Back to list

The Vibrant Castro & Mission District: Private Half-Day Tour in San Francisco, CA

Travel Curious • 401 Castro St. • San Francisco, CA 94114

View on Map

View Gallery

Starting at

$586.00

Total Price: $597.72 (USD)

Book Now

Based on 2 reviews

INSTANT CONFIRMATION

NO SERVICE FEES

Authorized Reseller

Details

Map

FAQs

Select Tickets

Overview

Explore the Castro and Mission Districts of San Francisco and learn about the protests and campaigns that shaped not only the city, but also the entire country! This guided walking tour will take you through the hippest neighborhoods, visiting landmarks like the iconic LGBTQ protest grounds, the historic Old Spanish Mission, views from Dolores Park and more.

up to 3 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

Hear all about San Francisco's hand in social change on this Castro and Mission District walking tour!
This entire tour is approximately 3 hours in duration.
This tour is suitable for history buffs of all ages!
Food, drinks and gratuities are not included on this tour.
This is an exclusive guided walking tour.
Note that if you wish to visit the Mission Dolores Basilica, it is only open on tours scheduled for Thursday through Sunday.

Description

San Francisco’s pioneering activists and counter-cultural forces have powered societal change for over five decades, shaping the modern city and modern America. Walk around the Castro and Mission Districts, famous for the anti-war protests of 1967, Harvey Milk’s civil rights campaign of the 1970s, and more recent protests against gentrification in one of the most attractive and exciting cities in the United States.

On your private guided tour, you will:

See Harvey Milk Plaza and the LGBTQ protest grounds, the Pink Triangle Memorial, and the Rainbow Honor Walk;
Enjoy sweeping downtown views from leafy Dolores Park;
Admire the bold political murals and urban artworks in Clarion Alley;
See the Old Spanish Mission, the Bay Area’s most historic building with tickets included;
Enjoy the stunning city views from Dolores Park;
Stroll the hottest destination eateries, cafés, and food joints on Valencia Street;
Finish your tour on Valencia Street, lined with shops, cafés, and food joints.

This Private Tour of Castro and Mission will introduce you to the city’s hippest neighborhoods, notable for their LGBTQ community and cool, artsy vibe. In the Castro, learn about the extraordinary accomplishments of SF residents in halting demolition, stopping four-lane freeways and affecting positive change in feminism, peace, and LGBTQ rights. The neighborhood’s many spirited LGBTQ bars range from brewpubs and bustling dives to ritzy drag shows.

You will hear how, today, America has elected more than 500 LGBTQ politicians into public office - from city council members, mayors and members of Congress to state legislators and governors - yet, 40 years ago, the tally was just a handful of gay men and lesbians, of which Harvey Milk was one. On the Private Tour of Castro and Mission, explore Milk’s Ground Zero and immerse yourself in the legacy of California’s first openly gay elected official - and the role Castro played.

In the Mission District, you will venture down Clarion Alley and see the fabulous urban graffiti and satirical political street art as you stroll in the footsteps of feminists, Latinos, artists and activists who continue to fight for the soul of San Francisco. Pop into the Mission Dolores to see the oldest building in San Francisco, along with shrubbery and a garden reflective of the mission in the early 1790s.

With a buzzing cultural mix and sizzling street food, Mission is famous for its galleries, neon-lit clubs and basement bars and is blessed with the leafy greenery of picturesque Dolores Park.

Inclusions:

A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
Plenty of time to take photos of your favorite places
Entrance Tickets to Mission Dolores

Exclusions:

Hotel pick up and drop off
Food and drink
Gratuities
Additional tickets

Promotional Images (11)

A broad concrete staircase leads to a large walkway lined with palm trees and a statue in the center. People are sitting and walking around the green areas on a clear, sunny day.

The Vibrant Castro and Mission District: Private Half-Day Tour is located at Travel Curious • 401 Castro St. • San Francisco, CA 94114

Attractions

Hotels & Lodging

Frequently Asked Questions about The Vibrant Castro and Mission District: Private Half-Day Tour

Where is the meeting point for this Travel Curious tour?

You will be meeting your guide for the Castro and Mission District tour at the corner of Market and Castro Street, outside the 'Twin Peaks' Tavern, San Francisco, CA 94114, or as advised on your e-ticket. Please be at the location 10-15 minutes prior to your tour.

How long is this Travel Curious tour?

The entire The Castro and Mission District is approximately 3 hours long.

What is included in the tour package?

You will be given a local English-speaking guide, and an expertly guided walking tour. Their tours are all given in English, but numerous guides may speak other languages. Please contact the number provided on the e-ticket to see if they can accommodate any special requests!

What landmarks will we be on the The Castro and Mission District?

You will be seeing and touring the following areas: (1) The Harvey Milk Plaza, Pink Triangle Memorial and the Rainbow Honor Walk, where protests for feminism, peace, and LGBTQ rights happened (2) Dolores Park full of beautiful downtown views and greenery (3) Dearborn Garden, an elevated urban garden on the city's rooftop (4) Clarion Alley, home to a lot of vivid and beautiful murals and political artworks (5) The Mission Dolores, area where the oldest building in San Francisco, The Old Spanish Mission, resides (6) Valencia Street, where the hottest eateries, cafés, and food joints can be found Note that if you wish to visit the Mission Dolores Basilica, it is presently open to guests Thursday through Sunday.

Is transportation included?

This is a family-friendly, guided walking tour around San Fransisco. Transportation is not included in the The Castro and Mission District walking tour.

Is parking provided?

Street parking is widely available off of Crestline Drive and turning right on Twin Peaks Blvd will lead you to a free parking lot. You can also contact the phone number on your e-ticket to ask for advise on how to get to the departure point via car or public transport.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

This tour is suitable for all ages. All guests must be at moderate physical fitness as the majority of the The Castro and Mission District will be spent walking.

What should I bring?

Bring your camera and cash on hand for any other purchases or gratuities(optional)!

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing on this Travel Curious tour as San Fransisco's steep slopes are a challenge. Wearing casual clothing and comfortable shoes is recommended. San Fransisco's weather is very volatile. Ensure that you're prepared for cold, rainy, humid or sunny weather!

How many people are on a tour?

This is a private walking tour and your group! All of their private tours are 100% exclusive, which means that it will just be you, your group and your guide on the tour.

How does Travel Curious ensure the quality of their guides?

All tour guides currently active go through a vetting process in which they carry out interviews, check previous reviews and employers references if applicable. More importantly, they make sure that these guides provide an excellent experience for the guests.