This past Saturday was a bright sunny day in July. A rarity for a a resident of the Outer Richmond like myself. I felt like getting outside and exploring! Thanks to a nifty app called Detour, my girlfriend Jen and I did just that!
This past weekend all of Detour's audio tours were on sale for $.99 so I purchased a couple . On Saturday I chose the audio tour "Beyond The Painted Ladies" which took us on a tour of The Western Addition of San Francisco. The tour started at Alamo Square with The Painted Ladies and meandered through the neighborhood describing the rich and wild history of the area, including stories about famous evictions, cults, and The Grateful Dead.
The Painting Ladies, Alamo Square. Shot with a 14 mm Rokinon
Things to know before visiting The Painted Ladies
1. Alamo Square in currently closed and under construction. It will be closed through the Winter of 2016/2017! If you're planning on photographing an epic city-scape from above The Square, its time to get creative with Plan B. I highly suggest bringing a wide angle lens. The closer you can get to the "ladies" the better.
How cute is this VW Bus, parked in front of The Painted Ladies?
2. Driver Friendly. There is quite a bit of traffic churn in and out of the area. If you're patient t parking spots will open up every 5/10 minutes or so, especially with the Park being under construction!
Uber, or Lyft are also good alternatives. Remember, parking here has a two hour limit.
3. Avoid Prime Time. If you can go on a week day or very early morning, I would suggest it to avoid some of the crowds.
4. Check out Detour and explore the neighborhood a bit! Although The Painted Ladies are the most famous, there are many stunning and ornate Victorians to check out!
Western Addition Victorians
Western Addition Victorian with succulents growing in the staircase! Check Out that shingling, very Disney-esque isn't it?
