In American architecture, there exists a captivating style known as "Painted Ladies," which refers to Victorian and Edwardian houses and buildings adorned with vibrant colors to accentuate their architectural intricacies. This trend emerged during the 1960s and involved repainting these structures with three or more colors, creating a delightful visual spectacle. The term "Painted Ladies" was initially coined by writers Elizabeth Pomada and Michael Larsen in their 1978 book, "Painted Ladies: San Francisco's Resplendent Victorians," primarily focusing on the Victorian houses in San Francisco.

During the Victorian era, polychrome decoration was common, but the color combinations on these houses aren't historically accurate. In 1963, artist Butch Kardum started a trend by painting his Italianate-style Victorian house with intense blues and greens, inspiring others to do the same. This led to a colorist movement, impacting streets and neighborhoods throughout the 1970s and leaving a lasting mark on the cityscape, which continues today.

The famous "Painted Ladies" on 710–720 Steiner Street, known as "Postcard Row" or the "Seven Sisters," were built between 1892 and 1896 by developer Matthew Kavanaugh. Interestingly, Kavanaugh himself lived in the luxurious 1892 mansion at 722 Steiner Street. This block has become a popular spot in media and attracts tourists due to its appearances in about 70 movies, TV shows, and advertisements, including the iconic opening credits of "Full House" and "Fuller House."

San Francisco's City Hall is a remarkable edifice that exudes magnificence and splendor within the city. It stands proudly as one of the most exceptional structures in the area, boasting the captivating beauty of a Beaux-Arts masterpiece. Renowned architect and designer Arthur Brown drew inspiration from Paris' iconic Dôme des Invalides ("House of Invalids") when creating this architectural gem.

Beyond its captivating design, City Hall holds a special place in history, having weathered numerous challenges and natural calamities. Its journey began in 1899, when the original City Hall, constructed over 27 years, finally opened its doors to the public. Tragically, a mere seven years later, the devastating earthquake of 1906 reduced the building to rubble. The current City Hall stands as a replacement for its predecessor.

This magnificent structure encountered another significant trial in 1989 when it suffered severe damage from a powerful seismic tremor. As a result, it became structurally unstable. In response, City Hall underwent an extensive ten-year renovation, not only restoring it to its former glory but also fortifying it against earthquakes. Today, it proudly holds the distinction of being the largest base-isolated building in the world.

Why You Should Visit:
Compared to other city halls across the country, this one is very classy!
As well, there's always something going in Civic Center Plaza.

Tip:
Be sure to take the free 1h tour led by a knowledgeable docent. Learn about the building's history and architecture.

The Flood Building in downtown San Francisco at Powell and Market Streets is a historic highrise with unique architecture. Built in 1904 by Albert Pissis, it's a 12-story structure that survived the 1906 earthquake. The building features attractive storefronts, a sandstone façade with intricate windows, and elegant ornamentation, adding to its grandeur.

The site where the Flood Building now stands was previously occupied by Baldwin's Hotel and Theatre, which tragically fell victim to a fire in 1898. James L. Flood, who acquired the property, decided to erect the building as a tribute to his father, James Clair Flood, a Comstock Lode millionaire. Remarkably, as of 2003, the Flood Building remained in the ownership of the Flood family.

After renovations post-1906 earthquake, Southern Pacific Railroad HQ moved to Flood Building until 1917 when it relocated to One Market Plaza. The basement and lower floors housed F.W. Woolworth flagship store. In more recent years, the Flood Building has accommodated notable tenants such as leading retailers Gap, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie.

The Flood Building's historical significance extends beyond its commercial tenants. Notably, Room 314 housed the office of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, which employed Dashiell Hammett, an acclaimed author renowned for his hard-boiled detective novels. This connection to the literary world further enhances the building's cultural and historical allure.

The Phelan Building, situated in San Francisco's Financial District on Market Street, is an 11-story office building renowned for its distinctive triangular shape. Resembling the iconic Flatiron Building in Manhattan, New York City, it gracefully converges at the intersection of Market Street, O'Farrell Street, and Grant Avenue. This architectural gem has garnered recognition as a San Francisco Designated Landmark.

Originally envisioned by William Curlett and commissioned by James D. Phelan, construction of the Phelan Building took place in 1908. Its predecessor, the initial Phelan Building, suffered severe damage during the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire. James D. Phelan, son of James Phelan, the original building's constructor, spearheaded the reconstruction efforts.

Work on the new Phelan Building commenced on October 7, 1907, culminating in its completion on September 1, 1908, with retail stores opening their doors. Office spaces became available on January 1, 1909. Notably, it stood as one of the earliest office buildings to be reconstructed following the devastating earthquake.

The Phelan Building boasts a facade adorned with cream-glazed terra-cotta and metal-framed windows. Originally designed to accommodate 13 floors, the final structure comprises eleven floors.

Upon its grand opening, the building featured an assembly hall on the 11th floor, second-floor arcade stores, and a basement café. For numerous decades, the Phelan Building served as a hub for the jewelry industry, housing numerous jewelers and even hosting a jewelry school.

Situated in San Francisco's financial district, the Hobart Building stands tall as a prominent office high-rise on Market Street, near Montgomery and 2nd Streets. Its construction was finalized in 1914, making it the city's second tallest building at that time, boasting an impressive stature of 21 floors and reaching a height of 87 meters (285 feet). The visionary behind its design was Willis Polk.

Originally commissioned by the Hobart Estate Company, the building took shape on the very spot where the company's previous offices stood. In the 1880s, founder Walter S. Hobart carefully selected this location due to its strategic position at the head of 2nd Street, which once served as a vital artery leading to the fashionable Rincon Hill neighborhood. Willis Polk, the esteemed architect, held the Hobart Building dear, considering it his favorite commercial creation. The structure's exterior features sculpted terra cotta adorned with Baroque ornamentation, while the interior showcases handcrafted brass and Italian marble, serving as a remarkable testament to neoclassical architecture.

The distinctive shape of the building arose from the asymmetrical polygonal nature of the site. Over time, its allure grew as a neighboring structure was demolished in 1967, exposing one side and lending the Hobart Building an even more idiosyncratic and striking appearance. Recognizing its architectural significance, the City of San Francisco designated the Hobart Building as a landmark in 1983. Furthermore, it earned a well-deserved place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

Located in the Financial District of San Francisco, the Hallidie Building stands proudly on Sutter Street, positioned between Montgomery Street and Kearny Street. This office building, designed by architect Willis Polk, was dedicated to the memory of Andrew Smith Hallidie, a notable figure in San Francisco's cable car history. Its doors first opened in 1918. While often acknowledged as the first American building to showcase glass curtain walls, it was preceded by the Boley Clothing Company building in Kansas City, Missouri, designed by Louis Curtiss and completed in 1909.

In the early 1900s, lightweight and transparent glass curtain walls were not popular for skyscrapers. Willis Polk took a bold step by creating an all-glass facade for the Hallidie Building. He wanted more natural light, worked within budget constraints, and aimed for simpler construction. Polk's design maximized reinforced concrete's cantilevering capacity, producing an impressive result.

In April 2013, the Hallidie Building underwent a comprehensive two-year restoration after the City of San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection deemed its sheet metal friezes, cornices, balconies, and fire escapes unsafe.

Among its occupants, the Hallidie Building is home to the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Currently, the chapter is renovating the building's original concrete street-level retail space, predating the rest of the structure. The renovation aims to transform the space into a gallery, lecture hall, and cafe. Additionally, the building houses AIGA, the Center for Architecture + Design, Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc., and Coordinated Resources, Inc.

555 California Street in San Francisco stands as the city's second tallest building, symbolizing the wealth and influence of the Bank of America. Originally named the Bank of America Centre, this impressive 52-story skyscraper graces the Financial District, commonly known as "FiDi," a bustling commercial hub in San Francisco. Constructed in 1969, the architectural genius Pietro Belluschi collaborated with renowned firms Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, as well as Wurster, Bernardi, and Emmons, to design this remarkable structure.

To the north of the building, a grand plaza serves as a tribute to A.P. Giannini, the founder of the Bank of America. Within this plaza, one can find the captivating granite sculpture titled 'Transcendence,' crafted by Masayuki Nagare. Ascending through a high-speed elevator, visitors once enjoyed the exclusive 'Carnelian Room,' a renowned restaurant located on the 52nd floor, named after the carnelian granite that adorns the building. Additionally, the distinctive bay windows, a common sight throughout the city, contribute to the magnificence of this architectural marvel.

555 California Street not only houses the offices of prominent business entities like Goldman Sachs, Kirkland and Ellis, Barclays Capital, and Morgan Stanley but has also graced the silver screen, appearing in films such as 'An Eye for an Eye' and 'The Towering Inferno.' Following the 1998 merger with Nations Bank, the Bank of America relocated its headquarters to Charlotte, and the building underwent a $1.05 billion sale in 2005, leading to its present-day name, 555 California Street.

The 450 Sutter Building, constructed in 1929, is a prominent twenty-six-floor skyscraper in San Francisco, standing at a height of 105 meters (344 feet). Its remarkable architectural style combines elements of "Neo-Mayan" and Art Deco, showcasing the visionary design of architect Timothy L. Pflueger. Notably, this building's distinctive vertically faceted exterior served as an inspiration for Pietro Belluschi when he created the similarly faceted exterior of the 555 California, formerly known as the Bank of America Center, completed in 1969.

The primary occupants of the building consist of dental and medical professionals, who operate their practices within its premises. In the 1960s, Dr. Harry Benjamin, an endocrinologist and sexologist renowned for his groundbreaking clinical work with transgender individuals, established a summer practice in the building. Many of Dr. Benjamin's patients came from the nearby Tenderloin neighborhood, highlighting the building's significance within the medical community.

Notably, in the director's commentary of the influential 3D adventure game Grim Fandango, game designer Tim Schafer acknowledges the building's profound impact on the game's aesthetics. Schafer reveals that his exposure to 450 Sutter came about due to his dentist's office being situated on one of the upper floors. Inspired by the building's grandeur, Schafer incorporated its essence into the game's Department of Death, a pivotal location. Additionally, the building served as a model for the fictional "Vu Financial" commercial office tower in the 2003 Maxis video game SimCity 4, further showcasing its enduring influence across different mediums.

James Clair Flood, one of the renowned 'Bonanza Kings,' achieved fame through two notable architectural marvels: Linden Towers in Menlo Park and James C. Flood Mansion in San Francisco. Although Linden Towers met its demise in 1936, the stately Flood Mansion continues to grace the landscape as the Pacific-Union Club.

Originating from New York, Flood ventured to California during the gold rush era in San Francisco. His entrepreneurial journey began with a humble saloon and eventually led to the establishment of a stockbroking firm. Within a mere two decades, the firm ascended to become the wealthiest in America. Recognizing new opportunities, Flood's enterprise ventured into mining operations within the renowned Comstock Lode, the largest silver mine in the world. Additionally, the firm played a pivotal role in establishing the Bank of Nevada.

In 1885, a few years prior to his passing, Flood constructed an impressive 42-room mansion. The construction utilized imported brownstone, transported via Cape Horn. The mansion found its place atop Nob Hill, the epitome of opulence during that era. Unfortunately, a devastating fire ravaged the structure in 1906, although it miraculously withstood the earthquake. Subsequently, in 1907, the Pacific-Union Club assumed ownership of the building and diligently maintained its grandeur while utilizing it as their operational headquarters. Throughout the years, the structure remains unaltered and was rightfully designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Sitting atop the commanding height of Nob Hill, the Grace Cathedral is one of the biggest hunks of Neo-Gothic architecture in the U.S.

This church has been rebuilt at least three times since the Gold Rush. Its current Notre-Dame-inspired, reinforced-concrete structure took four decades to complete. The lengthy gestation period partly explains the certain hodge-podge aspects of the design. The faithful replicas of Ghiberti's famed bronze Florence Baptistery doors adorning the main entrance seem rather unexpected.

Inside, there are some clever effects with natural lighting, suggesting a traditional – and thus remarkably European – Gothic atmosphere (which gets particularly gorgeous on sunny evenings) with an uninterrupted view up to the high altar. As you go in, you will immediately encounter a second labyrinth (the first one is right near the entrance) whose patterns are capable of bringing wanderers to the state of meditation. Also of note are the works of Jan Henryk De Rosen, seen in the aisle, including an altarpiece in the Chapel of Grace and a mural in the Chapel of Nativity's Adoration.

Another welcome plus are the cute restrooms downstairs, a coffee bar, and a small souvenir shop. If you're looking for a peaceful respite in this otherwise "upscale desert" for tourists, enhanced with many works of art, this church is the place. Outside the Cathedral, there are arguably two most opulent and expensive hotels in San Francisco and a small park out front, affording an impressive panoramic view.

The temple is open Monday through Friday, from 7am to 6pm; Saturday, from 8am to 6pm; and Sunday, from 8am to 7pm.

Tip:
If you choose to walk up the hill, getting here is a real climb, but the California Street Cable Car can always bring you up – no problem – should you wish to do so.

Get a peek into the cultural and spiritual aspect of the Far East by visiting the unusual Tin How Temple – the longest-operating Chinese temple in San Francisco and the entire U.S., which fittingly honors of one of the most popular Chinese deities, Mazu – popularly known as Tin How (Tien Hau), Queen of Heaven and Goddess of Seven Seas, said to have powers to protect those traveling long distances.

The temple dates back to the mid-19th century when it was founded by early Cantonese settlers – among the first immigrants to the country. Situated at the top of three steep, wooden flights of stairs, not much has changed here with the passage of time. One can still see old women preparing offerings for the deities, smell the sweet burning of incense and tune into the quiet chants meant to appease the Buddhist deities. Sitting gracefully in the center of it all is Tin How with her assistants by her side.

Although rather small, the temple is generously daubed in gold, vermilion, and hundreds of lanterns and tassels suspended from the ceiling, which are tied by devotees. Some of the items scattered throughout are over a century old. Note also the pyramids of oranges, considered lucky as the Cantonese pronunciation of "orange" sounds similar to the word for wealth. Although the temple doesn't charge admission, it's respectful to leave a small donation and to refrain from using cameras inside.

The Transamerica Pyramid stands as a monument of modern architecture and design in the almost Victorian landscape of San Francisco. Today, the building stands as a unique symbol of the city with its sharp and well-defined lines and ultra-modern architecture while demonstrating the merger of the old with the new.

Although the Transamerica Pyramid does seem to blend in with the city’s landscape, initially it did not go very well with many of its denizens. The architect of the building William L. Pereira faced much opposition, regarding the radical structure of the building which would clash with the Victorian style of surrounding architecture. However, Pereira believed that the structure would be a statement of architectural brilliance, and very much so, the Transamerica Pyramid today is one of the modern day symbols of San Francisco.

The Transamerica Pyramid was constructed in 1972 and for years held a position among the top 5 tallest buildings in the world. Measuring up to 260 meters, the Transamerica Pyramid is still the tallest building in the city of San Francisco. This structure was built as the headquarters of Transamerica Corporation, but no longer houses the company. Despite that, the building is still strongly linked to Transamerica since it is incorporated in the company’s logo.

Why You Should Visit:
While the views from further away (e.g. Coit Tower) are probably more interesting, up close you can easily see the curves as the building rises.

The Columbus Tower, also known as the Sentinel Building, was constructed between 1905 - 1907 with funding and guidance from Abe Reuf, a lawyer and politician from San Francisco. However, the devastating earthquake of 1906 and subsequent fire left only the steel framework of the building standing. In 1907, the tower was reconstructed with a copper exterior and included Reuf's offices on the top floor. Unfortunately, Reuf's involvement in bribery led to his conviction in 1909 and a 14-year prison sentence. During his incarceration, the copper cladding oxidized, resulting in the green appearance that the building retains today.

According to legend, the Caesar salad was initially served at a restaurant named 'Caesar's,' located within the Columbus Tower. However, the restaurant was forced to close down in compliance with the Eighteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution in 1919, which prohibited the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. In the 1960s, the building was owned by 'The Kingston Trio,' who utilized a studio they built in the basement for recording their songs. By the 1970s, the tower had fallen into disrepair until it was rescued by Francis Ford Coppola, the director of the Godfather movies. Coppola purchased the building, renovated it, and established his American Zoetrope studio there. Today, the Columbus Tower holds the distinction of being landmark number 33 on the list of San Francisco landmarks. Additionally, it houses the Zoetrope Café, a bistro that offers wine from the Napa Valley.

Standing tall in the neighborhood of the Telegraph Hill, in San Francisco is The Coit Memorial Tower. This 64 meters tall tower was built in honor of the firefighters of San Francisco Bay area. Built with respect to the art-deco style in architecture, The Coit Tower is quite noticeable and instantly attracts one's attention in the serene landscape of the San Francisco sky. The Coit Memorial Tower receives a lot of visitors around the year and mainly due to the breathtaking view of the city the Tower offers.

Not only does it stand for a noble cause, the reason for the erection of the Tower is also worth notice. The Coit Tower was built in 1933 upon request from a devoted patron of the firefighters of San Francisco- Lillie Hitchcock Coit (1842-1929). So much was her love for her city and its inhabitants that she donated one-third of her wealth to San Francisco city. She shared a special bond with the firefighters and on many occasions had volunteered to shoulder the responsibility of putting off a fire. She was also reported to chase fires around the city and it was this eccentric and brave nature that made her the mascot of the Engine Co. and now is the Matron Saint of the San Francisco firefighters.

Tip:
The views are just as good from the base as they are from the tower itself so if the elevator queue is too long then you can skip it and enjoy the free views and walks around the neighborhood.
Also note the tower closes at 5pm and is cash only.

The Palace of Fine Arts stands as an impressive edifice situated in San Francisco's Marina District, originally erected for the 1915 Panama–Pacific International Exposition to showcase magnificent works of art. Though the passing years have taken their toll, the structure underwent a complete reconstruction from 1964 to 1974, making it the sole surviving building from the historical exposition.

Embracing a small man-made lagoon, the Palace of Fine Arts features a sprawling 1,100 feet (0.34 kilometer) pergola encircling a central rotunda, gracefully positioned near the water's edge. The designers drew inspiration from European classical settings, where serene bodies of water mirrored the grand architecture, offering a tranquil vista to behold from afar.

Adorning the rotunda's entablature, Bruno Zimm's three repeating panels portray "The Struggle for the Beautiful," a tribute to Greek culture. Additionally, sculptor Ulric Ellerhusen contributed the statues of weeping women atop the colonnade, along with a sculpted frieze and allegorical figures representing Contemplation, Wonderment, and Meditation.

Underneath the rotunda's dome, one can find eight substantial insets that once showcased murals by Robert Reid. Four of these depicted the inception and birth of Art, its relationship with the Earth, its progression, and its acceptance by human intellect. The remaining insets celebrated California's four "golds," symbolizing poppies, citrus fruits, metallic gold, and wheat.

Designed to evoke the essence of ancient Roman ruins, the Palace of Fine Arts has become an iconic landmark of San Francisco. In the early months of 2009, extensive renovations were carried out, revitalizing the lagoons, and walkways, and ensuring the structure's seismic resilience.

Why You Should Visit:
Historic architectural structure in a sweet area for picnic lunch!
Worth checking out especially if you are into photography.

Tip:
Go inside and see the museum if it's open. There's no fee and you can walk across the street and check out the bay right afterwards.

The De Young Museum, also known as the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, can be found in the vibrant city of San Francisco. Nestled in the heart of Golden Gate Park, it forms a significant part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, along with the Legion of Honor. This exquisite institution pays tribute to M. H. de Young, a prominent newspaperman from the early days of San Francisco.

Architects Herzog & de Meuron completed the current building in 2005. It won a competition against Tadao Ando and Antoine Predock in 1999. The exterior is clad in copper, designed to oxidize and blend with the surroundings. The 144 feet tall observation tower offers stunning views of Golden Gate Park and the surrounding area. The museum includes a store, free lobby and tower access, and a café in the Osher Sculpture Garden.

The de Young Museum presents an extensive array of art, spanning from the 17th to the 21st centuries, showcasing American masterpieces, international contemporary works, textiles, costumes, and art from the Americas, the Pacific, and Africa. Its diverse collections encompass American Art, African Art, Oceanic Art, Arts of the Americas, Costume and Textile Arts, Graphic Arts, Photography, and Sculpture. A portion of this remarkable collection can be explored online through the museum's website and Google Arts and Culture platform.

Why You Should Visit:
Wonderful exhibitions, café, and observation tower at an affordable price!

Tip:
The museum may be pricey ($20 admission for seniors) but offers a free view of the city, and it is right next to the Japanese Tea Garden.
While you're in the area be sure to check out the park area out front (summertime has free live concerts).