Alamo Square Park In San Francisco Is A Must Visit!

Above: A view of the well know “painted ladies” and the San Francisco skyline, from Alamo Square Park

One of the unexpected highlights of my recent stay in San Francisco was a visit to Alamo Square, a residential neighborhood and park in in the Western Addition nieghborhood. The park is located on a hill, and had gorgeous landscaping, including very tall dramatic cypress trees, making it all in all an amazing location. Alamo Square Park, consists of four city blocks at the top of a hill overlooking much of downtown San Francisco, with a number of large and architecturally distinctive mansions along the perimeter, including the “Painted Ladies”, a well-known postcard motif. Named after the lone cottonwood tree (“alamo” in Spanish), Alamo Hill, was a watering hole on the horseback trail from Mission Dolores to the Presidio in the 1800s. In 1856, Mayor James Van Ness created a 12.7 acres (5.1 ha) park surrounding the watering hole, creating “Alamo Square”.

Today, Alamo Square Park includes a playground and a tennis court, and is frequented by neighbors, tourists, and dog owners. On a clear day, the Transamerica Pyramid building and the tops of the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge can be seen from the park’s center. The San Francisco City Hall can be seen directly down Fulton Street. The Alamo Square neighborhood is characterized by Victorian architecture that was left largely untouched by the urban renewal projects in other parts of the Western Addition. Let’s take a closer look!

Above: Take a seat on the grass and enjoy the view of the painted ladies!

A row of Victorian houses facing the park on Steiner Street, known as the “Painted Ladies”, are often shown in the foreground of panoramic pictures of the city’s downtown area. Not surprisingly, a number of movies, television shows and commercials have been filmed in or around Alamo Square.

Above: The entrance sign to the park on the corner of Scott and Hayes streets.
Above: Some of the jaw dropping tall Monterey Cypress trees in Alamo Square Park.
Above: Another look at the truly amazing and very tall Monterey Cypress trees
Above: A view of downtown San Francisco, including the Transamerica pyramid, from the park.

Above: A row of Victorian houses adjacent to the park.

Above: The park is a gathering spot for local dog owners at day’s end!
Above: Gorgeous lupin in bloom in the park.
Above: California poppies are closed at the end of the day, come back tomorrow!

So friends, do plan a visit to Alamo Square park, whether you are a local or visiting from outside the city, is a truly special place!