Culture & History in San Francisco

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 rich tapestry of San Francisco's cultural and historical heritage with this in-depth Self-Guided Audio Tour. History buffs and culture enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy the expertly crafted narrative that weaves through the city's iconic landmarks and lesser-known sites, providing an immersive exploration of the milestones that shaped the modern face of San Francisco. The journey begins at Lands End Trail and takes travelers on a voyage through time, from the rugged coastlines and storied ruins of the Sutro Baths to the tranquil grandeur of the Filoli Historic House & Gardens in Woodside. The route offers a seamless experience, guiding participants from the revolutionary feats of the Gold Rush era in Golden Gate Park to the technological marvels of Silicon Valley. It concludes amidst the natural splendor of Half Moon Bay, enveloping visitors in the town's fascinating Gold Rush and maritime history. Throughout this tour, listeners will encounter the magnificent Legion of Honor, the poignant narratives of the Great Depression at PIER 39, and the modern achievements of tech behemoths like Apple and Adobe. Enriched by concrete sensory details, these stops provide a profoundly personal connection to San Francisco's evolution, guaranteeing memories that will linger long after the echoes of the final narrative fade.