One of the world's most famous views.

The Painted Ladies that run along Steiner and face Alamo Square Park make up one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, and have been featured in so many photos and souvenirs that they've earned the nickname Postcard Row.

Of course, there's much more to this neighborhood than just a photo opportunity. Despite being somewhat off the beaten track, Alamo Square attracts its fair share of out-of-town visitors, who you'll often spot strolling with cameras in hand past such historic treasures as the Westerfield mansion, the Chateau Tivoli, and the Archbishop's Mansion.

The heart of the neighborhood is Alamo Square Park, which boasts a dog run, playground and popular tennis courts, all with incredible panoramic views of San Francisco. The streets are lined with some of the city's finest examples of Victorian architecture, as this area was the nexus of a preservation boom that swept the city in the 1970s.

Centrally located, residents have easy access to freeways and downtown; several Muni lines also serve the neighborhood. When it's time to unwind, you can visit one of the growing number of hip restaurants, clubs, bars or bistros that line lively Divisadero Street. There, you'll also find a favorite San Francisco music venue, The Independent and several funky, homegrown shops and services.

How Alamo Square got its name
The word “alamo” is Spanish for poplar. Before this park was created in 1857 by Mayor Van Ness, this area was a place to water your horse on a trail with one single poplar tree in the space.