Walking Tour of Nob Hill - Cable Cars, Luxury Hotels, French-Gothic Cathedral

San Francisco , United States

Walking Tour of Nob Hill - Cable Cars, Luxury Hotels, French-Gothic Cathedral

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About this experience

When Robert Louis Stevenson visited San Francisco in 1879, he declared, "Nob Hill, the Hill of Palaces, must certainly be counted the best part of San Francisco. It is here that millionaires gathered together, vying with each other in display". My Nob Hill tour is a 2-hour walking photo-shoot tour that starts with a Cable Car ride and a visit to a French Gothic Cathedral and ends at the Top of the Mark on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel for photographs and beverages at sunset.

The eclectic history of Nob Hill includes:
* The Gold Rush (not the San Francisco 49r cheerleaders)
* The Silver Bonanza (not including Ben Cartwright, Ben, Hoss or Little Joe)
* The Transcontinental Railroad
* The 1906 Earthquake and Fire, and
* A spectacular French-Gothic design Episcopal Cathedral that took nearly 40 years to build.

The opportunities for photography are endless on Nob Hill!

Available options

Nob Hill Tour Custom Tonya Coo

Grace Cathedral Laser Show<br/>Duration: 3 hours

Walking Tour of Nob Hill - Cable Cars, Luxury Hotels, French-Gothic Cathedral

What's included

Guided sightseeing experience with a photographer, blogger, content creator and certified guide

20 of the best photos for digital download and a few specially edited photos for each person.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

We'll ride a cable car (not go to the museum!) on the California Street Cable Car Line. If everyone is on time we'll take some photos with parked cable cars. Each cable car ride is $8.00 but a MUNI Mobile all-day pass is only $13.00 (for unlimited MUNI rides anywhere in San Francisco). The ride up to Nob Hill on the California Street Cable Car Line takes about 15 minutes passing through the Financial District and Chinatown.

Beaux Arts Architecture, the oldest restaurant in San Francisco, Wells Fargo Bank, 555 California, much more.

Stop 3 Pass by

Grant Street is the oldest street in San Francisco, Chinese lanterns, Edwardian buildings with Pagoda enhancements, Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

Stop 4

The holiday lights on all the trees are red and green. The Fountain of the Turtles is a copy of 16th century Fontana delle Tartarughe located in Piazza Matteo in the Sant'Angelo district of Rome. Architect Giacomo Della Porta and sculptor Taddeo Landini built the original between 1580 and 1588. The replica was made in the early 1900s and donated to Huntington Park by the Crocker heirs in 1955.

Stop 5

Grace Cathedral is the 3rd largest Episcopal Church in the United States. The French Gothic Architecture, Ghiberti Doors, ecumenically themed murals and stained-glass windows call for dramatic or pensive expressions. The vaulted ceilings may transport you to another side of the globe. For myself, different aspects of Grace Cathedral remind me of the Cologne Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris and Reims Cathedral. With a little help from my friend, Archivist Michael Lampen, I’ve had the privilege of photographing a number of fascinating areas in the Cathedral including the Bell Tower, the sacristy and the Columbarium.

The Fairmont Hotel
The Fairmont Hotel was built between 1902 and 1907 in honor of James Graham Fair who made a fortune mining silver and gold in Nevada’s Comstock Lode during the 1860s. After we pass by the statue of Tony Bennett and enter the magnificent ‘beaux arts” lobby of the Fairmont Hotel we will walk over to the Roof Garden looking out over North Beach onto San Francisco and Suisun Bay. We’ll see the 1933, Timothy Ludwig Pflueger designed Cirque Bar which was the first bar to open in the City following the repeal of Prohibition. I always enjoy stopping in on proprietor and “master product presenter”, Sultan, at Charisma Crafts where you’ll be amazed at the exquisitely beautiful detail on fabrics that take years to handcraft into garments. If we’re lucky we’ll get to spend a minute with the “First Concierge in America” and Fairmont Hotel historian, Tom Wolfe.

Top of the Mark
Our tour ends on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, “Top of the Mark” for "no host" beverages and photos at sunset. The Mark Hopkins Hotel guests have included leading statesmen, royalty, and celebrities, such as, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson (who required a personal chef to prepare his vegetarian meals) and The Rolling Stones (who took two entire floors for themselves and their entourage). As much as I love history, it’s the view at Top of the Mark that keeps me coming back to try to get the perfect photo at sundown and early “blue hour".

What's not included

OPTIONAL: Alcoholic Beverages

OPTIONAL: Cable Car (or Uber transportation if necessary)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We can meet in the Hyatt Regency Hotel Lobby or outside at the California Street Cable Car Terminal.

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