North Beach Walking Tour

4.8 (106 reviews) San Francisco, USA
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. San Francisco
Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 25 travelers

Overview

It’s hard to imagine San Francisco as the sleepy village it was before the Gold Rush, but our North Beach Walking Tour takes you back in time as you discover SF through the ages.

We’ll visit Washington Square Park, the city’s first public park, where you’ll learn the surprising role it played after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Admire the vintage lampposts and Coit Tower in the distance. Step inside Saints Peter and Paul Church to see its Italian marble altar and hear about its celebrity connection to Joe DiMaggio.

Along the way, you’ll learn how this area became SF’s “Little Italy” as you stroll past colorful shops and bakeries. Your guide will show you unexpected viewpoints of the famously windy Lombard Street and beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.

We’ll end at the picturesque Pier 39, adorably overrun with sea lions enjoying the sun. But arguably the best view is from 150 feet above the city with your included ticket to a private gondola in the SkyStar observation wheel.

Options

Group Tour Only

Tour Only: 75 Minute Walking Tour of North Beach

Private North Beach Tour

What's included

  • Professional SF guide
  • Guided tour of North Beach
  • SkyStar Wheel ticket (if option selected)
  • Guide Gratuities (Appreciated)
  • Food or Drinks

What to expect

  1. 15m
    Stroll through a central North Beach gathering place and learn how the park served as temporary housing after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Today, it offers open green space and classic views of the surrounding architecture.
  2. Saints Peter And Paul Church
    15m
    Visit one of North Beach’s most recognizable landmarks and step inside to see its Italian marble altar and elegant interior. Hear stories of the church’s celebrity connections to Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
  3. 15m
    This North Beach institution has been making exceptional focaccia bread since 1911. With a simple recipe and creative flavors, it’s a neighborhood favorite, and locals know to get here early. Learn about a slice of SF’s “Little Italy” here — and go inside if it’s open!
  4. Lombard Street
    10m
    Take in an unexpected viewpoint of the famously crooked street, and learn why it was engineered this way in the early 1900s. Snap a photo of its tight curves and surrounding cityscape.
  5. Pier 39
    15m
    The pier is best known for the sea lions who enjoy basking in the sun on floating docks. Your guide will tell you why they’re here while you snap selfies with these adorable whiskered mammals.
  6. SkyStar Wheel Fisherman’s Wharf
    Pass by
    Enjoy a ride in your glass-enclosed gondola for sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding city from 150 feet in the air. Your ticket is included if you choose to upgrade.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We’ll meet at Washington Square, beside the Volunteer Firemen Memorial, a large statue of three firefighters located at 600 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. Your guide will be holding an orange sign with ExperienceFirst on it.

End point

Concludes at Pier 39

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.8 (106)
From
$39.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by ExperienceFirst · Booked through Viator
More activities in San Francisco
From
$39.00 per person
Check availability