Alamo Square Seven Sisters

Haight Ashbury / Alamo Square

Alamo Square

Alamo Square is the park seen in the famous photo most people identify with San Francisco. You may have seen the image on the popular sitcom “Full House” or just had it burned into your brain over time. Regardless of how you recognize the image — or even if you know the photo at all — your holiday in San Francisco should include Alamo Square as a destination. And what better time to see it than now?

The iconic view of Alamo Square is defined by a set of Queen Anne Victorian houses lining the south end of the park known as Postcard Row (also called the Painted Ladies or Seven Sisters, depending on whom you talk to). The buildings survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and today stand as the metaphorical symbol of San Francisco — unique and quirky in the front, while the back — or distanced view — is professional and business-like, the downtown Financial District of the city.

Because of the juxtaposition of those sights, thousands of people flock to Alamo Square per year.

But the sight of the Seven Sisters is not the only pearl of Alamo Square. The park offers tennis courts, a dog-play section (where you can pet dogs that bring sticks to you), and open space for you to back away from the crowds. If you ask anyone, Postcard Row reigns supreme, though.

Alamo Square Row Houses

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So choose your goals for Alamo Square. You can grab some quick photos on your way to Haight-Ashbury (the best snapshots are in the afternoon when the sun is better placed on the houses), or you can bring a six-pack and a blanket to enjoy an afternoon in the park. As long as you respect Alamo Square, it can be a good photogenic addition to any San Francisco sightseeing trip. Pop in for a gander.

Alamo Square Dog

How Do I Find Alamo Square?

  • You can use public transportation routes 5, 5L, 21, 22, 24. You can also ride a bike, taxi or Uber here. If you walk, be prepared for it to take longer than you think.
  • To reach Alamo Square from Union Square you can ride most of the above bus lines (30 minutes), bike ride or Uber. Because the park is on the top of a hill, BART and many other transportation routes CANNOT reach Alamo Square.

Alamo Square Travelers


Orange Sky Co. says:

Orange Sky SF Logo

The best time to visit Alamo Square is around 2 p.m. You can bring a blanket—maybe a six-pack—and position your camera for a lovely afternoon. On nice days the park is usually crowded, but everyone is in a good mood.


Location of Alamo Square