The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour
Active
1h - 2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Uncover the story of Golden Gate Park at your own pace with the San Francisco Chronicle's affordable audio tour.
• Find out about arrogant tycoons, and one giant, stuffed 150-year-old grizzly bear on this hike around the famous park
• Hear from San Francisco Chronicle journalists Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight who crafted this tour from the best unknown stories around the city
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Available options
The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour
What's included
VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Lifetime access to this tour in English
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
The tour takes place in Golden Gate Park.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The tour starts outside of the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. You'll learn about how VoiceMap works before setting off.
3
The tour takes you past the National AIDS Memorial Grove. You'll hear about the memorial while you walk.
4
The tour goes past the Monarch Bear Grove. You'll hear about the grove while you walk.
5
The tour passes by the Shakespeare Garden. You'll hear about the garden while you walk.
6
The tour passes by the Music Concourse. You'll hear about it while you walk.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
The tour passes by the de Young Museum. You'll hear about the museum while you walk.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
The tour passes by the Japanese Tea Garden. You'll hear about the garden while you walk.
9
The tour follows a section of Stow Lake. You'll hear about the lake while you walk.
10
The tour takes you around Strawberry Hill. You'll hear about it while you walk.
11
The tour ends next to the John McLaren Memorial Rhododendron Dell. You'll hear about the memorial before concluding your hike.
What's not included
Food/Drink
Smartphone and headphones
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Transportation
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
2.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
