History and Architecture Walking Tour of Nob Hill

San Francisco, US
87% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (77 reviews)

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

What to expect

1

Nob Hill

This is your departure point.

2

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.

Duration 150 minutes
Admission 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

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
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    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
  • Additional information
    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
Provided by Hobnob Tours

What our experts say

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    Visit the Fairmont's rooftop bar for views.
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    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.

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