Welcome, explorers, to this UCPlaces Ultimate San Francisco Self-Guided Driving Tour! Get ready to discover a city like no other — perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and powered by endless creativity, color, and charm. San Francisco has always stood a little apart, both in spirit and in style. It’s only seven miles by seven miles, but every inch is packed with stories — of dreamers, rebels, artists, and pioneers who helped shape this remarkable place. As we drive, you’ll see why San Francisco has captured hearts around the world. We’ll cross the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, glide through the forests of the Presidio, and follow the coast past cliffs, beaches, and sea spray. Then we’ll wander into neighborhoods rich with personality — from the colorful murals of the Mission District to the cable cars and street music near Fisherman’s Wharf. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of fortune-seekers from the Gold Rush, of resilience after the 1906 earthquake, and of the free-spirited creativity that made San Francisco a symbol of change and hope. This is a city that welcomes dreamers, inventors, and anyone looking for a new beginning. So take a deep breath, keep your camera ready, and let’s explore the hills, the history, and the heart of San Francisco — one story, one view, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
Welcome to Historic America's walking tour of the Haight-Ashbury, one of San Francisco's most storied and colorful neighborhoods! I'm Aaron, your guide and professional history nerd. Before we begin, check out www.historicamerica.org to view our multitude of tour offerings and extra elements, like our podcast and Youtube series. I also invite you to use #historicamericatours on social media to show off your neighborhood adventure today. Let's begin. During the late 1960s, the Haight-Ashbury was home to the countercultural movement that sought to create a brave new world of free expression, free love, and new possibilities. Along these storied streets, the movement's followers - hippies - mounted a peaceful revolution against war, conformity, materialism, and oppression. There are at least two sides to every revolution, however, and although the hippie counterculture had its insights, it also had excesses. We'll explore both today. The hippies were joined by many of the most talented musicians and the most notorious personalities of their era. On this tour, we will explore their stories (along with a few others), ultimately discovering how the “flower children” left an indelible mark on the history of the Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, and the United States. Alright, let's chill out, hang loose, and head back to 1967 and the Summer of Love. To get started, find your way to the intersection of Fulton & Stanyan streets.
Welcome to the Historic America & UCPlaces audio walking tour of San Francisco's Chinatown. This tour will guide you through one of the Bay Area’s most celebrated neighborhoods, the oldest and biggest Chinatown in the United States. Using historic sites, spiritual institutions, sites, sounds and statuary, you’ll learn how this place has persevered as an iconic center for the Chinese diaspora. We can’t wait to share San Francisco's Chinatown with you! To get started, meet me at the exit of the Montgomery Bart station, on Market Street.