Victorian Home Walk
Victorian Home Walk
4.9
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Join us in exploring Pacific Heights with its colorful Victorian row houses, famous mansions, and beautiful gardens. Learn the history of San Francisco through its architecture ! A great introduction into the local side of San Francisco. Established in 1996. EXCLUSIVE : Visit the inside of a period Queen Anne Victorian ! The walk is easy, the pace leisurely, and there are no hills to climb. Private tours only, you pick time and date.
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Victorian Home Walk
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.9
480 reviews
Excellent
447
Very good
30
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Gricelia G
2 contributions
Sep 2024 • Solo
Taking Bonnie W‘s Victorian house walking tour was an absolute pleasure. not only was it an outstanding experience- Bonnie‘s extensive knowledge of San Francisco’s “real history” beyond textbook stories shined throughout the tour. Her expertise and thoroughness brought the cities incredible past to life!
The attention to detail that Bonnie presented us with was super impressive, from sending a pre-tour email to prepare us, to taking a group photo to remember the day! What really stood out was her dedication to sharing little known stories, particularly the unbelievable legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant. Mary Pleasant was one of Americas FIRST black millionaires and lived in San Francisco! We started our tour at the Mary Ellen Pleasant Park.
Bonnie’s deep passion for San Francisco’s true history was over-the-top.
More impressive was her follow up on unanswered questions via email definitely showing her commitment to providing an exceptional experience!
If you’re looking for one of the BEST tour guides who goes above and beyond-look no further than Bonnie W! Bonnie’s Victorian walking tour is a must for anyone interested in San Francisco’s rich and unspoken history!
Meet at 1801 Bush St. (Octavia St. side)
With sincere appreciation,
Ms. G
The attention to detail that Bonnie presented us with was super impressive, from sending a pre-tour email to prepare us, to taking a group photo to remember the day! What really stood out was her dedication to sharing little known stories, particularly the unbelievable legacy of Mary Ellen Pleasant. Mary Pleasant was one of Americas FIRST black millionaires and lived in San Francisco! We started our tour at the Mary Ellen Pleasant Park.
Bonnie’s deep passion for San Francisco’s true history was over-the-top.
More impressive was her follow up on unanswered questions via email definitely showing her commitment to providing an exceptional experience!
If you’re looking for one of the BEST tour guides who goes above and beyond-look no further than Bonnie W! Bonnie’s Victorian walking tour is a must for anyone interested in San Francisco’s rich and unspoken history!
Meet at 1801 Bush St. (Octavia St. side)
With sincere appreciation,
Ms. G
Written October 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeyNewYorkers
New York City, NY15 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
This tour was a great way to learn some of San Francisco's history.
Jay was very friendly and a great storyteller. I was a little hesitant about this tour only being available for small private groups, but that is absolutely the best way for this tour to be done.
It allowed for great conversation and personalization based on our questions.
Jay was very friendly and a great storyteller. I was a little hesitant about this tour only being available for small private groups, but that is absolutely the best way for this tour to be done.
It allowed for great conversation and personalization based on our questions.
Written December 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BraintreeTravelers
Ogunquit, ME41 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
This was a remarkable way to learn about the history of San Francisco, to experience the beauty of its Victorian homes, as well as see other transplanted architectural styles. The tour conveniently meets in Union Square in front of the red heart. Jay gathers the tour and together take the public bus to the other side of Van Ness where the tour begins outside of a variety store to stock up on water. After our first lesson on Victorian architecture we wander around the inside of the Queen Anne Inn looking at the traditional inside of a Victorian house and getting our only restroom break of the tour. The rest of the tour is on foot avoiding the big hills and looking at the brightly painted and smothered Victorians and Edwardians. Jay was knowledgeable and gracious throughout the trip.
The trip is accessible to all. We had an older gentleman in our group that had some mobility challenges. He did fine. Jay graciously offered him alternatives and found him resting benches along the way while he talked about the given point of interest or scenic view.
The trip ended on Union Street where Jay offered options to the group. Either take the bus back (Jay provided foolproof directions along with the bus transfer) or continue down Union Street with him and he would offer lunch and shopping suggestions. We chose to catch the bus back and were back in Union Square in 15 minutes.
It was a great way to get out of the crowded tourist parts of the city and to learn about its history. Highly recommended for everyone.
The trip is accessible to all. We had an older gentleman in our group that had some mobility challenges. He did fine. Jay graciously offered him alternatives and found him resting benches along the way while he talked about the given point of interest or scenic view.
The trip ended on Union Street where Jay offered options to the group. Either take the bus back (Jay provided foolproof directions along with the bus transfer) or continue down Union Street with him and he would offer lunch and shopping suggestions. We chose to catch the bus back and were back in Union Square in 15 minutes.
It was a great way to get out of the crowded tourist parts of the city and to learn about its history. Highly recommended for everyone.
Written August 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwi-travellers-USA
Wellington, New Zealand4 contributions
Jul 2011 • Friends
This trip's well worth while. It's an easy-paced walk, with great commentary. They also have access to a large Victorian mansion, which is now a boutique hotel (and there's restroom facilities for those on the walk to use). A bus trip's included in the price and there's no question that the tour guide can't answer it seems! We totally recommend this walking tour.
Written July 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie R
Raleigh, NC103 contributions
May 2021
Jay provided a fantastic private walking tour for our party of 4. He has so much knowledge of the area, the houses and the rules or lack there of that allowed the lovely homes to be modified. He even explained why other house styles were on the street which was predominately Victorian. An added bonus was the history he shared as we walked through each area. At the end, the one thing that struck out to us more than anything was that Jay went out of his way to make the tour what we wanted, so we felt that it was our tour and not a scripted tour that everyone receives. We all were exceptionally satisfied with the tour and would highly recommend it. He also provided good advice on places to eat.
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderingHobbits
Springfield, IL1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Couples
It seemed like a SF sort of thing to do - a little history, a little architecture, a little walking. What a gem of a tour. Jay is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the Victorians and about the neighborhoods we walked through. It was my first visit to SF, and the tour gave me a warm and welcoming immersion into aspects of why people love San Francisco so much. The Victorians aren't so much houses as they are the essence and vibe of the community, and Jay shares that along the route. Loved the tour and suggest it to anyone who finds themselves in SF.
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This tour is great for the first time visitor and the local who has lived here all their life. The information comes from the homeowners making the tour a unique experience for all!
Written July 31, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SeattleZippy
Sammamish, WA72 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
This was really fun! Jay, you are so kind and I just loved walking with you, listening to the history and stories behind the beautiful neighborhoods. At the end you guided all of us and gave great suggestions for having lunch and / or getting the bus back, thank you ! You made my day!
Susan
Susan
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Susan for such a personal review. I really enjoy giving the tour and meeting the people who participate.
Written January 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Char G
The Villages, FL146 contributions
Dec 2019
One of the better tours I've ever taken. Our guide, Jay, is the owner so makes each of his clients feel that you are the center of his focus. He has an in-depth knowledge of the city he has adopted. He gives you an insiders' look at the residential areas of San Francisco, and while he points out buildings of architectural interest, he does a fabulous job relating the styles to the history of the city.
We came away with a feel of and appreciation for the city. Even though I've visited San Francisco three times before, I never felt so connected.
If you want to feel more like a resident than a tourist, this is the tour for you. You will be well taken care of. And don't worry about the walk. Jay knows how to go around the hills instead of over them. He will take good care of you. He even emails you the night before the tour and gives you his phone number in case you have any questions.
Be sure to check out his website for more information and a short video of some of the sites along the way. The video can compare to the experience, so be sure to book this tour.
We came away with a feel of and appreciation for the city. Even though I've visited San Francisco three times before, I never felt so connected.
If you want to feel more like a resident than a tourist, this is the tour for you. You will be well taken care of. And don't worry about the walk. Jay knows how to go around the hills instead of over them. He will take good care of you. He even emails you the night before the tour and gives you his phone number in case you have any questions.
Be sure to check out his website for more information and a short video of some of the sites along the way. The video can compare to the experience, so be sure to book this tour.
Written December 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you! My goal is to give you the best experience possible and reviews like this really motivate me.
Written December 24, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
475jeanie123
Bel Alton, MD36 contributions
Sep 2019
My sister and I visited San F. and did the walking tour with our guide EDDIE. We enjoyed it so much!
Written September 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mosbarger77
Goodland, KS14 contributions
Aug 2019
This was a great tour. Our guide did an amazing job. We learned a lot about the history and different styles of architecture. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes. Saturday September 22nd. Meet Union Square at corner of Powell and Post 10:55am.
Written September 22, 2018
Tips are optional. However, taking the time to review online and word of mouth to friends is really appreciated! Jay
Written September 9, 2018
Jennifer H
Las Vegas, Nevada
Are children allowed on tours? I have a 3-year-old little girl who will be traveling with my husband and me.
Written April 6, 2017
Yes, children are allowed. I get many participants with small children. Effective January 2017 the tour operates three days a week (from five). Tour open Friday, Saturday and Monday. There are still some old brochures out there with old hours. Web site is always up to date.
Jay
Written April 6, 2017
Reservations never needed. Groups are always small.
Written April 20, 2016
Update 2018! Reservations required (no deposit taken). Check website for hours of operation.
Written August 7, 2018
Yeah, how do I book this tour? It keeps redirecting me to other tours I`m not interested in...
I want the Victorian Home Walk, not the half day, not Alcatraz...help please!
Written April 19, 2016
No booking. Just show up at corner of Powell and Post of Union Square. I show up at 10:55 am with a yellow sign that says Victorian Home Walk. $25 cash fee collected at end of tour. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Written April 19, 2016
Are reservations ahead of getting there necessary?
Written May 4, 2015
Reservations are never required, just show up!
Written May 12, 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.