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Art and culture activities in San Francisco

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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4.97 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviews

Guided Tour of an Iconic Painted Lady Home on Postcard Row

We provide a guided tour of one of San Francisco's most iconic homes- one of the Painted Ladies on Postcard Row, Alamo Square. The Painted Ladies are all private homes, rarely open to the public. Tours are tailored to the interests of the group; film, tv, architecture, history, historic preservation, all presented in an informal, friendly, storytelling format. One of the best preserved of the circa 1894 homes in this row, this home is filled with family heirlooms and the stories of those who once owned them, dating back to 1849 and the Gold Rush. Visitors will have a unique experience of what it is like to live in one of the most well-known homes in America through the eyes of a native, an historian- who has been the owner for over two decades.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews

Paint Watercolor with a Local Artist

You will have the opportunity to paint iconic San Francisco images in watercolor with an experienced artist and teacher. Beginners are welcome and all materials are included, you'll walk away with your own personal masterpiece! My name is James Gleeson and I am a multi faceted, local San Francisco Artist who specializes in local scenes of San Francisco. My work reflects both academic discipline and creative artistic freedom. My studio is located in the Bernal Heights/Mission district where I display my work and share my passion for art with others. This is where I paint and teach my classes, you will be immersed by iconic images and paintings of San Francisco. We do a different theme each class and I prepare an individual drawing for each student on watercolor paper. All students are provided materials and a spacious place to work. We will do a quick round of introductions and I'll explain our theme and painting in a beginner friendly step by step process. I will explain and demonstrate each step for students to paint each segment of the painting. You will learn basic water color technique as well as color and design methods. I am very excited to host you and to provide this artistic experience. As a teacher I love working with beginners and seeing their inspiration for art grow. You will learn technical skills to take home and continue your painting. See you soon!

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 5 reviews

Sun printing in Golden Gate Park

Reconnect with Nature: Blend Mindfulness and Creativity in Golden Gate Park with Cyanotype Printing. • We'll start with a leisurely hike through the park, taking in the rich history and beauty of this iconic San Francisco landmark. • Enjoy a guided nature bathing session, where the park's sights and sounds will refresh and rejuvenate your spirit. • After recharging, we'll create unique solar prints using elements inspired by the park, engaging you deeper with nature. Note: - Alternative dates for private groups are available. I also offer different locations to fit your groups needs. Inquiries are welcome.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 550 reviews

San Francisco Architecture private tour

Your private tour will meet at the Queen Anne Hotel located at 1590 Sutter in Pacific Heights with its colorful Victorian row houses, famous mansions, and diverse architectural mix. Learn the history of San Francisco through its architecture. Explore the inside of a period Queen Anne Victorian with all its original detail and furniture. See where Mrs. Doubtfire and Princess Diaries were filmed, or where Robin Williams and Francis Ford Coppola lived and much more. See views of the bay including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy lunch after the tour on Union Street in Cow Hollow, our exclusive Victorian commercial district. A truly unforgettable experience! Other things to note Wear comfortable shoes. We go around hills, never up them. This is the perfect activity for corporate team building and convention groups. It’s also great for private events like birthdays and wedding activities. Only private tours are being offered at this time at a base rate of $200 for up to four. You pick the tour start time. Larger groups can be accommodated for an additional cost.

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4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1271 reviews

E-Bike SF’s Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems w/ a local historian

Discover San Francisco Like Never Before! This experience is led by longtime locals Nick and John. We run Dandyhorse (look us up:) , SF's only local bike tour & rental company, since 2015. Take our awesome e-bike tour and go beyond typical sightseeing on an immersive, narrated adventure through the soul of the city. Your fun local guide / historian uses our exclusive wireless earpieces to bring the story of San Francisco’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes to life. As you ride our premium electric bikes, you’ll hear fascinating stories of the city’s gold rush origins, rebellious spirit, and ever-evolving future—all while enjoying the beauty of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and must-see neighborhoods. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you truly feel the soul of the city, not just see it. What you'll do (and ride features): • Ride the Golden Gate Bridge! • Explore Golden Gate Park • Discover the Presidio, SF’s other grand nature area • See SF’s famous Painted Lady Victorian houses • Enjoy a pastry (included!) from one of SF’s best local bakeries • Experience 10 must-visit local neighborhoods • Wireless Headsets for an immersive and extra safe ride • SF's best electric bikes: get up all the hills with ease (so FUN!) Send us a note for private tours, team building rides, and special options.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 237 reviews

San Francisco Personal Photographer Tour

Whether you are traveling solo, with your significant other, or with friends/family, it is always hard to get a spontaneous photo to truly capture the moment. Don't leave it up to a stranger on the street, let me show you some of my favorite spots around San Francisco while snapping some great shots along the way. Don't worry if you feel a little awkward in front of the camera - I am happy to give you directions! This 1.5- 2 hrs tour will show you some well-known spots plus some hidden gems around San Francisco Get ready for some fresh, Insta-ready images to make you the envy of your friends back home. You will get at least 25 high-resolution edited photos per person (usually more!). We will be taking you to the most beautiful architecture of the Palace of Fine Arts, Painted Ladies, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Please note this is a small group tour with a maximum of 4 guests. If you wish to have a private tour or are traveling in a larger group, please contact me to arrange a custom booking. Other things to note. - Bring happiness and Smiles, you are the star of the day - Additional charger for extra hour (discount) - Reschedule is possible when the weather is not on our side. - I also offer Private Proposals contact me for details!

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 596 reviews

Pottery in the Mission

We will start with some of the interesting history of the studio space. Then I will get you situated on the wheel and show you how to properly secure your lump of clay. After the clay is secured we start the wheel spinning nice and fast. I will show you how to center the clay which is a very important (and frustrating) stage of making pottery on the wheel. After we successfully center the clay, you will explore how the clay moves and reacts to your touch. We will work to form a simple shape such as a bowl or cup. To finish off we will do some clean up of the form and remove the piece from the wheel in order to start experimenting with the next piece. You can expect to get to practice with around 6 lumps of clay (more if you are ambitious) and most people will create 2-3 pieces by the end of the session. Pieces will be professionally finished, fired, and glazed after the experience. This process takes at least 3 weeks. After the pieces are finished you can pickup in the studio or they can be shipped. Shipping costs are paid by the guest. Other things to note Come wearing clothes that you don't mind getting messy. We will provide aprons. If you have long hair plan to have a hair tie or a way to secure your hair back. Trim long nails if you are able.

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 469 reviews

Intro to Pottery Wheel Throwing-Take a Claycation

We will literally get down to earth, get centered and throw some mud on the potter's wheel. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty and explore the depth of your creative spirit. Our master potter will demonstrate the mesmerizing process of throwing a basic cylinder on the wheel. Then its your turn to get your hands into the clay and create your own masterpiece. Anything you want to keep will be trimmed, bisque fired, glazed and glaze fired by our master potter's and made available for you to pick up at a later date (3-6 weeks). After you have created your masterpieces, the last 15 minutes of class will be for clean-up. If you want to use all your time creating, for a small fee, the teacher will do the clean-up for you, just ask. *Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of the demonstration and won't give you the time you will want to create. *For a private group or team session at a date and time of your choice, please send me a message. Other things to note Children are welcome with an adult guarding registered and participating in the same class.

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 378 reviews

Ghost Hunting in Old San Francisco

Welcome to The Haunt, San Francisco’s hands-on ghost tour through old Chinatown and Gold Rush alleys. Perfect for couples and families, The Haunt combines storytelling of ghosts and true crime with authentic ghost hunting, making it an unforgettable journey into San Francisco’s haunted past. You'll stand atop infamous tunnels used for kidnapping Gold Rush sailors, see a former 1800’s brothel and gambling hall, detect unexplainable EMF spikes at a haunted playhouse, and commune with the dead using modern ghost hunting tools. We’re experienced storytellers and ghost hunters, and we've been featured on Ghost Adventures with Zak Bagans. Spots fill up fast, so we recommend booking now to secure your place in this otherworldly experience.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 528 reviews

See San Francisco from a vintage VW Bus

Looking for an authentic San Francisco experience? Trade the tour bus for a vintage Volkswagen bus that easily navigates the city’s less-traveled lanes from the Golden Gate to the Painted Ladies. You will be picked up at our easily accessible pickup location and driven by one of our professional guides in either Lillie or Harvey, our two fully restored vintage 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Buses. The tour will last approximately 3 hours and you will get to see all that San Francisco has to offer including 5 photo stops. Enjoy neighborhoods such as Chinatown, North Beach, The Marina, Haight Ashbury and The Castro with photo stops at Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, Fort Point (under the Golden Gate Bridge), Twin Peaks and Alamo Square. Your guide will drop you off at the same location where you were picked up. Other things to note: Bring a camera, light jacket, and a smile. We'll provide a bottle of water. Make sure to be a little early if possible so you can find the pick-up location.

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 802 reviews

Chinatown Food Walk: Tea & Dim Sum

When was the last time you had a dim sum that was so delicious you dreamt about it for weeks? On our Chinatown food tour, you’ll see the world’s first fortune cookie factory, taste different kinds of dim sum and tea, and learn how Chinese immigrants made it to the Bay. HIGHLIGHTS + Stories of the Gold Rush and Chinese immigration + Taste food from a 100yo Restaurant + Sip on delicious bubble tea + Snack at a local bakery + Visit the fortune cookie factory + Eat a dim sum feast + Learn and taste all about Chinese tea Our tasty adventure starts in the heart of Chinatown with Dim Sum. Ready to take on the day, we check out the fortune cookie factory and take a peek inside! Next, we stroll down the street of the infamous 10-cent haircut and learn how sailors journeyed here in hopes of the American dream. But wait, the adventure doesn’t stop there! Next, we’ll check out the oldest bakery in Chinatown, a church that survived the 1906 earthquake, the oldest temples in the USA, all while sipping some delicious bubble tea. As we approach our final hour, we head to a local tea shop and learn about the role of tea in traditional Chinese medicine with a 30-minute tasting. Feeling warm, we head to our last stop to learn about the Gold Rush, in the exact spot it all started! Here we taste a local pork roll from one of the oldest restaurants in town.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 361 reviews

WaterBike the Bay, San Franciscos Famous Scenic Fitness Ride

Escape the city and embark on a 90-min fitness adventure (60 mins on water) that will invigorate your spirit and let you explore the stunning waters of The SF Bay. For Oct- Nov all rides are discounted by $60 to $125 (From $185) Perfect for couples, dates, groups, and team-building, our waterbike experience offers a customized adventure for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and more. Get ready for an unforgettable ride! Discover the thrill of our floating bikes—safe, stable, and surprisingly fast. Here's what to expect: - Intro to Waterbikes - Get familiar with the bikes and learn how they work. - Quick safety tips for a secure and enjoyable ride. - Hit the water and soak in the beauty of the San Francisco waterfront. Scenic Route with Spectacular Views - Depart from South Beach Harbor Marina - Pier 40 Guest Dock (next to the Pier 40 Building and Marina - Pedal towards the iconic San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge. - Capture memorable photos and videos to share. ⚡️ Casual Pace and Personalized Experience - Ride at a comfortable 2-4 mph, tailored to your group's fitness level. - Enjoy a refreshing workout or a relaxed joyride. - Cool Down and Cherish Memories - Conclude with a cool-down session. - Exchange photos and contact information. - Make the most of your time to explore other Bay activities. Don't just take our word for it: Check out our reviews!

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 69 reviews

The Heartbeat of San Francisco - Literary walking tour

Come explore and discover on foot what the great poet, George Sterling called, "The cool, grey city of love." And like Tony Bennett, you'll leave your heart here too! Historical walking tour with an emphasis on art, music, Barbary Coast history, and most of all: the great writers who gave this enchanted city its voice. I've been a part of the community for three decades. I'm a local author and radio personality and well-known in the neighborhood. I know where the bodies are buried and where the history lives. Great for groups and team building. English, history, and literature classes, corporate teams, 1st amendment lovers, and educators. The tour has been praised by among others, The Guardian of London, The San Francisco Chronicle, and the San Francisco Weekly. Places we visit include: • The Jazz Mural and Language of the Birds art installation • Beat Museum • The Cafe Trieste • Location of the literary journal where Mark Twain worked • Historic Sentinel building owned by Francis Ford Coppola • Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo's former SF residence The walk is flat and is about a mile and a half long. Happy trails!

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 93 reviews

Secrets of Stunning Photographs SF

You'll learn how to take amazing photos even if you've never picked up a camera before. We'll meet in one landmark neighborhood and suddenly you'll discover the secrets of shooting in Chinatown or Palace of Fine Arts, taking shots with me. We'll capture street photography, dogs, architecture, and how to take a great photo of a person in less than a minute. It's guaranteed you'll get one on one guidance on light, angle, composition, and timing as we shoot together. You'll be inspired with advice on how to see differently and learn how to absolutely shoot your best angle and composition. You'll get the expertise from my 39-year photography business in the heart of Silicon Valley. I’ll review your photos on my Mac Pro advising you on what makes your best photos great so you can be successful after our shoot. And how you can improve photos you've taken. And you'll learn how to use any camera or phone and leave with your own incredible photos to share with your family and friends. Retreats: marybartnikowski dot com Join me on YouTube for Travel and Life Advice: Search my name: MaryBartnikowski What to Bring: A camera or smartphone with the battery charged. If you’re shooting on an SD card, I'll pop it in my computer so we can view your work. Cafe and bathrooms on site. Be prepared to walk a lot and learn new tips on how to take better photographs.

Art and culture activities in San Francisco

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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