The Painted Ladies & Cherry Blossom Festival (Dogs Welcome)

Near the Presidio Golden Gate National Recreation Area, we are going up several sets of historic and scenic staircases. along the edge of the Presidio past the lovely and majestic palace of fine arts, we head up the steep and busy Lyon staircase to panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. We wonder through mansions of Pacific Heights and move to Alamo Square Park and **“ The Painted Ladies”** or the **“Seven Sisters",** a row of colorful Victorian houses located at 710–720 Steiner Street. These Queen Anne-style homes built in the19th-century are one of the most well-recognized examples of California Victorian architecture, then down to Japantown and The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival features traditional Japanese music, martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies, and a Cherry Blossom Queen Program that’s been running for five decades. Cultural exhibitions include origami displays, bonsai presentations, and calligraphy demonstrations. **Level:** Intermediate Plus **Total Distance:** 8.5+ miles **Hiking Time:** 4 - 4.5+ hours **Elevation Change:** 322 stairs Lyon Street, 200 sand stairs Baker beach Parking fee: Free Parking lot, leashed Dogs allowed, standard restroom and water. **GPS:** Latitude: N37.805715° Longitude: W 122.44912° **Map:** https://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/pressreleases/2015/Muni%20Map%202015.pdf **Trailhead / Meeting Point:** Starting point, next to the beach near St Francis Yacht Club Parking Lot 99 Yacht Road, San Francisco, 94123, Parking on both sides of the building. **Hiking Directions: Starting point,** beach near St Francis Yacht Club Parking Lot 99 Yacht Road,, then back and cross the street and walk past the Palace of fine arts, then cross Lombard, Up Lyon street and continue on the steep staircase to the top Broadway street view, Left on Broadway, Right at Scott Street Alta Plaza, then continue on Scott and enter Alamo Square Park view the **Painted Ladies and city views, (Group photo and break)*