Things to do in San Francisco - The San Francisco You Missed private walking & city tour #TheSanFranciscoYouMissedUrbanTrek

Things to do in San Francisco - The San Francisco You Missed private walking and city tour by Urban Trek USA. (Note: Urban Trek USA is a one-man operation and takes only approximately 3 reservations a month so making in advance is a plus.)

The San Francisco You Missed urban trek itinerary consists of places in San Francisco that most visitors probably missed during their prior visit(s). Even at the Golden Gate Bridge, there is a spot that most visitors don't know about, but is the best place for a view, in my opinion, because it captures the essence of the Golden Gate Bridge. For first time visitors, you can skip all the usual places and experience San Francisco like a well-informed local would (i.e. Urban Trek Leader).

On the way to the first two "secret spots," you will walk through a neighborhood with some awesome examples of well-maintained Victorian houses and learn why this is one of the areas that has more Victorians that other places.

The first two places are the same as in the San Francisco Secret Spots itinerary, where you will be able to experience awesome views of San Francisco without the crowd. Check out the videos below:

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After experiencing a couple of beautiful San Francisco sceneries, you will walk through one of San Francisco's desirable neighborhoods.

You will then take a bus to Tunnel Tops in the Presidio where you will have your lunch break while experiencing a gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge among other things. 

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Tunnel Tops in the Presidio has one permanent cafe, Il Parco (click here for their website), but depending on the day of the week, there can be one to a whole bunch of other options for food trucks/tents. Click here for a list of the regular food trucks/tents. Click here for their current schedule. (Note: There are more options on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tuesdays seem to have the least options.)

If you prefer to have lunch in a casual indoor setting place close to Tunnel Tops, there is Colibri Mexican Bistro (click here for their website). There is also Dalida (click here for their website). Finally, there is the Presidio Bowl Bar and Grill (click here for their website) only for Saturdays and Sundays.

After lunch, you will explore other parts of the Presidio that are less popular but have awesome views. Of course, the highlight will be the "secret spot" near the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the videos below:

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The last (maybe?) place in the itinerary will be Fort Mason, which is another hidden jewel of San Francisco. And withing this hidden jewel are more "secrets spots." 

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If you feel like extending your San Francisco experience, you have the option of going to another "secret spot" in Russian Hill.

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If you want Fort Mason to be the last place in your itinerary, you can be taken to Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf or Pier 39 where you can enjoy the rest of your day on your own. Of course, if you want to be taken any place else in San Francisco, that can be done.

If you want Russian Hill to be the last place in your itinerary, it will be very simple to enjoy the rest of your day in North Beach and/or Chinatown. If you want to also explore Telegraph Hill on your own, you will be provided with detailed self-guided directions for doing so.

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 you want to do.

Additional information:

• Start time: 10:00 am (or mutually agreed upon time)
• Approximate length of urban trek: 6 to 7 hours which includes one-hour lunch break.
• To make a reservation, send an e-mail to anton@urbantrekusa.com or text message via WhatsApp and Viber 1-415-265-8229
• Price: 1 to 4 people $210 (total) plus $15 for each additional person (Note: Price does not include the cost of your meals, but it includes the cost of Muni fares <no cable car rides>)

 Fitness level for this urban trek:

This is a little above moderate urban trek mostly because it is a whole-day urban trek (with bus rides) and a few uphill walks to get the best vantage points and being San Francisco is a very hilly city and having to go down a lot of steps and up several steps. The trails around the Golden Gate Bridge area can also be narrow and uneven (dirt trail). But there is a one-hour lunch break to relax halfway though the urban trek. Everyone has to be fit in order to walk uphill for at least one city block and can spend hours on their feet. Of course, walking will not be constant since there will be a whole lot of standing stops while you hear commentaries and short stops to admire and take photos of the scenery. Resting will be fine but it will be hard for people who cannot walk for about 10 minutes without stopping to rest to do this urban trek and enjoy it. Each stretch of walking will be approximately 10 minutes before a short standing break while the Urban Trek Leader explains or says something about the place.

Things to do in San Francisco: Let's Glow SF 2023 - Tips from Urban Trek USA #UrbanTrekUSATips

Let's Glow SF 2023 kicked off on Dec. 1, 2023 and will go on until Dec. 10, 2023 from 5:00 - 10:00 pm. This Urban Trek USA tip includes Pier 14 and the Embarcadero Center walkways as part of how to experience Let's Glow SF because they complement the video projection experience.

This video gives a glimpse of what you will experience if you follow the recommendations below:

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Note: The video does not include the projection at the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange building because it has a different orientation and also the scenery from the back of the Ferry Building. Separate video/photo are provided for them.

Start by going towards the end of Pier 14 after dark. This video gives more of a panoramic view of what you will experience if you walk towards the end of the pier:

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After Pier 14, head on to the back of the Ferry Building by taking the ramp (see photo below) after you pass the Pier 14 gate:

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Make a left at the end of the ramp and walk until you get to the back of the Ferry Building where there's a good view with the San Francisco sign in lights:

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If you want to get something to eat or drink, the Ferry Building is a good place with all the delicious stuff vendors offer. Check their website for operating times of the vendors.

Note: This would be a good place to use the toilet before proceeding.

Head on to the plaza in front of the Ferry Building to watch the video projection. The video below is the full video of the video projection at the Ferry Building:

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Head on to the Embarcadero Center and walk through the plaza towards the Vaillancourt Fountain where you will see stairs (see photo below) leading to the walkways. Go up two flights of stairs to the top:

  

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Walk along the walkways all the way to the stairs that lead down to Battery Street. The video at the very top shows what you will experience starting from 3:21 to 7:04. 

Note: This is the sign as shown in the video showing the stairs that will lead down to Battery Street:

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When you get to Battery Street turn left (head south) on Battery Street until Market Street. Make a right on Market Street and you will see the building at One Bush Plaza where the video projection is shown. The video below does not show the entirety but is almost complete:

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After, head on to the Hobart Building by walking along Market to Montgomery Street. The Hobart Building is at the corner of Market, Montgomery and Post Streets. There is a section along Post Street where you can sit and where I was sitting when I took this video:

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After the Hobart Building, walk north on Montgomery Street to Pine Street and and turn right on Montgomery Street. The Pacific Coast Stock Exchange building (now Equinox) is at the corner of Pine and Sansome Streets. This is a video of the video projection there:

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After the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange building, take Leidesdorff, an alley across the street from the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange building, and walk north until you pass Sacramento Street and get to an alley right after called Commercial Street. Turn left on Commercial Street and you will see the Station J building where the video projections is:

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The Landing at Leidesdorff is the last Let's Glow SF video projection. From here you can walk to North Beach or Chinatown.

#LetsGlowSF #LetsGlowSF2023 #UrbanTrekUSATips #UrbanTrekUSATipsLetsGlowSF 

  

Things to do in San Francisco: Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco #TuesdayTips

Today's Tuesday Tips features the Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill. This year, 2023, is the 150th anniversary of the San Francisco cable cars. The very first cable car was tested on August 2, 1873. The Clay Street Hill Railroad Company opened to the public on September 1, 1873. For the first two days, free rides were offered and on the third day passengers had to pay 5 cents. The original line was from Kearny to Leavenworth. As of today, the cable car fare is $8.00. (Note: $.05 back in 1873 would be approximately $1 in 2023.)

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The Cable Car Museum is located at 1201 Mason Street (@Washington). As of right now, they are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Cable Car Museum is FREE. 

Note: Make sure not to miss going downstairs as shown in the beginning of the video so you can see what goes on underneath the street. Also, watch the video <shown towards the end of the video above> because if shares a lot of interesting information about the cable cars.

If you are taking the California cable car, disembark at California and Mason and walk heading north on Mason for 3 blocks. If you take the Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason cable car going towards the Fisherman's Wharf area disembark at Jackson and Mason and walk heading south on Mason for 1 block. If you are taking the Powell/Hyde or Powell/Mason cable car going to Union Square area, they both stop in front of the Cable Car Museum at Mason and Washington.

#SanFrancisco #UrbanTrekUSATips #UrbanTrekUSATipsNobHill #UrbanTrekUSATipsCableCar #CableCar #CaliforniaCableCar #UrbanTrekUSA

Things to do in San Francisco: Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco #TuesdayTips

Today's Tuesday Tips for things to do in San Francisco features Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill. 

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Grace Cathedral is located on top of Nob Hill and is a beautiful Gothic architectural style building. The best thing to see is the "Gates of Paradise" doors, which is a replica of the original at the Baptistry in Florence, Italy that was done by Lorenzo Ghiberti. It is said that the term "Gates of Paradise" came from Michelangelo himself because he thought the beautiful gates were worthy to be the gates to Paradise.

Grace Cathedral has a $12 admission fee at this time if you want to see the interior architecture as well as the beautiful stained glass windows. The admission fee includes a self-guided interactive tour. They also offer a docent guided tour for $20.

(Courtyard of Grace Cathedral - click on photo to enlarge)

Another interesting this to check out are the black scorch marks on the walls (see photos below) that are remnants of the great fire of 1906 that burned the mansion of Charles Crocker that was on this land before the April 18, 1906 great earthquake and fire. 

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Note: A good book to get with self-guided walking tours and a lot of interesting stuff about Nob Hill and other San Francisco neighborhoods is "Historic Walks in San Francisco" by Rand Richards. This is one of the most useful books I read when researching information for my Urban Trek USA walking & city tours. 

Click here for more Urban Trek USA tips with regard to the 150th anniversary of the San Francisco cable cars.

#SanFancisco #UrbanTrekUSATips #UrbanTrekUSATipsNobHill #TuesdayTips #GraceCatheral #NobHill #ThingsToDoSF #CalbeCar150

Updated: June 27, 2023

Walking from Presidio Pet Cemetery to Crissy Field then Golden Gate Bridge #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco

Over a year ago, I posted what one would experience walking from Battery Bluff to the Presidio Pet Cemetery. I intended to post this right after but never got it done so here it is. 

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Crissy Field and a trail to walk to the Golden Gate Bridge with a nice way is something one can do after the Presidio Pet Cemetery. The video above shows what you can experience walking from the Pet Cemetery to the stairs that lead to the trail to the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Here are the directions:

• From the Pet Cemetery walk along Crissy Field Ave towards Crissy Field / Golden Gate Bridge.

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• When you reach Mason St, cross to the other side where the grass is and turn left.

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• Walk along the paved path along Mason St until you get to where the paved path end and the dirt path begins and the entrance to the parking lot is to your left. Follow the dirt path towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

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• Follow the dirt path pass the Warming Hut. It might be a good idea to check out the stuff sold at the Warming Hut if you are looking for souvenirs. (Note: There are public toilets just past the Warming Hut. The video above show where they are as I pointed the video to their location.)

• When you reach the fence with the big chains (shown in the video), turn left and walk towards the stairs.

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• When you get to the top of the stairs, walk to the right.

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• Follow the trail and make sure to stop now and then to admire the view or sit and rest on one of the benches along the way. This is a video of the view.

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• Keep walking along the path until you see this sign and walk right and follow the dirt path.

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• Continue on the dirt path until you see the entrance to a tunnel and enter the tunnel.

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• BE CAREFUL and MAKE SURE TO BEND as you get to the other side of the tunnel because the exit of the tunnel at the other side is a lot lower.

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• When you get to the other side of the tunnel, this is what you will see. A nice spot to rest and relax for a while.

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• Follow the trail to the Golden Gate Bridge

Enjoy!

Links to other self-guided directions that can be combined with this post:

1. Batteries to Bluffs Trail to Baker Beach

Things to do in San Francisco: Grandview Park & 16th Ave Tiled (Mosaic) Steps #UrbanTrekUSATips #TuesdayTips #SanFrancisco

Today's Tuesday Tips by Urban Trek USA a top-rated San Francisco private walking and city tour is for Grandview Park and the 16th Ave (at Moraga) Tiled/Mosaic steps.

Grandview Park in San Francisco's Sunset District is between 650 - 700 feet above sea level. The best way to get there is via the 16th Ave (at Moraga) tiled / mosaic steps if you are very fit because - per my count - there are 334 steps to climb (i.e. 162 of the mosaic steps plus 28 steps between the lower and upper part of 15th Ave plus another 144 steps to the top). 

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IMPORTANT TO KNOW: The sunset neighborhood is very susceptible to fog especially during the summer when most people visit San Francisco. It is also usually very windy. The photos and videos posted on this blog were taken on clear and not too windy days. How can you tell if it's foggy at this location? I would say if it is foggy at the Golden Gate Bridge then it will also be foggy at this location, although there are times when the Golden Gate Bridge is clear but Grandview Park has fog. (Tip: The best way to determine if there is fog at the Golden Gate Bridge is to visit their website as they have a 24-hour webcam to see the conditions. Click here to link to their website.)

Note: The good thing about the 16th Ave tiled steps is that there are landings wide enough for you to rest without being in the way of people to much.

VERY IMPORTANT: The good thing about resting on your way up is the opportunity to look back and see the view of the Pacific Ocean. So don't rush and take your time.

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Directions on how to get to the 16th Ave tiled steps and to the Hidden Garden steps:

There are two buses that will take you close to the bottom of the 16th Ave tiled steps:

•  The #66 Quintara bus will drop you off right at the bottom of the stairs. This bus departs from the stop at 9th Ave & Judah (Stop ID 13215). Disembark at 16th Ave & Moraga (Stop ID 13277). If you are coming from downtown, the best way to get to 9th Ave & Judah is to the the westbound N Judah Muni Metro wherever it stops and disembark at Judah & 9th Ave. (Note: The bus stop at 9th Ave & Judah is close to Golden Gate Park for it will be a good idea to visit Golden Gate Park and Grandview Park / 16th Ave tiled steps at the same time.) 
• The #28 Daly City BART bus will drop you off at either 19th Ave & Lawton or 19th Ave & Noriega and you will have to walk 4 blocks to get to 16th Ave & Moraga. (Note: The #28 Daly City BART bus also stops at the Golden Gate Bridge. Therefore, if you are going there you can add Grandview Park and 16th Ave tiled steps to your itinerary.)

Stop and read the information board along the way before starting to climb the wooden part of the stairs.

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Before you get to the summit make sure you explore the sandy path just below the summit. The section where the bend is located as shown in the photo below is the best place for a panoramic photo or video as there are no trees obstructing the view below. 

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 After you've had your fill of the scenery, take the stairs at the other side from where you went up. Therefore, do not go down the same stairs you used to go up. The stairs will lead you to 14th Ave (see photo below):

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When you get to the upper part of 14th Ave cross to where you will see stairs leading to the lower part of 14th Ave. When you get to the lower part of 14th Ave, turn left on 14th Ave and walk to 15th Ave and then turn right on 15th Ave and walk to Aloha Ave and turn left on Aloha Ave and walk to Lawton and turn left on Lawton and you will soon see the Hidden Garden steps on your right side. Refer to map below:

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You can also click on this link to Google Maps with walking directions to the Hidden Garden steps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kufScKxsHJm3iMs69

Go down the 15th Ave Hidden Garden steps. Since you are going down, make sure you stop every now and then to look at the beautiful mosaic tile workmanship.

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When you reach the bottom you will be at Kirkham Street. Cross Kirkham and continue walking on 15th Ave to Judah. If you want to go downtown, there is a stop at Judah & 15th Ave for the N Judah Muni Metro (Stop ID 15197) headed to Caltrain Depot. You can take the same Metro line to go near Golden Gate Park or close to Haight Street. (Note: If you want to go to Ocean Beach, take the N Judah Muni Metro headed to Ocean Beach at the Metro stop at Judah & 16th Ave <Stop ID 15198>.)

If you want to get a snack, coffee, ice cream, lunch, dinner, etc. disembark the N Judah Metro headed to Caltrain Depot at Judah & 9th Ave (Stop ID 15194). There are a whole bunch of good places along 9th Ave and also along Irving Street.

The following are my recommended places in the Inner Sunset neighborhood:

• Pacific Catch at 9th Ave & Lincoln (1200 9th Ave)

• Gordo Taqueria at 1239 9th Ave (between Irving & Lincoln)

• Marnee Thai at 1243 9th Ave (between Irving & Lincoln)

• Ebisu at 1283 9th Ave (between Irving & Lincoln) 

• Tartine at 1226 9th Ave (between Irving & Lincoln)

• San Francisco Homegrown Creamery at 1290 9th Ave (between Irving & Lincoln)

• Arizmendi Bakery at 1331 9th Ave (between Judah & Irving)

• Fresca at 737 Irving (between 9th Ave & 8th Ave)

•  Hahn's Hibachi at 535 Irving (between 7th Ave & 6th Ave)

 There are very likely a lot more good places that I haven't tried yet.

 

#SanFrancisco #TuesdayTips #UrbanTrekUSATips #GrandviewPark #16thAveTiledSteps 

 

 

 

 

Best spot to sit or stand riding the California Cable Car #SanFrancisco #UrbanTrekUSATips

Click on this link to YouTube for a video of the ride segment from Drumm Street to just past Jones Street

The California cable car in San Francisco runs between Drumm Street at the Embarcadero Center to Van Ness. This particular cable car is a double ended cable car, which means it has two grips (i.e. one at both ends of the cable car). Therefore, it does not have to be turned around like the cable cars on Powell (i.e. Powell & Hyde, Powell & Mason). Hence, one can ride the California cable car from the Embarcadero to Van Ness and then back without having to disembark.

Note: Each cable car ride costs $8 -as of Feb. 14, 2024- meaning riding it from Embarcadero to Van Ness is $8 and going back is another $8 <4 years old or under is free>. My tip is cost effective ONLY when one has a Muni monthly fast pass or one of the visitor Passports which includes unlimited rides on cable cars.

Urban Trek USA Tip: Sit or stand on the left side of the California cable car and start at the station at California & Drumm Street. Make sure you are looking back most of the time especially when the cable car starts to go uphill because -as the video shows- the view is behind the cable car when going towards Van Ness. Also, as one gets higher up Nob Hill it would be good to look downhill (left side) when the cable car crosses Powell, Mason, Jones and Taylor Streets for nice views. When the cable reaches the end at Van Ness, just stay where you are because the cable car will go back without you having to disembark. This time you will be in the front and ride side of the cable car. I suggest that you do not get off until Chinatown on Grant Ave because the steepest part of this route is between Powell at the top and Grant at the bottom of Nob Hill. It's fun experiencing this steep part of the ride.

Check out this video from the kick off event held at the California cable car station at the Embarcadero Center (California & Drumm) on June 13, 2023.

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#SanFrancisco #UrbanTrekUSATips #UrbanTrekUSATipsNobHill #UrbanTrekUSATipsCableCar #CableCar #CaliforniaCableCar #UrbanTrekUSA #CalbeCar150

Updated: Feb. 14, 2024

Things to do in San Francisco: Golden Gate Park JFK Dr Promenade Play Area #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco

Things to do in San Francisco: Golden Gate Park JFK Dr Promenade play area. With the permanent closure of JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, one of good additions is the play area near the Music Concourse where you can play ping pong, corn hole and bring out the kid in you by spinning on one of those spinning seats. 

Other things you can do along JFK Dr Promenade in Golden Gate Park are depicted in this video:

This #UrbanTrekUSATips by Urban Trek USA San Francisco private walking and city tour.

#SanFrancisco #GoldenGatePark #JFKDrPromenade #UrbanTrekUSATipsGGP 

Last updated: May 17, 2023

Things to do in San Francisco - Fuchsia Garden in Golden Gate Park #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco

 This #UrbanTrekUSATips by Urban Trek USA a private San Francisco walking and city tour  is about the Fuchsia Garden.

The Fuchsia Garden is not as popular as the Rose Garden, Dahlia Garden, Botanical Garden, etc. but it is worth the visit especially if you want to be in a place of solitude. 

The Fuchsia Garden is located near the entrance to Golden Gate Park at Stanyan and Hayes Streets. Taking the #21 Muni bus and disembarking at the Hayes & Stanyan bus stop <Stop ID 15009> is the easiest way to get there via public transportation. After you disembark, cross Stanyan Street to the entrance to the Golden Gate Park and you will soon see the sign showing the entrance to the Fuchsia Garden (shown in the video below). And if you follow the path heading west, you will end up near the Dahlia Garden & Conservatory of Flowers. 

Click here for other things to do in Golden Gate Park.

#GoldenGatePark #FuchsiaGarden #SanFrancisco #UrbanTrekUSATips 

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2022

Things to do in San Francisco to feel that Christmas spirit (holiday joy) #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco

 I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit so I decided to do something yesterday evening to capture that feeling and I am happy I did it because today I am more in a holiday frame of mind. 

This is the whole video showing what I did:

In my opinion, it's best to do this in the evening especially if you plan to check out the events at Grace Cathedral (e.g. Dec. 23, 2022).

Here's what I did:

1) I started at Hallidie Plaza (where the Powell Metro & BART station is located) where there is the Holiday Winter Wanderland until Dec. 24, 2022. Click here for more information about the shows done daily. 

2) Head up the escalator to the cable car turn around and check the cable cars with holiday decorations.

3) Walk up Powell Street to the St. Francis Hotel and check out their holiday decorations.

4) Walk across the street to Union Square where the ice skating rink and giant Christmas tree are located. 

5) Take the cable car or the bus (or walk?) to the top of Nob Hill to the Fairmont Hotel. (Note: Taking the bus is cheaper than the cable car. Walk to the bus top at Stockton & Sutter and take any bus headed into the tunnel. Disembark at the very next stop in Chinatown <Stockton & Sacramento> and take a short walk to the bus stop at Sacramento & Stockton and take the #1 bus and disembark at Sacramento & Sproule/Mason and take a short walk to the Fairmont Hotel. Check out their holiday decorations and the giant ginger bread house.

.6) Walk to Huntington Park and check out the Christmas lights. 

7) If the music and screen projection is on at Grace Cathedral across the street from Huntington Park, cross the street and check it out. Also, click here for the calendar of events at Grace Cathedral. 

Enjoy the holidays!

#SanFrancisco #HappyHolidays #SanFranciscoChristmas #SanFranciscoHolidays 

Things to do in San Francisco - Let's Glow SF #UrbanTrekUSATips #SanFrancisco

Things to do in San Francisco - Let's Glow SF kicked off Dec. 2, 2022. It is "America's largest holiday projection mapping festival." This year is the second time for this event in San Francisco. The projection installations will be running until Dec. 11, 2002 from 5:00 - 10:00 pm. I highly recommend it if you will be visiting the downtown area. 

Click here for more information and list of artists with bios.

There are 5 locations and this is the order I recommend to see them:

1. Mechanics Monument Plaza (Market & Battery)

2. 1 Bush Street (Best to watch from across the street at 525 Market St)

3. Hobart Building (Market & Montgomery)

4. Pacific Stock Exchange Building (Pine & Sansome)

5. Station J (222 Leidesdorff)

When you end at Station J, you will be within walking distance to Chinatown, Jackson Square and North Beach where you have a whole lot of choice to eat or get some cocktails.

Here are a few of my recommendations in the following areas:

Chinatown

1. Hong Kong Clay Pot at 960 Grant Ave (Food)

2. R&G Lounge at 631 Kearny St (Food & Cocktails)

 Jackson Square

1. Cotogna at 490 Pacific Ave (Food & Cocktails)

2. Bix at 56 Gold St (Food & Cocktails)

3. Bask at 42 Columbus Ave

North Beach

1. Comstock Saloon at 155 Columbus Ave (Food & Cocktails)

2. Specs at 12 William Saroyan Pl (Cocktails)

3. Vesuvio at 255 Columbus Ave (Cocktails)

4. Stella Party & Cafe at 446 Columbus Ave (Italian desserts & coffee) 

5. Trestle at 531 Jackson St (Food & wine) 

6. Caffe Trieste at 601 Vallejo St (Coffee)

 

 

 

 

 

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.  

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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.

Things to do in San Francisco - San Francisco Scenery Private Walking and City Tour #SFSceneryUrbanTrek #SanFranciscoScenery

Things to do in San Francisco - San Francisco Scenery private walking and city tour by Urban Trek USA. (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.)

The San Francisco Scenery urban trek includes two of the most iconic San Francisco attractions (i.e. Golden Gate Bridge, crooked part of Lombard Street) plus the also popular Palace of Fine Arts and the less popular billionaire's area of Pacific Heights. All of the places have beautiful views, but most important is you will get to experience some of the "secret spots" with awesome views without the crowd. In addition to the awesome views, you will also learn some historical information about the places and, as always, the insider's scoop on more recent events about them. 

(Note: Maybe if the promotional video for this urban trek goes viral then the "secret spots" will be less of a secret so do not share it. LOL.) 

The first place you will experience is Russian Hill where you will see the crooked part of Lombard Street, a very steep street and a couple of the "secret spots" noted above. 

The Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina neighborhood is the next stop, which has a beautiful architectural design and park for the neighborhood. 

After the Palace of Fine Arts, lunch break will be on Chestnut Street in the Marina neighborhood where you will have a wide variety of good choices for lunch. The Urban Trek Leader will provide you with excellent recommendations to help you make a good choice. (Note: The cost of your lunch and snack break, when applicable, is not included in the urban trek price and will be your responsibility.)

After lunch will be the Golden Gate Bridge. There will be quite a bit of time devoted to this area so you will see it from far and near, left side, right sie and under. You will have the option to walk to the first tower (closest to San Francisco) if you want to do so. Therefore, you will be very familiar with the bridge after you leave. Did I mention the "secret spots?"

After the Golden Gate Bridge is the billionaire's area of Pacific Heights which has a nice view and you will see where the ultra rich live in San Francisco. You will be given some scoop on who owns some of the mansions.

The itinerary for this private urban trek ends at this point. You have the option to stop for an afternoon coffee, tea, ice cream, snack at one of the places along Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights. Or the Urban Trek Leader can take you back to your hotel or take you to a location you want to go as long as it is within a reasonable distance and accessible by public transportation.

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 you want to do.

Additional information:

• Start time: 9:30 am (or mutually agreed upon time)
• Approximate length of urban trek: 6.5 to 7 hours which includes one-hour lunch break and, if you want, an afternoon break for ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, beer/wine.
• To make a reservation, send an e-mail to anton@urbantrekusa.com or WhatsApp and Viber 1-415-265-8229
• Price: 1 to 4 people $210 (total) plus $15 for each additional person (Note: Price does not include the cost of your meals, but it includes the cost of Muni fares <no cable car rides>)

 Fitness level for this urban trek:

This is a little above moderate urban trek mostly because it is a whole-day urban trek (with bus rides) and a few uphill walks to get the best vantage points and being San Francisco is a very hilly city and having to go down a lot of steps and up several steps. The trails around the Golden Gate Bridge area can also be narrow and uneven (dirt trail). But there is a one-hour lunch break to relax halfway though the urban trek. Everyone has to be fit in order to walk uphill for at least one city block and can spend hours on their feet. Of course, walking will not be constant since there will be a whole lot of standing stops while you hear commentaries and short stops to admire and take photos of the scenery. Resting will be fine but it will be hard for people who cannot walk for about 10 minutes without stopping to rest to do this urban trek and enjoy it. Each stretch of walking will be approximately 10 minutes before a short standing break while the Urban Trek Leader explains or says something about the place.