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The Painted Ladies and Victorian Homes of Alamo Square Tour
Highlights
- Explore the Western Addition’s famous microhoods, from the Fillmore District to trendy Divisadero Street.
- Bask in the beauty of the Victorian Painted Ladies, immortalized in the 1980s sitcom, “Full House.”
- Discover the rich history behind San Francisco’s iconic City Hall.
- Step inside Chateau Tivoli, an elegant mansion in the Alamo Square historic district.
- Hear true stories of the eccentric residents who built lavish homes in the area in the 1870s and 1880s.
- Visit landmarks like San Francisco’s first African American church and Alamo Square Park.
- Learn how this area sprang to life after the 1906 earthquake and fires.
- Get pointers to find all the Instagram-worthy photo ops along the way.
What you'll do
Alamo Square Park is one of the best known parks in San Francisco, with breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Painted Ladies of Postcard Row, the University of San Francisco, and so much more.
This one-of-a-kind walking tour brings ...
Alamo Square Park is one of the best known parks in San Francisco, with breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Painted Ladies of Postcard Row, the University of San Francisco, and so much more.
This one-of-a-kind walking tour brings together the historic with the modern in one of the most recognizable places in the entire world.
You’ll learn about the role Alamo Hill played during the 1906 fires, its status as a watering hole long before that, and the far-reaching implications of the Van Ness Ordinance.
As we make our way around the park, you’ll also hear about what makes City Hall so special and get a sense of the different housing styles in this neighborhood that boasts the second highest concentration of 10,000-square-foot homes in San Francisco.
We’ll also explore the William Westerfeld House (where past residents range from Russian czars to German confectioners), and the Archbishop’s Mansion, where Pope Pius XII used to stay.
We’ll even get the opportunity to step inside the Historic Chateau Tivoli, one of the many grand Victorian homes in beautiful Alamo Square. Our time ends in the historic Fillmore District, after visiting Third Baptist Church, the first Black church in the city.
Itinerary
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Alamo Square
Where you’ll see the Painted Ladies (AKA Postcard Row), Sutro Tower, the SF skyline, and more
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Historic Chateau Tivoli
A look inside this Victorian treasure in the Alamo Square Historic District
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Views of City Hall
A lavish mansion host to many archbishops and Pope Pius XII
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William Westerfeld House
Once home to John Mahony, various Russian czars and Anton LaVey
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Third Baptist Church
San Francisco’s first Black church
Plan your trip
Accessibility
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Tour ending point
Our tour will end at the intersection of Fulton and Steiner streets.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Meeting point
Meet your guide in Alamo Square at the top of the steps at the intersection of Hayes Street and Pierce Street. The address is 575 Pierce Street, San Francisco, CA 94117.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
Guests should be prepared to walk just over half a mile. Comfortable shoes are recommended. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.
Where can I park?
There is metered parking along the street throughout the area.
What is the rescheduling policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t expected but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
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