City by Foot

It's always exciting and slightly stressful when friends and family come to visit. Even in a city like San Francisco, sometimes you run out of things to do (you can only visit Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf so many times.)  Momma Carrillo came  into town a few weeks ago and we decided to try something new and signed up for a walking tour by San Francisco City Guides.  Founded in 1978, City Guides is a non-profit organization with more than 200 trained volunteers who lead FREE history and architectural walking tours in San Francisco. They are sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library and are a a San Francisco Parks Trust Park Partner.

Let's just say this is one of the city's best kept secrets. I signed us up for the Alamo Square Painted Ladies tour and the husband (who was a little reluctant about this idea), had us do another tour the next day (it was that good).  We even had my San Francisco native parents join us on the tour and they both were impressed with the sights they saw and the knowledge they learned.

  An upward view of a building in Alamo Square.

 Fancy Wood Work in Alamo Square, San Francisco

 Tourist take a picture of the Painted Ladies.

 Nick and his mom Andi

Hearts in San Francisco is an annual public art installation started in 2004 by the San Francisco General Hospital.  There are 130 hearts through out the city.  This heart is located outside the home of  Diane Feinstein.

Good to KNOW:  Although they are called "Walking" Tours, you really aren't walking for a long period of time.  Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, but you certainly don't need a walking stick to do this tour.  Lastly, although the tour is free a cash donation is encouraged.  For more info and to view their October calendar click here.