http://www.sfcityguides.org/rss San Francisco City Guides Upcoming Walking Tours en-us http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour61.jpg" width="100" /><br />Tour the elegantly restored 1909 Palace Hotel, an architectural feat accomplished to great acclaim. See this Beaux Arts gem for yourself, and discover why it's consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in the world! http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour25.jpg" width="100" /><br />Enjoy an hour-long walk on the rise, tragic fall, and modern rebirth of one of San Francisco's most renowned historic landmarks. Visit a contemporary swirl of shops and learn the history of ferries, freeways and quakes. Meet at the foot of the stairs at the front entrance, Market and Embarcadero. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=90 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=90 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour90.jpg" width="100" /><br />See the results of a $6 million first-floor facelift for this Civic Center institution. A dramatic skylight crowns the soaring atrium, flooded with natural light. Bridges soar across spacious lightwells. Stunning architecture, a vast collection – explore it all! (Indoors; 1 hour.) http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=40 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=40 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour40.jpg" width="100" /><br />From the Ferry Building to Lotta’s Fountain, Market Street provides a cross section of San Francisco history as it slices diagonally across the city. Lining the city’s first boulevard, dubbed the Path of Gold as it was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, are historic buildings, monuments and modern skyscrapers. Hear the street’s relevance to everything from the Gold Rush to Bay Area Rapid Transit and vintage street cars. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=46 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=46 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour46.jpg" width="100" /><br />See some of the city's most opulent and carefully restored 'Painted Ladies' including the world famous Postcard Row. You will also be treated to breathtaking panoramic views from the Alamo Square Historic District. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=37 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=37 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour37.jpg" width="100" /><br />Relive the early history of an instant city. Learn about the Vigilance Committee and a fleet of abandoned ships. Who was Emperor Norton? Walk the streets of Yerba Buena Cove, the haunts of the original 49ers. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=3 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=3 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour3.jpg" width="100" /><br />Find out how cooking breakfast burned down the neighborhood, how City Hall was destroyed, and how the city rushed to rise from the ashes and rebuild better than ever. See little-known remnants of pre-1906 City Hall. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=53 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=53 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour53.jpg" width="100" /><br />Here once rose the rococo palaces of the old railroad and silver kings. Expect architectural tidbits and anecdotes about a great cathedral, four prestigious hotels, and a most exclusive men's club. Elegance, urbanity, and fabulous views. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=35 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=35 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour35.jpg" width="100" /><br />Marvel at San Francisco’s world-famous landmark. Discover how the Golden Gate Bridge was built, who built it, and why it’s not painted gold – despite its name. Experience breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Marin Headlands from the mid-span of the bridge. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=12 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=12 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour12.jpg" width="100" /><br />Explore a National Historic District and tour San Francisco's most beautiful building: its City Hall. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour25.jpg" width="100" /><br />Enjoy an hour-long walk on the rise, tragic fall, and modern rebirth of one of San Francisco's most renowned historic landmarks. Visit a contemporary swirl of shops and learn the history of ferries, freeways and quakes. Meet at the foot of the stairs at the front entrance, Market and Embarcadero. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour28.jpg" width="100" /><br />View antique engines and fire fighter artifacts mixed together with the history of fire fighting. This is an indoor, self guided tour. A trained City Guide is available for questions and explanations. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour61.jpg" width="100" /><br />Tour the elegantly restored 1909 Palace Hotel, an architectural feat accomplished to great acclaim. See this Beaux Arts gem for yourself, and discover why it's consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in the world! http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=53 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=53 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour53.jpg" width="100" /><br />Here once rose the rococo palaces of the old railroad and silver kings. Expect architectural tidbits and anecdotes about a great cathedral, four prestigious hotels, and a most exclusive men's club. Elegance, urbanity, and fabulous views. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=11 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=11 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour11.jpg" width="100" /><br />Discover hidden parks, rooftop gardens, and other delights while experiencing some of the colorful history and distinctive old architecture of San Francisco's financial district. No tour on July 4, 2008. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=27 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=27 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour27.jpg" width="100" /><br />A visitor or a local? See a side of Fisherman's Wharf most never see. Learn about swimmers who survived (or didn't) the treacherous bay, the baseball great whose dad wanted him to be a fisherman, how Ghirardelli got here from Peru, what is underneath Aquatic Park, and more... http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour28.jpg" width="100" /><br />View antique engines and fire fighter artifacts mixed together with the history of fire fighting. This is an indoor, self guided tour. A trained City Guide is available for questions and explanations. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=11 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=11 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour11.jpg" width="100" /><br />Discover hidden parks, rooftop gardens, and other delights while experiencing some of the colorful history and distinctive old architecture of San Francisco's financial district. No tour on July 4, 2008. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=37 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=37 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour37.jpg" width="100" /><br />Relive the early history of an instant city. Learn about the Vigilance Committee and a fleet of abandoned ships. Who was Emperor Norton? Walk the streets of Yerba Buena Cove, the haunts of the original 49ers. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour61.jpg" width="100" /><br />Tour the elegantly restored 1909 Palace Hotel, an architectural feat accomplished to great acclaim. See this Beaux Arts gem for yourself, and discover why it's consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in the world! http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=56 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=56 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour56.jpg" width="100" /><br />Savor a taste of the International District, home to the Latin Quarter of the 1850s, Little Italy since the 1880s, and the stage for turn-of-the-century bohemians and mid-20th century beatniks. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=89 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=89 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour89.jpg" width="100" /><br />Starting from the lobby of the Omni Hotel enjoy one of City Guides popular downtown tours. Each week take a surprise tour that could include Nob Hill, Chinatown, Embarcadero Skyway, Gold Rush City, or the Ferry Building. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=8 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=8 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour8.jpg" width="100" /><br />Explore colorful alleys and side streets--the essence of Chinatown--home for family associations, sewing shops, community organizations, and churches. See shops selling Chinese medicinal herbs, gold jewelry, and vegetables. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=60 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=60 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour60.jpg" width="100" /><br />Walk past palatial homes and consulates in Pacific Heights--mansions used as the Japanese and German consulates in 1941. Learn of Victorian lifestyles and earthquake refugees. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=73 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=73 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour73.jpg" width="100" /><br />Understand the history and development of the South of Market area (SoMa) of San Francisco, from the earliest rough neighborhoods called “South of the Slot”, to the proud civic achievement that is today’s Yerba Buena Gardens complex. View an exciting variety of buildings and architectural styles including an historic church, posh hotels, the highest concentration of museums in the city, a high-tech entertainment center, and a family-friendly playground area. Learn to look at this neighborhood with a new eye - even people familiar with the area will discover beautiful gardens and unique sculptures that are “hidden in plain sight”. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=44 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=44 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour44.jpg" width="100" /><br />Discover how this charming neighborhood emerged from the windswept dunes originally deemed hopeless and uninhabitable. Explore the area, see the bustling local color, and hear fascinating history (and an occasional bit of lore). http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=30 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=30 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour30.jpg" width="100" /><br />This remarkable walk along the northern waterfront includes unique views & exciting accounts of many of the most important events of San Francisco history, including the Spanish era, military changes, Civil War times, 1906 Earthquake, PPIE, the astonishing development of the GGNRA & the saga of Aquatic Park. Incomparable vistas adjacent to the last unaltered bit of SF coast! http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=13 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=13 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour13.jpg" width="100" /><br />Murals--some controversial--created by 25 of California's leading artists of the 1930s reflect scenes of the Great Depression, landscapes, farm workers, industries, a stylish soiree, and vibrant city life. Tour includes some murals not usually open to the public. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour25.jpg" width="100" /><br />Enjoy an hour-long walk on the rise, tragic fall, and modern rebirth of one of San Francisco's most renowned historic landmarks. Visit a contemporary swirl of shops and learn the history of ferries, freeways and quakes. Meet at the foot of the stairs at the front entrance, Market and Embarcadero. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=78 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=78 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour78.jpg" width="100" /><br />Enjoy sweeping views of the Bay._See the wild parrots, pre-1870 hillside homes where Bohemian artists and writers once lived. Climb the steps within semi-tropical gardens. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour28.jpg" width="100" /><br />View antique engines and fire fighter artifacts mixed together with the history of fire fighting. This is an indoor, self guided tour. A trained City Guide is available for questions and explanations. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=1 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=1 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour1.jpg" width="100" /><br />Walking through the Presidio, explore the extraordinary role of the Army in this extraordinary time, and about the more than 200,000 San Franciscans left suddenly homeless, and their struggle to return to a normal life. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=47 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=47 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour47.jpg" width="100" /><br />Recapture the flavor of Mayor Sutro's gift to the public, the park and baths of the late 1800s. Dramatic, wind-swept vistas in sunshine or fog. Somewhat strenuous. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=20 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=20 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour20.jpg" width="100" /><br />Much of San Francisco's most dramatic growth occurred along the waterfront. From shipping to recreation, from shifting sand dunes to soaring sky scrapers, from vice to vista-retrace the city's colorful and riotous history, much of it captured by famed columnist Herb Caen. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=14 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=14 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour14.jpg" width="100" /><br />The tolling of historic bells cast half way around the world, a rare building type from 1861, a grand Italianate manor house, and San Francisco's most exotic building. These and other unique experiences await you on the Cow Hollow tour. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=38 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=38 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour38.jpg" width="100" /><br />Come explore streets, sidewalks, parks, and vistas that tell the story of a Victorian era resort site subsequently developed by comfortable merchants, whose gingerbread homes still grace its streets. Somewhat strenuous. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=50 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=50 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour50.jpg" width="100" /><br />Learn about the Spanish Mission that formed the neighborhood, the people who gave their names to San Francisco streets, and the lake that has vanished from the landscape. Explore an area created by diverse groups who still have ties here. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=5 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=5 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour5.jpg" width="100" /><br />Admire the stylish and elegant buildings of the Marina District while learning to recognize the Art Deco style made popular in the 1930s and 1940s. View the shops on Chestnut Street in a new light. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=35 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=35 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour35.jpg" width="100" /><br />Marvel at San Francisco’s world-famous landmark. Discover how the Golden Gate Bridge was built, who built it, and why it’s not painted gold – despite its name. Experience breathtaking views of San Francisco and the Marin Headlands from the mid-span of the bridge. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=7 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=7 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour7.jpg" width="100" /><br />Come and explore a neighborhood that you only thought you knew. You will walk through the area taking in the sights and sounds of the lively and ever-changing Castro/Eureka Valley neighborhood. What was once dairy farms and dirt roads is now one of the city's most vibrant and cohesive communities, saturated with popular and stylish shops, restaurants and bars. So bring your walking shoes (or pumps), and let's start walking. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=52 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=52 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour52.jpg" width="100" /><br />See a four-story mural at the Women's Building and an eight-story example at Bethany Center. You'll also visit a multicultural neighborhood of 1880s Victorian Homes. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=28 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour28.jpg" width="100" /><br />View antique engines and fire fighter artifacts mixed together with the history of fire fighting. This is an indoor, self guided tour. A trained City Guide is available for questions and explanations. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=83 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=83 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour83.jpg" width="100" /><br />See and learn about San Francisco Victorian architecture--the 'Painted Ladies' of the city's first suburb. As we walk in the neighborhood of Lafayette Square, you'll also learn about Victorian lifestyles and San Francisco's illustrious history. Some steep streets. Many fabulous views! http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=37 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=37 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour37.jpg" width="100" /><br />Relive the early history of an instant city. Learn about the Vigilance Committee and a fleet of abandoned ships. Who was Emperor Norton? Walk the streets of Yerba Buena Cove, the haunts of the original 49ers. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=53 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=53 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour53.jpg" width="100" /><br />Here once rose the rococo palaces of the old railroad and silver kings. Expect architectural tidbits and anecdotes about a great cathedral, four prestigious hotels, and a most exclusive men's club. Elegance, urbanity, and fabulous views. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=8 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=8 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour8.jpg" width="100" /><br />Explore colorful alleys and side streets--the essence of Chinatown--home for family associations, sewing shops, community organizations, and churches. See shops selling Chinese medicinal herbs, gold jewelry, and vegetables. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=6 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=6 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour6.jpg" width="100" /><br />This two-block stroll explores how, starting with the Gold Rush, professional women arrived to become a part of San Francisco's legend and lore. Learn about Belle Cora, Ah Toy, French parlor houses, and Barbary Coast dives. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=27 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=27 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour27.jpg" width="100" /><br />A visitor or a local? See a side of Fisherman's Wharf most never see. Learn about swimmers who survived (or didn't) the treacherous bay, the baseball great whose dad wanted him to be a fisherman, how Ghirardelli got here from Peru, what is underneath Aquatic Park, and more... http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=8 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=8 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour8.jpg" width="100" /><br />Explore colorful alleys and side streets--the essence of Chinatown--home for family associations, sewing shops, community organizations, and churches. See shops selling Chinese medicinal herbs, gold jewelry, and vegetables. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=61 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour61.jpg" width="100" /><br />Tour the elegantly restored 1909 Palace Hotel, an architectural feat accomplished to great acclaim. See this Beaux Arts gem for yourself, and discover why it's consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in the world! http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=41 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=41 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour41.jpg" width="100" /><br />When these murals were unveiled, powerful voices called for their destruction, but 40 years later, they saved the Rincon Center from demolition. The historic lobby murals tell many stories, from San Francisco history to the politics of the Cold War era. Discover the artistic and political background of these treasures. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=25 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour25.jpg" width="100" /><br />Enjoy an hour-long walk on the rise, tragic fall, and modern rebirth of one of San Francisco's most renowned historic landmarks. Visit a contemporary swirl of shops and learn the history of ferries, freeways and quakes. Meet at the foot of the stairs at the front entrance, Market and Embarcadero. http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=40 http://www.sfcityguides.org/desc.html?tour=40 <img src="http://www.sfcityguides.org/tour_images/tour40.jpg" width="100" /><br />From the Ferry Building to Lotta’s Fountain, Market Street provides a cross section of San Francisco history as it slices diagonally across the city. Lining the city’s first boulevard, dubbed the Path of Gold as it was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, are historic buildings, monuments and modern skyscrapers. Hear the street’s relevance to everything from the Gold Rush to Bay Area Rapid Transit and vintage street cars.