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Self-Guided Walking Tours of San Francisco

by Jill Loeffler  

Do you love venturing out on your own? Are you interested in exploring the city of San Francisco without a large group around you? If so, then these self-guided walking tours of San Francisco are just for you! 

All of these tours take you on a specific walking route through the city. My tours offer you a step-by-step route to make it easy to get around. You will also find others that offer either audio or a map to get you from point to point.

You can start and end anywhere along the way. It's all up to you!

It is the perfect way to learn more about the history of San Francisco at a time and pace that works for you!

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

My Self-Guided Walking Tours By District

Taking a self-guided walking tour around San Francisco is a great way to get to know our amazing city. I've created one for each of our most popular districts. 

My tours lay out one full day in each district. However, if you don't plan to spend much time at each attraction or stop, you can cut the time down significantly.

Fisherman's Wharf : Walk around one of our most popular districts. See the top attractions such as Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the Hyde Street Pier.

Chinatown : Stroll down the colorful streets of Chinatown and see its historic temples, top dim sum restaurants, and amazing street art.

North Beach : This district is also called Little Italy. Visit its top attractions, see where the Beat Generation spent their days and nights, and taste some of the best goodies in the district.

Haight-Ashbury : See the spots where the Summer of Love captured the nation, grab some vintage threads, and check out some of this district's interesting murals. You will also see where some of the most famous people of the 60s lived, including the Grateful Dead and Charles Manson.

Castro : This colorful district is one you do not want to miss. On my self-guided walking tour, you will see where history was made for the LGBTQ community. Stroll along the Rainbow Walk of Fame, check out Harvey Milk's old camera shop, and learn more about the history of this district at the GLBT Museum.

Mission : The Mission is home to our largest concentration of street art and murals. You will also find some of the best Mexican, Cuban, and other cuisines from both South and Central America. It's a day of gorgeous art and tasty treats. 

>> Find additional self-guided tours plus some multi-day itineraries 

Japantown Self-Guided Walking Tour

The Japantown District also offers a free self-guided walking tour. You start at the Japan Center Malls where you will find a plaque outlining the walk.

You will then walk from each historical marker to the next as you learn all about the oldest Japantown in the US. 

Each stop offers a little information about what happened at that location. It also has a map showing you where your next stop will be.

It's a great way to learn all about this important SF District.

>> Learn more about things to see and do in Japantown

More Great Self-Guided Tours of San Francisco

City walks: san francisco: 50 adventures on foot.

The best way to go on self guided walking tours of San Francisco is with City Walks. The thing I love about these walks is that all 50 are printed on their own cards. This means you only have to bring along the ones you plan on using that day.

I've used these many times. On the front, you will see the full walking route. The back of each card offers the address and a little information about each point of interest on the route.

If you decide to add a few stops along the way, these cards will help you easily get back to your original route.

I've used these in other cities, too, and they are great. They are much easier to use than an audio tour if there is more than one person in your group.

These are also available on Amazon .

Barbary Coast Trail: Self-Guided

The San Francisco Museum and Historical Society offers two self-guided walks of the Barbary Coast Trail in San Francisco. This trail connects important historical sites throughout the streets of SF. 

The trail is marked with bronze medallions embedded within the sidewalks. I found the one in the picture on the left in the North Beach neighborhood.

The self-guided treks are 3.8 miles long and take you through several SF neighborhoods including Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman's Wharf. 

You'll hear historical facts about SF events such as the California Gold Rush and the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. You'll also stop by many places that were frequented by famous locals from San Francisco's past.

You can choose from either a self guided audio download or a printed map. Learn more about both options on the museum's dedicated Barbary Coast website .

Frommer's Best of SF Audio Tour

This is one of the self-guided audio walking tours of San Francisco. During your walking tour, you will learn more about 20 of San Francisco's top attractions. 

This 1-hour-and-16-minute-tour can be done at your own pace. You can stop along the way to learn even more about each attraction - or even skip ahead if it's an attraction you already visited.

You will also receive a full color map of the route. This way, you always know what SF attraction you are visiting next.

You can listen to the audio on your iPhone, iPad, Kindle, or any other MP3 player.

Frommer's also has a second audio tour that covers the San Francisco waterfront. You can buy these together or separately through Amazon .

Night Adventures : Do you love seeing a city at night? Here you will find some of the best San Francisco tours at night, from scary ghost walks to night cruises around the bay.

Chinatown : This is one of the most visited neighborhoods in SF, since there is so much to see and do. Simplify your planning process to this neighborhood by taking a guided tour. Each one covers many of the top attractions and points out the hidden gems you would have missed by walking the neighborhood on your own.

North Beach : There is a lot of history in the North Beach district. Take one of these to learn more about its famous residents, controversial stories and Italian roots.

Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma : If you love trying different wines, then a trip to either Napa or Sonoma is only an hour away. Here you will find some of the best wine tasting trips to both of these regions. All of these leave from San Francisco and ease the burden of trying to get to and from wine country on your own.

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28 Free, Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco

food • 2 hours 25 minutes

Sweet tooth dessert tour

Inner Sunset, San Francisco

Visit four of the city’s most tasty dessert stops… View tour →

food • 4 hours

Rainbow Rendezvous

The Castro, San Francisco

Enjoy a meal and drinks at three historic gay pubs… View tour →

general • 8 hours 30 minutes

Modern Art, Cable Cars, and Hippies

SoMa, San Francisco

Enjoy a visit to six of San Francisco’s iconic attractions… View tour →

general • 7 hours

A Day of Discovery

Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

Enjoy the fun activities of Pier 39, discover about the life and times of Walt Disney, then let off some steam in the Presidio’s newest attraction… View tour →

general • 6 hours 30 minutes

Science, Fun and Play

Take your family on an adventure of science, art and fun at three of San Francisco’s top children’s attractions… View tour →

history • 4 hours

The Summer of Love

Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco

Explore the Haight-Ashbury and Fillmore areas and relive 1967, the ‘Summer of Love'… View tour →

art • 5 hours

Street art tour

Mission District, San Francisco

A tour of Mission District and Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, discovering amazing eye-catching art… View tour →

art • 7 hours

A day of art and history

Civic Center, San Francisco

Explore three world renowned museums, as well as an architectural gem… View tour →

food • 3 hours 30 minutes

Sweet tooth heaven

Visit four of San Francisco’s best ice cream parlours and decide for yourself who makes the best frozen treats… View tour →

art • 2 hours

Victorian treasures tour

Explore the Haight-Ashbury, Alamo Square and Pacific Heights areas and discover their amazing Victorian houses… View tour →

general • 5 hours

Spectacular skyline views

Mission Dolores, San Francisco

This tour takes you to four of the best view points from which to enjoy the San Francisco skyline… View tour →

general • 4 hours

Explore the weird and wonderful

Lands End, San Francisco

Discover five of San Francisco’s quirky sights that give character to this amazing city… View tour →

Golden Gate Bridge vistas

The Presidio, San Francisco

Visit four of the best locations to get iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge… View tour →

general • 7 hours 30 minutes

Landmarks from the Bay to the Bridge

Discover five of the city’s most iconic landmarks… View tour →

general • 6 hours

San Francisco sea & safari

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Relax on the beach, before having lunch and visiting an iconic landmark, then spend the afternoon at the zoo… View tour →

natural • 6 hours 30 minutes

San Francisco family fun

A day out at a natural history museum, gardens and zoo… View tour →

Golden Gate Park glory

Explore the attractions of the iconic Golden Gate Park, combining beautiful nature with amazing comtemporary art… View tour →

art • 3 hours 30 minutes

Magic mosiac tour

Golden Gate Heights, San Francisco

Discover three of the spectacular and colorful mosiac tiled steps that adorn San Francisco… View tour →

art • 8 hours

The art lover’s tour of the Golden Gate City

Outer Richmond, San Francisco

Journey through more than 6,000 years of art through three of San Francisco’s most iconic art museums… View tour →

food • 4 hours 30 minutes

Drinks & Donuts

Polk Gulch, San Francisco

Enjoy an night on the town, experiencing three of San Francisco’s popular late night venues followed by a donut or two to round off the evening… View tour →

food • 5 hours 30 minutes

Craft beer scene

Have a taste of four of San Francisco’s best craft beer brewers… View tour →

Quirky hidden gems

Uncover San Francisco’s most unual sights and attractions and find out why this city is so unique… View tour →

food • 1 hour 40 minutes

Picnic along the Embarcadero

Embarcadero, San Francisco

Shop from more than 30 artisan food vendors to build your own picnic feast, then escape the crowds at Pier 7 overlooking the San Francisco Bay… View tour →

Eating your way through Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights, San Francisco

This walking tour through Pacific Heights is a beautiful way to spend the day, starting with coffee and pastries followed by burgers, salad and pasta… View tour →

Read all about it - a literary themed evening

North Beach, San Francisco

Discover San Francisco’s rich literary heritage while enjoying some of the city’s best bars… View tour →

food • 1 hour 5 minutes

Picnic and play in the Mission

Enjoy your deli sandwich and nibbles with your kids at the Mission Playground, rounding off the picnic with some of San Francisco’s best ice cream… View tour →

food • 1 hour 10 minutes

Picnic at the Tower

North Shore, San Francisco

Enjoy an al fresco picnic meal at the foot of the iconic Coit Tower… View tour →

food • 1 hour 20 minutes

A picnic in the Presidio

Presidio Heights, San Francisco

The Presidio is the largest urban national park in the United States and the perfect place to enjoy a simple pizza and pastry picnic… View tour →

3 Free Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco You’ll Want to Take

Posted on March 15, 2023

Today I want to share all my free self-guided walking tours in San Francisco in one blog post. The City by the Bay is one of the most walkable urban areas in California, and it’s a great place to discover on foot. My walking routes will guide you around to the top spots in SF and allow you to explore local streets and beloved neighborhoods while you go. I’ve included maps as well.

Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco

These self-guided walks cover some of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco. From places I’ve lived to areas I’ve spent countless hours exploring, I can recommend them from my own personal experiences.

I’ve walked all over San Francisco, and I’m excited to share my top picks for places to explore with you. From Pacific Heights to Russian Hill and the Marina, my walking routes will show you everything from picturesque Victorians to awe-inspiring parks, panoramic views, hidden lanes, historic mansions, and haunted houses.

My San Francisco walking tours are ideal ways to live like a local, take in the city’s pretty side streets, stroll along the bay, and explore parts of the city locals enjoy spending time in. I hope they help you discover a different side of the city and that you find new places to love in SF.

I plan to publish more self-guided walking tours in San Francisco in the future, and I’ll add them to this blog post as I do. If you want to bookmark or pin it on Pinterest , you can use the post as an easy reference for finding all my routes and maps.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, GetYourGuide offers great ones. I’ve done many excursions with them and I’ve always had a good time. From ghost tours in Nob Hill to food odysseys in North Beach, Chinatown culinary tours , and waterfront walks in Fisherman’s Wharf, there are lots to choose from.

They’re great ways to see more of the city and dig deeper into a specific interest or theme you’re passionate about.

Helpful Tips and Guidelines

Many of my self-guided San Francisco walks involve some of the city’s famous hills and stairways. If you choose one that involves a degree of elevation gain, make sure to wear good walking shoes, bring water, and go at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

All my walks can be reached by public transport, on foot from nearby areas, or by bike or scooter. Parking can be tricky in some areas, so finding alternative means of getting to them is usually a good idea.

And as always, walk safely, obey traffic rules, and only use authorized crossing points as you go.

1. Pacific Heights Walking Tour

The first of my self-guided walking tours in San Francisco is in Pacific Heights. This part of the city is famous for its elegant architecture, impressive mansions on Billionaires’ Row, parks with views, and great shopping and dining on Fillmore Street.

Pac Heights (as locals call it) is one of the most upscale neighborhoods in San Francisco, and it’s a beautiful place to discover on foot. My walking route will take you to the top spots in the area and guide you around to its side streets, hidden corners, and secret green spaces while you’re at it.

From the Haas-Lilienthal House to Lafayette Park, the Spreckels Mansion, Broadway, the Lyon Street Steps, and the shops and restaurants on Fillmore, it covers a range of places in the area. Whether you love history, sweeping views, architecture, or food, you’ll discover something you love as you walk this route.

There are haunted places along the way, too. From Atherton House to the six trees planted by Gold Rush-era millionaire Mary Ellen Pleasant, this part of San Francisco has more than its fair share of ghosts.

And that’s to say nothing of famous filming locations. From The Princess Diaries to Mrs. Doubtfire , a lot of movies set in San Francisco have been filmed here. As you walk, you’ll see everything from schools to homes that have featured on the silver screen.

If this route appeals to you, you can find the street-by-street guide, map, and photos on my blog post about a Pacific Heights walking tour .

2. Russian Hill Walking Tour

The second of my self-guided walking tours in San Francisco is in Russian Hill. This part of the city is famous for its iconic cable cars, stunning views of Alcatraz and the bay, secret parks, and fun shopping and dining.

Russian Hill is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in SF, and its eye-catching details make it an ideal area to explore on foot. My walking route will take you to the best spots and allow you to discover the side streets and hidden corners while you go.

From Polk Street to Hyde Street, twisting Lombard Street, and expansive Francisco Park, it covers a broad spectrum of places in the neighborhood. Whether you love shopping, bay views, or pretty houses, you’ll discover something for you as you cover the distance on this route.

There are great places to eat and drink along the way, too. From the original Swensen’s ice cream shop on Hyde to the restaurants and cafes on Polk, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to spots to take a break along the way.

And that’s to say nothing of famous places from books, TV shows, and movies. Russian Hill is home to a street that inspired Armistead Maupin’s  Tales of the City , a mansion that featured in The OA , and an intersection-with-a-view that starred in Bullitt .

If this one appeals, you can find the full route, map, and photos on my blog post about a Russian Hill walking tour .

3. Marina Walking Tour

The third of my self-guided walking tours in San Francisco is in the Marina. This part of the City by the Bay is known for its Art Deco buildings, the stunning Palace of Fine Arts, the waterfront, and great shopping, dining, and nightlife.

The Marina District is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in San Francisco, and it’s a fun place to discover on foot. My walking route will lead you to the best spots in the area and allow you to explore pretty local streets and beloved spaces while you do.

From Chestnut Street to Marina Green, the Palace of Fine Arts to Crissy Field, it covers a variety of places locals love in the neighborhood. Whether you’re seeking the best boutiques in the city, sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, or colorful houses, you’ll discover what you’re looking for while you walk this route.

There are great places to shop and eat in the area as well. From the clothing in Two Skirts to the gifts in ei home, you’ll find plenty of stores to love. And when it comes to food, the Original Ahi Poke bowl at Pacific Catch is my go-to meal and the sweet treats at Kara’s Cupcakes are divine.

Which is to say nothing of the architectural details in the area. The Palace of Fine Arts was built for a 1915 world’s fair called the Panama Pacific International Exposition. It’s one of the most beautiful structures in the city . The Art Deco architecture on the residential streets is worth looking up for, too.

If this all sounds good to you, you can find the full route, map, and photos on my blog post about a Marina walking tour .

I hope my list of self-guided walking tours in San Francisco has made you look forward to getting outdoors and exploring the City by the Bay on foot. Seeing local areas is one of the highlights of San Francisco , and these tours are the perfect ways to discover parts of SF residents love.

If you want to explore further afield there are lots of great hikes near San Francisco you can do. I’ve written about a number of them, and you can use the search box to find the ones in your desired part of the Bay Area. Happy walking!

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San Francisco City Day Tour: Self-Guided Drive

Tour Details

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Welcome to the san francisco city day tour.

Explore all that San Francisco has to offer, from the twists and turns of Lombard Street, through the bustling streets of Chinatown, and to the top of Telegraph Hill! This comprehensive self-guided San Francisco City Tour covers everything from the Painted Ladies to the Golden Gate Bridge. A San Francisco self-guided tour is a must-do on your tour of California. 

About the Tour

This San Francisco city tour begins with the Painted Ladies, one of the city’s top attractions. These beautiful, colorful homes exemplify Frisco’s funky culture and are a great way to start your journey. From there, you’ll hear about the city’s unique history and how it became one of the most progressive cities around.

Next, you’ll head into the city’s tech quarter, where you’ll spot big-name HQs like Uber and Twitter and get a crash course in how Frisco became the go-to spot for the most cutting-edge tech produced anywhere.

Then you’ll swing by the City Hall, which you might feel like you recognize because you probably do! Here, you’ll get the inside scoop on how the movie industry uses this building as a stand-in for Washington, D.C.’s Capitol building in all sorts of films.

After that, buckle your seatbelts because you’re heading down Lombard Street, aka the most crooked street in the world! This picturesque, winding road has been another show biz staple for ages, but experiencing it for yourself is a whole different ball game.

Next, you’ll climb Telegraph Hill to look at the famous Coit’s Tower and some truly unbeatable city views. While up there, you’ll learn to identify some of the most famous structures that make up Frisco’s skyline. Then it’s on to Chinatown and Manilatown, where you’ll hear about both historic districts’ long, embattled history.

You’ll turn next onto Stockton Street and get a good look at something else you won’t see every day: cable cars. You’ll get to know their history and why these quirky little cars are still used today.

At last, you’ll reach the beautiful waterfront, home to some of the best food and drink in Frisco, not to mention astonishing views of the bay! Your tour will conclude here, but that isn’t where the fun ends! Included with your San Francisco tour is a complimentary bonus tour of the Golden Gate Bridge. With the bonus tour, you’ll get up close and personal with that famous landmark and even drive across it for some killer views!

Temporary new starting point address: Alamo Square Park, Steiner St, San Francisco

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San Francisco Tour Map

How Does It Work?

• Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
• Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
• To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
• The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Your tour of San Francisco begins in the trendy Hayden Valley neighborhood.

The Painted Ladies

See one of San Fran's most iconic landmarks and find out where they got their flare.

Brief History of SF

Get a crash course on the long history of this coastal city.

Progressive SF

Discover why the bay area has long been a bastion of progressive ideas.

Hear how the tech industry has transformed the city over the last couple decades.

Spot the tech headquarters that went from an underdog to a household name.

Swing by the HQ of one of the biggest tech companies around.

Check out San Francisco's remarkable city hall and hear why you might recognize it already.

Harvey Milk

Learn about one of the most famous figures in San Francisco's political history.

Lombard Street

Experience the "most crooked street in the world."

Telegraph Hill

Take in amazing views from atop one of the city's tallest hills.

Coit's Tower

Pay a visit to this iconic tower and snap some panoramic photos of the city below.

Identify the most striking skyscrapers in San Fran's spectacular skyline.

Cruise through the second largest Chinatown outside Asia and learn about its conflict-rocked history.

Transamerica Pyramid

Get the full story behind one of the city's most famous skyscrapers.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company

Uncover the little-known history behind a famous American snack.

Revisit the days of streetcars and cable cars as you explore the city.

Dragon's Gate

Witness the towering, extravagant gate marking the entrance to Chinatown.

The Gold Rush

Hear how the discovery of gold in California forever changed San Francisco.

Embarcadero

Your tour concludes at the waterfront Embaradero, but you can keep the adventure going with a bonus tour of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Preview The Tour

   what is the most famous street in san francisco.

Lombard Street is the most famous street in San Francisco , and for good reason! This impossibly steep, garden-lined street is as unique as it is picturesque, offering amazing city views and a photo op like no other.

  How Long Does It Take to Drive Around San Francisco Bay?

It takes around 4-6 hours to drive all around the San Francisco Bay Area , especially because you’ll want to make plenty of stops along your route. For best results, you should budget a whole day for exploration, shopping, and picture-taking. 

  What is the weather like in San Francisco?

Don’t expect the sunny beach weather of Los Angeles in San Francisco! While summers are still quite warm, anticipate chilly mornings and evenings, frequently overcast skies, and the occasional misty rain.

  What are 3 interesting facts about San Francisco?

San Francisco is actually the second most densely populated city in the US, behind only New York City! Within that density, you’ll also find not one, but two Chinatowns! San Francisco is also where iconic inventions like blue jeans and the electronic television originated.

  What is San Francisco most popular for?

San Francisco’s most popular attraction is almost certainly the Golden Gate Bridge. This iconic American landmark is one of the most photographed spots in the country, and the park attached to it makes for a lovely destination for any traveler.

  What is the best month to go to San Francisco?

September or October are among the best months to visit San Francisco. Temperatures are still pretty warm, there are fewer crowds than in the summer, and you’ll find street fairs and festivals galore.

  What is the best way to tour San Francisco?

While San Francisco is one of the densest cities on the west coast, driving is still the easiest way to see a lot of the city. That’s because the dramatic hills which define San Fran can make for a pretty arduous walking experience. Three blocks doesn’t sound like very far to go until you realize you’ll be walking at a 30 degree incline the whole way!

  What is the Coolest Neighborhood in San Francisco?

While there’s no one answer to this question, many will tell you that Hayes Valley is the coolest neighborhood in San Francisco . That’s thanks to the boutiques, art galleries, and European-style pubs which make it a phenomenal destination for anyone looking to get away from the touristy stuff and get a taste of the real San Francisco.

  What is the culture of San Francisco?

San Francisco is hip, trendy, and overwhelmingly progressive. The city has a thriving LGBT community, the youth and vibrancy one would expect from a tech hub, and a quirky hipster vibe unlike anywhere else in the country.

  Why is San Francisco so famous?

San Francisco has been famous for countless things over the years, from being a Gold Rush mecca in the 1800s to a hub for queer culture in the ‘80s and a tech industry titan today. The only constant is that this city is always pushing boundaries and carving its own path into the future!

  How many days in San Francisco is enough?

Thanks to its density, three days is usually enough to experience all the best parts of the city. Of course, there’s always more to see in a city like this one, so you definitely won’t run out of things to do if you stay even longer!

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The Best Self Guided Walking Tour of San Francisco | Sherpa Tours

Table of contents.

A self guided walking tour of San Francisco is an exciting way to get to know this fabulous and foggy city on the west coast of the U.S.A.

San Francisco, without a doubt, is one of the most exciting cities in the world. As the fog slowly lifts, this sparkling jewel of a destination is revealed. Home to everyone from hippies to IT workers, fashionistas to business people, Frisco is well known for its heady mix of cultures, as well as an amazing food scene, beautiful rolling hills, and sparkling bays. Welcome to the Golden City.

If there’s one identity that San Francisco holds above any other, it’s the reputation it has as a home of counterculture in the U.S.A. Throughout history, the city has been rife with opportunity, drawing in countless dreamers constantly, whether during the Californian Gold Rush or the Summer of Love. Today, this incredible mix of cultures is behind some of the country’s coolest styles, social revolutions, and technological advances.

Like other places in California, the food scene in San Francisco is incredible. Global cuisines are all available, while local farm-to-table restaurants focus on quality ingredients from the surrounding area. Nearby wine country is amazing, while cocktail bars pay tribute to the city’s speakeasies of the Prohibition Era. Eating and drinking here are dazzling, sophisticated, and a lot of fun.

From Fisherman’s Wharf to Alcatraz to the Golden Gate Bridge, there’s a lot to discover in the city. Getting started with a self guided walking tour of San Francisco is a great choice – you’ll be well versed in the history, culture, and main sights of the city, ready to jump in even further. Welcome to San Francisco.

History of San Francisco

Early Settlement

Like elsewhere in the U.S.A, the area around San Francisco Bay was first inhabited by Native Americans. Archeological evidence puts the Ohlone people here since at least 3,000 BC – perhaps even earlier. The first record of Europeans in the area was when Spanish explorers arrived in 1769, claiming the land for Spain. In 1776, a Spanish mission was established, today the oldest surviving structure in the city. A military fort soon followed, the Presidio of San Francisco, today a park and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The Californian Gold Rush

In 1848, the discovery of gold nuggets in Sacramento sparked the Californian Gold Rush, a mass migration that would change San Francisco forever. The population swelled from 300 at the end of 1848 to 25,000 at the end of 1849. During this time, the port of San Francisco, catering to thousands of people arriving by ships, became the most important on the west coast of the U.S.A.

The City’s Transformation

Beginning in the 1860s, San Francisco began to change into the city we know today. The city expanded in all directions, creating new neighborhoods and sparking a boom in construction jobs. However, it all came crashing down in 1906 after a devastating earthquake caused widespread destruction and even sparked a fire that consumed the business district. Rebuilding began, creating the cityscape we know today.

The 20 th Century

During World War II, San Francisco was the main west coast port for those heading out to the front in the Pacific. After the war, many military personnel had fallen in love with the city and decided to stay on. In the following years, the city became a center of the counterculture in the United States, a reputation that still lives on today.

The fascinating history of the city is best discovered on our self guided tour of San Francisco. It can also be done as a virtual tour of San Francisco, letting you experience the city’s sights and culture from the comfort of home.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

The 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Francisco

• Fisherman’s Wharf
• The Mission
• North Beach & Chinatown

For many first-timers to San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf is a fantastic choice to book your stay. Within walking distance to basically all the city’s main sights, loaded with great restaurants and easy access to Alcatraz, it’s got it all. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also a lot of fun. This is where most of our tour in San Francisco takes place.

For a romantic stay in San Fran lifted straight out of the movies, Nob Hill is your best bet. Characterized by the steep streets, elegant homes, and stunning views of the city and bay, this is a regular filming location. It’s also filled with fantastic restaurants and is a short stroll away from Chinatown and North Beach, San Francisco’s historic Italian neighborhood.

SoMa (South of Market Street) is a beautiful area on the eastern end of the peninsula. A large region comprised several smaller neighborhoods; there’s a wide variety of accommodation on offer here. The district is home to the Museum of Modern Art and the baseball stadium where the San Francisco Giants play. Pubs, cafés, and restaurants line the streets, and Union Square is just 20 minutes away on foot.

For those after a bit of nightlife in San Fran, you’d do well to stay in The Mission. This area is known for its wealth of bars and clubs, coming alive after the sun goes down. For a bar-hopping experience you won’t forget, head to Valencia Street, where you can wander from bar to bar alongside the city’s youth.

Foodie travelers can stay anywhere in San Francisco and have a fantastic trip. But especially so if you stay in North Beach or Chinatown . Located between Fisherman’s Wharf and the downtown Financial District, North Beach is basically San Fran’s ‘Little Italy,’ filled with amazing restaurants and serving the best coffee, pastries, and pizza in the city. Chinatown, of course, is home to a wealth of Chinese restaurants catering to the city’s large Chinese population.

What to Eat in San Francisco?

The 5 Must-Try Dishes in San Francisco

• Sourdough Bread
• IT’S IT Ice Cream Sandwich

Like many other cities by the sea, San Francisco loves a good plate of oysters . Plucked from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving these across the city. Keep an eye out for an oyster happy hour as well, the perfect way to end a day of walking tours of San Francisco.

Born in the city from the influx of Italian immigrants in the late 1800s, Cioppino is a delicious fish stew. The catch of the day is combined with crab, mussels, squid, shrimp, and more, slowly cooked in a broth of tomato and wine. It’s generally served with a generous helping of sourdough bread.

Speaking of sourdough bread, it’s another must-try in the city. Bread starters were a prized possession during the Californian Gold Rush, letting the miners create delicious and nutritious loaves of bread. Most people agree that there’s something in the air in San Francisco that makes the bread here taste better than anywhere else – try it for yourself to decide.

There are two things that locals like to talk about in San Francisco: the astronomical prices of rent and where to get the best burrito . You’ll find plenty of great options to sample this city favorite, although your best bet is to ask the locals where to go. Afterward, you can weigh in on the heated “with or without rice” debate.

Finally, for dessert, hit up your nearest supermarket to purchase an IT’S IT Ice Cream Sandwich . This cold treat has been around the city since 1928, a fond childhood memory for many locals growing up in the area. As you can guess, it’s ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies; the entire thing dipped in dark chocolate—the perfect accompaniment on a hot day walking around San Francisco.

Insider Information

Alcatraz island.

No trip to San Francisco would be complete without setting foot on Alcatraz Island. This former federal penitentiary and military prison has a reputation the world over. From tales of America’s most horrifying criminals to Native American activists laying claim to the island by taking it over, there’s a lot to discover at this storied attraction. To get there, jump on the ferry that leaves from Pier 33 in the North Beach neighborhood.

Views of the Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most iconic sights in San Francisco – and the United States – is the Golden Gate Bridge. For many, it’s an enthralling sight that is worth more than a few hours of searching out the best viewpoint for photos. Driving across it is also an experience to enjoy. Getting the perfect shot is easy, though.

The 5 Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge

• Battery Spencer
• Marshall Beach
• Crissy Field
• Torpedo Wharf

Muir Woods National Monument

Lying just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find a forest containing the world’s tallest trees: Muir Woods. It’s an awe-inspiring experience to walk among these towering redwoods and more than worth it to spend an entire day exploring. As one of the busiest National Parks in the country, visitors will need to reserve their parking spot before arriving.  Entry is free for children aged 15 years and younger.

This is a destination for the books – one of the most iconic cities in the world. Introduce yourself to The Golden City with our self guided walking tour of San Francisco below.

Essential San Francisco

THE 10 BEST San Francisco Self-Guided Tours

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Walk inspiration: self-guided audio tours of San Francisco parks and neighborhoods

As the magnolias peak and the rains subside, some of us get that itch to take a long walk. If you find yourself a little overwhelmed planning walks or thinking up things to do, a self-guided audio tour is great!

These walks showcase different sides and histories of the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and more. They’re a fun way to spend an afternoon, either solo or with a friend. You’re sure to learn something new, too.

Here are several self-guided audio tours (bring your headphones!) that you may not know about and get you inspired for your next walk.

The Presidio

Poetry walk through mountain lake park and the presidio: 2.2 miles end-to-end; free audio tour.

This unique walk combines 2.2 miles of Northside San Francisco with the evocative poetry of Kim Shuck, the seventh poet laureate of San Francisco. By following the audio guide , you’ll hear snippets of Schuck’s spoken poetry tailored to the landscape. Historian Barbara Berglund Sokolov’s walk narration also explores the origins of the Yelamu tribe, first inhabitants of the Presidio ( read more in the Chronicle ).

Start the walk at Mountain Lake, one of San Francisco’s last remaining natural lakes. Point towards the coast to reach El Polín in the Presidio. There you’ll discover a natural spring that attracts birds, frogs, and other wildlife. Continue north through the Presidio, ending at the scenic marshes of Crissy Field.

Tennessee Hollow Watershed Walk: 3.3 mile loop; free audio tour

Inspiration Point, MacArthur Meadow, and Lover’s Lane Bridge are highlights of this stunning Presidio walk. You’ll explore a 3.3-mile loop of Presidio’s largest watershed, Tennessee Hollow. The audio guide for this walk starts at Thompson Reach , a short walk from the bus stop at the Presidio Visitor Center.

This is a unique tour of the biodiversity and rich history of the eastern half of the Presidio. With all the recent rain you’ll probably see newly formed ponds, which bring blue herons and other majestic wildlife. If you prefer a print map, download the PDF .

Golden Gate Park

Soundwalk with kronos quartet: a free musical audio tour; mileage is up to you.

Immerse yourself in the familiar landmarks of Golden Gate Park with an added dimension: music to illuminate the natural environment. This free app allows you to explore the park’s eastern end, and trigger music that’s crafted to harmonize with the park’s landscape. The path you choose dictates the music you hear.

Get the free app and download composer Ellen Reid’s SOUNDWALK for Golden Gate Park. It’s highly recommended you download this before going to the park. Then start wandering!

We recommend a nice stroll along JFK Promenade to take in the Prayer Book Cross, Bunny Meadow, and Conservatory of Flowers. The app will show you zones that will trigger music.

“A Very Curious Golden Gate Park Walking Tour” with KQED: free audio tour; we share 2- and 4-mile options here

Did you know that the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park hosted weekly polo matches in the 1960s? Or that the Dutch Windmill pumped 30,000 gallons per hour across the park’s first sand dunes? Park fans and history buffs alike will delight in KQED’s six-part Bay Curious walking tour of Golden Gate Park .

Each podcast episode (10-15 minutes each) explores the fascinating history behind some notable feature of the park. For a roughly 2-mile tour of the park’s less-crowded westside with episodes to hear on the way, start at the sand dunes of Ocean Beach. Then hit the Dutch Windmill, Bison Paddock, and Polo Fields. That’ll take around an hour. If you want to make a day of it, do this longer 4-mile route that also includes the Japanese Tea Garden and the national AIDS Memorial Grove.

“The Secrets of Golden Gate Park”: 2.7-mile loop; paid audio tour from the San Francisco Chronicle

On this 90-minute guided audio tour, you’ll learn the storied history of the park from two superfans: journalists Heather Knight and Peter Hartlaub.

First, download the VoiceMap app and purchase the “The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: Graft, Gunfire and a 90-Year-Old Fish” episode for $7.99.

Start at the Conservatory of Flowers , where the audio tour explains the history of this controversial first museum of Golden Gate Park. Then you’ll go on a loop of sorts— through the national AIDS Memorial Grove, Shakespeare Garden, Japanese Tea Garden, and Stow Lake. You’ll head back to the start of the 2.7-mile walk along JFK Promenade, ending at the historic Skatin’ Place.

Neighborhood Self-Guided Walks

Mission street art walk: ~1.5 miles end-to-end; free audio tour.

If you’re more in the mood for an urban art walk, don’t miss the colorful and historic Mission District. There you’ll find the highest concentration of murals in the City, including the outspread hands of the Maestrapeace Mural at the 18th Street Women’s Building.

First, download the ‘GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities’ app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store . Then pull up the Mission Street Art self-guided audio tour.

You’ll start at the muralscape of Clarion Alley, just off Valencia Street. More community street art awaits at the block-long Balmy Alley. End at the corner of 24th Street and Bryant, where the pro move here is to finish with a delicious torta at La Gorda Torta. This is a short walk, easy to do in the span of a lunch break.

Many More Neighborhoods…

Did you know that one of the perks of being a Walk SF member is that you get free, quarterly self-guided walks designed by our expert WalkLab volunteers exploring every corner of the city?

If you’re not a member, join right now to get access right now to our most recent walk. Your membership receipt will include a link and code.

Do you know of a great self-guided audio tour we missed? Email [email protected].

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San Francisco Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

San Francisco's Chinatown has more guided tour options than the local herbalist has ginseng roots. Many of them are informative and entertaining, but they control the schedule, and you have to plan around that. If you'd rather:

• Tour Chinatown when you want to
• Stay as long as you want at places of interest
• Skip the bits that bore you
• And do it all for free

This self-guided tour covers all the same sights to which tour guides will take you.

Print this page to take along and you're all set—and you can't beat the cost savings.

This walking tour takes you off the main streets into alleys and areas where you'll find some unique Chinatown sights. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 2 hours, including a stop for lunch. If you're a shopper, it may take a bit longer than that.

The total walking distance is 1.5 miles, and it's nearly flat.

Get Ready to Tour Chinatown

Chinatown is woefully short on public restrooms. Your best bet is to find one before you go in. There's a Starbucks at the corner of Sutter and Grant, just a block from the Chinatown gate.

Chinatown Gate to Portsmouth Square

Today's Chinatown was rebuilt after San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, and its architecture is an odd mix of Edwardian fundamentals and Chinese details. Starting from the Chinatown Gate on Bush Street, on Grant Avenue:

• Start at the Chinatown Gate: This 1970 addition to the Chinatown entrance marks the transition into Chinatown from Union Square. A pair of Chinese guardian lions is traditionally believed to provide protection. Called Shi in Chinese or "Foo Dogs" in the West, they're a common sight in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government office, and temples.
• Walking on Grant Avenue: Grant is especially touristy near the Chinatown gate. It's a good place for souvenir shopping, with several large shops offering t-shirts and other trinkets. Further up the street, you'll also find modern Asian items that are both stylish and easy on the pocketbook. This part of Grant is a good place to stop and look up. This isn't a ploy to make you look silly: a couple of interesting things are above eye level. Look around and you'll see that the street signs are written in both English and Chinese and the ornate streetlights (put up in 1925) are supported by golden dragons.
• Stop at St. Mary's Church: Grant at California. The granite stones used in this historic church's foundations came from China and its bricks came "around the Horn" of South America with the gold seekers. It was the first church built as a cathedral in California and for many years was one of San Francisco's most prominent buildings. Inside is a small display of photographs from the 1906 earthquake and fire, showing both how badly it was damaged and how closely the new structure resembles its predecessor.
• Walking: When you cross the cable car tracks at California Avenue, listen. Not only will it help you avoid an approaching car, you'll also hear the cables that move the cars humming beneath the street.
• Stop at the Wok Shop : 718 Grant Avenue. This long-time Chinatown shop sells an extensive selection of cleavers, woks, and chopsticks, all of which make great (and useful) souvenirs.
• Stop at Eastern Bakery : 720 Grant Avenue. Opened in 1924, Eastern is the United States' oldest Chinese bakery. Mooncakes are their specialty, filled with a light melon or rich-tasting lotus-seed paste.
• Walking: At Clay Street, turn right, then go left to enter one of San Francisco's original city parks.
• Stop at Portsmouth Square : One of three city parks set aside by San Francisco's first mayor, Portsmouth is Chinatown's social center, with residents using it as an extension of their homes, taking the kids there to play or meeting friends. You'll sometimes find men playing Chinese chess (also called elephant chess) and groups of women playing cards. Also in the park is the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial and a marker commemorating the first public school in California. The only public restroom on the tour route is in the park, but be warned—cleanliness can be an issue.
• Walking: Cross the park to Washington Street and turn left.

Portsmouth Square to Broadway

• Stop at the Old Telephone Exchange: (743 Washington) This lovely building is now the East West Bank, but it started out as the Chinese Telephone Exchange. Callers often asked for people by name only, thinking it rude to refer to a person by using a number, so the operators working here had to know each subscriber by name. With many subscribers having the same name, they also had to know everyone's address and occupation. And - they had to speak not only English but also five Chinese dialects. Today's building was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
• Walking: At Grant Avenue, turn right—or take a shortcut through Wentworth Place to Washington Street.
• Chinatown Restaurant Row: Between Grant and Kearny Street on Washington are some of the best-rated restaurants in Chinatown.
• Walking: After looking around or having a bite to eat, return to Grant Avenue. This route bypasses one of Chinatown's best-rated tea shops, Red Blossom. If you want to stop in, turn left on Grant to get there. Otherwise, turn right at Grant and continue.
• To Buy a Unique Souvenir:  Talk to the folks outside the door at 924 Grant or enter through the nondescript lobby and you'll find a place to get one of Chinatown's most unusual souvenirs, a custom-made, carved stone stamp from Rainbow Sign and Art.
• Be Prepared for Game Birds: In the block between Pacific and Broadway on the right side of the street is a small shop called Ming Kee Game Birds. They sell birds used in Chinese cuisine, including a blue-skinned chicken. FYI: Several years ago, a lot of controversy arose over Chinatown shops selling live poultry and shop owners are still sensitive to gawkers and photographers.
• Stop at the Chinatown Mural: At the corner of Columbus Avenue and Broadway where Chinatown meets North Beach, you'll find a mural on the corner building. One side commemorates North Beach's Italian roots. The side facing Broadway is dedicated to San Francisco's Chinese heritage
• Walking: At Broadway, turn left. At Stockton, cross the street and turn left again, walking along Stockton.

Stockton Markets and Alleyways

• Explore the Chinese Markets: The next two blocks of Stockton are packed with markets. Some sell the same kinds of vegetables and groceries you'd find at a neighborhood store anywhere, but others sell fresh fish, Asian specialty vegetables, and foods. For fun people-watching, look for older Chinese women shopping, arguing over asparagus, wrangling over radishes or shaking an eggplant to see if it's firm.
• Walking: At Jackson Street, turn left, then turn right into Ross Alley (which is halfway to Grant)
• Stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory : (56 Ross Alley) It's not what you might expect of a factory, but more like a Wallace and Gromit invention gone awry. Some people think the staff rude, and they'll give about 30 seconds to look around before insisting you buy something, but it's worth a look and something you're not likely to see anywhere else. Bring cash if you want to buy some fresh fortune cookies and expect to pay to take a photo, too. 
• Stop at the Sam Bo Trading Company: (50 Ross Alley) This small shop sells Buddhist and Taoist religious items, Buddha statues, incense and paper goods burned in tribute to ancestors and the gods. A pack of handmade paper printed in gold purchased here makes an inexpensive, beautiful souvenir.
• Walking: At the end of Ross Alley, go right on Jackson and then left into Spofford.
• Explore Spofford Alley: There's not a lot to see in this short alley, but listen: it's home to numerous mahjong parlors and you can hear the tiles clicking as you pass, especially on weekends when you might also get a glimpse inside through an open door.
• Walking: At the end of Spofford, turn left and walk to Waverly Place. Turn around at Washington to walk the street's two-block length.
• Explore Waverly Place is often called the Street of the Painted Balconies, but it wasn't built for tourists and these days the paint is growing a bit faded. Walk along its two-block length and you'll find a dry cleaner, travel agency, employment agency two funeral businesses and two temples. Amy Tan fans may recall the name Waverly from "Joy Luck Club," and Dashiell Hammett's "Dead Yellow Women" is also set here.
• Stop at the Tien Hou Temple : (125 Waverly Place) The smell of temple incense is one of Chinatown's sensory treats, and you'll find plenty of it on the top floor at 125 Waverly Place, in a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. After you climb the long stairway, you'll find a tiny, incense-filled room hung with red and gold lanterns, several shrines and a statue of the goddess in the back. They don't mind respectful visitors (but don't allow photographs). Admission is free, but I recommend making a small donation, just to be polite.
• Family Benevolent Associations: You'll see the offices for several of these associations on Waverly Place, including the Eng and Wong families. They began as social clubs to serve social and personal needs of Chinese workers and provide political and social support systems to newcomers. These days, they are mostly gathering places, particularly for older Chinese who live in Chinatown.
• Bing-Tong Kong Freemasons: During the early twentieth century, Bing-Tong Kong was one of San Francisco's most powerful Tongs, groups often compared to modern gangs. In the 1930s, it started using the name "Chinese Free Masons," but whether they are formally associated with that organization is unclear. This building appears briefly in the 1982 film Chan Is Missing , directed by Wayne Wang.
• Stop at the  Clarion Music Center (816 Sacramento Street) sells Chinese drums, cymbals, flutes, Tibetan singing bowls and many unusual instruments and is well worth a stop if you like that kind of thing. They are closed on Sundays.

The easiest way to get to many other parts of San Francisco from Chinatown is by cable car. Find everything you need to know about riding them in the San Francisco Cable Car Guide .

• If You're Done for the Day: Turn left at Sacramento Street and right onto Grant. Walk 3 blocks and you'll be back where you started.
• To Go to  Union Square : Turn right on Bush, left on Stockton and you'll be there in 3 blocks
• To See the  Ferry Building, Waterfront, Bay Bridge : Turn left on Grant to California and catch the cable car (the one going downhill)
• To Check Out Nob Hill: Turn left on Grant to California and get on the cable car (the one going uphill)
• To Go to  Fisherman's Wharf : Turn right on Sacramento and walk 2 blocks to catch the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car
• To Explore North Beach: Turn right at Sacramento Street and then right onto Stockton. It's about 6 blocks to the edge of North Beach from there

Apps for Your Chinatown Tour

Sutro Media's San Francisco Chinatown app provides a map and an A to Z listing of points of interest. The map is filled with detailed icons, but unfortunately, they overlap and are hard to read on a mobile phone screen. If you're the type who likes to wander but occasionally wants to know more about something, you may find it useful.

The free app City Walks provides minimal information and you'll have to pay for an upgrade to access their guided tours. It's a pricing strategy, this app rates only 2.5 stars out of 5, largely because of complaints that the free version has nothing to offer.

Time Shutter - San Francisco  is custom-made for history buffs and anyone who wonders what a place looked like long ago. Using their map- or list-based index, you can bring up historic photos of the place you're standing. Double-tap and they'll transform into modern-day views.

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Free Walking Tour San Francisco Self-Guided

I wanted to package my love of San Francisco into a Self-Guided Free Walking Tour and this is the result. This tour starts at Union Square, and visits Chinatown, Grace Cathedral, the Cable Car Barn and Museum, North Beach (the Little Italy part of San Francisco), Lombard Street, Pier 39, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

This is based on an audio guide I did a few years ago:

• San Francisco Walking Tour (part 1) – Self-Guided Tour
• San Francisco Walking Tour (part 2) – Sound Seeing Tour 2

Union Square

Cable car barn and museum, american zoetrope, north beach, lombard street, fisherman’s wharf , pier 45 – wwii ships, hyde street pier, ghiradelli square, cable car ride.

Union Square is one of the centers of shopping in San Francisco. Union Square gets all decked out for the holiday with a giant Christmas Tree and an ice skating rick. It’s right near the St. Francis Hotel, but it’s also the home of Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, and several other high-end stores. Park in the Parking Garage under Union Square or in the large Parking Garage at 5th and Mission which always has space. 

If shopping is your thing, stop for some shopping before you head out or when you get back. Macy’s, I think, is one of my daughter’s favorite places to shop in the city. Grab a quick lunch in the Macy’s basement or go up to the Cheesecake Factory on the top floor with its inevitable one-hour wait. There are a number of other stores in the area including the Apple Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nike, and Gucci.

Pro-Union rallies were held in this square just prior to the Civil War which is where the name comes from.

The model for the victory statue was Alma de Bretteville Spreckels who married into the Spreckels Sugar family fortune. She donated the money to build the California Palace of the Legion of Honor art gallery over by the Presidio (and rumor has it buried her wealthy late husband on the grounds in defiance of the San Francisco prohibition on burying bodies within the city limits). 

Walk north on Stockton Street for one block, turn right on Sutter St, turn left on Grant Street, and walk to the entrance to Chinatown.

Look for the “see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil monkey statue” at the corner of Sutter and Grant.

Grant is the main street for Chinatown and the more touristy part of Chinatown. This area was originally settled by Chinese workers who were mostly from the Canton area. They came to mine gold or to build the Central Pacific Railroad. The area shrunk during the period of Chinese exclusion from the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 until its repeal in 1943. These days you are more likely to hear Mandarin rather than Cantonese from new waves of immigration.

When translated into English, the gate to Chinatown says “All under heaven is for the good of the people” which is a saying by the former President of the Republic of China Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

On Grant, you will see lots of little shops with items mostly from China. knickknacks, curios, fine arts, t-shirts, luggage , etc. If you’re looking for your cheap t-shirt, Chinatown’s probably the best spot to buy one. Find a Chinese bakery and get a sweet red bean bun or stop for some Dim Sum. 

Walk two blocks north up Grant Street through the Dragon Gate and to California and Grant.

As you stand at California and Grant Streets you will hear the rumble of the cable car lines. One of the cable car lines goes through here.  The cable cars in San Francisco really are an interesting feat of engineering. Cable cars have no motor, the rumble you hear is that of the moving cable under the street. The cable car has what amounts to a big pair of pliers (the grip) that they use to get pulled up the hill. As they descend the other side of the hill, their weight helps lift other cards going up. We will learn more about the Cable Cars in a bit. Cable cars are one of a few moving National Historic Landmarks.

Turn left and walk up four blocks to Nob Hill at California and Taylor

Walking up Nob Hill will be a bit tiring, but honestly, I prefer to walk the hills of San Francisco than drive them. Even in an automatic, driving San Francisco’s hills can be scary, and with a manual transmission… just forget it.

When you get to Taylor and California streets, the Gothic cathedral rising in front of you is Grace Cathedral, the Episcopal Cathedral in San Francisco. There are two cathedrals in San Francisco. St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Catholic Cathedral, is a very modern style and is also worth a visit but is not on this tour.

If you want to go into Grace there is a $5 admission, but you can just peak in the back if you prefer to see its stained glass and very quiet ambiance. There’s a labyrinth outside, maybe 25-30 feet across that you can walk as you meditate. There is a second labyrinth inside as well.

Historically, Nob Hill was where the richest people in town had their mansions as one of the nicer parts of San Francisco historically. It was a great place to hobnob. The only one of the original mansions still standing is the James C. Flood Mansion on the other side of Huntington Park from Grace Cathedral. It was built by silver baron James C. Flood. It is now the private Pacific-Union Club.

At Mason and California is one of the older hotels in town, the Mark Hopkins Hotel. The Top of the Mark would be the restaurant at the top, named after one of the Big Four. The Big Four are the robber barons prominent businessmen who built the Central Pacific Railroad (Stanford, Hopkins, Huntington, and Crocker). The restaurant in the Top of the Mark rotates for great views of the city.

Backtrack one block down California Street to Mason Street and turn left. Head 3 blocks north on Mason Street down the hill to Washington Street.

When a cable car passes you, look at the bottom of it. You see wheels like railroad car wheels and in between them, you’ll see the brakes and the brakes are basically pieces of wood that rub against the track. In the event they really need to slow down in a hurry, they actually have a wedge that they can shoot into the track ahead of them. That will stop the car quickly, but then you’ll have to stop and dig out that wedge so it’ll take a little while to get a cable car freed again that has used that method to stop. That’s really just the emergency brake.

To learn how the cable cars work and see the big motors that drive them we are going to visit the free museum at the Cable Car Barn. All of the cable car lines in San Francisco are driven by the huge motors you will see in the Cable Car Barn. Here you can learn the history of the cable cars, try your hand at ringing the bell, and see how they work. You can learn how two cable car lines can cross (one cable car operator has to let go of the cable and coast through the intersection). I think nerds like me will enjoy a cable car ride much better after a quick stop at this museum.

Head downhill (east) on Washington Street back to Chinatown. Turn left onto Stockton Street and walk one block to Jackson Street. Turn right on Jackson and head half a block to Ross Alley. Turn right into Ross Alley.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

Stockton Street to your left as you come back into Chinatown is more of the real neighborhood than the businesses that are there just for tourists. Peak in the grocery stores or stop for a treat at one of the bakeries. The fruit and vegetables will look different and many of the signs will be in Chinese only. 

Just inside Ross Alley, you will come to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where fortune cookies have been made by hand since 1962. Fortune cookies don’t come from China. I have heard claims that they come from Japan, Los Angeles , or San Francisco, but don’t tell that to locals who are certain that San Francisco invented the fortune cookie. You can pick up a batch fresh from this diminutive bakery.

Continue east on Jackson, turn right on Kearny, and left onto Columbus.

We have left Chinatown now and are heading into North Beach. If you turn and look back down Columbus Ave you will see two of San Francisco’s iconic buildings. The Transamerica Pyramid is the pointy one and the green old building is the Sentinel Building which was where the movie studio American Zoetrope was founded by Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. American Zoetrope (now Zoetrope Studios) was the studio behind The Godfather movies, American Graffiti, Apocalypse Now, and many other well-known movies. 

Across the street from Columbus is the Barbary Coast neighborhood, parts of which can be pretty seedy. This is the area that was filled with bars at the time of the gold rush. During the gold rush when the ships were being abandoned in port, and the captains needed crews to sail with them, they would “Shanghai” people. A sailor would get drunk and wake up on his way to Shanghai. 

Head away from the Transamerica Pyramid north up Columbus Street to Lombard Street.

North Beach is a confusing neighborhood name as there is no beach in North Beach (I did once have someone pitch me an article about San Francisco talking about how the surfing was good at North Beach… no). But the shape of San Francisco today is very different from its original shape when the city ended and the bay started around what is Francisco Street. After the 1906 earthquake the bay was filled in and this became an Italian neighborhood. You will pass Joe DiMaggio Playground at Mason and Columbus. Before he was “The Yankee Clipper”, baseball player Joe DiMaggio grew up on these streets and started his career with the San Francisco Seals which predated the San Francisco Giants .

This is another great neighborhood to grab a meal, especially if you like Italian food. I like Calzones and the Stinking Rose, but as of this writing the Stinking Rose may not survive COVID-19.

One of the city’s most celebrated bookstores is City Lights Booksellers which is at Columbus and Broadway which is the southern border of North Beach. The bookstore is associated with the publishing of beat poets and counter-cultural authors and is a historic landmark.

The heart of North Beach is Saints Peter and Paul Church and Washington Square Park (above) in front of the church. From here you can get your first views of Coit Tower at the top of Telegraph Hill where they used to watch for the ships to come in and signal their arrival. Coit Tower was dedicated to the volunteer firemen who died fighting the 5 big fires in San Francisco history, including the fires after the 1906 earthquake that burned for 3 days. We won’t cover it on this walking tour but you can walk or take the bus up the hill to enjoy the view or the murals inside which were painted as a New Deal project.

Pause when you get to Lombard Street and look up the hill to see the “crookedest street in the world”. It’s about three blocks walk uphill if you want to go to the base of Lombard Street where the best photos can be taken. Better photos can be taken at the bottom of Lombard Street than from driving down, you can see the people who are driving along this very curvy, brick road with flowers. Driving down Lombard Street is fun, but driving up the backside… is not as fun.

If you didn’t go up to Lombard Street, just follow the cable car lines down Columbus turn right on Taylor the cable car lines turn and we’re heading down to Fisherman’s Wharf. You will come to the Powell/Mason Cable car turnaround. Keep heading north on Taylor to Jefferson and the Fisherman’s Wharf Sign.

If you did go up to Lombard Street, just go straight down the hill on Leavenworth from Lombard Street, you’ll see Alcatraz Island walk north towards Alcatraz to Bay Ave. Turn right on Bay and Left on Taylor to get to the Fisherman’s Wharf Sign.

Make a mental note of the location of the cable car turnaround at Taylor and Bay. This is the cable car that has a much shorter line to get on. The more famous cable car turnaround is between Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghiradelli Square, but the line for this cable car is usually shorter and not as well known by tourists.

I have a love/hate relationship with Fisherman’s Wharf. You’re going find a lot of tourists, t-shirt shops, and things like the Hall of Wax and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum that are very touristy. You will also find great boat tours of San Francisco and the boat to Alcatraz (reserve well in advance). You can pick up a walk-away shrimp cocktail or a sourdough sandwich from Boudin Bakery. 

There are also actually still boats that head out fishing from here so the seafood in the restaurants is, in many cases, today’s catch. If you dive into the things to do in the 8-block area on the shore between Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39 there is more to do than you can do on a single walking tour or in a single day. So this tour will only hit some of the highlights. When you have more time:

• Visit Alcatraz , the former prison island in the bay
• Take a bay cruise
• Visit the Exploratorium hands-on science museum at Pier 15/17. The Exploriyotium or the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 is included in the San Francisco City Pass .

There are a lot of street performers in this area between Ghiradelli Square and Pier 39. Some are very talented and some are… well… unusual. Acts in the latter category include the Bushman who will hold a bush and jump out at you and try and scare you. If you find him… or if he finds you… it will be near the Fisherman’s Wharf sign. If you see a crowd gathering across the street from you and pointing in your direction… watch out.

I’d recommend you turn right at this point, we’re going to go over to Pier 39.

Pier 39 is a bit more upscale shopping area than Fisherman’s Wharf, but even if you are not looking to do some shopping there are a few things you should check out here. 

Pier 39 has a stage in the back and to get on the stage at Pier 39 as a street performer you have to audition so some of the best performers can be found here. You don’t get paid anything, so you still have to rely on the kindness of the tourists at the end of your act.

Also at the end of Pier 39 on the left side as you face the bay is where a colony of California Sea Lions entertain the tourists with their laziness. 

As you make your way back along the waterfront you will pass the Blue and Gold Fleet (Pier 39.5) and Red and White  Fleet (Pier 43.5). If you are interested in taking a sightseeing cruise of the bay. The Red and White Fleet is the older of the two companies but both of these companies will offer you a good option.

Leave Pier 39 and head west (right) back along Jefferson Street towards Fisherman’s Wharf.

There are two collections of historic ships in the Fisherman’s Wharf Area. At Pier 45, you can find the USS Pampanito and the SS Jeremiah O’Brien which you can pay to tour. The USS Pampanito is a WWII submarine that saw action in the Pacific against Japan.

The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is a Liberty ship. In WWII, 2,710 of these freighters were built for military use. The local shipyards, particularly in Richmond, CA built a good percentage of the Liberty ships and the later Victory ships. At one point they were launching one ship a day for the war effort, but only 2 Liberty Ships still survive. In Richmond, you can tour the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park and one of the last 2 Victory ships , the Red Oak .

Also at Pier 45 is the Musée Mécanique which has a collection of 300 old coin-operated arcade games and machines. Admission is free to the Musée Mécanique.

Hyde Street Pier across from Ghiradelli Square is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.

The pier has a collection of historic watercraft:

• 1886 square-rigger  Balclutha
• 1895 schooner  C. A. Thayer
• 1890 steam ferryboat  Eureka
• 1891 scow schooner  Alma
• 1907 steam tug  Hercules
• 1914 paddlewheel tug Eppleton Hall
• 1890 (circa) San Francisco Bay Ark

The entrance fee is $15 for adults. Children 15 and younger are free.

Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli arrived in San Francisco in 1848 just as gold rush pioneers were arriving. Ghirardelli started a general store including the making of chocolate that he learned in Italy. You can no longer get a shovel or a gold pan from Ghirardelli… but you can still get chocolate or better yet an ice cream sundae. After this walking tour… you have earned it.

Also check out the Cartoon Art Museum in the Ghiradelli Square complex.

Head back to the cable car turnaround at Taylor and Bay.

It is time to head back towards Union Square and it is time to ride on a cable car. Wait in line and purchase your fare in advance. A ticket is $8. A cable car will hold about 50 people. The ride is about five minutes.  The most thrilling ride is definitely hanging on the outside. It is a perfect way to end a day exploring San Francisco.

Related posts:

• Pacifica California – San Francisco’s Nearest Beach Town
• 22 Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge – A Guide for Photographers
• Weekend Getaways in the Bay Area – San Francisco
• Top of the Ninth and Top of the Mark – San Francisco Baseball Weekend

by Chris Christensen

| @chris2x | facebook

2 Responses to “Free Walking Tour San Francisco Self-Guided”

San Francisco is my favorite place to go. I like the pictures you shared.

I wish I had known about this information when my wife and I went out there in November. Thankfully we did about half of these things including Alcatraz. Can’t wait to go back.

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Self Guided Tour of Chinatown San Francisco

When stepping into San Francisco’s Chinatown, you step into a world of vibrant colors, sounds, sights, and smells that will immediately whisk you around the globe.

While there are several distinct Chinese neighborhoods in San Francisco, the oldest and largest Chinatown lies in the heart of downtown. On this self-guided tour of Chinatown, you’ll visit sights with a history dating back to the days of the early explorers, see unique and beautiful views of the city, and be immersed in a culture so intertwined in San Francisco’s history that you just can’t miss it!

Click the map to enlarge or to download to a smartphone.

You can also download San Francisco Chinatown Self Guided Tour as a pdf.

Why not join one of our guided tours of Chinatown ?  

Also, if you are considering purchasing a hop-on, hop-off Big Bus ticket , their buses makes stops in Chinatown and your ticket will include a free Chinatown walking tour.

For more money-saving ideas for your time in San Francisco, check out which tourist discount pass is best .

Or, check out a video of a walkthrough Chinatown, and see many of the sights that you'll be visiting on your own trip!

BRIEF HISTORY OF CHINATOWN

One of the largest concentrated Chinese populations outside of China, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the largest outside of mainland China.

The earliest Chinese immigrants to the Bay Area came in the 1840s, just before the Gold Rush.

Some of those early Chinese immigrants began referring to San Francisco as “Gold Mountain,”.

And just as fortune seekers hurried west across the country to hunt gold, so too did Chinese immigrants come into the Bay seeking new lives.

As one of the most accessible mainland North American ports, San Francisco’s Chinese population grew steadily to become what it is today.

Now, as you walk through the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, you’ll feel as if you’d stepped off a plane and landed in Hong Kong.

If it weren’t for the towering Transamerica Building to the east or views of Coit Tower farther north, you might forget that you’re in San Francisco at all.

While taking this tour, be sure to take some time to look in the many different shops along the way. We’d run out of space if we tried to list them all, but you can find practically anything in Chinatown.

We begin this walking tour at the iconic Chinatown Dragon Gate, the entry to Chinatown, and complete it farther north along Grant Ave., where Chinatown and North Beach intersect.

Heads up: This being San Francisco, you will have a few hills to climb. Don’t be too concerned, most uphill sections are fairly short or broken up with stops.

Begin the tour at the Dragon Gate, located at the intersection of Grant Ave. and Bush St.

Stop 1 - Dragon Gate 

One of the most photographed sights in San Francisco, the Dragon Gate officially marks your entrance into Chinatown.

Though the Chinese community began creating Chinatown as we know it in the aftermath of the 1906 earthquake, the official entrance to the neighborhood wasn’t marked until 1970.

Chinatown representatives eagerly pushed for a ceremonial archway, a common entrance to most Chinese villages, in order to show how similar San Francisco’s Chinatown was to a traditional Chinese village.

Designed by Clayton Lee, a Chinese American architect, the Dragon Gate is one of the most spectacular and authentic in any American Chinatown.

Built mainly in Taiwan and covered in beautiful Taiwanese tiles, the Dragon Gate stands as a beacon welcoming visitors under its archways.

Be wary of which archway you pass under, though! The two side passageways are for the common people, while the larger center passage is reserved for esteemed dignitaries and important citizens… and delivery trucks.

As you walk past the Dragon Gate, check out the dragons standing guard on each side - it’s said that they’re busy keeping evil spirits out.

Stop 2 - Grant Avenue

Formerly called Dupont St., Grant Avenue was once the center of San Francisco’s red-light district.

Following the vast destruction of the 1906 earthquake, Chinatown took a firm hold of the area and never looked back.

To boost tourism in the neighborhood, representatives began encouraging the use of traditional Chinese designs and architecture, much of which you will see as you walk along Chinatown’s “Main Street,” Grant Ave.

Stop 3 - St. Mary’s Square

This may be one of the calmest locations in Chinatown, so relish it while you can.

Occasionally occupied by tai chi groups, St. Mary’s Square is prime real estate that’s very existence is continually in question.

Located on the fringes of both Chinatown and the Financial District, it is not as busy as Portsmouth Square (a later stop).

Various businesses have attempted to purchase the land for office buildings, but recent rebuffs from Chinese cultural groups almost ensure that it will remain open green space.

Though the area is fairly calm now, during San Francisco’s rough and tumble Gold Rush days, the square housed some of San Francisco’s most notorious houses of prostitution.

The area changed drastically in 1906 when the houses were destroyed in the fires caused by the great earthquake.

Following their destruction, city officials decided to put a park in their place. The park is named for Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, located across California St.

Stop 4 - San Francisco Chinese American War Memorial

In St. Mary’s Square, you will see two important memorials.

First, on the metal fence near the center of the square is the San Francisco Chinese American War Memorial plaque dedicated to those Chinese Americans who served and gave their lives for the United States during World Wars I and II.

The plaque lists the names of those killed and shows the emblems of the different branches of the military represented by Chinese Americans.

The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars seals are at the bottom of the plaque.

Stop 5 - Statue of Sun Yat-sen

The other memorial in St. Mary’s Square is a Benny Bufano statue of Sun Yat-sen, erected in 1937.

Sun, an exiled anti-imperialist known to many as the “Father of Modern China,” worked fervently through the early 1900s to overthrow the Qing dynasty, only to see his efforts rewarded with exile from his home country.

He came to San Francisco and, it is said, often relaxed in St. Mary’s Square.

Unfortunately, his life in San Francisco was not completely restful; agents of the Qing dynasty were constantly searching for him, and he was often in hiding.

Sun Yat-sen’s famous words, “The world is for all, all is for the people,” are inscribed in traditional Chinese characters on the Chinatown Dragon Gate.

Benny Bufano, the sculptor of Sun’s statue, was born in Italy but lived in San Francisco for much of his life. His works can be seen throughout the city.

Stop 6 - California St. Cable Car Line

The cable car is one of San Francisco’s most iconic sights, and the California St. line is the oldest cable car line in the country.

The San Francisco cable car, invented by Andrew Hallidie in 1873, became one of San Francisco’s most important modes of transportation for the next forty years.

Now, the California St. line is only one of three remaining cable car lines in San Francisco.

This particular line was put in by none other than Leland Stanford (sound familiar?).

Stanford, whose mansion was just up the street on Nob Hill, made a vast fortune putting in railway lines around the country.

He remains one of the Bay Area’s most controversial figures, as the Chinese laborers who laid the rails for his business were vastly underpaid and extremely overworked.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the San Francisco cable car, visit the Cable Car Museum on the corner of Mason St. and Washington St.

You can also access all riding information on the San Francisco Cable Car website here: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/cable-cars-san-francisco/

Stop 7 - Old St. Mary’s Cathedral 

One of the longest standing structures in San Francisco (1853), Old St. Mary’s Cathedral was once the tallest building in the city.

St. Mary’s was originally built to be the seat of the Catholic Church in San Francisco.

Commissioned by San Francisco Bishop Joseph Alemany of Spain and designed by architects William Craine and Thomas England, the cathedral was designed to replicate a gothic church in Alemany’s hometown of Vich, Spain.

The cathedral was dedicated during Christmas Midnight Mass in 1854 and continually grew from that point on.

By 1881, however, it was decided that the cathedral would no longer remain in the declining neighborhood.

The structure remained and was eventually put under the charge of a Paulist order of priests (and the new St. Mary’s Cathedral was later built on Geary St.).

The Paulists had long run a Chinese Mission and brought this to St. Mary’s, thus making it an integral part of Chinatown. This same order of priests continues to run the church today.

The church went on to withstand both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes, and three of the walls are original. You are welcome to go quietly inside the church, even while Mass is going on, as there is a designated historical section in the back of the church.

Before you go inside, take a look below the central clock. The words read, “Son, Observe the Time and Fly from Evil. Ecc. 4:23.”

Some believe those words were put there to turn men away from the brothels located directly across the street.

Stop 8  - Sing Chong Building 

The oldest piece of Chinese architecture in San Francisco (1807), this building was actually designed by a Scottish architect.

Thomas Patterson Ross, an Edinburgh native, was a major architect in San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake and most well known for the Alcazar Theater he designed on Geary St.

His design for Sing Chong, as well as the neighboring Sing Fat building across the street, represented a shift in post-earthquake San Francisco.

Chinese immigrants and Chinese Americans pushed to create a “city within a city.”

Sing Chong proprietor (and First Bank of Canton founder) Look Tin Eli recommended the pagoda style architecture to entice tourists into Chinatown.

Stop 9 - Nam Kue School

A small Chinese-style building gated and drawn back from the street, Nam Kue School first opened its doors in March 1920, though the idea for it came about a year prior.

At the time, a group of prominent Chinese-Americans in San Francisco decided something must be done to preserve Chinese culture with future generations, so this and several other schools opened for American-born Chinese children.

Taught history, culture, and language, the Nam Kue School continues to welcome children through its doors.

Up until 2005, the school flew the flag of the Kuomintang, also known as the Chinese National Party.

The Kuomintang, started by Sun Yat-sen, opposed both the Qing dynasty and the emerging presence of communism in China.

In 2005, because of better relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, the Kuomintang was replaced with a People’s Republic flag.

Just next to Nam Kue School is Kee Photo. Take a look at all the photos on their front window. The owner, Mr. Kee, has photographs of himself with celebrities and entrepreneurs on display.

Look closely and you’ll see former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, and many more.

If you happen to need passport photos, apparently Mr. Kee is quite cheap and efficient with those.

Head back up to Grant Avenue and make a right turn onto it. Continue walking along Grant until you reach Commercial St. On the Commercial St. side of the Eastern Bakery, there is a wall of murals.

In 2010, British street artist Banksy left his mark with a ‘Peaceful Hearts’ Doctor image on the wall. Though there were efforts to preserve the work, it was eventually sprayed over. The murals on this wall are ever-changing, so take a look and enjoy.

Stop 10 - Clay Street Murals

On the left side of the street (on the side of Asian Image) is a beautiful map/mural/calendar.

Not only does it show the upcoming years and corresponding animals from the Chinese calendar, but also a map of Chinatown.

On the right side of the street is a darker mural, entitled Chinatown 1889.

Painted to capture the difficult history of the Chinese in San Francisco, the first thing you may note is that the figures in the mural are primarily male.

Up until the turn of the century, the majority of Chinese immigrants were young men coming to America for work.

From the early 1880s through the beginning of World War II, Chinese immigrants had to face the realities of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

The goal of the act was to keep the number of Chinese immigrants to the city down, though by World War II, with China as an ally, the act was repealed.

In the mural, you may also see a man holding a card with a red L on it.

This referred to the lottery system within Chinatown; it was not a lottery for money, but for work and housing.

Stop 11 - Portsmouth Square

Named for Captain John B. Montgomery’s ship, the USS Portsmouth, this is one of the oldest established areas in San Francisco.

Captain Montgomery (whose namesake street is only a few blocks away) rode into the San Francisco Bay in 1846 to officially seize Yerba Buena (San Francisco’s former name) for the United States.

He then planted an American flag in this public area and soon after, Portsmouth Square became one of the most important in the growing city.

This is where the discovery of gold was first announced in 1848.

The first city hall and public school sprang up in this square, and it thrived as the center of the city for much of the post-Gold Rush period.

Eventually, as the city shifted its focus toward the Market St. area, City Hall was replaced closer to its present location.

With the shift toward Market St., Chinatown began expanding into Portsmouth Square.

Now, the sight of the first American flag is considered the very heart of Chinatown. Most frequented by a more elderly crowd, you’ll see separate groups of men and women sitting on cardboard boxes and crates playing cards or the traditional game of mahjong.

Bustling with activity, take some time to wander around the square and enjoy.

There remains a plaque commemorating John B. Montgomery’s placement of the American flag, as well as another commemorating the first public school.

There is also a monument dedicated to author Robert Louis Stevenson, who is said to have frequented Portsmouth Square while he was in San Francisco.

Stop 12 - Goddess of Democracy Statue

A 10ft. replica of a 33ft. statue, this lady was one of the lasting images of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.

Designed by a group of art students, the original statue was placed in Tiananmen Square in late May 1989.

Placed directly across from a portrait of Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong, the statue was torn down by Communist officials only five days after it was assembled.

Some say the statue was modeled after the Statue of Liberty. During the 2014 Hong Kong “Umbrella Revolution,” a pink umbrella was attached to the Goddess’s flame in solidarity with protestors.

The umbrella was removed less than a day later. The bronze replica in Portsmouth Square was designed by Thomas Marsh and dedicated in 1994.

Look closely at the statue for names of the various volunteers carved on the back.

For a more in-depth look at the Goddess of Democracy, check out this article from the New York Times Sinosphere blog.

Stop 13 - Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco

You are welcome to enter the Chinese Culture Center to appreciate many different art projects, cultural workshops, and educational information.

The Chinese Culture Center, in existence since 1965, works to bring intercultural understanding to the city and its visitors.

For full information on visiting and present exhibits, visit the CCC website here .

Stop 14 - Buddhas Universal Church

The largest Buddhist church in the United States, this building (a former nightclub and gambling house) has kept its doors open to followers and visitors since the early 1960s when it opened.

Though the exterior is not exactly impressive, take a tour inside to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this church.

For a complete history, we feel it best to read the church’s own website here .

Stop 15 - East West Bank

This ornate building was once the home of the Chinese Telephone Exchange.

The Exchange, which began small switchboard operations back in 1891, expanded and grew in this location until the 1906 earthquake destroyed it.

Following the destruction of the earthquake, the Exchange was rebuilt in a decorative Chinese-style building.

It remained there until 1949 when switchboard operations were no longer necessary.

The building was eventually bought by the Bank of Canton in 1960 and has remained its since.

Stop 16 - Tin How Temple

The oldest established Chinese temple community in the United States, the current location of the Tin How Temple postdates the 1906 earthquake.

The original Tin How Temple was opened in 1852 in honor of the goddess Mazu.

The first Chinese immigrants gave thanks to Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, for their safe passage across the Pacific to their new home.

To reach the temple, you’ll have to climb about three flights of stairs to the top floor of the building (there is no elevator access). When you reach the top floor, you’ll enter a vibrant and aromatic vermilion room.

Though you are not allowed to take photographs, you’ll leave with lasting images of the various shrines, red lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and stunning views of the Transamerica Building and Coit Tower from the balcony.

The Tin Temple is open to the public from 9am to 5pm daily. It is still an active temple.

You can leave a donation at the entrance if you are so inclined, and you can also get your fortune read inside.

Stop 17 - Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory

The last of its kind, the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory is a Chinatown must. Opened in 1962, it boasts some of the freshest fortune cookies in town.

The women who hand-stuff the cookies make almost 20,000 on a daily basis. Take a look inside (for free), snap some pics (for $0.50), and grab a sample cookie on your way out.

The tiny “factory” can get very busy, especially when tour groups shuffle in and out, but it is worth the wait to look inside.

For more information on the history of the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory and the invention of the fortune cookie, visit our blog post here .

Stop 18 - Jun Hu’s Barber Shop

One of Chinatown’s most beloved celebrities runs this little hole-in-the-wall barbershop.

Located just next to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, the 80-something-year-old Jun Hu appeared in the opening credits of the Will Smith’s 2006 film “Pursuit of Happyness.”

It’s generally agreed that Mr. Hu did cut Paul McCartney’s hair, and his legend fits his charming demeanor.

If you visit from around 9am through noon, you’ll typically find Mr. Hu sitting on a stool outside his shop sporting a white coat and Santa hat; if you’re lucky, he may be playing his erhu (a traditional Chinese instrument).

Jun Hu is also an accomplished violinist.

Stop 19 - Golden Gate Bakery

By and large one of the most popular bakeries in Chinatown, when it’s open, the Golden Gate Bakery typically has a line out the door and down the street.

While there are some tourists who make up that cue, most of those waiting are eager locals.

The bakery, famed for its egg custard tarts, keeps its own hours. That means it may be closed when you show up, or it may be open.

Because people are so eager to know when it is open, there is a Facebook page ( Is the Golden Gate Bakery Open Today? ) dedicated to tracking its daily hours of operation.

Continue walking down Grant Ave. to the intersection of Grant/Broadway/Columbus. Ahead of you is the beginning of North Beach. Across the street you’ll see a mural that wraps around the entire building.

The part you are facing depicts scenes from Chinatown, while the opposite side shows the Jazz Era in North Beach.

From here, you can head into North Beach or, if you would like to explore more of Chinatown, we recommend making a left on Broadway.

Walk up to Stockton St. and make a left. On Stockton, you will see the Chinatown beyond the tour books. For the next few blocks, you will walk past fish markets, spice shops, vegetable stands, and more.

The street will be crowded, especially on weekends, as people shop and bargain.

Thank you for joining us on this self-guided tour of Chinatown in San Francisco. We hope you enjoyed it!

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Discover San Francisco Japantown!

The Japantown History Walk

Taking in the sights of Japantown is an easy, scenic walk. Stroll at your own pace, wandering bustling Post Street and lingering along pedestrian-friendly Osaka Way (Buchanan Mall) or choose a more organized tour for a fascinating history lesson. Enhance your walk with the interpretive signs marking The San Francisco Japantown History Walk. The self-guided tour takes visitors from the beginnings of Nihonmachi to present day Japan Center. Historic photos along with informative text tell the stories of the first Japanese immigrants and the community they built in the city’s Western Addition after the 1906 earthquake. Early Japanese Americans shaped a vibrant neighborhood of stores, restaurants, churches and temples, even theaters. The history walk also traces the unjust evacuation of Japanese American residents during WWII and their efforts to pick up the pieces of their lives after returning from the internment camps.

The history walk includes photos that show the enormity of the renewal project in the early 1960s that redeveloped the area to make way for the Japanese Cultural and Trade Center, now known as Japan Center. It also points out the historic buildings that were preserved, well as cultural icons such as the Pagoda and origami sculptures, created by the late Ruth Asawa, a local artist of much renown. The History Walk is a scenic 10-block stroll that takes one back in time to the heart of Japantown.

Japantown Tour by Edible Excursions

By Sandra Cifo by Edible Excursions

San Francisco is home to one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States, and their guides, some of them born in the neighborhood and residents for decades, take total pleasure in showing it off to locals and visitors alike. Tastes may include sweet potato lattes from YakiniQ Café ; onigiri (rice balls); okonomiyaki (Japanese frittata); sweet and savory mochi from one of Japantown’s first businesses, B enkyodo Con fections ; and authentic Masala dosa with chutney from DOSA on Fillmore . After the tour, you’ll be the expert on where to find the best bites in the neighborhood.

Japantown Cultural and Historical Walking Tour by the National Japanese American Historical Society

A guided tour through San Francisco Japantown with an emphasis on the history and culture of the Japanese American community in San Francisco. Throughout the year by request Request a Group Tour

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Wonderful walking tours in the Golden State

T here is no better way to experience a city than to take to its streets, walking. Many self-guided walking tours are available throughout the Golden State exploring architecture, history and more. Tour maps are easily accessible for downloading on smart phones or printing on a home computer.  

Many guided walking tours for purchase are also available throughout the state for those who enjoy learning more about their chosen destinations.  

Here is a list of some of the best free self-guided and volunteer guided walking tours in California.

Newhall Walking Tour 

Info walkingtour.oldtownnewhall.com 

Start your exploration of California walking tours with a tour in your own backyard. If you haven’t taken the Newhall Walking tour, it’s a “must see” destination.  

It’s great way to learn the history of Newhall, which you can pass on to your family and visiting guests. The tour includes not only historic buildings but also film and television locations. Dazzle out-of-town guests by showing off locations used by “NCIS,” “S.W.A.T.,” “Goliath,” “This is US” and many more.

Old Sacramento Waterfront  

Info anytimetours.stqry.app/1/tour/17762 

This tour of the Old Sacramento Waterfront is easily to access on your phone. Walk the Old Sacramento Waterfront and uncover the hidden stories behind the city’s first business district.  

The tour includes 30 stops of buildings, most from the 1850s and 1860s.  

On this tour, you will notice each building is described as either … reconstruction — buildings that were re-built in recent decades based on what we know they looked like in the past or restoration — original buildings that have been preserved.

Jeff Shelton Architectural Walking Tour 

Info bit.ly/3Jv1e2h 

When wandering the streets of Santa Barbara, some may notice unique buildings that stand out from the rest.  

Follow the Jeff Shelton Walking Tour by requesting a free map (from the website above) for one-of-a-kind designs and to see a playful and captivating twist on the Spanish Revival architectural style Santa Barbara is known for.  

Shelton’s designs range from the Ablitt Tower, which appears to be straight out of a Dr. Seuss dream, to Vera Cruz, a lime green house “tiled” in paintings.  

Each building tells its own story using intricate ironwork, whimsical sculptures and colorful tiling.

Strolling on Seventh Downtown Los Angeles 

Info www.laconservancy.org 

Map bit.ly/3W9DxEB 

There are many walking tours of downtown Los Angeles but one of the most fascinating tours is Strolling on Seventh, a walking tour that explores the architecture and history of Seventh Street in downtown Los Angeles.  

Best of all you’ll walk through the heart of the Los Angeles jewelry district where you can find something beautiful to buy.  

For other walking and driving tours around Los Angeles visit the L.A. Conservancy website.

Get Away to Julian  

2129 Main St., Julian 92036 

Info visitjulian.com/ 

Map bit.ly/3Ukt2wK 

Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Gold rush history comes alive as you stroll by historic buildings and museums.  

Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area’s historic sites. After your walk enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie, a Julian specialty.

San Francisco Free Walking Tours 

Info sfcityguides.org/find-your-tour/ 

San Francisco City Guides is a non-profit organization with roots in the San Francisco Public Library. They welcome all walkers, free of charge, and include a large number of available tours. All tours are led by volunteers who love to share their knowledge and passion for San Francisco with walkers.  

The tour guides do not accept tips, however they will ask for donations to keep the doors open to the City Guides non-profit.  

Among the tours offered is a San Francisco Chinatown tour which explores the Chinatown that rose from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake to evolve into a Chinese community that has flourished for more than 150 years. Explore the alleys, the family associations, temples, dim sum, herbal apothecaries and jade jewelry shops that make this Chinatown world famous. 

Another fascinating tour is the Mission District Murals tour. Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area’s identity. Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood. 

The Women’s Building at the corner of 18th Street and Lapidge Street boasts one of San Francisco’s largest and best known murals.  

Meaning “woman teacher of peace,” the Maestrapeace Mural stands five stories tall and is the jewel of San Francisco’s Mission District.