Nobody likes a know-it-all, but everyone appreciates a well-versed local. Increase your urban knowledge by joining one of San Francisco City Guides 58 available walking tours. Organized by volunteers who love the city's lore and legends, these anecdotal walkabouts aren't snoozy ho-hummers. We recently joined the Sutro Heights City Guide tour. Almost all of the 10 people who showed up were from the Bay Area; this tour's a little too off the beaten path for the tourists! Docent Dan regaled us with entertaining stories of inventor, entrepreneur and real estate developer Adolph Sutro who welcomed the public to enjoy his lavish estate and gardens in western San Francisco. Today, people can still stroll the area now run by the National Park Service. Visit the site where Sutro's home once overlooked Ocean Beach and his other famous property, the Cliff House. Then head down to the Sutro Baths ruins and learn how San Franciscans entertained themselves in the early 1900s. Cap off your academic afternoon with a stroll through Lands End. "A" for effort!
San Francisco City Guides has dozens of walking tours. It is a nonprofit and there is no fee or reservation to attend, although donations are appreciated.