Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Overview
Wind your way through the historic heart of San Francisco, tracing the "ghost" of the original 1849 waterline and the chaotic birth of a global metropolis. Starting where the bay once met the shore at the Transamerica Redwood Park, this tour takes trekkers through the preserved brick alleys of Jackson Square, the lawless echoes of the Barbary Coast, and the cultural crossroads of Portsmouth Square and North Beach.
We’ll stop at several famous points of interest and hidden markers, including the site of the First U.S. Mint, Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, Portsmouth Square, and Hotaling Place. You’ll learn about the legendary figures who defined early SF—from the eccentric Emperor Norton and his faithful dogs to the "Demon in the Belfry" and the rebellious Beatniks of Columbus Avenue. Along the way, we’ll point out the best secret photo ops, like the perfectly framed "urban canyon" view of the Transamerica Pyramid.
What's included
Entrance fee
Bottled water
What to expect
Transamerica Redwood Park
10m
Meet at the original 1849 shoreline. Overview of Yerba Buena Cove and the buried ships beneath your feet.
Old United States Mint
10m
Stroll along Commercial Street. See where the Gold Rush became currency and grab the iconic "Pyramid Power Shot" photo.
Jackson Square
Pass by
Admire the city's oldest gold-rush era architecture and the famous whiskey warehouse that survived the 1906 fire.
Portsmouth Square
10m
The "Cradle of SF." Stories of the Gold Rush announcement, Emperor Norton, and Bummer & Lazarus.
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral
10m
Visit California's first cathedral and hear the scandalous tale of the "Demon in the Belfry."
Columbus Avenue
15m
Step into the heart of the Beat Generation and the edge of the lawless Barbary Coast. Kerouac, Ginsberg, and City Lights.
Jackson Square
Pass by
Learn about the famous buried Gold Rush ships. See a bar built literally inside the hull of an 1849 sailing ship.
Transamerica Pyramid
5m
Return to the start for a wrap-up and local recommendations for the rest of your stay.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Meet at gated entrance on Washington between Montgomery and Sansome.
End point
Meet at gated entrance on Washington between Montgomery and Sansome.
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
