Things to do in San Francisco for self travelers

Alcatraz Island used to host a Civil War fort, a military prison and a notorious namesake federal prison till 1963. This tour will show how the maximum-security Alcatraz prison operated across the 17 important open-air sites and narrate its eventful past. The journey starts at Pier 33, where you will board the ferry to Alcatraz Island and listen to its history dating back to the Gold Rush era. Later on, you will enter one of the oldest buildings there, the neglected Military Guard House that was a cutting-edge fortification to defend California back then. Climbing up the rocks, you will pass by the stately shell of the Officers' Club where officers and their families would gather to play bingo, watch movies and celebrate holidays. As you approach the immense Cellhouse, where the most dangerous criminals in the whole U.S. used to lodge, its scale will amaze you. Looking at the imposing Warden’s House ruins nearby, you will imagine the lavish cocktail parties that the first warden would throw here. On your way up, you will admire the blooming West Side Gardens like a few lucky prisoners would, who worked there instead of the industry buildings. Finally, you will reach the island's summit and get back to 1936, when the first dare-devil inmate Joseph Bowers took his chance to escape and learn his fate. Join the tour to walk the secluded rocky grounds and discover how the Alcatraz residents, both imprisoned and free, lived and enjoyed it there!

Welcome to San Francisco, California! This audio tour clues you into how San Franciscans enjoy their beloved landmarks and provides a curious sidelight into the life of the city throughout time. You will start with the walk around Union Square, a neat and vibrant urban center now and a dune back in 1850. Next, you will discover the nostalgic Lotta Fountain, the city's oldest monument and the place where the Great Earthquake survivors in 1906 would meet. As you board off the vintage street car or after you walk for a while, you will stroll the famed Embarcadero promenade adorned with palm trees and artwork. From there, you will take in the glorious view of the historic Bay Bridge and get insights into its dramatic backstory. At the waterfront, you will explore the trendy Ferry Building marketplace crammed with local food produce. After these food stalls, the provocative Vaillancourt Fountain will grab your attention with its odd shape and cold public reception background. Then, you will venture out to the wondrous labyrinths of Chinatown, the largest neighborhood of its kind outside Asia. The tour will lead you through its nondescript storefronts to a little fortune cookie factory and show the best way to eat dim sum. Finally, you will admire the iconic Dragon Gate, North America's only authentic Chinatown Gate. Join the tour and experience San Francisco's scenery and historical background from a local's perspective!

Fisherman's Wharf is a vibrant and bustling area with a lot to offer visitors. On this tour, you'll experience the best of Fisherman's Wharf, from adventurous marine stories to centuries-old recipes with a secret touch. Your journey will start at Ghirardelli Square. Built in the 1890s as a chocolate factory, it has since been converted into a retail and dining complex. However, one thing remained untouched – the delicious recipe for the chocolate. Don't miss the opportunity to try out their world-famous chocolate sundae. Expect to feel the real taste of Fisherman's Wharf on this tour. You will get a chance to try the finest seafood in one of the oldest restaurants in the area, visit the place where Irish coffee was first made in the US, and enjoy the legendary sourdough bread at Boudin Bakery. Also, don't forget about Fisherman Wharf's bustling bay. You will get to meet a variety of marine animals and walk down a history lane when visiting the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park vessel collection. You may get to start your adventure even before arriving at Fisherman's Wharf. Consider taking a cable car which is a moving monument in San Francisco. Choose the Powell–Hyde route and exit at its last stop – Hyde St&Beach St. The route is known as the most scenic and rollercoaster-like, as it goes by the highest hill in San Francisco. Join the tour and enjoy the spirit and history of this must-see destination of the Bay Area.

Delve into the intriguing history and hidden stories of San Francisco's beloved green space with this in-app audio tour, suited for the curious traveler and history enthusiast alike. Chart a course through the verdant landscapes and rich narratives of Golden Gate Park, as you journey from Victorian-era landmarks to tranquil lakes echoing tales of the past. Starting at the northeast corner by Fulton Street and 8th Avenue, the tour concludes among the calming presence of bison at the Bison Paddock, encompassing a variety of landmarks in between. On this self-paced audio adventure, you'll saunter under the tall trees, witness the tranquil beauty of waterfalls, bison paddock, and discover a fish that has witnessed a century of history. The most memorable moments will include learning about Monarch Bear, the echoes of long-ago gunfire in fights over park space, and the enthralling myth of a treasure still buried within the park's sprawling expanses. This tour assures not just a walk in the park, but a story-filled trek through time.

Delve into the architectural grandeur of San Francisco's Financial District with this in-depth Self-Guided Audio Tour. Ideal for aficionados of history and architecture, this tour offers a blend of old-world charm and modern design triumphs that shape the city's skies. Embark on a comprehensive route that commences at the bustling corner of Market and Montgomery Streets, circling back after a weaving journey through the city's commercial heartland. Along the way, the tour highlights the evolution of a resilient cityscape—from the iconic Transamerica Pyramid to the intricate facades of early 20th-century structures—culminating in a visit to the timeless Montgomery Street BART station. This audio experience ensures that one's understanding of the city's architectural narrative is enriched by stories of commerce, earthquakes, and innovation. Engage intimately with the city's built environment, beginning amidst the echoes of commerce at the nexus of history and experiencing an awe-inspiring collection of design marvels. The journey ends with treasured memories of the city's impressive skyline and the centuries of history laid in its stone and glass facades. Prepare to be captivated by details etched into the elegant entrances, ornamental cornices, and the rhythmic harmony of San Francisco's architectural wonders.

Unlock the past and savor the present in San Francisco's Japantown with this self-guided audio tour. Designed for history buffs, art lovers, and culinary enthusiasts, this tour delves into the vibrant tapestry of a community that has triumphed over adversity. As the narrative unfolds, the listener will discover the oldest Japantown in the United States, strolling through its streets, landmarks, and flavors that continue to shape its identity. Starting at the iconic red Torii Gate and concluding at the nostalgic 1680 Post Street, once home to the legendary Bop City jazz club, the route guides you through a series of historical milestones and cultural gems. The tour explores scenic streets adorned with cherry trees, peaceful alcoves that speak to the heart, and bustling spots where Japantown's energy is palpable. Along the way, indulge in authentic culinary delights, marvel at intricately folded metal sculptures, and stand where generations have contended with the tides of change. Memorable experiences include the artistry of the Ruth Asawa Origami Fountain, a testament to both creativity and community. Glimpse into the entrepreneurial spirit at Soko Hardware and feel the rhythms of a bygone jazz era at Bop City. As you traverse this neighborhood, the narration intertwines the tales of resilience, artistic expression, and the enduring bonds of a spirited community.

Dive into the vibrant world of San Francisco's Castro district, a realm of rich LGBTQ history and activism, through this immersive in-app audio tour. Geared to those fascinated by social progress and culture, the tour will appeal to lovers of history and modern city landscapes alike. Starting at the lively Jane Warner Plaza and finishing at the symbolic Harvey Milk Plaza, participants will journey through the streets where LGBTQ rights took shape amid colorful homes and historic landmarks. Travelers trace the steps of pioneers amid the sights of charming cafes, bold murals, and important community centers like Strut and Harvey Milk's old camera shop. The tour promises a deep connection to the neighborhood's champions, with stops featuring commemorative tributes like the Rainbow Honor Walk and the GLBT Historical Society Museum. The carefully curated route ensures that the path is not just about reaching a destination, but about understanding the evolution of this dynamic community. By the end, participants will have discovered intimate anecdotes of heroes and a sense of the Castro's ongoing legacy. Moving from plaque to plaza, the rhythm of the neighborhood reveals itself—allowing the echoes of the past to blend seamlessly with present-day triumphs. From the sight of Harvey Milk's old camera shop to the touch of the Rainbow Crosswalks, this audio exploration offers a meaningful and memorable experience through the Castro's living history.

This in-app audio tour invites you to explore the heart of San Francisco's celebrated Haight-Ashbury district, a hub of historical and cultural landmarks. Perfect for enthusiasts of music, architecture, and social history, this self-guided journey is designed to reveal the layers of stories that have shaped one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. Start your exploration at the verdant expanse of Golden Gate Park, and conclude your adventure at the famed Hippie Temptation House, featured in a seminal 1967 documentary. As you wind through the streets, your path will be punctuated by the ornate Victorian homes known as the Painted Ladies, echoes of the hippie movement's desire for peace and love, and tributes to the legends of '60s rock. The diverse architecture, from Queen Anne to Tudor-style homes, sets the stage for stories of cultural revolutions. Starting from the lush surroundings of the park and ending at the doorstep of a house that witnessed the heady days of the hippie era, your route will immerse you in the spirit and turmoil of the 1960s. This audio tour promises an unforgettable experience, with each stop along the way offering a unique perspective on the district's transformation from an elite haven to the heartbeat of counterculture. Prepare to be enthralled by tales of iconic musicians like Janis Joplin, walk in the footsteps of ground-breaking artists, and let the nostalgic charm of Haight-Ashbury capture your imagination.

This tour is an auditory journey through San Francisco's North Beach and Jackson Square, tailored for those with an affinity for the city's rich literary and cultural history. It's perfect for enthusiasts of beatnik poetry, jazz, and the untamed spirit of the Barbary Coast. Starting at the Pier 5 Law Offices and concluding at the renowned Beat Museum, the traveller is invited to meander through historic streets and alleyways buzzing with tales of San Francisco's past luminaries. The starting point sets the tone for an adventure that traverses the haunts of gold miners to the hangouts of iconic writers and artists. Along the way, experience the intertwined histories of pioneers and punk rockers, stopping at cafes where poets once gathered and clubs that vibrated with the sound of jazz. The route navigates past evocative landmarks like the Transamerica Pyramid, City Lights Booksellers, and vibrant murals that speak to the city's eclectic character. Sights such as the Sentinel Building and Jack Kerouac Alley punctuate the walk. The tour delivers memorable experiences, such as the aroma of garlic from The Stinking Rose and the cultural tapestry woven into the fabric of North Beach. As the tour concludes at the Beat Museum, guests are left standing amidst the echoes of literary greatness, with inspiration to create stories of their own in this historically rich enclave.

Dive into the captivating history of Glen Park and Glen Canyon with this self-guided audio tour, crafted especially for curious adventurers. The journey promises to uncover how lions, cows, and bears have left their marks on a verdant nook of San Francisco. This exploratory encounter is perfect for those with a thirst for history and a love for walking amongst natural and urban landscapes. It begins at the Glen Park BART Station plaza and weaves an intriguing narrative about the area once known as 'Outside Lands.' You'll be walking in the steps of early settlers and city changemakers, traversing rustic trails, and understanding the community efforts that have preserved this unique enclave. The tour culminates back at the bustling BART Station, the starting point for ease and convenience. As you stroll from the village to the canyon, you'll witness how innovative transport solutions and a spirited community have shaped the beauty that surrounds you. The stories hold forth a mix of remarkable history from audacious 1890s sales stunts to geologic marvels that predate our existence. Your journey will end with the echo of hoofbeats, roars, and rustling feathers, leaving you with a trove of knowledge about Glen Park's evolution and the rich tapestry of its existence amidst a modern metropolis.