| Saturday
June 22 |
| 10:00 am | Chinatown | Explore local alleys and walk among sites of temples and tongs, and shops of joss, dim sum, herbs; learn some colorful history and stories from the oldest Chinatown in the US. |
Meet inside Portsmouth Square Park in front of Parking Garage Elevators adjacent corner of Walter P. Lum Pl. & Washington St. Public transportation: MUNI lines 1, 30, and 45. |
| 10:00 am | Omni Hotel Walk | 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 or Gold Rush City. |
500 California Street (at Montgomery) |
| 10:00 am | Palace Hotel | Majestic. Spectacular. Words fail to convey the extraordinary beauty of the elegantly restored Palace. Its history is equally amazing! See this 1909 Beaux Arts gem for yourself, and discover why it's consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in the world. |
Meet on right side of main lobby; 2 New Montgomery Street. Public transportation: MUNI/BART Montgomery Station; all Market Street buses & streetcars. |
| 10:00 am | North Beach | 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. |
Meet at 666 Filbert Street on the steps of Saints Peter and Paul Church, across from Washington Square.
Public transportation: MUNI lines 30, 45.
Parking: city garage - 735 Vallejo, between Stockton and Powell. |
| 11:00 am | Pacific Heights Mansions | 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. |
Meet in Alta Plaza Park, atop the stairs above Pierce & Clay Sts. Public transportation: MUNI lines 3, 1, 24, 22. |
| 11:00 am | Golden Gate Park: West End | Explore a magic garden and windmills that helped create Golden Gate Park. Trace the tracks of trains that brought San Franciscans to Ocean Beach in Victorian Times. Discover Lucien Laubaudt's magnificent murals of 1930s City Life in Willis Polk's landmark Beach Chalet. |
Meet at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden(Dutch Windmill) on John F. Kennedy Drive near the Great Highway. |
| 11:00 am | Embarcadero South: Turbulent Waters | Shipping reigned supreme, then nearly disappeared. An exclusive neighborhood rose, then fell. No other port has been so shaken by seismic events, natural and man-made. Discover the changing face of the downtown shoreline. Understand the financial and geologic erosion that doomed it – then revived it. |
Meet at Mission & Steuart Streets, by Rincon Center. Public transportation: Muni lines 12, 14-Mission, all Market Street lines (to Ferries), and Embarcadero BART/Muni Station. |
| 11:00 am | Castro: Tales Of The Village | Explore a neighborhood you thought you knew. What was once dairy farms and dirt roads is now one of the city's most vibrant and cohesive communities. Stairs and steep hills. |
Meet near the giant rainbow flag - southwest corner of Market and Castro Streets, upper level of Harvey Milk Plaza. Muni K, L, M, Castro Station
|
| 11:00 am | Coit Tower Murals | 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. |
Meet at the main entry of Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill. No parking. Public transportation: MUNI line 39. |
| 12:00 pm | Ferry Building | 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. |
Meet at the main entrance, near the stairs to the 2nd Floor. Public transportation: MUNI lines 12, F Market; MUNI/BART Embarcadero Station. Lots of stairs; elevator available. |
| 1:00 pm | Japanese Tea Garden | Join us for a 45-minute stroll through this five-acre world-famous garden. Learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there. Admission to garden required except on the Monday and Wednesday 9:30 morning tour. |
Meet just inside the entrance to the garden. |
| 1:00 pm | 1906: Presidio & The Earthquake | Walking through the Presidio, explore the extraordinary role of the Army in this extraordinary time and learn about the more than 200,000 San Franciscans left suddenly homeless and their struggle to return to normal life. |
Meet at the flag pole on parade ground near, the officer's club. |
| 1:00 pm | Telegraph Hill Stairway Hike | Enjoy sweeping views of the Bay
and beyond. Climb the Filbert Street steps and experience a different San Francisco: semi-tropical gardens and cottages built in the 1850s. Perhaps catch a glimpse of the wild parrots. |
Meet at the Marconi Monument, opposite 290 Lombard, at the intersections of Lombard, Kearny and Telegraph Hill Blvd. Best approach is on Lombard from the west (North Beach). NOTE: Because of intervening cliffs, it is NOT possible to reach the Marconi Monument on Lombard from the east (Embarcadero) or on Kearny from the North (Fisherman's Wharf).
Tour ends at Union and Montgomery. |
| 1:30 pm | Controversial Murals of Rincon Center | Scandalous! Shocking! Revolting! Partisan hysteria echoed from San Francisco to Washington D.C. when these murals were unveiled. Powerful voices called for their destruction, yet 30 years later, they saved the building from demolition. The murals tell many stories, from SF history to Cold War politics. Discover the artistic and political drama behind these treasures. |
Meet in east end of Rincon Center lobby, Mission at Steuart. Public transportation: MUNI lines F, 2, 7, 12, 14, 21; BART/MUNI Embarcadero station. |
| 2:00 pm | Making Waves on the Waterfront | San Francisco is well-known for changing the world through innovative, even revolutionary, ideas and actions in politics, business, technology and society. Many of these changes occurred along the northern waterfront, where Gold Rush pioneers, labor organizers, entrepreneurs, genius inventors, and architects helped created our modern city. Join us as we travel over level ground (no hills!) to visit historic sites and hidden parks.
|
Meet in front of the Ferry Building under the clock tower, at the foot of Market St. Public transportation: MUNI lines 12, 14, F Historic Streetcar; MUNI/BART Embarcadero Station |
| 2:00 pm | Japantown, Urban Renewal and Fillmore Jazz | San Francisco's Japantown dates from the earthquake and fire of 1906. Later, Japanese Americans were uprooted in World War II and replaced largely by African Americans who opened many jazz clubs. Then, in the 1950s, urban renewal changed the physical landscape. Today we see Japanese-style architecture next to classic Victorians and the birth of the Fillmore Jazz Preservation District. |
Meet at the intersection of Buchanan and Sutter Streets, near 1747 Buchanan Street, next to the large Japanese gate (rectangular arch) at the entrance to the pedestrian mall. Public transportation: MUNI lines, 2, 22, 38. |
| 2:00 pm | Land's End: Sutro Heights | In sunshine or fog, experience the dramatic wind swept vistas where San Francisco meets the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy Sutro Heights Park, Mayor Sutro's gift to the public, and see the ruins of his gigantic baths. Somewhat strenuous. |
Meet at the entrance gate to Sutro Heights Park, on Point Lobos Avenue just down the hill from the 48th Avenue traffic light. |
| Sunday
June 23 |
| 11:00 am | Haight-Ashbury | 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. |
Meet at the Park Branch Library, 1833 Page St. Public transportation: MUNI lines 33, 43. |
| 11:00 am | Castro: Tales Of The Village | Explore a neighborhood you thought you knew. What was once dairy farms and dirt roads is now one of the city's most vibrant and cohesive communities. Stairs and steep hills. |
Meet near the giant rainbow flag - southwest corner of Market and Castro Streets, upper level of Harvey Milk Plaza. Muni K, L, M, Castro Station
|
| 11:00 am | Rising Steel: Two Centuries Of San Francisco Architecture | Explore downtown architecture from as early as 1891 up to today. We'll see famous buildings and little-known treasures while discussing the architects and design trends that changed the face of America. 'Make no small plans!' 30 buildings in two hours. |
Meet at the corner of Stockton and Maiden Lane, just east of Union Square. Public transportation: MUNI line 38; also near Powell Muni/BART station. |
| 11:00 am | Alfred Hitchcock's San Francisco | The Master of Suspense loved San Francisco and used its beauty, elegance and mystery to great effect in several films. From Nob Hill to Union Square, you'll see some of the hotels, clubs, retail stores and other locations featured in Vertigo and other Hitchcock classics. You'll hear why Hitchcock chose them and how he filmed them. And you'll learn about their history, architecture, and the stories they tell about the San Francisco of fifty years ago and today. |
Meet at the fountain in Huntington Park, off Sacramento Street between Taylor and Mason. Tour ends in Union Square and includes a steep downhill walk. |
| 11:00 am | Billionaire's Row: Outer Broadway Architecture | Explore the most exclusive corner of Pacific Heights; where, since the late 19th century, San Francisco's wealthiest families have built mansions with spectacular views of the bay. Find out which society family runs a nursery school from their home and which rehab program had its headquarters in this unlikely setting. Stroll past a Victorian Firehouse turned private residence and visit a humble church that started a new architectural movement. |
Meet at the top of the Lyon Street steps at the intersection of Lyon and Broadway. Public transportation: MUNI lines 3, 43. |
| 11:00 am | Golden Gate Bridge | This tour has everything. Soaring design, sleazy politics, stunning engineering, terrifying geology, ripping currents and tides, famous fog, sailboats under your feet, fearless ironworkers and cowardly bankers...and then there's the view from center span |
Meet at the Strauss statue in the visitors plaza, the SF side of the Bridge. Weather can be unpredictable. Bring a jacket! Public transportation: MUNI lines 28 or park in the NPS lot on the East side of the bridge. |
| 1:00 pm | Japanese Tea Garden | Join us for a 45-minute stroll through this five-acre world-famous garden. Learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there. Admission to garden required except on the Monday and Wednesday 9:30 morning tour. |
Meet just inside the entrance to the garden. |
| 1:00 pm | Golden Gate Park: East End | The East End of Golden Gate Park holds many features and stories of its past one hundred year existence. The Conservatory of Flowers, underground tunnels, a rock quarry, and a long gone aviary are part of its past. View the AIDS Memorial Grove, and the new buildings in the Music Concourse, site of the 1894 World's Fair. We will be walking up small hills and climbing some stairs in this two-hour walk. |
meet at the top steps of the Conservatory of Flowers
|
| 1:00 pm | Murals And The Multi-Ethnic Mission | 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. |
Meet at the Women's Building, 3543 18th Street, between Guerrero and Valencia. Public transportation: MUNI lines 14, 33, 49; BART 16th Street station. |
| 2:00 pm | Gold Rush City | 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. |
Meet on the northeast corner of Clay & Montgomery at the Transamerica Pyramid. Public Transportation: MUNI lines 1. |
| 2:00 pm | Land's End: Sutro Heights | In sunshine or fog, experience the dramatic wind swept vistas where San Francisco meets the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy Sutro Heights Park, Mayor Sutro's gift to the public, and see the ruins of his gigantic baths. Somewhat strenuous. |
Meet at the entrance gate to Sutro Heights Park, on Point Lobos Avenue just down the hill from the 48th Avenue traffic light. |
| 2:00 pm | Nob Hill | 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. |
Meet at the front entrance to the Stanford Court Hotel on California Street between Powell and Mason. Public transportation: MUNI Powell or California Street cable car; Powell Street MUNI/BART station. |
| 2:00 pm | Victorian San Francisco | See and learn about Victorian era architecture 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! |
Meet outside the Octavia St. entrance to the 1801 Bush St. garden, just off the SW corner of Bush and Octavia. Public transportation: MUNI lines 1, 3. |
| 7:00 pm | North Beach By Night | The other side of North Beach history - that of its bars, bordellos and beatniks - comes alive on this evening tour. Weather can be chilly, dress accordingly. |
Meet in front of Specs Cafe, 12 Saroyan Place, just off Columbus, south of Broadway and next to Tosca Cafe. |
| Monday
June 24 |
| 9:30 am | Japanese Tea Garden | Join us for a 45-minute stroll through this five-acre world-famous garden. Learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there. Admission to garden required except on the Monday and Wednesday 9:30 morning tour. |
Meet just inside the entrance to the garden. |
| 10:00 am | Chinatown | Explore local alleys and walk among sites of temples and tongs, and shops of joss, dim sum, herbs; learn some colorful history and stories from the oldest Chinatown in the US. |
Meet inside Portsmouth Square Park in front of Parking Garage Elevators adjacent corner of Walter P. Lum Pl. & Washington St. Public transportation: MUNI lines 1, 30, and 45. |
| 11:00 am | Bawdy & Naughty | 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. |
Meet at Kearny & Maiden Lane. Public transportation: MUNI lines 9x, 9ax, 9bx, 15, 30, 45, 81x; also one block west of Montgomery MUNI/BART station. |
| 11:00 am | Fisherman's Wharf: A Hidden History | Come experience what most visitors miss at this world-famous tourist destination! Go behind the scenes of this vital part of San Francisco's past and present to see great old ships and unexpected vistas. Learn about swimmers who survived the Bay(and those who didn't!), Joltin' Joe and much more. |
Meet by the Mermaid Fountain, main courtyard of Ghirardelli Square, off Larkin St. between North Point & Beach Sts. |
| 1:00 pm | Japanese Tea Garden | Join us for a 45-minute stroll through this five-acre world-famous garden. Learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there. Admission to garden required except on the Monday and Wednesday 9:30 morning tour. |
Meet just inside the entrance to the garden. |
| 1:30 pm | Chinatown | Explore local alleys and walk among sites of temples and tongs, and shops of joss, dim sum, herbs; learn some colorful history and stories from the oldest Chinatown in the US. |
Meet inside Portsmouth Square Park in front of Parking Garage Elevators adjacent corner of Walter P. Lum Pl. & Washington St. Public transportation: MUNI lines 1, 30, and 45. |
| 7:00 pm | North Beach By Night | The other side of North Beach history - that of its bars, bordellos and beatniks - comes alive on this evening tour. Weather can be chilly, dress accordingly. |
Meet in front of Specs Cafe, 12 Saroyan Place, just off Columbus, south of Broadway and next to Tosca Cafe. |
| Tuesday
June 25 |
| 10:00 am | Palace Hotel | Majestic. Spectacular. Words fail to convey the extraordinary beauty of the elegantly restored Palace. Its history is equally amazing! See this 1909 Beaux Arts gem for yourself, and discover why it's consistently ranked as one of the top luxury hotels in the world. |
Meet on right side of main lobby; 2 New Montgomery Street. Public transportation: MUNI/BART Montgomery Station; all Market Street buses & streetcars. |
| 10:00 am | North Beach | 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. |
Meet at 666 Filbert Street on the steps of Saints Peter and Paul Church, across from Washington Square.
Public transportation: MUNI lines 30, 45.
Parking: city garage - 735 Vallejo, between Stockton and Powell. |
| 11:00 am | Castro: Tales Of The Village | Explore a neighborhood you thought you knew. What was once dairy farms and dirt roads is now one of the city's most vibrant and cohesive communities. Stairs and steep hills. |
Meet near the giant rainbow flag - southwest corner of Market and Castro Streets, upper level of Harvey Milk Plaza. Muni K, L, M, Castro Station
|
| 11:00 am | City Hall and the Civic Center | Explore a National Historic District and tour San Francisco's most beautiful building: its City Hall. |
Meet at steps of Main Library facing the Pioneer Monument on Fulton St. between Hyde & Larkin. Public transportation: MUNI line 19; MUNI/BART Civic Center Station |
| 12:00 pm | Ferry Building | 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. |
Meet at the main entrance, near the stairs to the 2nd Floor. Public transportation: MUNI lines 12, F Market; MUNI/BART Embarcadero Station. Lots of stairs; elevator available. |
| 1:00 pm | Japanese Tea Garden | Join us for a 45-minute stroll through this five-acre world-famous garden. Learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there. Admission to garden required except on the Monday and Wednesday 9:30 morning tour. |
Meet just inside the entrance to the garden. |
| 1:30 pm | Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold | 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. |
Meet in front of Landmark at One Market, south side of Market St. between Steuart & Spear Sts.No hills. Wheelchairs welcome. Public transportation: MUNI lines F, 2, 7, 14, 21, 66, 71. |
