San Francisco boasts a rich tapestry of celebrity homes and famous filming locations, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of iconic figures and the settings of beloved movies and TV shows. From the iconic Full House home in Alamo Square to the historic Spreckels Mansion in Pacific Heights, these locations have become must-visit spots for fans and tourists alike. The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, a hotbed of 1960s counterculture, housed legends like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, and Hunter S. Thompson. Pacific Heights is known for the Mrs. Doubtfire house and Danielle Steel’s residence, while the Marina District features Joe DiMaggio’s former home.
These neighborhoods not only showcase architectural beauty but also encapsulate moments of cultural history, making them a treasure trove for enthusiasts of music, literature, and cinema. Whether you’re a fan of rock legends, literary greats, or cinematic classics, San Francisco’s famous homes provide a fascinating journey through the city’s storied past.
Full House House (1709 Broderick St. at Bush St.)
The house at 1709 Broderick St. is a nostalgic landmark for fans of the iconic ’90s sitcom Full House. Although the show’s interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the exterior shots have made this Victorian home a beloved symbol of the Tanner family’s adventures. The house, owned by the show’s producer Jeff Franklin, attracts around 1,000 to 1,500 fans daily. In 2018, neighbors successfully lobbied to have bus tours rerouted to reduce the influx of visitors. The property was listed for sale at $5.5 million, offering an opportunity for fans with deep pockets to own a piece of television history. View on Google Maps
The Painted Ladies (720 Steiner St. at Grove St.)
Often appearing in film and TV, including the Full House opening credits, the Painted Ladies are a row of Queen Anne Victorian homes. Among them, the house at 720 Steiner Street was once home to Alice Walker, the acclaimed author of The Color Purple. Walker lived in this picturesque Alamo Square home until 1996 before moving to the Berkeley Hills. These houses, often referred to as “Postcard Row” or the “Seven Sisters,” were built in the late 1800s and remain a quintessential San Francisco sight. View on Google Maps
The Grateful Dead House (710 Ashbury St. at Waller St.)
This house is legendary among rock music fans. Jerry Garcia and other members of The Grateful Dead lived here from 1966 to 1968, during the height of the band’s early fame. The house was the scene of a famous drug bust in 1967, further cementing its place in rock history. Visitors often stop by to see where this iconic band lived and created music, with some fans even paying homage to the Hells Angels, who reportedly lived across the street. View on Google Maps
Janis Joplin’s Homes (122 Lyon Street & 635 Ashbury St. at Page St.)
Janis Joplin, the queen of rock and roll, lived in two locations in Haight-Ashbury during the 1960s. Her most well-documented address was at 122 Lyon Street, Apartment #3, although she may have also stayed at 112 Lyon Street. Joplin also resided at the pink house at 635 Ashbury Street for a brief period. Both locations are now pilgrimage sites for fans of the legendary singer. View on Google Maps
Charles Manson (616 Page St. at Webster St. & 636 Cole St. at Haight St.)
Before becoming infamous, Charles Manson lived in Haight-Ashbury during the Summer of Love in 1967. He briefly resided at 616 Page Street and later at 636 Cole Street, where he attracted a small following. Manson’s time in San Francisco was short-lived before he moved to Southern California, where his cult would commit their notorious crimes. View on Google Maps
Jefferson Airplane House (2400 Fulton St. at Willard St.)
The psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane purchased this grand three-story home in 1968. The mansion served as a residence and creative space for the band members, who enjoyed a stunning view of Golden Gate Park from the northern side. The property, which boasts 17 rooms, was bought for around $70,000 and is now a valuable piece of rock history. View on Google Maps
Jimi Hendrix’s Rumored Residence (1524 Haight St. at Ashbury St.)
While it’s widely rumored that legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix lived in San Francisco, his biographer disputes these claims. However, 1524 Haight Street is often mentioned as a place he may have stayed briefly. Whether true or not, the story adds to the mystique of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. View on Google Maps
Hunter S. Thompson’s Residence (618 Parnassus Ave. at Stanyan St.)
Before becoming a legendary journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson lived at 618 Parnassus Street. During his time in San Francisco, from 1965 to 1967, Thompson immersed himself in the city’s counterculture, notably covering the Hells Angels. His experiences in San Francisco laid the groundwork for his signature Gonzo journalism style. View on Google Maps
That’s So Raven (TV Show) – Baxter’s Residence (Original Series: 461 Ashbury St. at Page St.)
The iconic Baxter House, featured in the original series of That’s So Raven, is located at 461 Ashbury Street. This charming home became a recognizable location for fans of the Disney Channel show, where the adventures of Raven Baxter and her family unfolded. View on Google Maps
For the reboot of the series : 419 Miranda Place, San Francisco, CA
Mrs. Doubtfire House (2640 Steiner St. at Broadway St.)
Located in the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood, this house became iconic thanks to the beloved 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire. Starring the late Robin Williams, the movie was a massive hit, and the house at 2640 Steiner Street, where much of the film’s family drama unfolds, remains a popular tourist attraction. Fans of the movie often stop by to recreate scenes or simply pay homage to Williams’s memorable performance. View on Google Maps
Danielle Steel’s Mansion (2080 Washington St. at Octavia St.)
Romance novelist Danielle Steel resides in one of San Francisco’s most impressive mansions. Known as the Spreckels Mansion, this historic home was built in 1912 by sugar magnate Adolph B. Spreckels. The house, located at 2080 Washington Street, is surrounded by a tall hedge, making it somewhat difficult to view. Nevertheless, it remains a must-see for those interested in the city’s grandest residences. View on Google Maps
The Princess Diaries High School (2601 Lyon St. at Green St)
The exterior of the high school attended by Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries is actually a private residence at 2601 Lyon Street. This imposing home, used to portray the fictional Anthony R. Grove High School, is a striking example of the grand architecture found in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights District. View on Google Maps
Party of Five – Salinger Family Home (2311 Broadway at Fillmore St).
The Salinger Family’s home from the 90s TV series Party of Five is located at 2311 Broadway in San Francisco’s upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood. This Victorian house, where Bailey (Scott Wolf), Charlie (Matthew Fox), Julia (Neve Campbell), Claudia (Lacey Chabert), and Owen (Brandon and Taylor Porter) lived, remains remarkably unchanged since the show’s filming. The residence was prominently featured in the show’s opening credits and establishing shots, making it an iconic part of the series’ six-year run. Fans of the show often recognize this house, which still exudes the same charm and elegance as it did in 1994. View on Google Maps
Joe DiMaggio’s Home (2150 Beach St. at Avila St.)
Baseball legend Joe DiMaggio lived in a house at 2150 Beach Street during his marriage to Marilyn Monroe. While DiMaggio was born in Martinez, California, and grew up in North Beach, his Marina District home is notable for its association with one of Hollywood’s most famous couples. The home remains a point of interest for fans of baseball and classic cinema. View on Google Maps
Nicholas Cage’s Homes (898 Francisco St. at Hyde St. & 1945 Franklin St. at Jackson St.)
Oscar-winning actor Nicholas Cage once owned two homes in San Francisco. The first, at 898 Francisco Street, offered stunning views of the bay and was conveniently located along the Powell/Hyde Cable Car line. Cage also lived at 1945 Franklin Street, a five-bedroom Victorian where Stephen Hawking once gave a presentation on black holes. View on Google Maps
Carlos Santana’s Home (205 Mullen Ave. at Bernal Heights Blvd.)
Renowned guitarist Carlos Santana lived at 205 Mullen Avenue in the Mission District during his youth. Santana’s journey from Mexico to San Francisco’s Mission District is a testament to the city’s rich musical history. He attended local schools and began his musical career in this vibrant neighborhood. View on Google Maps
Mel Blanc’s Childhood Home (3332 Twenty-First St. at Valencia St.)
The voice behind iconic characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, Mel Blanc was born in San Francisco and lived at 3332 Twenty-First Street as a child. Blanc’s contributions to animation and voice acting have made him a legend in the entertainment industry. The house still stands today as a private residence. View on Google Maps
Ansel Adams’ Homes (129 24th Ave & 131 24th Ave. at El Camino Del Mar)
Famed photographer Ansel Adams was born in San Francisco and lived in the Sea Cliff neighborhood. His childhood home was at 129 24th Avenue, and as an adult, he purchased the property next door at 131 24th Avenue. Adams’s work capturing the natural beauty of the American landscape, particularly Yosemite National Park, has left a lasting legacy in photography. View on Google Maps
Robin Williams’ Home (540 El Camino Del Mar at Sea Cliff Ave.)
Robin Williams, the beloved actor and comedian, lived in this Sea Cliff mansion with his children during the 1990s. The six-bedroom home features stunning bay windows with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and boasts a playful touch characteristic of Williams: secret rooms and passageways designed for his kids. This residence, with its mix of elegance and whimsy, reflects Williams’s unique personality and love for his family. View on Google Maps
San Francisco’s array of famous homes and filming locations offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich cultural history. From iconic Victorian houses to the former residences of legendary musicians, writers, and actors, these sites not only showcase the architectural beauty of the city but also tell stories of its vibrant past. Whether you’re a fan of classic sitcoms, rock legends, or literary icons, exploring these notable addresses provides a unique way to connect with the city’s diverse artistic heritage.
As you visit these spots, remember to respect the privacy of current residents and savor the experience of walking in the footsteps of some of history’s most celebrated figures.