History and Architecture Walking Tour of Nob Hill
San Francisco, US
87% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the secrets of San Francisco's 19th-century Silver Kings and Railroad Barons
- Tour inside the magnificent Grace Cathedral with its famous Ghiberti doors
- Visit private ballrooms and gardens in the Fairmont Hotel
- See where Tony Bennett sang "I Left my heart in San Francisco"
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the architecturally significant neighborhood
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Duration 2.5 hours
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Local expert guide
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Small group tour
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Guided walking tour
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Wheelchair accessible
Discover the fascinating history and breathtaking architecture of Nob Hill on this captivating two and a half hour walking tour. Uncover the secrets of San Francisco's 19th-century Silver Kings and Railroad Barons as you explore this affluent neighborhood with a local expert guide. Step inside the opulent Fairmont Hotel and discover tales of scandal and luxury within its private ballrooms and gardens. Visit the iconic Grace Cathedral and admire its famous Ghiberti doors, and explore the historical museum at the Mark Hopkins hotel. Immerse yourself in the sophisticated ambiance of the Huntington Big Four restaurant, filled with unique memorabilia and photos. Marvel at the art-filled lobby of the Stanford Court, a renovated "techie" oasis. With stunning views and intriguing stories of love, power, and tragedy, this history and architecture walking tour of Nob Hill is a must for any traveler looking to delve into San Francisco's rich past.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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2 hours 30 minutes
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Available in English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Nob Hill on this 2.5-hour walking tour, led by a local expert in San Francisco.
Included
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Local guide -
Fully-narrated tour
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Guided walking tour of nob hill
Excluded
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Gratuities -
Food and drinks
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Transportation to/from attractions
What to expect
Nob Hill
This is your departure point.
Hobnob Tours
Of all the many hills San Francisco is famous for, few contain the special history and strange regard of the local population as the hill - Nob Hill at the top of downtown. Once home to governors, lumber barons, railroad tycoons and wealthy land speculators, the hill at the top of California street played an integral part in the special history of what makes San Francisco special, weird, and unique. Your walking history tour of this once uber-affluent neighborhood begins at front of the Fairmont Hotel with your choice of a morning or early afternoon departure. After meeting your guide and the rest of your small group, you will proceed down the street with an introduction of how this single hill become home to some of this city's most famous and wealthy families. Names like Huntington, Hopkins, and Stanford still ring out more than 100 years later as your guide fills you in on the details of the business, social and political rivalries that once dominated the landscape. You'll learn how the cable car changed the perception of where the rich wanted to build their mansions and how this new form of public transportation tied the city together in a whole new way. You'll hear tales of the great earthquake of 1906 and how the fires reshaped the neighborhood permanently while discovering new restaurants, bars, and places to explore on your own. Once your two hour tour is complete, you'll have the option of eating lunch at one of the famous eateries near the top of the hill at your own expense.
150 minutes
Admission Not Included
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
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Wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Children must be accompanied by an adult
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A moderate amount of walking on mostly flat terrain is involved
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Covid 19 restrictions. Guests must wear masks. Gloves will be provided. Guides wear masks and gloves. Guests must be healthy (temperatures taken). Social distancing ) as much as possible. Your safety is important
What our experts say
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Visit the Fairmont's rooftop bar for views. -
Check out nearby Grace Cathedral's art.
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Don't miss the unique architecture of Stanford Court.
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Grab a snack at the Huntington Big Four restaurant.
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Explore the nearby cable car museum after the tour.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Discover the secrets and stories of San Francisco's affluent Nob Hill on this captivating two and a half hour walking tour. Immerse yourself in the history of the city as you explore the opulent mansions, picturesque gardens, and iconic landmarks that define this architectural gem. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour will not only take you through the streets of Nob Hill but also inside prestigious establishments such as the Fairmont Hotel, Grace Cathedral, and the Mark Hopkins hotel. From tales of scandal and intrigue to the significance of the cable car, uncover the fascinating past of this once uber-affluent neighborhood and its impact on shaping San Francisco as we know it today.What to expect?
During this walking tour, you can expect to delve into the intriguing history and architecture of Nob Hill. Your expert guide will lead you through the neighborhood's notable landmarks, sharing captivating stories of the Silver Kings, Railroad Barons, and other influential figures that once resided here. Along the way, you'll visit esteemed establishments such as the Fairmont Hotel, where you'll have the opportunity to explore private ballrooms and gardens. Additionally, you'll step inside the magnificent Grace Cathedral with its famous Ghiberti doors and discover the historical museum at the iconic Mark Hopkins hotel. This tour promises breathtaking views, profound historical insights, and a deeper understanding of San Francisco's rich heritage.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and avid travelers who are eager to uncover the hidden gems of San Francisco. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the city, this experience offers a unique perspective on the illustrious past of Nob Hill. From solo adventurers seeking knowledge to couples looking for a romantic stroll through historic streets, this tour caters to a diverse range of interests and preferences. It welcomes anyone who wants to delve into the rich history and captivating tales that make San Francisco a fascinating destination.Why book this?
Embrace the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the elite of the 19th century San Francisco and indulge in the rich history and grand architecture that make Nob Hill a unique neighborhood. This tour goes beyond the surface level attractions, offering exclusive access to private ballrooms, gardens, and historic memorabilia that illustrate the opulence and glamour of a bygone era. With a passionate and knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll hear stories of scandals, triumphs, and disasters that have shaped the neighborhood's vibrant history. This immersive experience will provide a deeper understanding of San Francisco's cultural heritage and leave you with memories and insights that will last a lifetime.Good to know
As you embark on this captivating walking tour, remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring along a camera to capture the stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city. The tour duration is approximately two and a half hours, allowing ample time to explore the various landmarks and absorb the rich historical information provided by your guide. After the tour, you'll have the option to enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the renowned eateries near the top of the hill. Prepare to be enraptured by the captivating stories and stunning sights that await you on this unforgettable journey through the history and architecture of Nob Hill.Reviews
Previous participants have expressed their utmost satisfaction with this walking tour, praising the knowledgeable guides for their insightful storytelling and passion for the subject matter. Many have commented on how the experience shed new light on San Francisco's history, making it come alive before their eyes. The exclusive access to private ballrooms and gardens inside the Fairmont Hotel, along with visits to landmarks like Grace Cathedral, Mark Hopkins hotel, and the Huntington Big Four restaurant, were particularly memorable highlights. This tour has received high praise for its ability to transport visitors back in time and evoke the grandeur of Nob Hill's past, creating an experience that is both educational and captivating.
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