The Secrets of Golden Gate Park: A San Francisco Chronicle Self-Guided Tour
Uncover the story of Golden Gate Park at your own pace with the San Francisco Chronicle's affordable audio tour.
• Find out about arrogant tycoons, and one giant, stuffed 150-year-old grizzly bear on this hike around the famous park
• Hear from San Francisco Chronicle journalists Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight who crafted this tour from the best unknown stories around the city
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Overview
Uncover the story of Golden Gate Park at your own pace with the San Francisco Chronicle's affordable audio tour. • Find out about arrogant tycoons, and one giant, stuffed 150-year-old grizzly bear on this hike around the famous park • Hear from San Francisco Chronicle journalists Peter Hartlaub and Heather Knight who crafted this tour from the best unknown stories around the city • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Itinerary
California Academy of Sciences
The tour takes place in Golden Gate Park.
de Young Museum
The tour passes by the de Young Museum. You'll hear about the museum while you walk.
AIDS Memorial Grove
The tour takes you past the National AIDS Memorial Grove. You'll hear about the memorial while you walk.
Conservatory of Flowers
The tour starts outside of the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. You'll learn about how VoiceMap works before setting off.
Stow Lake
The tour follows a section of Stow Lake. You'll hear about the lake while you walk.
Japanese Tea Garden
The tour passes by the Japanese Tea Garden. You'll hear about the garden while you walk.
Skatin' Place
The tour goes past the Monarch Bear Grove. You'll hear about the grove while you walk.
Location
Conservatory of Flowers (100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco County San Francisco, California, 94118)
Address
100 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
Inclusions
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour before your booking date and after it
- The virtual playback option so that you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
Exclusions
- Smartphone and headphones
Opening Hours
- Monday
00:00 - 23:59
- Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
- Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
- Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
- Friday
00:00 - 23:59
- Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
- Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Additional Information
- You can download the tour anytime, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. PLACES TO STOP ALONG THE WAY The tour is walking or short biking/driving distance from several fun-to-explore neighborhoods near the park, including: • The Haight-Ashbury: The Haight is filled with history, shopping, used clothes and records, and good food options centered on Haight Street between Stanyan and Masonic.
- • Inner Richmond District: There are eclectic shops, food and more fun discoveries in the neighborhood surrounding Green Apple Books at 506 Clement St.
- • Outer Richmond District: There is more food, historic bars and a theater in the neighborhood surrounding Balboa Theatre at 3630 Balboa St.
- • Inner Sunset District: Irving Street between 6th and 12th avenues has some great breakfast places and other dining. BEST TIME OF DAY From dawn until dusk. It's best during dry weather as some spots are on dirt roads or trails. PRECAUTIONS • Wear comfortable shoes and layers — be prepared for cold weather and a modest hike (some of it on unpaved paths.)
- • This walk includes stairs, with one particularly long staircase. Unfortunately it isn't wheelchair accessible or suitable for strollers.
- • If you drive to the park or to a nearby neighborhood, be sure not to leave valuables in your car. Auto theft is traditionally very common around Golden Gate Park.
Requirements
- It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
- Each person should bring their own charged smartphone and headphones.
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
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