San Francisco's Waterfront: A Crissy Field Audio Tour

San Francisco, USA
Duration1h - 3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

San Francisco's northern waterfront packs more history into a single walk than most cities manage in an entire district.

This self-guided audio tour starts at the Palace of Fine Arts, a romantic rotunda. You'll stroll past the restored tidal marsh of Crissy Field, along rehabilitated coastal dunes, and through the grounds of the former Presidio military base, learning how this land passed from Spanish colonizers to Mexican authorities to the U.S. Army before becoming a national park.

As you walk toward the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll hear stories of its construction during the Great Depression. The tour ends at Fort Point, the only brick fort on the West Coast, built in 1861 directly beneath where the bridge now stands. Its four levels of cannons, Civil War-era exhibits, and rooftop views of the bridge from below make it an extraordinary final stop.

This walk rewards the curious – bring layers, as the wind picks up near the bridge.

What's included

  • Directions to the starting point so that when you're in the right place, the tour will start
  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Doesn't include live guide
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink
  • Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

  1. Pass by
    This self-guided audio tour takes you across Crissy Field East Beach to discover the story of San Francisco.
  2. Pass by
    The tour starts at the Palace of Fine Arts, a romantic rotunda built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, which San Francisco staged to prove its recovery from the catastrophic 1906 earthquake and fire.
  3. Crissy Field
    Pass by
    You'll stroll past the restored tidal marsh of Crissy Field, along rehabilitated coastal dunes, and through the grounds of the former Presidio military base, learning how this land passed from Spanish colonizers to Mexican authorities to the U.S. Army before becoming a national park.
  4. Pass by
    On this tour, you'll pass by and learn about the Presidio.
  5. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
    Pass by
    You'll walk through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, spotting well known San Francisco sites as well as lesser known hidden treasures.
  6. Pass by
    You'll walk past Crissy Marsh, and learn about the area as you walk.
  7. Pass by
    You'll pass by the Palace of the Legion of Honor. As you walk, you'll learn about the palace.
  8. Pass by
    You'll have a chance to visit the Warming Hut for coffee, books, and Presidio souvenirs with the bridge looming nearby.
  9. Pass by
    You'll pass by the West Bluff Picnic Area where you can pause for a quick refreshment or keep going and enjoy the tour.
  10. Torpedo Wharf
    Pass by
    This tour takes you past Torpedo Wharf. You'll learn about its history while you walk.
  11. Fort Point National Historic Site
    Pass by
    The tour ends at Fort Point, the only brick fort on the West Coast, built in 1861 directly beneath where the bridge now stands. Its four levels of cannons, Civil War-era exhibits, and rooftop views of the bridge from below make it an extraordinary final stop.
  12. Golden Gate Bridge
    Pass by
    San Francisco's northern waterfront packs more history into a single walk than most cities manage in an entire district. On this walking tour, you'll trace the stretch of shoreline from an international exposition site to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at the intersection of Beach and Baker Streets. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

This self-guided audio tour ends at the Fort Point National Historic Site.

Additional information

  • 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.
From
$6.99 per person
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  • 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.
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