North Beach Walking Tour

4.8 (106 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

106 reviews

4.8

North Beach Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Sealions! — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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

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

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

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

Private and Luxury Walking Tours City Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: ExperienceFirst

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional SF guide
Included: Guided tour of North Beach
Included: SkyStar Wheel ticket (if option selected)

Not included

Not included: Guide Gratuities (Appreciated)
Not included: Food or Drinks

Itinerary

Stop 1

15 min

Stroll through a central North Beach gathering place and learn how the park served as temporary housing after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Today, it offers open green space and classic views of the surrounding architecture.
Saints Peter And Paul Church

15 min

Visit one of North Beach’s most recognizable landmarks and step inside to see its Italian marble altar and elegant interior. Hear stories of the church’s celebrity connections to Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
Stop 3

15 min

This North Beach institution has been making exceptional focaccia bread since 1911. With a simple recipe and creative flavors, it’s a neighborhood favorite, and locals know to get here early. Learn about a slice of SF’s “Little Italy” here — and go inside if it’s open!
Lombard Street

10 min

Take in an unexpected viewpoint of the famously crooked street, and learn why it was engineered this way in the early 1900s. Snap a photo of its tight curves and surrounding cityscape.
Pier 39

15 min

The pier is best known for the sea lions who enjoy basking in the sun on floating docks. Your guide will tell you why they’re here while you snap selfies with these adorable whiskered mammals.
SkyStar Wheel Fisherman’s Wharf

Passing by

Enjoy a ride in your glass-enclosed gondola for sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding city from 150 feet in the air. Your ticket is included if you choose to upgrade.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

Concludes at Pier 39

Using your ticket

Please provide full name with tour guide upon check in.

We’ll meet at Washington Square, beside the Volunteer Firefighter's Statue/Memorial located at 600 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. Your guide will be holding an orange sign with ExperienceFirst on it.