Urban Trek USA is a 5-star one-man operation San Francisco private walking and sightseeing city tour for a real IMMERSIVE San Francisco EXPERIENCE. Why just simply visit when you can experience it?
Get off the tour bus, urban trek with us!
What is so special about doing a private "urban trek" vs. exploring on your own or joining another tour? (Note: Urban Trek USA is a one-man operation and takes only approximately 3 reservations a month so making a reservation in advance is a plus.)
I think the most important way to communicate this is to convey what my concept is for providing this service:
I want visitors to experience the San Francisco, where I have lived for decades, that well-informed locals know about The City.
I want visitors to see the best parts (some "secret spots") of each neighborhood they visit. Even at the best known places like the Golden Gate Bridge and the crooked street, Lombard Street, there is at least one spot with the best view that a lot of people don't know about (including some locals).
I don't want to get bored doing what I do so I share only the places I myself enjoy going to even if I have to go there frequently.
I want visitors to learn something about each neighborhood they visit because, for me, people will have a better appreciation if they have some knowledge about its history and current circumstances.
I want visitors to experience San Francisco vs. simply do sightseeing in San Francisco. San Francisco is best enjoyed when experienced, not just seen.
So what I mentioned above sums up what my urban trek is all about and why I believe it is the best way to experience San Francisco.
For inquiries, send an e-mail to anton@urbantrekusa.com
This installment of #TuesdayTips part of #UrbanTrekUSATips by Urban Trek USA San Francisco private walking and city tours features Bernal Heights in the Mission neighborhood area. Bernal Heights is about 475 feet above sea level and has a pretty awesome view. Bernal Heights might not be well-known as a tourist destination probably because it is somewhat farther away from the major tourist areas. However, since the Mission neighborhood's transformation as the hipster neighborhood during this Tech Boom era, more tourists are visiting the Mission neighborhood so I believe tips for how to explore Bernal Heights will be useful to those that venture in this area.
There are several ways to get to Bernal Heights via public transportation (e.g. Muni #14, 49) but personally I prefer to take the #24 bus because it is normally an "uneventful" ride than the other buses. Provided if you are coming from downtown the #24 bus is more out of the way. Taking the #24 bus headed (outbound) to Palou & Third Street, disembark at the Cortland & Bocana bus stop. After you disembark, cross to the northeast side of Bocana and walk uphill (past Eugenia & Powathan). At the end of Bocana you will see this sort of hidden pathway and just walk through it: (Note: If you take the #14 or #49 buses, you will have to disembark at Mission & Cortland and walk uphill to Bocana.)
(Click to enlarge photo)
The path will lead you to the road that leads to the top of Bernal Heights. You can look around at the view in that area but eventually go up the road:
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You will get to this gate and walk to the left of it to continue going uphill:
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When you get to this opening in the railing along the road, go through it and walk right:
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Walk toward the edge of the hill where you will have a pretty good view and an even better view from the farthest point:
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This is the panoramic view from the Good spot:
This is the panoramic view from the Best spot:
Walk back to where the opening in the railing is located and if you need to take a seat and admire the view, this is a good bench to do so:
(Click to enlarge photo)
After, walk to the other side via this narrow path: (Note:If you have a fear of heights, this might be difficult to walk through so you might try the other side of the building there which has a fence you can hold onto. The photo below does not capture the steep drop on the right side of the path.)
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When you get to this point, walking to the left will lead you to another area with a view and walking to the right will take you to the stairs leading down to the road:
(Click to enlarge photo)
This is the panoramic from at the spot if you walk to the left:
From the above vista area and to go down, walk back to the fork earlier and follow the narrow path leading to the stairs and go down the stairs: (Note:When you get to the fence, you will have to walk to the right to get to the stairs. I did not take a photo of the fence and it might be hard to see where the stairs are from where the fence is located so you can look for the pole at the top of the stairs.)
(Click to enlarge photo)
When you get to the bottom of the stairs where the road is, walk left back to the gate you saw earlier and walk through the right side where the sidewalk starts:
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(Click to enlarge photo)
When you get to Anderson Street, walk right:
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Along the way you will see some neat small homes, which Bernal Heights is known for:
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You will reach Cortland as you walk down. Cortland is the main commercial street for this neighborhood with a bunch of bars,cafes and other places to eat.
My most favorite place in the area is Mitchell Ice Cream along San Jose Ave. Mitchell Ice Cream has some - #UrbanTrekUSAFavorite - delicious tropical fruit flavors like macapuno (young coconut), ube (purple yam), mango, halo halo, etc. Click here for a link to their Instagram page.
This installment of things to do in San Francisco #TuesdayTips as part of #UrbanTrekUSATips features Crissy Field. Today, in addition to tips on Crissy Field, this post also includes how to walk to the Golden Gate Bridge and see one on Urban Trek USA's secret spots.
(Update March 8, 2022)
This video is an update after I took photos on a gorgeous clear day. San Francisco does not always have clear skies, especially during summer, so I am leaving the original video below with photos showing a bit of fog to give viewers a more realistic expectation.
This is the original video with some photos showing some fog.
Crissy Field usually is a place were bikers pass when biking to the Golden Gate Bridge. However, I think bikers miss the essence of what Crissy Field has to offer when simply biking and not walking the promenade in Crissy Field. I am a firm believer that walking is the best way to experience a place. (Note: One of the best memorable experience I had was when children that was part of my urban trek saw a baby sea lion (or seal?) distressed and would not leave until we made sure the pup would be okay. I had to call the Marine Mammal Center and we waited until the volunteers came to rescue the pup. If we were not walking this experience would not have happened.)
East Beach is where most people hang out. If you walk farther towards the Golden Gate Bridge, my favorite spot is where the benches are (shown below) because it is quieter and less crowded so you can enjoy the scenery and tranquility of the place. (Note: There are public toilets in East Beach if you need to use them.)
(When walking along the promenade, you see these cluster of Cypress Trees, walk towards the beach. Click to enlarge the photo.)
(The benches are my favorite spot. Click to enlarge the photo.)
(This is the view from my favorite spot. Even on a somewhat foggy day, it's still awesome.)
(Update March 8, 2022)
On a clear day, it's spectacular!
After, keep walking to toward the Golden Gate Bridge. When you get to the Warming Hut, that would be another spot to admire the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and The City.
(This is the Warming Hut. Click to enlarge the photo.)
(This is the view form the Warming Hut.)
The Warming Hut offers nice souvenirs and also good fast food. (Note: There are public toilets near the Warming Hut if you need to use them.)
After you walk past the Warming Hut and the public toilets, you should see this pedestrian crosswalk and stairs:
(Cross to the other side and go up the stairs. Click to enlarge the photo.)
When you get to the top of the stairs, walk to your right:
(Walk to the right at the top of the stairs. Click to enlarge the photo.)
These benches would be a good spot to take seat and rest and enjoy the view:
This is a video taken along the paved paved path after passing the benches so make sure to look back after you make a turn around the bend:
March 8, 2022 update
Keep walking on the paved path until you see this sign and walk right and follow the dirt path:
(This is the sign mentioned above and the dirt path. You will see this dirt path when the paved path ends <click to enlarge the photo>. Do NOT continue on the paved path because you will miss the secret spot.)
You will then see this entrance to a short tunnel:
(This is the entrance to the tunnel. Click to enlarge photo.)
Please make sure you crouch down when you see this warning because the other end of the tunnel is low and you do not want to bump our head:
(Click to enlarge photo.)
When you exit the other side of the tunnel, you will have a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge and there will be two picnic tables for you to sit and rest or admire the view or a perfect spot to have lunch/snack.
(Click to enlarge photo.)
(Click to enlarge the photo.)
(Click to enlarge the photo.)
After, walk up the paved path that leads to the Golden Gate Bridge. Most people will be at this vista area which is usually crowded., In my opinion, my old secret spot has a better angle for a better photo and without the crowd.
(Don't you think the view from my old secret spot <above> is better than this where most people are?)
Keep following the paved pedestrian and biker's trail toward the Golden Gate Bridge. If you want to proceed walking to the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, walk under the bridge following the Coastal Trail and then follow the directions detailed in the Batteries to Bluffs post.
(Note: I personally would do the Lands End Trail to Baker Beach to Batteries to Bluffs Trail to Golden Gate Bridge to Crissy Field to Marina Green to lower Fort Mason to upper Fort Mason. Or if you want to split into two, then Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge and then upper Fort Mason to Crissy Field. The directions were done the way they are because most people are coming from the Fisherman's Wharf area and not the Lands End Lookout area.)
This installment of things to do in San Francisco #TuesdayTips as part of #UrbanTrekUSATips features Baker Beach. Today actually has two tips but since I had previously posted about the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, I just updated that post and am adding this post on Baker Beach. Check out the Batteries to Bluffs Trail post as it complements Baker Beach.
Baker Beach is pretty well-known except maybe that there is a section of Baker Beach (closest to the Golden Gate Bridge) that is clothing optional. Therefore, if you have children you do not want to expose to nudity then be aware. If you like to sunbathe without clothing then this is one of the spots in San Francisco that allows you to do so (also refer to Marshall's Beach <see video towards the very bottom below> in the Batteries to Bluffs Trail post).
Baker Beach has an awesome view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The water is pretty much ice cold so swimming is not what most people do. Also the currents are very strong so be very careful when wading in the water.
In a prior #TuesdayTips post that I did on Lands End Trail, I mention one can walk from the Lands End Trail to Baker Beach and provided directions to do so. Therefore, if you want to walk to the Lands End Trail from Baker Beach, simply do the directions I provided previously in reverse order.
(Note: Public toilets are available in Baker Beach)
From Baker Beach you can also walk to the Golden Gate Bridge via the Coastal Trail. If you are fit, I recommend taking the Batteries to Bluffs Trail to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. By fit I mean you will have to go down a whole lot of steps and then have to go up a whole lot of steps on the other side. Also, the trail is narrow and a bit rocky. A few steps on the stairway are a little loose so be CAREFUL especially when going down the stairs.
To get to the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, walk up the path shown in the photo below. This is just before or just where the nude sunbathers are located.
(Click photo to enlarge)
If you do not want to walk close to where the nude sunbathers are located, take the path by the old batteries as shown in the photo below.
(Click photo to enlarge)
When you get to the part in the photo shown below, walk up the path.
(Click photo to enlarge)
When you get to the top where Lincoln Blvd. is (Coastal Trail), make a left until you see the sign in the photo below.
(Note: When walking from Baker Beach towards the Golden Gate Bridge, this sign is facing a little bit the other direction so make sure you are looking for this sign on your left side.)
Walk down the stairs and stop whenever you want to admire the beautiful view. If these chairs are still on one of the old batteries, check them out:
(Click photo to enlarge)
Also, this is very interesting about the field note for this area:
(Note: For more information about the field notes in various places in the Presidio, click here.)
If you want to visit Marshall's Beach, watch out for the sign in the photo below and walk down the path.
(Click photo to enlarge)
Note: As mentioned earlier, Marshall's Beach is a clothing optional beach.
From Marshall's Beach, backtrack to the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and make a left and go up the steps. Before you get to the top, stop by this bench that you will see on your left (a little bit hidden) that has a pretty nice view:
(Click photo to enlarge)
After, walk up to the top where the Coastal Trail meets the Batteries to Bluffs Trial. Turn left on the Coastal Trail, which will lead you to the Golden Gate Bridge.
(Note: I personally would do the Lands End Trail to Baker Beach to Batteries to Bluffs Trail to Golden Gate Bridge to Crissy Field to Marina Green to lower Fort Mason to upper Fort Mason. Or if you want to split into two, then Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge and then upper Fort Mason to Crissy Field. The directions were done the way they are because most people are coming from the Fisherman's Wharf area and not the Lands End Lookout area.)
This installment of things to do in San Francisco #TuesdayTips as part of #UrbanTrekUSATips features Salesforce Park, a 5.4 acre park seventy feet above the street level in the Transit Center. This section of San Francisco is the new SoMa Financial District where well-known tech companies have offices. Salesforce Park has 600 trees and 16,000 plants forming 13 ecosystems.
If you are around this area - especially on a nice day - it is worth stopping by and maybe bring your lunch and enjoy this green oasis in the midst of a concrete jungle.
(Click on video to enlarge)
Start at the corner of Mission and Fremont Streets. If the gondola is running, take it to the park. If the gondola is not running, walk inside the Transit Center and take the elevator or escalator. (Note: The gondola only takes people up, not down.)
When you get to the park, my favorite route is taking the north side of the park's walkway first (where the bus fountain is located) and walk west towards 1st and 2nd Streets. There are benches all over the walkway. The picnic area is at the west end where the amphitheater is located. If you want to learn about the plants associated with the thirteen different botanical features, make sure to read the plaques along the walkway.
For more information on Salesforce Park and when it is open, click here.
For information about the events held at Salesforce Park, click here. Local bands are featured on After Work Music: Wednesday and Lunchbox Music: Friday.
For future performers, click here if you have Instagram where they might be posting who will be performing.
Click here for an old post (August 17, 2018) I made regarding Salesforce Park when it was newly opened.
Note: For a complete list of other POPOS in San Francisco, click here.
Thirteen years has gone by fast. It has been a joy exploring San Francisco with everyone! To this day, it is still a pleasure guiding visitors and showing guests what San Francisco has to offer with regard to beautiful scenery, interesting history, culture, food and diversity. It is especially fulfilling when I get feedback from past urban trekkers expressing their appreciation in making their San Francisco visit more enjoyable because of being part of my urban treks.
I hope to keep urban trekking until I can no longer do all the walking 😀
(Note: Urban Trek USA is a one-man operation and takes only approximately 3 reservations a month so making a reservation in advance is a plus.)
It's like having a knowledgeable friend giving you the insider's scoop on San Francisco vs. just a tour guide.
Long definition:
An urban trek is a unique walking tour. This walking tour immerses oneself in the various San Francisco neighborhoods, history and culture of the city. Part of this tour includes taking public transportation that allows to cover distant & uphill locations.
Joining an urban trek will give you a better perspective of what makes San Francisco unique from most cities because you will get information that might not normally be found in tour books or websites about San Francisco.
The Urban Trek Leader (Anton) has been a San Francisco resident for decades. Anton will provide you with an experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city of San Francisco.
Marina Green just like Fort Mason (refer to prior #TuesdayTips post) are places most visitors pass through when biking or walking to the Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman’s Wharf. Therefore, most visitors just bike or walk along the main promenade and see the awesome view of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. However, there is a spot that has an awesome 360 degree view as this video shows:
Note: It can be windy here so I left the sound on to show it.
This spot is where the wave organ is located. The wave organ itself is not really worth visiting (in my opinion) since there is no sound unless it is really windy and the waves are strong. However, it is worth walking or biking to this spot because of the view it provides. It looks like you are on a small island in the middle of San Francisco Bay.
If you are with small children, it also has a beach spot that will be less wavy since it is a little sheltered:
Other things you will see in the Marina Green in addition to the above noted spot:
An outdoor gym
Parcourse
Dynamo Donut (awesome donuts) - Wednesday to Sunday
These directions take into consideration you are starting from lower Fort Mason (previous Tuesday Tips post) and exited the small gate in said directions.
When you exit that small gate, you will see this marina:
Keep walking until you get to this point (just before the parking area):
Go left as shown by the arrow so you are walking toward the Safeway Supermarket
When you get to the sidewalk, walk right and cross to the other side:
When you cross to the other side, you will see the outdoor gym and Parcourse:
The Marina Green is a popular place for joggers, people who want to exercise outdoors, and children playing soccer.
Note: There is a public toilet in that small concrete building not too far from the outdoor gym if you need to use it.
Keep walking along the path but be careful with the bikers and scooters as you are on a shared pathway.
When you get to this crosswalk, cross to the other side and walk right:
Keep walking until you get to the walkway by the water
There are benches by the water so you can sit and take in the view:
Keep walking towards the Golden Gate Bridge until you have no choice but to walk left towards Marina Blvd. When you get to this point at Marina Blvd, walk right and take the part of the path closest to the water so you do not have to worry about the bikers and scooters:
Keep walking until you get to this point and walk right: (Note: If you later want to go to the Palace of Fine Arts, it is across the street on the left.)
After you walk right, look for this small kiosk for Dynamo Donuts, which is a super good donut spot and they have interesting flavors:
Note: There is a public toilet across the grass/field from the Dynamo Donut kiosk in case you need to use it.
When you get to this fork in the walkway, take the right side:
Keep walking toward the water and walk right when you get to the parking area for the St. Francis Yacht Club:
Keep walking until you get to the wave organ at the end of the walkway:
View facing south (towards The City) from the wave organ location
When you have had enough, walk back to the Sir Francis Yacht Club:
When you get to the St. Francis Yacht Club, you can proceed to Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge or go to the Palace of Fine Arts first.
Enjoy!
Note: Entire directions herein can be provided to you in PDF and Google Docs format upon request.
(Note: I personally would do the Lands End Trail to Baker Beach to Batteries to Bluffs Trail to Golden Gate Bridge to Crissy Field to Marina Green to lower Fort Mason to upper Fort Mason. Or if you want to split into two, then Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge and then upper Fort Mason to Crissy Field. The directions were done the way they are because most people are coming from the Fisherman's Wharf area and not the Lands End Lookout area.)
