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TOURS

The San Francisco Historical Society is proud to provide the public with walking tours that focus on the city's diverse history. Themes include the history of North Beach, LGBTQ+ history, the Gold Rush, and the 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire, to name a few. 

Walking Tours

Our walking tours provide a first-hand experience of San Francisco’s history. Tours address historical themes that embrace San Francisco’s rich history with subject experts who led the tours. We know you’ll enjoy learning about the city’s iconic history with tours that include the 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Gold Rush, and the Barbary Coast, to name a few.
 

General public admission: $20 per person (non-members). Additional donations at checkout are always appreciated. Free for members with a 100% off discount code. Check your SF History e-newsletter, which goes out the first week of every month, for the membership code. Apply at check-out.

Tours are approximately 90 minutes long; maximum group size is 20 people on a first-come, first serve basis.

Copy of Thom and group in front of Street map.heic

Upcoming Walking Tours

  • Fisherman’s Wharf: "A Fishing Heritage and Tourist Mecca"
    Fisherman’s Wharf: "A Fishing Heritage and Tourist Mecca"
    Multiple Dates
    Fisherman’s Wharf: "A Fishing Heritage and Tourist Mecca"
    Jul 26, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PDT
    Join us for an epic tour of SF's iconic Fisherman's Wharf
  • 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (1)
    1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (1)
    Multiple Dates
    1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (1)
    Jul 26, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Join us and discover the fascinating history of the gold rush along with the sunken ships that were left along the San Francisco waterfront in the aftermath.
  • Unspeakable Vice
    Unspeakable Vice
    Multiple Dates
    Unspeakable Vice
    Aug 16, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Join this unique tour, which explores the early history of gay and lesbian culture in San Francisco. Find out why North Beach was a vitally important hub for the gay community!
  • The Valley of the Queens
    The Valley of the Queens
    Multiple Dates
    The Valley of the Queens
    Aug 16, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
    Join this unique tour, which explores the early history of the “Valley of the Queens” in San Francisco.
  • The History of North Beach
    The History of North Beach
    Multiple Dates
    The History of North Beach
    Aug 23, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PDT
    North Beach is one of the oldest areas of San Francisco and has seen many changes over its long history. What began as a beachfront community and maritime port soon attracted immigrants from many countries, who over time, transformed the area into today's vibrant mercantile and tourist area.

Monthly Tour Calendar

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Fisherman’s Wharf: "A Fishing Heritage and Tourist Mecca"
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Directions to the
Museum

Public Transportation:
BART: Montgomery Street Station
 

MUNI:
• Clay & Montgomery (#1 California going east)
• Sacramento & Montgomery (#1 California going west)

• Kearny & Clay (#8 Bayshore going north)
• Cable car: Take the California Street link to Kearny and California
 

Nearby Parking:
733 Kearny Street, Portsmouth Square Garage
550 California Street, California Street Garage

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