Walking Tour of Nob Hill - Cable Cars, Luxury Hotels, French-Gothic Cathedral

San Francisco, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (2 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Guided sightseeing experience with a photographer, blogger, content creator and certified guide
  • inclusion
    20 of the best photos for digital download and a few specially edited photos for each person.

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Optional: alcoholic beverages
  • exclusion
    Optional: cable car (or uber transportation if necessary)

Meeting Point

We can meet in the Hyatt Regency Hotel Lobby or outside at the California Street Cable Car Terminal.

Meeting point

5 Embarcadero Ctr, San Francisco, CA 94111 , United States

End point

End Point

Tour ends with beverages at sunset at the Top of the Mark in the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel.

Meeting point

999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Cable Car Museum

We'll ride a cable car (not go to the museum!) on the California Street Cable Car Line. If everyone is on time we'll take some photos with parked cable cars. Each cable car ride is $8.00 but a MUNI Mobile all-day pass is only $13.00 (for unlimited MUNI rides anywhere in San Francisco). The ride up to Nob Hill on the California Street Cable Car Line takes about 15 minutes passing through the Financial District and Chinatown.

2

Financial District

Beaux Arts Architecture, the oldest restaurant in San Francisco, Wells Fargo Bank, 555 California, much more.

3

Chinatown

Grant Street is the oldest street in San Francisco, Chinese lanterns, Edwardian buildings with Pagoda enhancements, Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

4

Huntington Park

The holiday lights on all the trees are red and green. The Fountain of the Turtles is a copy of 16th century Fontana delle Tartarughe located in Piazza Matteo in the Sant'Angelo district of Rome. Architect Giacomo Della Porta and sculptor Taddeo Landini built the original between 1580 and 1588. The replica was made in the early 1900s and donated to Huntington Park by the Crocker heirs in 1955.

Duration 10 minutes
5

Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral is the 3rd largest Episcopal Church in the United States. The French Gothic Architecture, Ghiberti Doors, ecumenically themed murals and stained-glass windows call for dramatic or pensive expressions. The vaulted ceilings may transport you to another side of the globe. For myself, different aspects of Grace Cathedral remind me of the Cologne Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris and Reims Cathedral. With a little help from my friend, Archivist Michael Lampen, I’ve had the privilege of photographing a number of fascinating areas in the Cathedral including the Bell Tower, the sacristy and the Columbarium.

Duration 20 minutes
6

Fairmont Hotel Valet Parking Lot #350 (Propark)

The Fairmont Hotel The Fairmont Hotel was built between 1902 and 1907 in honor of James Graham Fair who made a fortune mining silver and gold in Nevada’s Comstock Lode during the 1860s. After we pass by the statue of Tony Bennett and enter the magnificent ‘beaux arts” lobby of the Fairmont Hotel we will walk over to the Roof Garden looking out over North Beach onto San Francisco and Suisun Bay. We’ll see the 1933, Timothy Ludwig Pflueger designed Cirque Bar which was the first bar to open in the City following the repeal of Prohibition. I always enjoy stopping in on proprietor and “master product presenter”, Sultan, at Charisma Crafts where you’ll be amazed at the exquisitely beautiful detail on fabrics that take years to handcraft into garments. If we’re lucky we’ll get to spend a minute with the “First Concierge in America” and Fairmont Hotel historian, Tom Wolfe.

Duration 30 minutes
7

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins building

Top of the Mark Our tour ends on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, “Top of the Mark” for "no host" beverages and photos at sunset. The Mark Hopkins Hotel guests have included leading statesmen, royalty, and celebrities, such as, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson (who required a personal chef to prepare his vegetarian meals) and The Rolling Stones (who took two entire floors for themselves and their entourage). As much as I love history, it’s the view at Top of the Mark that keeps me coming back to try to get the perfect photo at sundown and early “blue hour".

Duration 60 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by Michael Sullivan

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit nearby Grace Cathedral for photos.
  • icon
    Check out the Fairmont's historic lobby.
  • icon
    Sunset views from Top of the Mark are stunning.
  • icon
    Try local coffee at a café in Huntington Park.
  • icon
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Take an enchanting journey through the opulence and history of San Francisco's Nob Hill with the mesmerizing Walking Tour of Nob Hill. This two-hour photo-shoot tour combines the rich legacy of the area with breathtaking views and luxurious surroundings that are sure to leave you captivated. Discover the allure of this iconic neighborhood as you explore its cable cars, luxury hotels, and the grandeur of a French-Gothic cathedral. Step into the footsteps of millionaires who once vied with each other in displays of wealth, and embark on an immersive experience that will transport you back in time.

What to expect?

During the Walking Tour of Nob Hill, be prepared to immerse yourself in fascinating history, indulge in picturesque scenery, and capture incredible photos. This tour invites you to join in a memorable journey where you will get the chance to ride a cable car, explore the distinctive Beaux Arts architecture, and admire the oldest restaurant in San Francisco. As you venture further, you will venture into Chinatown, walk through charming streets adorned with Chinese lanterns, and witness the grandeur of Old Saint Mary's Cathedral. The tour will then lead you to Huntington Park, adorned with dazzling holiday lights, before taking you to the majestic Grace Cathedral, the third-largest Episcopal Church in the United States. Finally, your tour concludes at the Top of the Mark on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, where you can savor "no host" beverages and marvel at the stunning sunset views.

Who is this for?

The Walking Tour of Nob Hill is a must for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and photography buffs. Whether you are a culture connoisseur, a curious traveler, or a passionate photographer, this tour is designed to provide a unique and immersive experience for all. Ideal for solo adventurers, couples, families, and groups of friends, it offers something for everyone. Whether you are a San Francisco native or a visitor from afar, this tour will unveil hidden gems and provide insights into the captivating history and culture of Nob Hill.

Why book this?

Embarking on the Walking Tour of Nob Hill is a truly captivating and enriching experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of San Francisco as you journey through its iconic landmarks. Capture stunning photos that will become cherished memories. Stand in awe of architectural marvels and breathe in the elegance of luxury hotels. The tour guides, armed with extensive knowledge of the area, will ensure an engaging and informative experience. With each step you take, the allure of Nob Hill will unravel before your eyes, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this remarkable neighborhood.

Good to know

It is important to note that the duration of this tour is approximately two hours. The meeting point can either be the Hyatt Regency Hotel Lobby or outside the California Street Cable Car Terminal. While the tour does not include entry to the Cable Car Museum, you will have the opportunity to ride a cable car on the California Street Cable Car Line, immersing yourself in an iconic San Francisco experience. Make sure to bring your camera, as the opportunities for photography are endless. The tour culminates with beverages at sunset at the Top of the Mark in the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, offering panoramic views that will leave you breathless.

Reviews

Reviews from previous participants of the Walking Tour of Nob Hill highlight the tour's professionalism, engaging guides, and the sheer beauty of the locations visited. Visitors have praised the knowledgeable guides who bring the history of Nob Hill to life, and the opportunity to capture stunning photographs along the way. Guests have been particularly delighted by the visit to Grace Cathedral, where the French Gothic architecture and ecumenically themed murals create a mesmerizing atmosphere. The tour's grand finale at the Top of the Mark has received glowing reviews, with participants expressing their awe at the exquisite sunset views and the chance to enjoy "no host" beverages in a true San Francisco style. Embark on the Walking Tour of Nob Hill, and let the captivating history and breathtaking surroundings transport you to a world of luxury and elegance in the heart of San Francisco.

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