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:

(Click on video to enlarge)

(Click on video to enlarge)

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. 

(Click on video to enlarge)

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:

(Click on video to enlarge)

(Click on video to enlarge)

(Click on video to enlarge)

(Click on video to enlarge)

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." 

(Click on video to enlarge)

(Click on video to enlarge)

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

(Click on video to enlarge)

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 - 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.

Things to do in San Francisco - San Francisco Neighborhoods Private Walking and City Tour #SanFranciscoNeighborhoodsUrbanTrek

Things to do in San Francisco - San Francisco Neighborhoods 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 Neighborhoods urban trek has a good mix of history and beautiful scenery, well-known tourist and not so famous interesting places, some art and architecture by combining five San Francisco diverse neighborhoods plus brief walk-throughs of two more neighborhoods. You will get a local perspective from your Urban Trek Leader who has lived in San Francisco for decades. You will definitely get the insider's tips on what you can do in these neighborhoods should you want to revisit them after your urban trek experience. This particular urban trek is a true well-rounded San Francisco experience for visitors, especially first-time visitors.

Our goal for this private urban trek is for you to experience five different and diverse neighborhoods of San Francisco plus a brief walk through in one neighborhood in a full-day walking and city tour:

Chinatown for its rich historical and cultural aspect. Click here for a more detailed description of the Chinatown experience.

 

North Beach for its uniqueness and a place with a whole bunch of legacy businesses (over 50 years old). Click here for a more detailed description of the North Beach experience. (Note: The coffee break in North Beach is not part of the San Francisco neighborhoods itinerary, but you will get recommendations on what cafes are worth visiting on your own.)

A brief walk through in the Cow Hollow neighborhood to transfer buses. Cow Hollow is a neighborhood with Victorian houses that have been converted into boutiques, restaurants and offices.

Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights has a whole bunch on good places to eat so this is an excellent place to have a lunch break. You will have a choice from varied cuisines: American, Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, Vietnamese, etc. (Note: The cost of lunch and snack break, when applicable, is not included in the urban trek price and will be your responsibility.)

After lunch, you will explore Pacific Heights which can be considered the premier neighborhood of San Francisco because most of the city's elite live in this neighborhood. Click here for a more detailed description of the Pacific Heights experience. 

Alamo Square neighborhood has the famous "Painted Ladies" Victorian houses and NOPA (North of the Panhandle) has been going though quite a transformation (gentrification?) in the past years. The name NOPA is part of said transformation (LOL). Click here for a more detailed description of the Alamo Square / NOPA experience. 

 

Hayes Valley is the neighborhood that had gone through a huge transformation and used to be called an up and coming neighborhood, but I believe it has already arrived to be a desirable place to live. Click here for a more detailed description of the Hayes Valley experience.

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 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. 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.

What is an urban trek in San Francisco?

Urban Trek USA San Francisco private walking and sightseeing city tours. (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.)

What is an Urban Trek?

Short definition:
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 and city 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 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.

Urban Trek USA has been the premier walking tour of San Francisco for over a decade.

Testimonials:

(Click on photo to enlarge)

(Click on photo to enlarge)

(Click on photo to enlarge)

Read more testimonials on TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc.

How to make a reservation:

- Sending an e-mail to anton@urbantrekusa.com will be the best way. In you e-mail, include the date you want to reserve and which itinerary you want to do if you already know the itinerary you want (e.g. Historical San Francisco, San Francisco Neighborhoods, San Francisco Secret Spots, San Francisco Scenery).

- Send a text message to (415) 265-8229. You can also use WhatsApp and Viber. Provide the same information noted above.

Links to itineraries offered with detailed information:

1. Historical San Francisco

2. San Francisco Neighborhoods

3. San Francisco Secret Spots

3. San Francisco Scenery

#SanFrancisco

Things to do in San Francisco - Historical San Francisco Private Walking and City Tour #HistoricalUrbanTrek #HistoricalSanFrancisco

Things to do in San Francisco - Historical San Francisco 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.)

Our goal is to provide you with San Francisco's a very interesting history. This private walking and city tour includes six diverse neighborhoods that are rich in history and some awesome views:

We start in Union Square, which is considered the heart of San Francisco today. You will learn how this neighborhood evolved from its beginnings as a huge sand dune and the great earthquake and fire of 1906 and a woman associated with Union Square and her rags to riches story. You will also walk through an alley lined with high-end boutiques and learn of its seedy past. Click here for a more detailed description of the itinerary for Union Square.

Chinatown is next on the itinerary. Mostly everyone thinks of Chinatown as the neighborhood where the first Chinese immigrants settled. However, the most interesting aspect of Chinatown is this is the location where San Francisco began as a trading village to the heart of San Francisco during the gold rush era. You will see the location of the oldest street in San Francisco, where the first house was built and the old town square. Also learn where the one block of the original Chinatown started and a brief history of how/why the Chinese came to San Francisco and see the "Alley of the Painted Balconies" and learn the current living conditions in this neighborhood. Click here for a more detailed description of the itinerary for Chinatown.

Next up is Jackson Square Historic District. This part of San Francisco was spared from the great fire of 1906. Therefore, buildings that date back to the 1850s are still standing so you can get a glimpse of what this area looked like back then. Also learn where the old beach used to be and where some buried ships are located. Click here for a more detailed description of the itinerary for Jackson Square.

Onward to North Beach. Known as San Francisco's "Little Italy" but there are so much more interesting aspects about this neighborhood. For one, this neighborhood is one of the few neighborhoods that has not changed much since the 1950s even though the Italians have moved away a long time ago. There is also a concentration of legacy businesses (50 years and older). Learn how this neighborhood as evolved, get tips on places to check out on your own (for food and cocktails) and a brief history about the Beats and their old hangout. Maybe the best part of the itinerary is the coffee break at one of the legacy businesses (my favorite cafe) with excellent selection of Italian pastries and one cake that they are famous for. Click here for a more detailed description of the itinerary for North Beach.

Next is Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower and the fresco murals inside are the most popular attractions in this part of The City. However, there are more interesting historic aspects like homes dating back to the 1850s that survived the great fire of 1906, the uniqueness of this neighborhood and what some residents have to endure to live here, as well as the awesome views. Click here for a more detailed description of the itinerary for Telegraph Hill.

The last stop is the waterfront area around the Ferry Building. However, first you will walk through Levi's Plaza where the corporate headquarters of Levi Strauss & Co. is located and you will get a brief history on the Levis jeans (i.e. how it came to be). The Waterfront area has some awesome views of San Francisco Bay and the skyline of San Francisco's Financial District. This is also a good place to end the urban trek because the Ferry Building is a foodie Mecca with a bunch of excellent options for food, wine, beer, coffee, desserts, etc. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view after you have enjoyed your Historical San Francisco private walking and city tour.

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: 9:00 am (or mutually agreed upon time)
• Approximate length of urban trek: 4.5 hours which includes 20-minute coffee break.
• 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 $204 (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 the easiest urban trek even though it is mostly a walking tour because the uphill walks are less steep and you have the option to take public transportation up to Telegraph Hill and to the Ferry Building. For some people with knee or leg issues, it might be difficult to go down the stairs with about 380 steps. 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 historical commentaries and there will be about a 20-minute stop in Chinatown where you will be able to sit down and short breaks to take photos and admire the views. 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. There will also be approximately 20 minutes for a relaxing coffee break in North Beach, which is approximately 2.5 hours after the start of the urban trek.

Things to do in San Francisco - San Francisco Secret Spots Private Walking & City Tour by Urban Trek USA #SanFranciscoSecretSpots

Things to do in San Francisco - San Francisco Secret Spots 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.)

Our goal is for you to experience the ultimate "secret spots" private San Francisco walking and sightseeing city tour. "Secret spots" defined as places with spectacular / awesome views without the crowd.

This itinerary will be a good fit for you if you are someone who prefers to explore the less touristy places and experience a more local perspective of San Francisco and/or you have already been to San Francisco before and have seen all the famous places and want to experience something different. 

Urban Trek USA has been the premier San Francisco tour for over a decade. 

First "secret spot" has a spectacular view from approximately 350 feet above. Learn how this open space was preserved for everyone to enjoy. A bonus along the way are some beautifully painted and maintained Victorian houses and a community garden with an awesome view. You will also be provided with a brief explanation on the different types of Victorian houses.

Second "secret spot" has even a more spectacular view from approximately 650 feet above. A bonus after will be seeing some modern houses that you would want to own if have a few million dollars.

Before heading to the next place, if you choose to do so, you will able able to stop at one of the cafes in a quaint neighborhood and use their toilet. Please note that most establishments require that you purchase something in order to use their toilet. Also, keep in mind that there will be no public toilet for another hour to hour and a half (until we will have lunch) so do not drink or eat too much. (Note: There is a public toilet in a park prior to getting to the quaint neighborhood if you are not  particular about using a public toilet.)

Third "secret spot" has a fabulous view of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz. The bonuses along the way are seeing a work of art made from nature by a pretty well-known artist and some of the biggest mansions in San Francisco. 

An added bonus is this pretty awesome view on the way to the street where you  will have a lunch break. For lunch you can choose from a wide variety of types of very good food (i.e. American, Italian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Seafood, etc.). One hour lunch break will be approximately between 12:30 - 1:30 pm and you can enjoy your lunch and relax. (Note: The cost of your meal will be your responsibility and is not included in the price of your private urban trek.)

After lunch, a bonus on the way to the next "secret spot" is you will see where the very first cable car started and you will be given a brief history about the famous San Francisco cable cars.

Fourth "secret spot" has another spectacular view. A bonus will be seeing the street were a famous car chase scene was filmed and a scene from another movie with a princess having a car incident.

After the fourth spot, you will have a choice of:

1. End the urban trek and return to the meeting place.

2. Go to the crooked part of Lombard Street and have a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from another "secret spot" and return to the meeting place.

3. Have a mini tour of the North Beach neighborhood and return to the meeting place.

Additional information:

• Start time: 9:30 am (or mutually agreed upon time)
• Approximate length of urban trek: 5.5 hours (or 6.5 hours for longer option) which includes one hour lunch break.
• 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:

Everyone has to be fit in order to walk uphill for at least two city blocks and can spend hours on their feet. Of course, walking will not be constant since there will be trips on public transportation and short breaks to take photos and admire the views. Resting will be fine but it will be hard for people who are not fit to do this urban trek and enjoy it. Each stretch of walking will be approximately 15 minutes before a short standing break while the Urban Trek Leader explains or says something about the place. There will also be approximately 5 to 15 minutes for photo and relax to admire scenery time at each scenic place.