Find Your Tour
Select a topic below to find tours in the next 60 days
- Architectural/Art
- Essential San Francisco
- Historic/Pioneer
- Landmarks
- Music
- Natural History
- Neighborhood
- Online
- Social History
- Stairways/Views
- Uniquely SF
- 9:30 amFriday July 26
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday July 26
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 amFriday July 26
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday July 26
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday July 26
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday July 26
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.
- 1:30 pmFriday July 26
"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.
- 2:00 pmFriday July 26
Riches and ruin! Bold ventures and ill-fated schemes! Greed! Deceit! Learn the hidden stories of San Francisco's Financial District. From its origins as a remote trading outpost to its dominance of today's tech sector this has been a place where you could make a fortune but also lose it all.
- 10:00 amSaturday July 27
1840s San Francisco and the Astonishing Legacy of America’s “First Black Millionaire”
How did he do it? A biracial sea captain named William Leidesdorff played a central role in the American conquest of San Francisco, created multiple essential institutions, and amassed one of the most enormous fortunes in California… all while passing as white. Revered by his neighbors, many of whom openly despised the race he kept secret, Leidesdorff became America’s “First Black Millionaire” while still in his thirties. Come discover San Francisco in its earliest days and learn about this fascinating individual.
- 10:00 amSaturday July 27
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 amSaturday July 27
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday July 27
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 amSaturday July 27
When you bring up North Beach, most people think of the transformative literature produced by its local beatniks and bohemians in the 1950s. But that does a disservice to its rich history as San Francisco’s Little Italy, where a swarm of immigrants in the 1910s established the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality. The Beats may get the spotlight — but the Italians made North Beach what it is today. Soak up the unique charm of this delightfully historic neighborhood and — if you can look up from the sights for a moment — see an unexpectedly spectacular view of downtown.
- 10:00 amSaturday July 27
Online - Land's End: Sutro Heights
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
- 11:00 amSaturday July 27
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 amSaturday July 27
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday July 27
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 amSaturday July 27
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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday July 27
Corona Heights Stairways (No Tour Today)
Explore the Corona Heights neighborhood, directly adjacent to the Castro.The tour visits the Corona Heights Hill, Buena Vista Park, Mount Olympus, and takes in some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco. You will learn about the history, architecture and the underlying geology of the neighborhood, and the people and events that shaped the hill.
- 1:00 pmSaturday July 27
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday July 27
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:00 pmSaturday July 27
You’ll get breathtaking views with Russian Hill Stairways and catch your breath at stops featuring tales of iconic figures and pioneering architecture. Hidden and scenic paths await to add to the Russian Hill experience!
- 1:00 pmSaturday July 27
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.
- 1:30 pmSaturday July 27
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 pmSaturday July 27
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 pmSaturday July 27
Once known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” Fort Mason has been the protector of a growing metropolis, a site where America’s massive military embarked for the fight against the Axis powers, a community for earthquake refugees, a home for artists and the playground of tech bros. Since it was constructed, Fort Mason has transformed along with San Francisco, each time remaking itself into a dynamic headquarters for a changing city. Today, visitors are more likely to visit for its use as a vibrant arts hub with performance spaces and galleries, or the regular food truck gatherings and farmers’ markets.
- 2:00 pmSaturday July 27
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday July 27
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 pmSaturday July 27
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday July 27
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday July 27
From one minute “actualities” to one of the most daring films ever made, from the flourishing of the Little Tramp to the ruin of another comic legend in a stunning scandal, San Francisco played a starring role in the era of the silent cinema. Fabulous locations, talent to spare in front of the lens and behind it — along with plenty of money — made the city a movie-making mecca Join us on a trip through the streets where superstars like Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Buster Keaton, Lon Chaney worked.
- 10:30 amSunday July 28
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.
- 10:30 amSunday July 28
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.
- 11:00 amSunday July 28
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.
- 11:00 amSunday July 28
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.
- 11:00 amSunday July 28
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday July 28
No one knows for certain how it got the name Dogpatch — Once the home of iron works, shipyards and other heavy industry hear how contemporary development is transforming this area to a lively mixed use district. It’s a designated Historic District you simply can’t miss.
- 11:00 amSunday July 28
Even though the Art Deco movement was a French creation, it found a dedicated American evangelist in San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. His designs, along with those of other architects, invoke the jazzy buoyancy of the Roaring 1920s and San Francisco’s thriving economy throughout the period. We’ll take a comprehensive tour of all the Art Deco masterpieces in San Francisco’s downtown. Soak up San Francisco of the 1920s through these elegant, timeless buildings.
- 11:00 amSunday July 28
Golden Gate Bridge (No Tour Today)
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 amSunday July 28
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday July 28
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 1:00 pmSunday July 28
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday July 28
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmSunday July 28
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 2:00 pmSunday July 28
"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.
- 2:00 pmSunday July 28
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.
- 2:00 pmSunday July 28
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.
- 9:30 amMonday July 29
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amMonday July 29
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday July 29
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday July 29
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amTuesday July 30
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 10:00 amTuesday July 30
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.
- 11:00 amTuesday July 30
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday July 30
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday July 30
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday July 30
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.
- 1:30 pmTuesday July 30
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 2:00 pmTuesday July 30
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.
- 3:00 pmTuesday July 30
1840s San Francisco and the Astonishing Legacy of America’s “First Black Millionaire”
How did he do it? A biracial sea captain named William Leidesdorff played a central role in the American conquest of San Francisco, created multiple essential institutions, and amassed one of the most enormous fortunes in California… all while passing as white. Revered by his neighbors, many of whom openly despised the race he kept secret, Leidesdorff became America’s “First Black Millionaire” while still in his thirties. Come discover San Francisco in its earliest days and learn about this fascinating individual.
- 9:30 amWednesday July 31
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday July 31
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.
- 10:00 amWednesday July 31
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday July 31
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday July 31
No one knows for certain how it got the name Dogpatch — Once the home of iron works, shipyards and other heavy industry hear how contemporary development is transforming this area to a lively mixed use district. It’s a designated Historic District you simply can’t miss.
- 11:00 amWednesday July 31
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmWednesday July 31
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday July 31
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmWednesday July 31
"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.
- 2:00 pmWednesday July 31
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.
- 2:00 pmWednesday July 31
Mission Bay: Hidden Waters (No Tour Today)
Before the Gold Rush, Mission Bay was a simple, shallow inlet whose main residents were ducks. Early filling of the bay enabled the development of San Francisco's largest railroad yard surrounded by a bustling industrial district. With the decline of rail traffic, this large valuable section of land became one of the city’s largest construction projects. Even though the “bay” has mostly disappeared, the future of Mission Bay looks bright and beautiful — see the magic for yourself.
- 10:00 amThursday August 01
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.
- 11:00 amThursday August 01
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
- 11:00 amThursday August 01
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amThursday August 01
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.
- 12:00 pmThursday August 01
It’s easy to admire the Main Library of San Francisco from afar, its stately rectangular body spanning an entire block. But it’s when you get inside that the real magic appears. A dramatic skylight crowns the soaring atrium, flooding every nook and cranny with natural light. The bridges above span the spacious lightwells, delivering readers to whatever book they’re searching for. Perfect for bookworms and non-readers alike.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 01
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday August 02
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday August 02
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.
- 10:00 amFriday August 02
Club Land - Architecture and Culture of San Francisco
It was officially the Gilded Age, and those who had become extravagantly wealthy in the years before 1900 were looking for a place to mingle away from the commoners. Thus, Club Land was born: an area between Nob Hill, Union Square and the Financial District, where social clubs of all kinds popped up almost overnight. Exclusive men’s clubs, like the Pacific Union, were open only to tycoons and dignitaries, while women’s clubs were formed to help organize Progressive reform efforts.
- 10:00 amFriday August 02
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.
- 11:00 amFriday August 02
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 amFriday August 02
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 02
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 02
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday August 02
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:30 pmFriday August 02
"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.
- 3:00 pmFriday August 02
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 03
1840s San Francisco and the Astonishing Legacy of America’s “First Black Millionaire”
How did he do it? A biracial sea captain named William Leidesdorff played a central role in the American conquest of San Francisco, created multiple essential institutions, and amassed one of the most enormous fortunes in California… all while passing as white. Revered by his neighbors, many of whom openly despised the race he kept secret, Leidesdorff became America’s “First Black Millionaire” while still in his thirties. Come discover San Francisco in its earliest days and learn about this fascinating individual.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 03
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 amSaturday August 03
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 03
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 03
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 amSaturday August 03
When you bring up North Beach, most people think of the transformative literature produced by its local beatniks and bohemians in the 1950s. But that does a disservice to its rich history as San Francisco’s Little Italy, where a swarm of immigrants in the 1910s established the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality. The Beats may get the spotlight — but the Italians made North Beach what it is today. Soak up the unique charm of this delightfully historic neighborhood and — if you can look up from the sights for a moment — see an unexpectedly spectacular view of downtown.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 03
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 amSaturday August 03
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 03
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 03
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 amSaturday August 03
You’ll get breathtaking views with Russian Hill Stairways and catch your breath at stops featuring tales of iconic figures and pioneering architecture. Hidden and scenic paths await to add to the Russian Hill experience!
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 03
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday August 03
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
Riches and ruin! Bold ventures and ill-fated schemes! Greed! Deceit! Learn the hidden stories of San Francisco's Financial District. From its origins as a remote trading outpost to its dominance of today's tech sector this has been a place where you could make a fortune but also lose it all.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
Once known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” Fort Mason has been the protector of a growing metropolis, a site where America’s massive military embarked for the fight against the Axis powers, a community for earthquake refugees, a home for artists and the playground of tech bros. Since it was constructed, Fort Mason has transformed along with San Francisco, each time remaking itself into a dynamic headquarters for a changing city. Today, visitors are more likely to visit for its use as a vibrant arts hub with performance spaces and galleries, or the regular food truck gatherings and farmers’ markets.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
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 pmSaturday August 03
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
Murals And The Multi-Ethnic Mission District (No Tour Today)
See how the culture, lore, and history of this neighborhood have literally left their mark on its walls! We start with a four-story mural at the Women's Building and view many others, including an eight-story example at Bethany Center. Specific destinations may vary in this dynamic district where change is the only constant!
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 03
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.
- 10:00 amSunday August 04
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 10:30 amSunday August 04
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
No one knows for certain how it got the name Dogpatch — Once the home of iron works, shipyards and other heavy industry hear how contemporary development is transforming this area to a lively mixed use district. It’s a designated Historic District you simply can’t miss.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
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 amSunday August 04
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 04
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 04
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 04
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday August 04
"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.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 04
Murals And The Multi-Ethnic Mission District
See how the culture, lore, and history of this neighborhood have literally left their mark on its walls! We start with a four-story mural at the Women's Building and view many others, including an eight-story example at Bethany Center. Specific destinations may vary in this dynamic district where change is the only constant!
- 9:30 amMonday August 05
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amMonday August 05
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.
- 10:30 amMonday August 05
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday August 05
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday August 05
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 pmMonday August 05
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amTuesday August 06
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.
- 10:30 amTuesday August 06
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.
- 11:00 amTuesday August 06
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday August 06
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday August 06
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 06
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.
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 06
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday August 07
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday August 07
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.
- 10:00 amWednesday August 07
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.
- 10:30 amWednesday August 07
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday August 07
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday August 07
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday August 07
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmWednesday August 07
"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.
- 2:00 pmWednesday August 07
Even though the Art Deco movement was a French creation, it found a dedicated American evangelist in San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. His designs, along with those of other architects, invoke the jazzy buoyancy of the Roaring 1920s and San Francisco’s thriving economy throughout the period. We’ll take a comprehensive tour of all the Art Deco masterpieces in San Francisco’s downtown. Soak up San Francisco of the 1920s through these elegant, timeless buildings.
- 10:00 amThursday August 08
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.
- 11:00 amThursday August 08
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
- 11:00 amThursday August 08
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 11:00 amThursday August 08
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 08
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmThursday August 08
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmThursday August 08
Riches and ruin! Bold ventures and ill-fated schemes! Greed! Deceit! Learn the hidden stories of San Francisco's Financial District. From its origins as a remote trading outpost to its dominance of today's tech sector this has been a place where you could make a fortune but also lose it all.
- 9:30 amFriday August 09
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday August 09
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.
- 10:00 amFriday August 09
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.
- 10:30 amFriday August 09
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 amFriday August 09
Cable Cars: Halfway to the Stars (No Tour Today)
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amFriday August 09
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 09
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 09
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmFriday August 09
"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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 10
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 amSaturday August 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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 10
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 10
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 amSaturday August 10
When you bring up North Beach, most people think of the transformative literature produced by its local beatniks and bohemians in the 1950s. But that does a disservice to its rich history as San Francisco’s Little Italy, where a swarm of immigrants in the 1910s established the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality. The Beats may get the spotlight — but the Italians made North Beach what it is today. Soak up the unique charm of this delightfully historic neighborhood and — if you can look up from the sights for a moment — see an unexpectedly spectacular view of downtown.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 10
Terrific Street: 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.”
- 10:30 amSaturday August 10
Golden Gate Park: West End
Breakers, Old Trains & Windmills! (No Tour Today)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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 10
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 amSaturday August 10
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 10
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 10
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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 10
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday August 10
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 10
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 10
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 pmSaturday August 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.
- 10:00 amSunday August 11
Perk up your Sunday morning with the bell ringing at the oldest Orthodox Christian parish in America. Spared destruction from the 1906 disaster, Cow Hollow contains structures from nearly every decade since the 1860s. This tour illustrates the transformation of the district from a rural suburb to a full-fledged city neighborhood.
- 10:30 amSunday August 11
Chinatown Family Associations, Tongs and Gangs
Pulled and pushed from the far southeast part of China from 1849 onward, young Chinese men went to the gold fields only to find that discrimination forced them to either work as laborers or return to San Francisco, but not to look for gold. Settling in San Francisco's Chinatown many joined the Family Associations, Tongs, and Gangs that largely controlled the neighborhood. Walk along Chinatown's streets and alleys and dive into the colorful and sometimes violent history of this period Note: Content may not be appropriate for children under 14 years of age.
- 10:30 amSunday August 11
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.
- 10:30 amSunday August 11
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 11
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 11
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 11
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 11
No one knows for certain how it got the name Dogpatch — Once the home of iron works, shipyards and other heavy industry hear how contemporary development is transforming this area to a lively mixed use district. It’s a designated Historic District you simply can’t miss.
- 11:00 amSunday August 11
Even though the Art Deco movement was a French creation, it found a dedicated American evangelist in San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. His designs, along with those of other architects, invoke the jazzy buoyancy of the Roaring 1920s and San Francisco’s thriving economy throughout the period. We’ll take a comprehensive tour of all the Art Deco masterpieces in San Francisco’s downtown. Soak up San Francisco of the 1920s through these elegant, timeless buildings.
- 11:00 amSunday August 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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 11
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 11
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday August 11
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 11
"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.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 11
Murals And The Multi-Ethnic Mission District
See how the culture, lore, and history of this neighborhood have literally left their mark on its walls! We start with a four-story mural at the Women's Building and view many others, including an eight-story example at Bethany Center. Specific destinations may vary in this dynamic district where change is the only constant!
- 2:00 pmSunday August 11
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.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 11
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.
- 3:00 pmSunday August 11
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 9:30 amMonday August 12
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amMonday August 12
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.
- 11:00 amMonday August 12
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday August 12
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday August 12
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmMonday August 12
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.
- 10:00 amTuesday August 13
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.
- 10:00 amTuesday August 13
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.
- 11:00 amTuesday August 13
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday August 13
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday August 13
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 pmTuesday August 13
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 13
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.
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 13
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 2:00 pmTuesday August 13
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.
- 9:30 amWednesday August 14
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday August 14
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.
- 10:30 amWednesday August 14
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.
- 10:30 amWednesday August 14
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday August 14
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday August 14
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmWednesday August 14
"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.
- 10:00 amThursday August 15
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 10:30 amThursday August 15
Golden Gate Park: East End
Flowers & Tunnels & Bears, Oh My!It 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.
- 11:00 amThursday August 15
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
- 11:00 amThursday August 15
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amThursday August 15
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 11:00 amThursday August 15
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 15
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 15
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmThursday August 15
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.
- 2:00 pmThursday August 15
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.
- 4:00 pmThursday August 15
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.
- 5:30 pmThursday August 15
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.
- 9:30 amFriday August 16
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday August 16
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 amFriday August 16
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 16
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 16
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday August 16
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:30 pmFriday August 16
"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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 17
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 amSaturday August 17
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 17
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.
- 10:30 amSaturday August 17
Golden Gate Park: East End
Flowers & Tunnels & Bears, Oh My! (No Tour Today)It 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.
- 10:30 amSaturday August 17
Golden Gate Park: West End
Breakers, Old Trains & Windmills! (No Tour Today)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.
- 10:30 amSaturday August 17
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 17
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 amSaturday August 17
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 17
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 amSaturday August 17
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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 17
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday August 17
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 17
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 17
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 pmSaturday August 17
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.
- 10:00 amSunday August 18
Perk up your Sunday morning with the bell ringing at the oldest Orthodox Christian parish in America. Spared destruction from the 1906 disaster, Cow Hollow contains structures from nearly every decade since the 1860s. This tour illustrates the transformation of the district from a rural suburb to a full-fledged city neighborhood.
- 10:30 amSunday August 18
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.
- 10:30 amSunday August 18
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
No one knows for certain how it got the name Dogpatch — Once the home of iron works, shipyards and other heavy industry hear how contemporary development is transforming this area to a lively mixed use district. It’s a designated Historic District you simply can’t miss.
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
Even though the Art Deco movement was a French creation, it found a dedicated American evangelist in San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. His designs, along with those of other architects, invoke the jazzy buoyancy of the Roaring 1920s and San Francisco’s thriving economy throughout the period. We’ll take a comprehensive tour of all the Art Deco masterpieces in San Francisco’s downtown. Soak up San Francisco of the 1920s through these elegant, timeless buildings.
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
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 amSunday August 18
With so many hills to explore in San Francisco, Golden Gate Heights often gets overlooked. Nestled in between Twin Peaks and the Sunset District on the westernmost side of the peninsula, it’s a hidden treasure enjoyed by the few in the know. Note: This is a mildly strenuous walk. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Tour will be canceled in case of rain
- 11:00 amSunday August 18
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 18
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday August 18
Terrific Street: 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.”
- 1:00 pmSunday August 18
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.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 18
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.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 18
San Francisco neighborhoods constantly change but still retain much of the look and character of past decades. The Marina District is no exception. Largely developed in the 1920s and 1930s, a period that coincided with a popular design style now known as “Art Deco” which fused art and technology with a jazz age lifestyle. Deliberately intended to be modern the style was influenced by a wide variety of sources, which can be seen on many of the Marina’s apartments and commercial buildings, while surrounded by a residential district of “Mediterranean Revival” houses and flats.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 18
"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.
- 2:00 pmSunday August 18
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.
- 9:30 amMonday August 19
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amMonday August 19
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.
- 10:30 amMonday August 19
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.
- 11:00 amMonday August 19
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday August 19
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmMonday August 19
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.
- 10:00 amTuesday August 20
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 10:00 amTuesday August 20
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.
- 11:00 amTuesday August 20
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday August 20
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 12:00 pmTuesday August 20
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday August 20
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 20
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.
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 20
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday August 21
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday August 21
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.
- 10:30 amWednesday August 21
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 10:30 amWednesday August 21
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday August 21
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 pmWednesday August 21
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday August 21
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmWednesday August 21
"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.
- 11:00 amThursday August 22
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
- 11:00 amThursday August 22
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 22
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmThursday August 22
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 22
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmThursday August 22
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.
- 5:30 pmThursday August 22
Online - Spreckels' Sugar Empire
Beginning in the late 1850s, Claus Spreckels arrived in San Francisco and set his sight on building his sugar empire that would later bring a tremendous amount of wealth to the Spreckels family. The reach of the Spreckel’s sugar empire would reach from Hawaii to the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We will be focusing on Claus Spreckels and Alma de Bretteville Spreckels contributions.
- 9:30 amFriday August 23
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amFriday August 23
Golden Gate Park: East End
Flowers & Tunnels & Bears, Oh My!It 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 pmFriday August 23
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 23
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday August 23
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.
- 1:30 pmFriday August 23
"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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 24
1840s San Francisco and the Astonishing Legacy of America’s “First Black Millionaire”
How did he do it? A biracial sea captain named William Leidesdorff played a central role in the American conquest of San Francisco, created multiple essential institutions, and amassed one of the most enormous fortunes in California… all while passing as white. Revered by his neighbors, many of whom openly despised the race he kept secret, Leidesdorff became America’s “First Black Millionaire” while still in his thirties. Come discover San Francisco in its earliest days and learn about this fascinating individual.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 24
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 24
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 amSaturday August 24
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 24
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 24
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 amSaturday August 24
When you bring up North Beach, most people think of the transformative literature produced by its local beatniks and bohemians in the 1950s. But that does a disservice to its rich history as San Francisco’s Little Italy, where a swarm of immigrants in the 1910s established the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality. The Beats may get the spotlight — but the Italians made North Beach what it is today. Soak up the unique charm of this delightfully historic neighborhood and — if you can look up from the sights for a moment — see an unexpectedly spectacular view of downtown.
- 10:30 amSaturday August 24
Golden Gate Park: East End
Flowers & Tunnels & Bears, Oh My!It 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.
- 10:30 amSaturday August 24
Before the Gold Rush, Mission Bay was a simple, shallow inlet whose main residents were ducks. Early filling of the bay enabled the development of San Francisco's largest railroad yard surrounded by a bustling industrial district. With the decline of rail traffic, this large valuable section of land became one of the city’s largest construction projects. Even though the “bay” has mostly disappeared, the future of Mission Bay looks bright and beautiful — see the magic for yourself.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 24
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 amSaturday August 24
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 24
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 24
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 amSaturday August 24
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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 24
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 24
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday August 24
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 24
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.
- 1:30 pmSaturday August 24
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 pmSaturday August 24
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 pmSaturday August 24
Once known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” Fort Mason has been the protector of a growing metropolis, a site where America’s massive military embarked for the fight against the Axis powers, a community for earthquake refugees, a home for artists and the playground of tech bros. Since it was constructed, Fort Mason has transformed along with San Francisco, each time remaking itself into a dynamic headquarters for a changing city. Today, visitors are more likely to visit for its use as a vibrant arts hub with performance spaces and galleries, or the regular food truck gatherings and farmers’ markets.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 24
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 24
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 pmSaturday August 24
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 24
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.
- 2:00 amSunday August 25
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.
- 10:30 amSunday August 25
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.
- 10:30 amSunday August 25
You’ll get breathtaking views with Russian Hill Stairways and catch your breath at stops featuring tales of iconic figures and pioneering architecture. Hidden and scenic paths await to add to the Russian Hill experience!
- 11:00 amSunday August 25
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 25
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 25
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 25
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 amSunday August 25
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.
- 11:00 amSunday August 25
In 1852 English entrepreneur George Gordon set upon creating South Park, the London-inspired planned community sitting just south of Market Street. Walk through one of George Gordon’s most personal projects and admire what’s left of the English-inspired oasis. Hear about the ups and downs, the fortune and romance, and ‘Second Street Cut’ that changed everything. It’s a taste of London you can’t find anywhere else this side of the Atlantic.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 25
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 25
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday August 25
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:00 pmSunday August 25
Terrific Street: 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.”
- 2:00 pmSunday August 25
"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.
- 9:30 amMonday August 26
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday August 26
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday August 26
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amTuesday August 27
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday August 27
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday August 27
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 27
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.
- 1:30 pmTuesday August 27
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday August 28
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday August 28
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.
- 10:30 amWednesday August 28
You’ll get breathtaking views with Russian Hill Stairways and catch your breath at stops featuring tales of iconic figures and pioneering architecture. Hidden and scenic paths await to add to the Russian Hill experience!
- 11:00 amWednesday August 28
No one knows for certain how it got the name Dogpatch — Once the home of iron works, shipyards and other heavy industry hear how contemporary development is transforming this area to a lively mixed use district. It’s a designated Historic District you simply can’t miss.
- 1:00 pmWednesday August 28
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday August 28
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmWednesday August 28
"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.
- 11:00 amThursday August 29
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 11:00 amThursday August 29
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday August 29
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmThursday August 29
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.
- 9:30 amFriday August 30
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday August 30
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 amFriday August 30
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday August 30
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday August 30
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 1:30 pmFriday August 30
"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.
- 3:00 pmFriday August 30
Golden Gate Park: East End
Flowers & Tunnels & Bears, Oh My!It 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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 31
1840s San Francisco and the Astonishing Legacy of America’s “First Black Millionaire”
How did he do it? A biracial sea captain named William Leidesdorff played a central role in the American conquest of San Francisco, created multiple essential institutions, and amassed one of the most enormous fortunes in California… all while passing as white. Revered by his neighbors, many of whom openly despised the race he kept secret, Leidesdorff became America’s “First Black Millionaire” while still in his thirties. Come discover San Francisco in its earliest days and learn about this fascinating individual.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 31
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 amSaturday August 31
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday August 31
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 31
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 amSaturday August 31
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday August 31
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
- 1:00 pmSaturday August 31
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday August 31
Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops
From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 31
Riches and ruin! Bold ventures and ill-fated schemes! Greed! Deceit! Learn the hidden stories of San Francisco's Financial District. From its origins as a remote trading outpost to its dominance of today's tech sector this has been a place where you could make a fortune but also lose it all.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 31
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday August 31
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 pmSaturday August 31
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.
- 3:00 pmSaturday August 31
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amSunday September 01
Billionaires' Row: Outer Broadway Architecture (No Tour Today)
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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 01
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 01
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 amSunday September 01
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday September 01
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amMonday September 02
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 amMonday September 02
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.
- 11:00 amMonday September 02
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 amMonday September 02
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 11:00 amMonday September 02
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 1:00 pmMonday September 02
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday September 02
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.
- 11:00 amTuesday September 03
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday September 03
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday September 03
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday September 03
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday September 04
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday September 04
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday September 04
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday September 04
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amThursday September 05
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
- 11:00 amThursday September 05
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday September 05
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 1:00 pmThursday September 05
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 5:30 pmThursday September 05
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.
- 9:30 amFriday September 06
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 amFriday September 06
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday September 06
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday September 06
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.
- 10:00 amSaturday September 07
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 amSaturday September 07
Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble
Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited (No Tour Today)Discover 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.
- 10:30 amSaturday September 07
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 07
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 amSaturday September 07
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 07
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 1:00 pmSaturday September 07
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amSunday September 08
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 10:00 amSunday September 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 08
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 amSunday September 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.
- 1:00 pmSunday September 08
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amMonday September 09
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amMonday September 09
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday September 09
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amTuesday September 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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday September 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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday September 10
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmTuesday September 10
Sacred Places In San Francisco
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
- 1:30 pmTuesday September 10
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday September 11
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amWednesday September 11
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amWednesday September 11
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday September 11
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amThursday September 12
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.
- 11:00 amThursday September 12
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 11:00 amThursday September 12
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday September 12
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday September 13
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday September 13
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday September 13
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 1:00 pmFriday September 13
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 3:00 pmFriday September 13
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 10:00 amSaturday September 14
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 amSaturday September 14
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 14
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 amSaturday September 14
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 14
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 1:00 pmSaturday September 14
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday September 14
Once known as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” Fort Mason has been the protector of a growing metropolis, a site where America’s massive military embarked for the fight against the Axis powers, a community for earthquake refugees, a home for artists and the playground of tech bros. Since it was constructed, Fort Mason has transformed along with San Francisco, each time remaking itself into a dynamic headquarters for a changing city. Today, visitors are more likely to visit for its use as a vibrant arts hub with performance spaces and galleries, or the regular food truck gatherings and farmers’ markets.
- 2:00 pmSaturday September 14
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.
- 10:00 amSunday September 15
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amSunday September 15
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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 15
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 15
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 amSunday September 15
With so many hills to explore in San Francisco, Golden Gate Heights often gets overlooked. Nestled in between Twin Peaks and the Sunset District on the westernmost side of the peninsula, it’s a hidden treasure enjoyed by the few in the know. Note: This is a mildly strenuous walk. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Tour will be canceled in case of rain
- 11:00 amSunday September 15
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday September 15
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday September 15
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.
- 9:30 amMonday September 16
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday September 16
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amTuesday September 17
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amTuesday September 17
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 12:00 pmTuesday September 17
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday September 17
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday September 17
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday September 18
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amWednesday September 18
Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park
Visit a destination that is a hub for San Francisco and its environs -- and one of the most elegant gathering spaces in the region. Glide on a gondola to a rooftop retreat of trees and plants from around the world. The transit center and its gardens will have you marveling at trees, towers, and tales that recall its past as one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco -- and boldly asserts the city's promise and potential for its future.
- 10:30 amWednesday September 18
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday September 18
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday September 18
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 5:00 pmWednesday September 18
Online - Spreckels' Sugar Empire
Beginning in the late 1850s, Claus Spreckels arrived in San Francisco and set his sight on building his sugar empire that would later bring a tremendous amount of wealth to the Spreckels family. The reach of the Spreckel’s sugar empire would reach from Hawaii to the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We will be focusing on Claus Spreckels and Alma de Bretteville Spreckels contributions.
- 11:00 amThursday September 19
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 amThursday September 19
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
- 11:00 amThursday September 19
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday September 19
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday September 20
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday September 20
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday September 20
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amSaturday September 21
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 amSaturday September 21
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 21
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 amSaturday September 21
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 21
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 21
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 pmSaturday September 21
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 1:00 pmSaturday September 21
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday September 21
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 2:00 pmSaturday September 21
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.
- 2:00 pmSaturday September 21
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.
- 10:00 amSunday September 22
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.
- 10:00 amSunday September 22
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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 22
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 amSunday September 22
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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 22
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 22
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 amSunday September 22
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.
- 12:00 pmSunday September 22
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 1:00 pmSunday September 22
Golden Gate Park: American History
Memories in Trees, Stone & BronzeJoin us on a fascinating stroll in one of America's most magnificent urban parks, where you will hear the incredible tale of the Park's improbable creation from a sea of desolate sand dunes. Learn how this city of immigrants to a new state from across the country and across the world chose to celebrate and connect to the history of the US. You will hear amazing and little-known stories of controversy and violence behind the monuments and memorials commemorating America's turbulent and inspiring past.
- 1:00 pmSunday September 22
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSunday September 22
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 9:30 amMonday September 23
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday September 23
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amTuesday September 24
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 11:00 amTuesday September 24
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 12:00 pmTuesday September 24
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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday September 24
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 1:30 pmTuesday September 24
Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold
When surveyor Jasper O’Farrell completed his 1847 proposal for Market Street, an abnormally wide boulevard cutting diagonally through the heart of the city, it wasn’t popular. Landowning pioneers accused him of “wanton disregard” for their rights. But over time opinions changed. Come and stroll the street that unites San Francisco. Learn how Market Street has evolved with the times, always remaining relevant. Hear epic tales born on the Path, from Gold Rush stories to cable cars, vintage street cars and the construction of BART.
- 9:30 amWednesday September 25
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amWednesday September 25
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 it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.
- 11:00 amWednesday September 25
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.
- 11:00 amWednesday September 25
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmWednesday September 25
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 amThursday September 26
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.
- 11:00 amThursday September 26
Climate Change at Crissy Field
The Climate Change at Crissy Field tour explores the beautiful views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty. The tour includes discussion of the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.
- 11:00 amThursday September 26
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday September 26
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday September 27
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amFriday September 27
Architectural Gems South of Market
Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21stc Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.
- 10:30 amFriday September 27
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday September 27
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amSaturday September 28
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 28
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 amSaturday September 28
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSaturday September 28
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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday September 28
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amSunday September 29
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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 29
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday September 29
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 amSunday September 29
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday September 29
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amMonday September 30
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amMonday September 30
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.
- 1:00 pmMonday September 30
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amTuesday October 01
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday October 01
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amWednesday October 02
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amWednesday October 02
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday October 02
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amThursday October 03
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday October 03
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday October 04
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday October 04
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday October 04
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.
- 11:00 amSaturday October 05
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday October 05
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday October 05
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.
- 11:00 amSunday October 06
Billionaires' Row: Outer Broadway Architecture (No Tour Today)
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.
- 11:00 amSunday October 06
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday October 06
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 amSunday October 06
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday October 06
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amMonday October 07
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday October 07
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 10:00 amTuesday October 08
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 11:00 amTuesday October 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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday October 08
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amWednesday October 09
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amWednesday October 09
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday October 09
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amThursday October 10
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday October 10
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday October 11
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday October 11
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amSaturday October 12
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 1:00 pmSaturday October 12
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmSaturday October 12
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.
- 11:00 amSunday October 13
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.
- 11:00 amSunday October 13
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 11:00 amSunday October 13
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 amSunday October 13
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.
- 1:00 pmSunday October 13
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amMonday October 14
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmMonday October 14
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amTuesday October 15
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. For the past decade, a vibrant gay community had been taking 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.
- 1:00 pmTuesday October 15
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amWednesday October 16
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amWednesday October 16
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.
- 1:00 pmWednesday October 16
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 11:00 amThursday October 17
Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub
Once staid and seedy, and scarred by empty lots, this area is now the hub of SF’s performing arts. In just 4 blocks there are over 15 venues with more than 11,000 seats! SF is famous for being the birthplace of flower-power rock. But it is also home to the nation’s oldest professional ballet company, is the setting for world class jazz festivals, and has a venerable opera company and a multi-Grammy winning symphony -- all with homes located here. Hear SF’s unique history of these performing arts and learn about the mix of classical to contemporary architectural styles showcasing the area’s changes. No longer staid nor seedy, the SF Performing Arts Hub is where it is happening.
- 11:00 amThursday October 17
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.
- 1:00 pmThursday October 17
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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...
- 9:30 amFriday October 18
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 amFriday October 18
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.
- 1:00 pmFriday October 18
After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter 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 pmFriday October 18
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.