Explore the neighborhoods, history, and hidden corners of Northern California’s City by the Bay through 37 self-guided walking tours.

From sweeping bay views of the Embarcadero to the windswept beauty of Lands End, from the stairways of Telegraph Hill to the gardens of Golden Gate Park, San Francisco is a city best explored on foot. Grab your walking shoes and become an urban adventurer. Walking San Francisco invites you to slow down, look closer, and experience The City one block, alley, hill, and waterfront path at a time.

Written by Kathleen Dodge Doherty, this informative and entertaining guide leads you through 37 curated walks that blend local history, architecture, culture, dining, and everyday life. You’ll trace The City’s layered past—from the Gold Rush and Barbary Coast to the Summer of Love and the modern tech boom—while discovering grand hotels, hidden stairways, neighborhood cafes, historic bars, public art, scenic overlooks, and tucked-away gems that might not make it into other travel guides.

The book ranges across San Francisco, with walks in Lower Market, Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Mission, the Castro, the Presidio, Japantown, the Richmond District, and beyond—revealing how the distinctive neighborhoods fit together through geography, culture, and shared history. Whether you’re a longtime resident looking to see familiar streets with fresh eyes or a visitor seeking an authentic way to experience The City, this updated edition of Walking San Francisco offers a richer way to explore one of America’s most iconic urban landscapes. Lace up your shoes and start walking.

Book Features

• 37 self-guided walking tours across San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods
• Maps, distances, difficulty levels, parking information, and public transit options for every walk
• Insightful commentary on history, architecture, culture, food, and nightlife
• Portable, stylish format ideal for locals and visitors alike