Magical History Tour

Are you ready to chase a trail of golden medallions throughout the city? The do-it-yourself Barbary Coast Trail will show summer guests a city that even old-timers don't know. On this casual walking tour, 170 medallions set in the pavement lead you into the city's interesting and tumultuous past. You can begin the journey wherever you like, but the official start is the Old U.S. Mint Building in the heart of downtown. Over four flat and gently sloping miles, you'll hitch up at the old Pony Express Headquarters, discover the birthplace of the Gold Rush and uncover a few scandalous tidbits too. For example, the high-end shopping side street known as Maiden Lane used to be lined with wooden shanties housing ladies of the night. According to the map pamphlet that accompanies the trail, these denizens "often hung out of windows naked to the waist, and offered men one breast to touch for 10 cents, two for 15 cents." You won't find prices like that at today's Marc Jacobs and Yves St. Laurent! To complete this classic tour, you can ride a cable car from the finish at Aquatic Park back to the start at Hallidie Plaza.

BONUS: Along the trail you'll pass some eminently edifying watering holes, such as the Old Ship and Caffe Trieste, where you and your guests can ponder the past over a pint of Anchor Steam or a frothy cappuccino.

We recommend picking up a printed guide to get the full Barbary Coast Trail experience. They are $9 and can be found at various bookstores in the city.