Where We Meet
Look for me at
Meet at Harry Bridges Plaza. It is located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street and is adjacent to the Ferry Building. We will gather directly across the street from the Ferry Building. I arrive 15 minutes early — please join me! Look for me: 6'1", in a red City Guides jacket.
Directions to meeting point →Transit: Embarcadero BART or MUNI, the F Market & Wharves streetcar, or the ferry — check transit apps for more options
Parking: Parking near the start is limited. The Vallejo Street Garage is where the tour ends, but it's a walk to the start — transit is the easier option.
The tour ends at: Vallejo Street Garage, 766 Vallejo St, North Beach
About This Tour
What to expect
Duration
2 hours
Hills & Climbing
Gentle slopes
Climate
Sweater or jacket recommended
Who's Welcome
All ages welcome
A Few Requests
What I need from you
Cancellation
If you are unable to join, please cancel using the link in your confirmation email so that others may attend. I cannot do this on your behalf.
City Guides Policies
- No pets. Service animals are welcome; disruptive or uncontrolled animals may be asked to leave.
- Maximum group size is 6. Larger groups require a private booking.
- Complete policies are on the City Guides website.
Donations & Tipping
- Our suggested donation is $20/person.
- I do not accept tips: please donate generously to support City Guides!
Restrooms
Before the tour: Inside the Ferry Building — allow 15 minutes
During the tour: None on this tour — plan accordingly
Food & Shopping
Near the Start
1 Ferry Building
A temple to food. Slurp oysters at Hog Island, or eat your way around the world: Cambodian at Lunette, Baja fish tacos at Cholita Linda, Filipino sisig at Señor Sisig, Argentine empanadas, Jamaican patties, Southern Italian at A16 La Pala, or a burger on the bay at Gott's. Then come the bread, cheese, chocolate and coffee. Browse all the merchants.
In front of and behind the Ferry Building
One of the country's great farmers markets — Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Check market days and hours.
Along the Way
240 California St
California's oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving since 1849. Old-school Croatian-style seafood grilled over mesquite — the cioppino is the classic order.
Near the End
1570 Stockton St
Legendary pizza from Tony Gemignani, a perennial champion of the world's pizza competitions. Reserve for about 30 minutes after the published tour end time — or grab slices from Tony's Slice House next door (1556 Stockton) and eat in Washington Square Park.
601 Vallejo St
The West Coast's first espresso house (1956), a haunt of the Beats — and where Francis Ford Coppola wrote much of The Godfather screenplay.
271 Francisco St
Inventive pastries on a rotating menu — the Lemon Vanilla Bean Cruffin is a standout. Limited days and hours, and expect a line.
City Lights Booksellers · Map →
Shopping261 Columbus Ave
The iconic bookstore and publisher co-founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, at the heart of the Beat movement. While you're there, ask for my book, The Ledger and the Mirror.
Boutiques
ShoppingMany independent boutiques line the route and the streets around the end — too many to name. Leave time to browse.
Ready to walk?
Book through San Francisco City Guides — look for Eric F. on the tour schedule.
Book the Welcome to San Francisco Tour →