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Architectural/Art
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- 10:30 amSunday November 08
See one of San Francisco’s oldest and most colorful neighborhoods, the Mission, where you’ll trace a history beginning with Indigenous peoples through waves of immigrants to today’s concerns of gentrification. Begin at the famous golden fire hydrant where locals successfully fought to save the area during the 1906 earthquake. Gaze at a spectacular view of SF’s skyline from gorgeous Dolores Park. Wander through a historic district, get a mini-course about Victorian styles, go down the hip Valencia Street corridor, see and understand the importance in the Mission of its murals, while learning about the area’s Indigenous peoples and the colonization by Spain and Mexico at the oldest building in San Francisco, Mission Dolores, the church of Saint Francis of Assisi.
View Tour Details >10:30 amSunday November 08
here’s a small rocky outcrop jutting into the bay that has been a vital part of San Francisco’s history, from its very beginning right up to today. Bring your camera to capture stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, Aquatic Park and the Hyde Street Pier. You’ll see historic buildings, a hidden oasis, outsized art and the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill.
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Stairs
Bring Layers11:00 amSunday November 08
When Harvey Milk won his historic 1977 race for the Board of Supervisors, he ran the campaign out of his humble Castro District camera shop. A vibrant gay community took root in the Castro — one that would come to transform San Francisco politics out of sheer collective willpower. You’ll learn about the evolution of the Castro’s architecture, historic businesses and the people and places that played a role in making the Castro one of the epicenters of the gay rights movement —a tradition that continues today. And it is a neighborhood that continues to evolve.
View Tour Details >
HillStairs11:00 amSunday November 08
It’s 1967 and the sun is shining on San Francisco. You’re walking down Haight, weaving through groups of long-haired kids smoking joints and laughing. As you pass the legendary Straight Theater, you hear Jerry Garcia and the Dead letting loose a psychedelic storm of sound. You’re in the Hippie Capital of the world.
View Tour Details >11:00 amSunday November 08
Barbary Coast: The Devil's Playground
Notorious the world over, San Francisco’s Barbary Coast has always been the source of legend and intriguing tales involving crime, prostitution, and excesses of all kinds. Fortunately, the core of the Barbary Coast, once known to devotees as “Terrific Street,” has survived and this tour offers stories and details of its historic past as “the devil’s playground.”
View Tour Details >11:00 amSunday November 08
Billionaires' Row: Outer Broadway Architecture
After the 1906 earthquake pummeled their Nob Hill enclaves, the wealthy titans of San Francisco became temporary nomads. With the landscape wiped clean, where in the city was the best place to put down roots? The best view of the Bay was located on the hills of Pacific Heights, where real estate was essentially up for grabs. They parked their old money in mammoth mansions and created one of the most expensive zip codes in the world.
View Tour Details >HillStairs11:00 amSunday November 08
Embarcadero South: A Turbulent Port
A double-decker freeway used to run right through the middle of this tour! Transformation of San Francisco’s downtown waterfront has been continuous since the time of the Gold Rush. The city’s most exclusive neighborhood once occupied space here. The seaport was facilitated by the construction of the seawall we rely on today. Includes a visit to the former Hills Bros. Coffee Building, Rincon Annex, and memorials to the Longshoremen Strike of 1934.
View Tour Details >11:00 amSunday November 08
Alfred Hitchcock's San Francisco
San Francisco is an inherently cinematic city. Its rolling hills, Victorian roof lines, and panoramic vistas would make it a tremendous backdrop for any director — but nobody knew how to film the city better than the legendary Alfred Hitchcock. See the landmarks Hitchcock shot as he used the city’s look to create his signature sense of paranoia. A truly thrilling trip down memory lane.
View Tour Details >Hill
Wear Sturdy Shoes1:00 pmSunday November 08
Japanese Tea Garden (No Tour Today)
After the successful 1894 Midwinter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings - A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon...
View Tour Details >Stairs
Fee Involved1:00 pmSunday November 08
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
See where San Francisco began exactly 250 years ago! Explore the Presidio, a place shaped by Indigenous roots, military history, and bold reinvention. This guided walk reveals how a former Army post became one of the nation’s most remarkable national parks, blending history, community, and spectacular natural beauty.
View Tour Details >StairsBring LayersWear Sturdy Shoes1:00 pmSunday November 08
"Gold! Gold from the American River!", shouted San Francisco businessman Sam Brannan, as he ran down Montgomery Street in May,1848, waving a jar filled with gold over his head, sparking the Gold Rush. As word spread rapidly around the world, the tiny village of San Francisco, tucked amidst massive sand dunes by the Bay, and frequented by grizzly bears and mountain lions, was transformed virtually overnight into a booming instant city.
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2:00 pmSunday November 08
Ever wondered why there are so many Victorian style houses in San Francisco with an endless variety of decoration? The answer lies in the rich and fascinating history launched primarily by the California Gold Rush in 1849 and the advent of the cable car. Walkers learn cues to recognize the different styles of homes built across 4 decades. If you are a fan of Victorian architecture, and don't mind walking a few steep hills, or just want to learn more, this tour is for you.
View Tour Details >HillStairs2:00 pmSunday November 08
After the 1906 earthquake San Francisco was back to square one. If it wanted to remain the major American city of the West, it wouldn’t just need to rebuild — it needed to transcend what had been done before. Over the next century, luminous designers from Chicago and New York would bring their experiences working with new materials set at record heights to innovate the local blueprint. Architects like George Kelham, Willis Polk, William Pereira, and SOM would paint the skyline out of thin air.
View Tour Details >
Rain May Cancel2:00 pmSunday November 08
Noe Valley: A Village Within the City
Noe Valley is a series of delightful surprises. Much of its story is tucked away within the confines of the neighborhood. Who was Noe? What is Horner’s Addition? Why do some people call it Stroller Valley? Who were the builders that created the charming homes that line the streets? Did Andrew Carnegie live here? Sheltered from our famous San Francisco fogs by Twin Peaks, it has some of the best weather in The City. Learn how this area was transformed from a blue-collar stronghold into a delightful "Village within a City" -- Noe Valley.
View Tour Details >2:00 pmSunday November 08
Cable Cars: Halfway to the Stars
Since Andrew Hallidie introduced Cable Cars in 1873, San Francisco’s cable car lines changed the landscape of San Francisco, making hilly neighborhoods accessible. The cable cars survived the 1906 earthquake and fire as well as outlasting political attempts to modernize transportation. Today the cable cars have gained worldwide attention to become what is seen today as a San Francisco icon.
View Tour Details >Bring LayersWear Sturdy Shoes2:00 pmSunday November 08
Walk the streets where railroad barons, silver kings, and other wealthy San Franciscans built lavish mansions. Hear stories of the success and scandals of the high society men and women who lived on Nob Hill, the place that locals call Snob Hill. Experience the splendor of a world famous hotel where Tony Bennett first sang "I left my Heart in San Francisco". Visit a cathedral whose stained-glass windows honor scientists as well as saints, whose memorial chapel displays sections of the AIDS quilt, and whose labyrinth is the site of both meditative walks and candlelit yoga classes.
View Tour Details >Hill
Inner Richmond District The Wild Side: Beertown, Barracks and Buffalo Bill
South of Geary Street was the Richmond's Wild Side: there were squatters and robbers’ roosts in an area that became a race track. When the race track was graded and divided into blocks awaiting housing development, instead they became campsites for American soldiers on their way to the Spanish-American War. Soon rows of Fernando Nelson houses appeared. A decade later, newly paved streets with beautiful Craftsman houses were built. Visit the part of San Francisco where Wyatt Earp once lived and a new hospital offered America's first health maintenance organization.
View Tour Details >Rain May Cancel9:30 amMonday November 09
After the successful 1894 Midwinter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings - A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon...
View Tour Details >StairsFee Involved10:30 amMonday November 09
Discover the magic of San Francisco, a city celebrated for its stunning beauty, breathtaking vistas, and rich culture and history. This one-of-a-kind tour provides a sweeping introduction to SF, making it ideal for those who are new to the city or those seeking a broad-ranging look at what makes it unique. On this unforgettable walk, you'll explore diverse urban landscapes and visit some of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. You’ll hear stories that bring the city alive. Topics include: Gold Rush, cable cars, food culture,1906 earthquake and fires, counterculture movements and tech innovations. The tour ends at North Beach where you’ll find an assortment of old-world cafes, vibrant neighborhood energy and “Only in San Francisco” shopping opportunities. Come experience the allure of this incredible city and see for yourself why San Francisco captures hearts!
View Tour Details >10:30 amMonday November 09
Fisherman's Wharf: History Along the Waterfront
Welcome to San Francisco’s most visited neighborhood and learn about the people and places that make this waterfront one of the city’s most iconic destinations. Take in breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Experience the clanging bells of cable cars, barking sea lions, and crazy cold water swimmers. Whet your appetite learning about sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Ghirardelli chocolate, and hear tales of the immigrants, industry, and innovation that built this city.
View Tour Details >After the successful 1894 Midwinter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings - A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon...
View Tour Details >StairsFee Involved1:00 pmMonday November 09
After the 1906 earthquake San Francisco was back to square one. If it wanted to remain the major American city of the West, it wouldn’t just need to rebuild — it needed to transcend what had been done before. Over the next century, luminous designers from Chicago and New York would bring their experiences working with new materials set at record heights to innovate the local blueprint. Architects like George Kelham, Willis Polk, William Pereira, and SOM would paint the skyline out of thin air.
View Tour Details >Rain May Cancel1:00 pmMonday November 09
Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble
Hidden Gems, Rarely VisitedDiscover fascinating, but seldom-visited features in the Park by hiking from the Music Concourse around Blue Heron Lake and to the observatory ruins atop the second highest sand dune in San Francisco. Tour the Prayer Book Cross commemorating a little-known 16th century event and Lloyd Lake's Portals of the Past, a haunting reminder of the tragedy of 1906.
View Tour Details >HillStairsRain May CancelBring LayersWear Sturdy Shoes1:30 pmMonday November 09
City Hall and the Civic Center
After the original City Hall perished in the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco had a chance to think bigger the second time around. Civic Center is a campus that houses some of the city’s most important governmental and cultural institutions. Minimal walking — but maximum awe.
View Tour Details >
The 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition was a momentous occasion for the city of San Francisco. Only a decade removed from the most disastrous earthquake in the state’s history, city officials felt it was the perfect time to showcase what San Francisco had in store for the future. Architect Bernard Maybeck had a brilliant vision for its centerpiece structure: he wanted to invoke the imagery of Roman ruins, creating “a sense of sadness, modified by the feeling that beauty has a soothing influence.” Learn everything about the extravagant 1915 exhibition and the work that went into its preservation as we saunter through the Palace’s grounds.
View Tour Details >Rain May Cancel2:00 pmMonday November 09
Russian Hill: Architecture and Culture of an Island in the City
Russian Hill is the rare neighborhood that feels both tucked-away and close-to-the-action at the same time. Hear about the Beats, bohemians, and general eccentrics who sculpted the area’s unique feel. Gaze at delightful mansions and cottages that remain distinctive even against the rest of San Francisco’s lovely buildings.
View Tour Details >HillStairs10:00 amTuesday November 10
Scandalous Murals of Rincon Center
In the midst of anti-Communist hysteria after World War II, it was pretty bold to paint 27 murals that challenged the traditional, patriotic view of America. It was even bolder to do so while being Russian. Hysterical legislators across the country in DC tried desperately to have the work removed. Luckily for us, they failed.
View Tour Details >
Indoors11:00 amTuesday November 10
When Harvey Milk won his historic 1977 race for the Board of Supervisors, he ran the campaign out of his humble Castro District camera shop. A vibrant gay community took root in the Castro — one that would come to transform San Francisco politics out of sheer collective willpower. You’ll learn about the evolution of the Castro’s architecture, historic businesses and the people and places that played a role in making the Castro one of the epicenters of the gay rights movement —a tradition that continues today. And it is a neighborhood that continues to evolve.
View Tour Details >HillStairs12:00 pmTuesday November 10
For much of the early 20th century, nobody traversed the Bay without going through the Ferry Building. At its peak in the 1930s, it was the second-busiest travel hub in the world, shuttling more than 50,000 people both to and from San Francisco each day. When the city built its famous bridges, ferry travel dropped dramatically, and the building suffered for decades. In the ‘90s the Ferry Building transformed into a world-class food market focusing on local artisan creations. Today, it remains an iconic landmark of the waterfront (and a popular establishing shot for movies set in San Francisco). Join us on a wondrous trip through the centerpiece of the shoreline.
View Tour Details >Indoors1:00 pmTuesday November 10
Japanese Tea Garden (No Tour Today)
After the successful 1894 Midwinter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings - A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon...
View Tour Details >StairsFee Involved1:00 pmTuesday November 10
Making Waves on the Waterfront
San Francisco’s northern waterfront has long been a site of legendary innovation. Before the tech boom revolutionized the world, local inventors were dreaming up modern staples like denim jeans and TVs. Labor and human rights organizers catalyzed movements. It’s a city defined by forward progress — if you slow down, you get left in the dust. We’ll explore level ground (no hills to climb), visiting a grand collection of historic sites and hidden parks, all along the sensational northern shoreline.
View Tour Details >Bring LayersWear Sturdy Shoes1:00 pmTuesday November 10
Architectural Treasures in Golden Gate Park: Nature, Art and Science
Join us for a look at two modern architectural treasures hidden in plain sight in Golden Gate Park! These two museums, with long historical significance, were both rebuilt after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake by world famous architects who prioritized the environment, their function and green building techniques. Surrounded by one of the world’s great urban parks, the museums are a place where nature, art and science combine to create a unique San Francisco experience.
View Tour Details >1:30 pmTuesday November 10
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
Discover Market Street’s remarkable story, from bold visionaries and Gold Rush fortunes to railroad barons, newspaper rivalries, and the rebirth of the Path of Gold. Explore historic architecture, public art, and the colorful characters whose ambitions helped shape San Francisco.
View Tour Details >Bring Layers1:30 pmTuesday November 10
City Hall and the Civic Center
After the original City Hall perished in the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco had a chance to think bigger the second time around. Civic Center is a campus that houses some of the city’s most important governmental and cultural institutions. Minimal walking — but maximum awe.
View Tour Details >Japanese Tea Garden (No Tour Today)
After the successful 1894 Midwinter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings - A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon...
View Tour Details >StairsFee Involved10:00 amWednesday November 11
Golden Gate Park: West End
Breakers, Old Trains & Windmills!At the western edge of Golden Gate Park, within sight of the Pacific Ocean, the towering Dutch Windmill welcomes walkers. Surrounded by the year-round beauty of the Queen Wilhelmina Garden, the mill bears witness to the struggles of Park Superintendents William Hammond Hall and John McLaren to transform the shifting sands of the Outside Lands into a verdant landscape.
View Tour Details >Bring Layers
Tucked away in an unpainted tower on a hill, one of the greatest works of Social Realist art in America lies hidden away. A set of murals created by 26 of California’s best artists, it documented California life in the 1930s from a socialist perspective: romanticizing workers, illustrating inequality, and sometimes even winking at the Soviet Union. It was controversial, sure. But as a work of art? Nobody could deny that it was stunningly gorgeous.
View Tour Details >IndoorsStairs10:00 amWednesday November 11
Cityscapes and Hidden Public Spaces
On this tour we explore tucked-away parks, rooftop gardens, and hidden pockets of nature tucked into the city’s busiest business district. Along the way you’ll discover the stories behind some of downtown’s oldest buildings and see how thoughtful planning shaped the urban landscape we enjoy today.
View Tour Details >Stairs10:00 amWednesday November 11
It was the 1850s on the southern edge of town when cattle peacefully grazed the hill known as Potrero Nuevo. But bustling industry along the shoreline below the hill created a need for nearby housing. Hear how Potrero Hill was transformed and discover this secret oasis isolated from the rest of the city and blessed with sweeping views of the skyline and Bay.
View Tour Details >HillStairs10:30 amWednesday November 11Cable Cars: Halfway to the Stars
Since Andrew Hallidie introduced Cable Cars in 1873, San Francisco’s cable car lines changed the landscape of San Francisco, making hilly neighborhoods accessible. The cable cars survived the 1906 earthquake and fire as well as outlasting political attempts to modernize transportation. Today the cable cars have gained worldwide attention to become what is seen today as a San Francisco icon.
View Tour Details >Bring LayersWear Sturdy Shoes10:30 amWednesday November 11
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
Discover Market Street’s remarkable story, from bold visionaries and Gold Rush fortunes to railroad barons, newspaper rivalries, and the rebirth of the Path of Gold. Explore historic architecture, public art, and the colorful characters whose ambitions helped shape San Francisco.
View Tour Details >Bring Layers11:00 amWednesday November 11
What more is there to say? It’s an international symbol of San Francisco, a mind-blowing feat of engineering, and one of the most-photographed places in the entire world. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge has captivated locals and tourists alike since it opened in 1937. It was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge at its opening, and almost a century later, remains one of the most impressive structures ever built by humans.
View Tour Details >StairsBring Layers11:00 amWednesday November 11
Sacred Places In San Francisco (No Tour Today)
Come and witness the astounding effect religion has had on the architecture of San Francisco, including a modernist cathedral, antique Japanese temple and a synagogue. Learn about the litany of religious symbols you’ll see all over the city. Experience three of the most beautiful — if under-appreciated — public rooms in the Bay area. It’s a transcendent experience no matter what religion you follow.
View Tour Details >11:00 amWednesday November 11
Alamo Square and its Painted Ladies
While standing in Alamo Square park across from the iconic Painted Ladies, famously known as Post-card row, visitors will see the incredible views of the San Francisco skyline. Beyond the Painted ladies, this official Historic District Neighborhood is home to countless other examples of Victorian architecture; including, Italianate, San Francisco Stick and of course the elegant Queen Anne homes. It’s a historic district that's more than meets the eye—come along on a journey through time.
View Tour Details >11:00 amWednesday November 11
Dogpatch West - Dutchman's Flat to Dogpatch
Come visit one of San Francisco's can't-miss Historic Districts. Learn how waves of boom and bust transformed the working-class neighborhood of Dutchman's Flat into modern-day Dogpatch. See a blend of historic buildings and modern developments while learning about some of the people who left their mark on San Francisco.
View Tour Details >1:00 pmWednesday November 11
