About Urban Trek USA San Francisco Private Walking & City Tours

What is Urban Trek USA? 

• We are currently a private walking and city tour experience in San Francisco, CA
• Urban Trek USA is a one-man operation (Anton). Therefore, no need to request for Anton since Anton is the only one 😀 (Note: Urban Trek USA takes only approximately 3 reservations a month so making a reservation in advance is a plus.)
• Urban Trek USA started offering tours back in August 8, 2008
• Urban Trek USA is a 5-star rated San Francisco tour for over 10 years now
• As a result of the pandemic, Urban Trek USA is now only offering private San Francisco experiences

How was the urban trek concept developed?

The urban trek concept, which is to provide an immersive San Francisco experience by walking and taking public transportation, came about almost by accident. Anton's original plan was to do the usual walking tour that are offered by the majority of other tour companies. However, when Anton was attending a tour guide seminar, a bunch of seminar participants who were not from San Francisco asked Anton to show them around San Francisco since Anton is a local. Anton planned an itinerary where he took participants to his favorite local places in the city that are not well-known to visitors and also took  them for dinner at one of his favorite restaurants. Everyone loved it! So basically, that is how the urban trek concept was conceived. 

Another aspect of the urban trek concept was to be environmentally friendly and to help visitors learn how to navigate San Francisco on their own after the urban trek, hence taking public transportation was part of the urban trek. (Note: The Historical San Francisco itinerary has less of the public transportation aspect because it is only a half-day itinerary and most places are easy to walk to.)

The different itineraries always offer a local point of view and "secret spots" when possible in addition to the more well-known attractions. When lunch is part of the itinerary, Anton makes excellent recommendations depending on what you want to have.

Local point of view is defined as Anton's favorite places/neighborhoods that are not well-known to visitors (maybe even some locals) and/or neighborhood places (i.e. restaurants, bars, cafes, dessert places, etc.) that would be worth visiting after the urban trek to soak in more of San Francisco's way of life, food culture, etc.

Secret spots is defined as neat places that are not crowded and often have awesome views. You will notice from the videos, even at the Golden Gate Bridge, there are not many people even though the videos were taken in the middle of the day.

Maybe the most important aspect of the urban trek concept is that the urban trek service is not done for only the time during the urban trek. Urban Trek USA provides free tips and directions for self-guided exploration of more places in San Francisco that were not covered in the urban trek itinerary. Anton is always willing to provide you with helpful tips on whatever else you want to experience.

Note: Prior to offering only private tours, Urban Trek USA limited the total number of urban trekkers to 6 (in the beginning) so guests will have a private tour experience since it was always a small group. Later on, the number was raised to 7 in order to not raise the price. Urban Trek USA does not want to make guests feel like being part of a herd. Urban Trek USA's priority has always been and will always be to provide excellent service.  

.  

Why is walking and taking public transportation better?

You cannot get the real feel for a neighborhood if you do not walk the streets, alleys, etc. Walking is the only way to get a more intimate experience because you are not detached from the environment. Also unexpected things can happen when walking like being able to watch a movie being filmed in the neighborhood; or kids seeing a distressed baby seal and wanting to make sure it is cared for; or being offered to appear in a video to promote Earth Day.

As mentioned previously taking public transportation is a way to be environmentally friendly since there is no additional pollution being produced and no contribution to the the traffic congestion in San Francisco. You will also get a feel for the locals who live or frequent the different neighborhoods. And you will feel more comfortable exploring more of San Francisco on your own once you experience taking public transportation, which is a lot cheaper than other forms of transportation in the city. 

Click here for detailed descriptions of the different itineraries. 

How to make a reservation:

• Send an e-mail to anton@urbantrekusa.com
• Include the date you want to reserve and the private urban trek itinerary you want to do.