborhood. Most of them are right on Divisadero Street, which is just two blocks west of the park.
Bean Bag Cafe: This is one of my favorites because they have good food that isn't too expensive. The downside is that it is usually more crowded. Here you can find some great salads, crepes and cheap beers. It is right on the corner of Divisadero and Hayes Streets.
Little Star Pizza: This is one of the best casual pizza places in San Francisco. It is open for lunch only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, they serve up dinner every night except Mondays. They also have a great selection of beers and some great salads. It is on Divisadero between McAllister and Fulton.
Alamo Square Seafood Grill: Locals love this seafood restaurant. This quaint restaurant only serves dinner. The focused menu and great prices keep people coming back for more. This neighborhood gem is on Fillmore Street between Fulton and Grove.
NOPA: This is another great dinner option. NOPA is both a bar and restaurant on the corner of Divisadero and Hayes Streets. Here you can find dishes such as Braised Duck Leg, Pan Roasted Rainbow Trout or even Moroccan Vegetable Tagine. Its a little pricier than most of the other options, but their food is worth the trip. Don't forget to check out their great wine selection while you are there.
Best Places to Stay
It is a calm, quiet San Francisco neighborhood. If you love mixing with locals, this is a great neighborhood to stay in. It's not as centrally located as Union Square, but there are plenty of public transportation options so you can easily get to other neighborhoods.
There are no large hotels or hotel chains in this neighborhood. Instead, you will find several small, locally owned hotels and bed and breakfast options. Here are some of my top picks.
Chateau Tivoli
1057 Steiner Street
Chateau Tivoli was originally built in 1892 as a single family home for the lumber baron DB Jackson. Many eclectic San Franciscans have inhabited this historic home including Ernestine Kreling, the owner of the Tivoli Opera House, and Bob Kaufman, a poet that inspired the term "Beatnik".
The house was fully restored in the 1980s and has been a bed and breakfast since 1997. It's antique decor and romantic appeal make it one of the most popular bed and breakfasts in Alamo Square.
They have wireless internet, desks in all the rooms and a library. It's the perfect retreat away from the busy streets of San Francisco.
You can choose from nine rooms that range from $120 to $300 a night.
Metro Hotel
319 Divisadero Street
This is a small, 24 room hotel. It sits right on Divisadero Street which is the home to many restaurants, bars and shops.
Rooms available range from small double rooms to those with two queen beds. This clean and comfortable hotel also offers a private garden for its guests.
You will also find a free breakfast every morning and free high speed internet. The hotel is close to public transit - where you can easily get to Union Square, the Castro and the Haight Ashbury district.
You will find an exceptional value with this hotel. Rooms start at around $75 a night. Find additional reviews and great prices for the Metro Hotel on TripAdvisor.
Other Places to Stay in Alamo Square
- Grove Inn Bed & Breakfast: 890 Grove Street
- Warm and friendly atmosphere in this 18 room bed and breakfast
- Gorgeous location on a tree lined street with several painted ladies just steps away
- Free high speed internet access
- Rooms start at around $90 a night
- Casa Loma Hotel: 610 Fillmore Street
- Inexpensive, clean hotel with both private and shared bathrooms
- Budget friendly - but an older construction, so it can be loud
- Amenities include wireless internet, laundry, vending machines
- Rooms start at around $60 a night
Find reviews and competitive prices for these and other great hotels on TripAdvisor.
Other Top Hotels
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Another great place to look before booking is on the Special Offers section on TripAdvisor.com. They feature discounts on room rates, parking, Wifi and more. Check out their deals today.
Tours: Guided, Walking and Other Tour Options
The San Francisco Board of Directors recently voted to ban tour buses with 10 or more seats within a 10 block area around Alamo Square. This went into effect in January 2014.
If you booked or plan to book a tour with this site listed on the itinerary, I recommend confirming your route with your tour agency.
A Perfect Day in Civic Center & Alamo Square: This self-guided tour offers you the chance to visit both of these neighborhoods in just one day. This easy to follow route includes morning visits to the Asian Art Museum and City Hall. You will then grab some lunch and get an afternoon view of the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. It's a fun way to spend the day and see all of the best sites these two districts offer.
Landmark Victorians Of Alamo Square: The best walking tour of this district is this free walk organized by the public library. During this two hour walk, you will get up close and personal with many of the colorful Victorians. You will walk up a few hills, through the park and learn more about some of the most interesting houses. If you are lucky, you might even get the chance to see the inside of one of the remodeled Victorians. Find the schedule for this walking tour and other free tours offered by the SF Public Library.
Tips to Get Here
Bus: There are two buses that will get you quickly from Union Square this neighborhood. The best option is the 21 Hayes. The 21-Hayes stops on the southern side of the park. Get off the bus at the Hayes and Pierce Street stop. The other option is the 5 Fulton, which drops you off one block north of the park. Get off the bus at the McAllister and Pierce stop and walk up the hill on McAllister Street to get to the park.
Taxi: Taking a taxi is another option. From Union Square, it will cost around $15. From Fishermans Wharf, it will cost a little more. Expect to pay around $20 or more for a cab from this part of town. Find tips for taking taxis in the city.
More Fun Pages
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