Chinatown

June 10, 2019 by
Explore local alleys and walk among sites of temples and tongs, and shops of joss, dim sum, herbs; learn some colorful history and stories from the oldest Chinatown in the US.

Chinatown Family Associations, Tongs and Gangs

June 10, 2019 by
We’ll walk down colorful alleys, go over immigrant history, and learn how family associations and tongs started in Chinatown after the 1850’s Gold Rush.Content may not be appropriate for children under 14 years of age.

Cityscapes And Public Places

June 10, 2019 by
The 1985 Downtown Plan was one of the most important pieces of red tape in San Francisco history. With rampant downtown development just around the corner, city officials wanted to lay 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 dedicate 1% of your project to a publicly accessible open space. Thus, Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) were born. Join us as we gallivant between several exotic outdoor spots, featuring hidden parks, rooftop gardens, and views of nearly every building in San Francisco. Hear the real story of the Financial District while hanging out in some of the city’s most comfortable lookouts. Plus, we’ll discuss all the distinctive architecture that you’ll be face-to-face with.

Coit Tower Murals

June 10, 2019 by
Murals–some controversial–created by 25 of California’s leading artists of the 1930s reflect scenes of the Great Depression, landscapes, farm workers, industries, a stylish soiree, and vibrant city life.

Cow Hollow

June 10, 2019 by
The tolling of historic bells cast halfway around the world, a rare building type from 1861, a grand Italiante manor house, and San Francisco’s most exotic building. These and other unique experiences await you on the Cow Hollow tour.

City Hall and the Civic Center

June 10, 2019 by
After the original City Hall perished in the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco had a chance to think bigger the second time around. The brainchild of local architects led by John Galen Howard, the Civic Center is a massive campus that houses some of the city’s most important governmental and cultural institutions. You’ll see — and be swept away by — the beautiful architecture, including imposing structures like the Asian Art Museum, War Memorial Opera House and the State Building. We’ll explore the vast open space that’s been home to civil protests ever since it was unveiled: from anti-war demonstrators during the Korean War to the longstanding national Gay Rights Movement headquartered in San Francisco. Hear the fascinating stories of those who have made the Civic Center a shining example of speaking truth to power. Minimal walking — but maximum awe.