Find Your Tour
Thursday January 29
- 10:30 am

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.
10:30 am
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
See where San Francisco began—and continues to reinvent itself. 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.
11:00 am
1850's San Francisco: Paris Of The Pacific
Everyone in France heard the rumors. Or saw the news reports "of gold mines...fabulous riches awaiting only the hands of miners to be picked up." Some packed their bags and set off for California. These French left their mark on the culture of the booming city. The French influenced society, especially in food and fashion. Without them, it's hard to imagine San Francisco becoming our sophisticated, cosmopolitan metropolis.
11:00 am
Beat Generation in SF: Rebels, Writers, and Visionaries
The Beat Generation wasn’t just a literary movement—it was a cultural rebellion. Writers like Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti found refuge in San Francisco’s North Beach in the late 1950s, rejecting conformity and embracing raw, unfiltered truth. Their bold, spontaneous work challenged post-war America and set the stage for the counterculture movements that followed. On this tour, we’ll explore the world of the Beats: the places they wrote, performed, and pushed boundaries. We’ll visit legendary haunts like City Lights Bookstore and Caffe Trieste, tracing the journey of a movement that sought meaning in jazz, Zen Buddhism, and the open road.
1:00 pm
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...
2:00 pm
In the late 1800’s, what is now known as San Francisco's Japantown hosted a vibrant Jewish community. Japantown per se dates from the earthquake and fire of 1906. During World War II, Japanese American residents were sent to internment camps and replaced largely by African Americans, whose thriving businesses included many jazz clubs. Beginning in the 1950’s, a decades-long urban renewal project reshaped both the neighborhood's population and its physical landscape. Today we see classic Victorians next to Japanese-style architecture, as well as the ghosts of historic jazz clubs replaced by modern structures of glass and steel.
2:30 pm
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 Stow 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.
Friday January 30
- 9:30 am

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...
10:30 am
The 1985 Downtown Plan was one of the most important piece of red tape in San Francisco history. With accelerating downtown development, city officials laid down some ground rules: If you’re going to build here, you’re going to have to pay a little extra to cover the necessary infrastructure improvements. Oh — and you have to devote a portion of your project to a publicly accessible open space. Thus, Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) were born.
11:00 am
Fisherman's Wharf: A Hidden History
It may not look like it now, but underneath the sleek, commercial facade of today’s redeveloped Fisherman’s Wharf, hundreds of Italian immigrants built an entire industry on the backs of Dungeness crab. Not everything on this tour happens on the water. We'll look at Ghirardelli Square, once the factory of San Francisco's most beloved chocolatier. Passing the Hyde Street Cable Car Turnaround we discuss San Francisco's cable cars and we'll explain the stories of many of the historic ships anchored at the Hyde Street Pier. Discover a new side of the Wharf, featuring stories of the Bay that locals themselves don't know.
11:00 am
Golden Gate Park: East End,
Creating San Francisco's Great Urban ParkIt was the 1860s, and everyone had heard about New York City’s Central Park — a spacious plot of green that contrasted sharply with the metallic landscape beyond. To recreate such a space in San Francisco, city officials looked west and by the turn of the century, Golden Gate Park had developed into an enormous playground for a recreation-starved city. Breathe deep and enjoy a natural oasis on the Pacific.
1:00 pm
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...
1:00 pm
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
See where San Francisco began—and continues to reinvent itself. 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.
1:30 pm
"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.
1:30 pm
The 1985 Downtown Plan was one of the most important piece of red tape in San Francisco history. With accelerating downtown development, city officials laid down some ground rules: If you’re going to build here, you’re going to have to pay a little extra to cover the necessary infrastructure improvements. Oh — and you have to devote a portion of your project to a publicly accessible open space. Thus, Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) were born.
2:00 pm
San Francisco’s Chinatown rose from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake to evolve into a Chinese community holding fast to its traditions amid a rapidly changing cityscape. Discover the local alleys where this community has continued to flourish for over 150 years, in spite of harsh racial discrimination. Family associations and temples, dim sum, herbal apothecaries and jade jewelry shops built by the local community, all contribute to the vibrancy of this place, one of the oldest Chinese communities outside of China.
2:00 pm
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.
Saturday January 31
- 10:00 am

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.
10:00 am
Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area's identity. Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood. You'll start in beautiful Precita Park and be moved by the stories that inspired the murals and finish in Balmy Alley where you will see a display of powerful works expressing feelings about immigration, war, gentrification, as well as healing and the celebration of women. This is an unforgettable walk, both visually dazzling and emotionally impactful.
10:00 am
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!
10:30 am
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.
10:30 am
Can you imagine San Francisco without the Bay? It connects us to the world, shapes our climate, and feeds and entertains us. On this tour, we explore the saltwater lifeblood of the city. From ancient shores to today’s maritime bustle, where history and real-time drama meet, you’ll see how the Bay has powered it all. Along the way, you’ll get a front-row view of what’s unfolding on the water right now. Bring your curiosity—we’ll supply the view.
11:00 am
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.
11:00 am
Experience the hotel of presidents, dignitaries, king & queens , rock-stars and the rich and famous. Visit a beautiful hidden garden, listen for the Fairmont bees, and you will leave your heart in San Francisco at the breathtaking Fairmont Hotel. Stroll through this Italian Renaissance palazzo masterpiece. On our tour you gain exclusive access to several beautiful and surprising venues and rooms that are not always open to the public. This tour is by reservation only
11:00 am
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.
11:00 am
Old money heirs share fences with newly minted tech billionaires in Pacific Heights, arguably one of San Francisco’s toniest and most exclusive neighborhoods. Atop a hill with majestic views, the area’s towering mansions were a manifestation of of Victorian excess and a key part of the Gold Coast’s development. After the 1906 earthquake, homeless quake refugees provided the moneyed residents a different sort of neighbor. You’re as likely to run into a celebrity resident as a diplomat visiting one of the manses-turned-consultates.
12:00 pm
San Francisco’s Chinatown rose from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake to evolve into a Chinese community holding fast to its traditions amid a rapidly changing cityscape. Discover the local alleys where this community has continued to flourish for over 150 years, in spite of harsh racial discrimination. Family associations and temples, dim sum, herbal apothecaries and jade jewelry shops built by the local community, all contribute to the vibrancy of this place, one of the oldest Chinese communities outside of China.
1:00 pm
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...
1:00 pm
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
See where San Francisco began—and continues to reinvent itself. 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.
2:00 pm
You are jolted awake in the morning of April 18, 1906 to a horrific scene. The San Andreas Fault has unleashed a shockwave felt from Los Angeles to Oregon, with the epicenter just off the coast of San Francisco. As the ground convulses, buildings disintegrate and fires are ignited. Your home, the capital of the West Coast, has been reduced to rubble in minutes: 28,000 buildings destroyed, 3,000 dead and more than 200,000 homeless. What followed that disaster, though, was one of the greatest stories of resilience in history
2:00 pm
A Touch of Glass: Glass in San Francisco's Commercial Architecture
Some of the best examples of modern San Franciscan architecture involve a commonly overlooked design element: glass. It wasn't always that way. Make do, plain-front buildings sprang up during the frenzied years of the Gold Rush and gingerbread-covered Victorians were built in the decades that followed. But in 1918 San Franciscans were awe struck when famed architect Willis Polk unveiled his elegant Hallidie Building. Glass-shrouded buildings have taken over the skyline ever since, from the sleek skin of Financial District skyscrapers to the ornate ceilings of a Union Square landmark.
2:00 pm
Across the West Coast, there’s few ocean vistas more arresting than Land’s End — a fact millionaire Adolph Sutro was well aware of when he built the first passenger steam train to the park in 1880. He wasn’t done there: Sutro transformed the land, adding an elaborate public garden, renovating the quaint Cliff House and constructing the Sutro Baths, a massive swimming facility on the oceanfront. Come experience Adolph Sutro’s gift to San Franciscans
2:00 pm
Telegraph Hill is one of the most beautiful, panoramic vantage points in San Francisco, offering breathtaking views of the Bay. Come and uncover Telegraph Hill’s colorful history on a mile-plus hike featuring incredible vistas and lush foliage. Explore the hidden staircases that lead to Coit Tower atop the Hill, and discover gorgeous gardens and a beautifully landscaped neighborhood of cottages dating back to the 1850s.
2:30 pm
Embarcadero Skyway and Art Tour
In desperate need of a makeover, mid-century Embarcadero was transformed into an impressive business district populated with hidden treasures, including the world-class Embarcadero Center Art Collection, curated by the Rockefeller family. Many of the sculptures in the collection reflect themes of transformation, change, rebirth, and new beginnings—powerfully echoing the waterfront’s own journey from a tidal cove to a bustling port, and now, into a modern urban space. Join us to explore this revitalized shoreline, where modern art and architecture reinforce the story of the city’s evolution!
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Japanese Tea Garden (No Tour Today)
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Embarcadero Skyway and Art Tour (No Tour Today)
Friday January 30
Saturday January 31
Sunday February 01
Monday February 02
Tuesday February 03
Wednesday February 04
Thursday February 05
Friday February 06
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