Climb from the city’s earliest squares to its skyline towers and storied gates. Discover how architecture, faith, and resilience shaped the heart of San Francisco—one story at a time.
Admissions not included.
Your purchase is for 30-day access to our self-guided tour. Tickets or entry fees
for museums, historic sites, and other attractions are sold separately.
From Gold Rush survivors to modern skylines, this walk reveals the stories that built San Francisco’s character. You’ll journey through Chinatown alleys, cathedrals of endurance, and icons of innovation, guided by narration that connects each landmark to the next. Discover how faith, ingenuity, and humor carried the city from its earliest docks to the towers that still gleam above the bay.
Highlights
Jackson Square (Hotaling Building) — uncover tales of brick survivors, merchant fortunes, and fire-forged resilience where the city first rose from the bay.
Hotaling Whiskey Legend — hear how a gust of wind and a witty rhyme turned near-disaster into one of San Francisco’s most enduring legends.
Transamerica Pyramid — learn how a futuristic shape defied critics to become a glowing beacon of modern confidence above the old port streets.
Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building) — discover how a copper-clad survivor became the creative home of filmmakers and storytellers who reshaped American cinema.
Portsmouth Square — listen to voices of sailors, settlers, and earthquake survivors who once gathered where the flag first marked this city as American soil.
Old Saint Mary’s Cathedral — hear the moral call that rang from its clock tower and learn how faith rebuilt amid fire and loss.
Waverly Place (Lantern Alley) — follow glowing lanterns and temple bells to learn how families rebuilt Chinatown’s heart with artistry and courage.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory — step inside a sweet tradition and watch how simple rituals preserved hand-made fortune and family craft.
Chinatown Gate and Grant Avenue — walk beneath dragons and discover how an archway became a proud emblem of endurance and identity.
Maiden Lane & Wright Spiral Gallery — trace the gentle curve of Frank Lloyd Wright’s experiment that forever changed modern design.
Lotta’s Fountain (1906 Meeting Point) — hear stories of hope and reunion at the bronze monument where San Franciscans once found one another after the fires.
All this, plus additional "hidden gems," expertly brought to life through our virtual guides....with rich, vivid history, local stories, and unmatched knowledge you will not find elsewhere. Even better, no tipping required!
Tour area: San Francisco – Street Life and City Icons
Distance: ~1.5 miles (2.4 km) • Time: 2 hours • Stops: 11+ • Terrain: City sidewalks, moderate hills, narrow alleys
Shaded area = approximate tour area
What you’ll experience
GPS location tracking — see your current location on the map.
Virtual Tour Guides — Detailed narration at each stop & answers to common questions.
Vast local knowledge — history, legends, and insider spots.
Local weather updates — stay prepared as you explore outdoors.
A “Free Roaming” adventure — start anywhere, wander at your pace.
What exactly unlocks when I buy?
You’ll get the full tour map with hot-air balloon markers (our map pins), our suggested walking path for orientation, detailed stories and site info, narration, and tons of local tips. Your purchase gives you unlimited access for 30 days via a private link. It runs right in your mobile browser — no installs, no storage — just open and go.
How do I start the tour?
Open your private tour link on your phone. On the map, tap the compass to center on your current location (one-time locate). If you’d like the map center to follow you as you walk, turn on GPS Auto-Location in Settings (optional). Now knowing where YOU are, visit any stop you like, in any order, at any pace — you’re in complete control.
How does a SmartWalkTour differ from a traditional tour?
It’s your pace, your path. No buses or group schedules. No tour guide tipping. Explore freely with on-map markers, narration, and an optional suggested path for big-picture orientation. Pause for a café, browse a shop, and pick up where you left off anytime — your guide is always in your pocket.
Screenshots from an actual tour. (Key West example)
Swipe or scroll to see more →
Multiple tour stopping points. Start at any one, then tap the hot air balloon for detailed tour guide information.Virtual tour guides share rich stories at every stop, with Q&A and helpful links.Always know the local weather and plan your walk comfortably.Discover more tours nearby—walkable options to keep exploring.Four map styles, live GPS, and a suggested path you can toggle on/off.Helpful information is built in, plus links for even more detail.In app tips, FAQs, Local festivals and events. Maps show a wealth of detail, with public restroom locations.Direct links to attractions for hours, tickets, and more.
