San Francisco Jewish History Private Walking Tour

San Francisco , United States

San Francisco Jewish History Private Walking Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a San Francisco Jewish History Private Walking Tour. Stroll through historic streets, view iconic landmarks like the Haas-Lilienthal House and Congregation Sherith Israel, and immerse yourself in the rich history of the city’s Jewish community.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Discover San Francisco’s Jewish history with a 5-Star History Expert Guide
- See the historic Haas-Lilienthal House, a symbol of Jewish heritage
- Learn about Congregation Sherith Israel, an iconic synagogue with a rich history
- Gain insight into the Jewish Community Center, a hub of modern Jewish culture
- Uncover hidden stories of San Francisco’s vibrant Jewish community along the way

Step into the heart of San Francisco and uncover its rich Jewish heritage on this private 2-hour walking tour. This intimate experience takes you beyond the city’s surface to explore the hidden stories and historical significance of San Francisco’s Jewish community. Discover San Francisco’s vibrant Jewish past with us today!

Available options

San Francisco Jewish History Private Walking Tour

What's included

5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language

Recommendations on the best things to do in San Francisco

Interesting facts about the Jewish history of San Francisco

Fascinating facts about San Francisco's Jewish culture and heritage

Private Walking Tour of San Francisco’s Jewish History

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide In front of Academy of Art University Automobile Museum, 1849 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States. Please do not enter the museum, it is only a meeting point and the staff is not informed about the tour.

Stop 2

private tour of San Francisco’s Jewish history, starting at the stunning Haas-Lilienthal House. This Victorian gem, built in 1886, offers a glimpse into the lives of one of the city’s most prominent Jewish families. As you walk along California Street, your guide will share fascinating tales of the Jewish community’s role in shaping the city’s cultural and economic landscape.

A stop at Congregation Sherith Israel, one of San Francisco’s oldest synagogues, reveals the resilience of the Jewish people—this beautiful building survived the 1906 earthquake and continues to stand as a symbol of strength and faith.

Your journey continues past historical sites like the former Emanu-El Sisterhood for Personal Service, which once provided essential services to Jewish immigrants. The tour winds through the elegant Pacific Heights neighbourhood, where Jewish merchants and professionals once lived, offering a glimpse into the life of San Francisco’s early Jewish elite. The tour concludes at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, a hub of modern Jewish life and culture, where the past and present of the Jewish community converge.

As you explore these significant landmarks, you’ll gain insights into Jewish history, including the impact of World War II on local families and the remarkable contributions Jewish leaders made to the city. From the struggles of early Jewish immigrants to the triumphs of today’s vibrant community, this tour brings San Francisco’s Jewish story to life.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Tickets to attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Check your email the day before the tour for important information.

It is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather.

Please note that entry tickets to the attractions, food and drinks are NOT INCLUDED in this tour.

We're not afraid of the sun and rain, so the tour will take place as planned, regardless of weather, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately.

For the best experience, we limit your group size to 1-25 guests per guide, so that everyone can get personal attention, ask questions and hear commentary clearly. We will arrange additional guides for larger groups, so the price will be higher.

Meeting point

Important notes

Know before you go:
- Check your email the day before the tour for important information.
- It is a walking tour, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather.
- Please note that entry tickets to the attractions, food and drinks are NOT INCLUDED in this tour.
- We're not afraid of the sun and rain, so the tour will take place as planned, regardless of weather, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately.
- For the best experience, we limit your group size to 1-25 guests per guide, so that everyone can get personal attention, ask questions and hear commentary clearly. We will arrange additional guides for larger groups, so the price will be higher.

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