Spend a morning getting to know the real SF. We meet you near the Embarcadero, in downtown, before taking the cable car to Nob Hill, with its Gold Rush era mansions.
From there we take another cable car to San Francisco City Hall (or, on the weekend, the Cable Car Museum). After going inside this magnificent building, we take the historic streetcar to Castro, which is famous for its place in LGBTQ+ history. From there it's only a short walk to Mission Dolores Park, one of the nicest open spaces in San Francisco.
The Mission is really the birthplace of SF - and you'll learn about it all, as well as experiencing a lovely corner of the city. Next we take the bus to Haight-Ashbury, a name that's forever associated with the hippie generation and the Summer of Love.
We'll give you a tour of the neighborhood, with its beautiful murals, before your tour ends at the perfect time, and in the perfect place, for lunch.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ All Metro travel is included (USD20 value).
✔ We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.
✔ Tour Guide
✔ 2 cable car rides and 1 journey on the historic streetcar included (if possible).
✖ Gratuities not included, because voluntary. If you enjoy tour please allow 15-20%.
✖ Lunch/Snacks are not included.
Departure & Return
Departure:
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The guide will be checking in guests at the cable car station on the corner of Market and Drumm Street (by the Robert Frost marker), from 15 minutes before the tour is due to begin.
Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.
Itinerary
1
Ferry Building Marketplace
Your guide will help you orient yourselves, by telling you the history and background of the Ferry Building and downtown San Francisco.
Duration: 10 minutes
2
Nob Hill
Take the cable car up steep Nob Hill to see the grand mansions of the San Francisco's first millionaires.
Duration: 20 minutes
3
Cable Car Museum
Learn the history of the San Francisco's cable cars and see how they operate (note we usually only visit on weekends).
Duration: 20 minutes
4
San Francisco City Hall
Go inside our beautiful City Hall and learn about the important events which took place there.
Duration: 20 minutes
5
Hayes Valley
See this picturesque new area, near the San Francisco Civic Center, with it's collection of great street art and small coffee shops.
Duration: 20 minutes
6
The Castro
Experience this historic neighborhood, hugely important in the LGBTQ movement, of which San Francisco is a world-wide symbol.
Duration: 20 minutes
7
Mission Dolores Park
One of the loveliest parks in SF and possessing great views of downtown.
Duration: 20 minutes
8
Haight-Ashbury
This is where the hippie, anti-Vietnam War, movement really started in the 1960's. The neighborhood still maintains much of that same aesthetic (as well as being a great place to have lunch).
Duration: 20 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you will miss the tour.
• This tour is not recommended for children under 15 y.o.
• By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.
• Please note cable car and streetcar operations can be affected by events and technical issues beyond our control
• This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace, climbing several hills and sets of steps. It’s not suitable for people with mobility issues.
