Port
San Francisco, California, US
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$100
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
This walking and driving tour explores San Francisco's beautiful public spaces and its many distinct architectural styles. The city has few rivals when it comes to the visual intrigue that is wrapped up in its many steep hills, diverse architecture, and green spaces, all surrounded by the vast blue beauty of San Francisco Bay.
Visit Washington Square Park in North Beach, where celebrities and local characters gather, sunbathe and relax in the shadow of Coit Tower. The tower, perched atop Telegraph Hill, is an icon of San Francisco.
Stroll through North Beach, past many charming Italian restaurants and coffee shops.
Chinatown, the largest such neighborhood in North America, is a 24-square-block enclave with some of the most culturally-exaggerated architecture in the city. Pause in Portsmouth Square, sometimes called 'the living room of Chinatown'.
A short walk brings you to the Transamerica Pyramid, whose iconic shape has dominated the business district skyline since the 1970s. An urban oasis at its base incorporates the world's largest tree species in a perfect blend of manmade and natural architecture.
Head west to the Western Addition neighborhood. Queen Anne, Italianate, Stick and Edwardian residences lead you to Alamo Square. The seven 'painted ladies' of Postcard Row flank the square. Hike up the hill to the middle of this green space for a perfect photo.
Golden Gate Park is next -- a massive green space of meadows and forests. Examine the classic architecture of the Music Concourse, the teahouse and pagoda in the Japanese Tea Garden, the LEED certified modern structure of the California Academy of Sciences and the distinctive copper tower of the De Young Museum of fine art.
Admire the Golden Gate Bridge from the scenic viewpoint at the south end before taking a walk onto the bridge toward the art deco towers. This is a fantastic perspective from which to gain a sense of their immense size. Take in the spectacular view of San Francisco's skyline and views of Alcatraz.
The Palace of Fine Arts is the only remaining structure from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition. Its Greek- and Roman-inspired architecture is popular for movies and weddings. See the rotunda, arches and columns from across the water.
Your journey ends back at the pier.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.