San Francisco City Guides (Free)

How long do tours last? Most tours last 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Do I need to make a reservation? No. Just show up at the time and place indicated on the schedule. (NOTE: We ask groups of 8 or more to schedule a special tour several weeks in advance. See below.)

How do I recognize the guide?
Your guide will be wearing a badge that displays the City Guides logo. If you don’t see the badge, just look for someone at the appointed place who seems ready to lead a tour.

What are the tours like?
Very fun and informative. We'll show you a combination of tried-and-true San Francisco landmarks and off-the-beaten-path sites. For a quick view, see this video (a new window will open).

See the San Francisco City Guide Tour Schedule

Be sure to check where you meet, your starting location is based on the tour. 

They have a tour of Japantown: San Francisco's Japantown dates from the earthquake and fire of 1906. During World War II, Japanese American residents were imprisoned and replaced largely by African Americans, whose thriving businesses included many jazz clubs. Beginning in the 1950s, a decades-long urban renewal project reshaped both the neighborhood's population and its physical landscape. Today we see Japanese-style architecture next to classic Victorians and the birth of the Fillmore Jazz Preservation District.Meet at the intersection of Buchanan and Sutter Streets, near 1747 Buchanan Street, next to the large Japanese gate (rectangular arch) at the entrance to the pedestrian mall. Public transportation: MUNI lines, 2, 22, 38.

They have a tour of Japanese Tea Garden: Join us for a stroll through this five-acre world-famous garden. Learn about the icons of the Garden and the family that lived there. Admission to garden required except on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30 morning tour.Meet just inside the entrance to the garden.