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The World | |
North America | |
San Francisco | |
Tours of the City |
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San Francisco,
Tours of the City A good public transport system has made walking more a pleasure than a necessity and yet there is a walking tour for every taste. For those interested in discovering the gay community and environs, Cruisin’ The Castro (tel: (415) 550 8110; ) is a four‐hour tour that includes lunch. Tours depart from Harvey Milk Plaza at Castro Street and Market Street, 1000‐1400 and cost US$40. The Foot! (tel: (415) 793 5378; ) tours explore some of the city’s most famous areas (including Nob Hill, Union Square, Chinatown and North Beach) and are led by professional comedians. Regular two‐hour tours cost US$30 and departure points vary depending on the chosen tour. The two‐hour Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour (tel: (415) 863 1621) takes the nostalgic visitor not only back to the 1960s and the famed Summer of Love but also further back to the Haight that was a Victorian resort destination. Tours cost US$15 and depart from the northeast corner of Stanyan Street and Waller Street, Tuesday and Saturday at 0930 (except Nov‐Feb). Reservations are recommended for all walking tours. Bus Tours Gray Line (tel: (415) 434 8687; ) offers a ‘Deluxe City Highlights’ three‐to‐four‐hour tour, which takes in many key sites, including the Golden Gate Park and the bridge. It costs US$37 and reservations are required. There is a free shuttle pick‐up service. Tower Tours (tel: (866) 345 8687; ) offers a similar three‐to‐four‐hour tour for US$37, which includes a hotel pick‐up shuttle service, with three daily departures. Both companies also have trips to Alcatraz, Marin Country and the Wine Country. Other Tours A boat tour of the Bay is a must, providing perhaps the best panorama of the city and a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge. A number of tour operators offer departures from Fisherman’s Wharf. Blue and Gold Fleet (tel: (415) 705 5555, for tickets or 773 1188, for information; ) runs a daily narrated cruise, with regular departures from Pier 39. Tours last around one hour and cost US$20. San Francisco Seaplane Tours (tel: (415) 332 4843 or (888) 732 7526; ) depart daily from Pier 39 in the morning or Sausalito in the afternoon. Shuttle service to Sausalito is available. The half‐hour tours cost US$129. A sunset tour with champagne lasts 40 minutes and costs US$140. |