San Francisco Presidio Walking Tour
Description
Explore the Presidio's Main Post on a captivating two-hour walking tour, immersing yourself in the blend of historic and modern spaces, with highlights such as the impressive Presidio Tunnel Tops. Delve deeper into the unseen treasures, as an expert guide reveals intriguing stories of former inhabitants, narrating the park's vibrant history with poignant tales of a destructive fire, a heartbreaking love saga, and the remarkable courage displayed by soldiers.. A tragic fire, a sad love story that sparked a rumor of a ghost, and heroic stories of some of those buried in the National Cemetery (including the Buffalo Soldiers!)- we'll share all of this with you including details on what it's like to live and work here in this national park. (Note: There is a 2 person minimum required to book this tour.) More details about us can be found directly on the JB Walking Tours website.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Starting from the Lodge at the Presidio, our 2-mile walk on the Main Post in the Presidio will take us thru historic neighborhoods, past the oldest parts of San Francisco, and into the National Cemetery. Along the way we'll share stories about the people who have lived and worked here over the Presidio's 240+ years. You'll hear stories of ill-fated lovers, a house fire affecting a famous general and his family, and stories of heroes and a spy buried in the National Cemetery. We'll give you an overview of San Francisco's history and Presidio's role in its growth. Beginning as home of the Ohlone native people, to a Spanish, then Mexican military outpost, then U.S. Army base to national park site, the Presidio is now a park for the people! Our walk meets at the Lodge at the Presidio. Hope to see you there!
Stories of Buffalo Soldiers, a Union Spy, and a local Bay Area hero will capture your imagination, along with the spectacular view from the National Cemetery Overlook. Be sure to bring your camera, the views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge are sure to inspire!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(19)
We had an amazing tour of the Presidio of San Francisco! Our tour guide was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to warm up to right away. Julie shared so much interesting history and insight without it ever feeling overwhelming. The time flew by. We honestly didn’t even notice that over two hours had passed. It was engaging from start to finish, and we walked away with a much deeper appreciation for the Presidio. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting or even locals who want to learn more.
Thanks CSOCH! It was super fun to share the Presidio with you and your family. Hope to catch you on another tour (as we discussed!) -Julie
Julie Brown has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Presidio and has the personality to bring it alive. A must do if you’re in San Francisco!
My father and I recently did the Presidio walking tour with Julie and we would highly recommend it! The physical location is absolutely beautiful in relation to the Golden Gate Bridge. The history of the area is quite rich, from its indigenous origins, to Spanish occupation, US Military base history, and up to it's current day status as beautiful park open to the public. If you like interesting US history, you'll love the tour. Julie has impressive inside knowledge of it all and she brings a real care and passion for the subject matter. Julie also went above and beyond helping my father and I find the barracks he was once stationed at many years ago. A truly special and memorable experience!
Don’t overlook visiting the Presidio when you travel to San Francisco. Tour guide Julie Brown provides fascinating details and historical context that help you understand the city as a whole. In addition to the history, the Presidio offers spectacular views that you get nowhere else in the city. Start here, then do other San Francisco tours afterward.
JB knows a lot about the Presidio Trust since she worked for them. It’s a beautiful area with lots of history. Make sure to see the grave of the union spy in the cemetary.
We have been on a lot of tours in a lot of countries but this had to be the best. JB walking tour is a must! You learn so much history about the Presidio and JB knows so many stories and interesting facts about the people who called the Presidio their home. I cannot say enough good things about the tour. I am having the rest of my family make sure they book this tour when they come to visit San Francisco.
What a great time we had on the Presidio walking tour. The setting itself is amazing and Julie brought it to life by telling us about the park’s history. She’s a fantastic tour guide — warm, friendly, knowledgeable and fun. This tour is highly recommended.
Julie is an excellent guide: knowledgeable and very personable. She explains all about the history of the Presidio, management structure and architectural details. She used to work there and now lives in housing in the Presidio. A wonderful way to spend 2 hours.
Julie was such a great tour guide very personable and full of knowledge. I went with a group of friends and we all had a great time. We learned things we never knew before about San Francisco, the Presidio and the GG!!! I especially liked the Pet Cemetary. I highly recommend this tour it was a great way to do something different outside.
I’ve lived in SF for 30+ years and Julie answered all the questions I’ve ever had about the Presidio! Thank you!
