Why so colorful?
Victorians were originally drab — battleship gray, brown, white. In the 1960s, artist Butch Kardum painted his Haight home in outrageous brights. Neighbor hopped on. Writer Elizabeth Pomada coined “Painted Ladies” in 1978. Now 14,000 Victorians flaunt 3–7 colors to highlight gingerbread trim, fish-scale shingles, and bay windows.
The Seven Sisters
Full House (1987) opening. Private homes — admire from Alamo Square Park.
Queen Anne museum
1886 mansion, survived 1906. Tours at 2007 Franklin St.
Hippie crash pad
Alamo Squareeseplots — Ken Kesey & Hell's Angels partied here in the '60s.
🎨 Try a lady's dress
Victorians use body + trim + sash + accent. Click a swatch to repaint the preview house.
📍 Best light: morning from Alamo Square (Steiner & Hayes). Bring a picnic — postcard row faces east, skyline behind at golden hour.