Alamo Square is a neighborhood in San Francisco known for its pastel-colored Victorian mansions, including a row of homes known as the "Painted Ladies" on Steiner Street.

The architecture of the buildings in Alamo Square provides a refreshing contrast to the flashy skyscrapers of nearby downtown.

Postcards of San Francisco often show the Painted Ladies with the downtown skyscrapers hovering in the background. Photographers will want to take a photo of "Postcard Row" around sunset.

Many houses in Alamo Square were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake.

Facing the Painted Ladies is Alamo Square Park, which is popular with both tourists and residents. The park has a tennis court and a children's playground.

The park's development began in 1856, when Mayor James van Ness site aside 13 acres on Alamo Hill for public use. It was established as a park the following year in 1857.

Alamo Square Park provides a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

There are many bars and restaurants in Alamo Square, and the neighborhood boasts and active night life.

Visitors to Alamo Square can enjoy a walking tours of the neighborhood.