Barbary Coast Trail
Walk along the old Barbary Coast of North Beach in San Francisco as you take a guided tour of the historic buildings and sites of the area. Led by Daniel Bacon, an expert in the history of North Beach, you will be taken on a 3.8 mile walking tour where you will see things like the saloon where many sailors were shanghaied, a graveyard of abandoned ships that sailors ditched and headed for the hills during the Gold Rush, the plaza where the Gold Rush fever started, and several other historic locations. In addition to a printed map, audio tour details what the area sounded like during the Barbary Coast days. The tour begins at the old U.S. Mint and winds its way through North Beach until you reach the Aquatic Park. Cable cars are available at each end of the trail to assist you in getting to and from the tour.
Barbary Coast Trail
(415) 454-2355
barbarycoasttrail.org
Guided Bike Tour
Enjoy a 4 1/4-mile bike ride through North Beach with San Francisco Bike Rentals' guided bike tour from Fisherman's Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge. This 60-minute tour will take you on a round-trip adventure past famous landmarks including the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field and Fort Mason. The tour is an easy ride along the banks of the San Francisco Bay. Your guide will point out the different places of historic significance before turning the group around underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and returning to your starting point. Your tour also includes the option of stopping for a break at the Exploratorium to enjoy the scientific exhibits.
Bike and Roll San Francisco
899 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 229-2000
bicyclerental.com
Bird Watching at North Beach
View the many varieties of birds in the North Beach area when you enjoy California Nature Tours' Bird Watching tour. This tour gives you the option of bird watching from Crissy Field or Ocean Beach where you will see all kinds of native birds like brown pelicans, Snowy Plovers, pelicans and other shore birds. This area of North Beach is a very popular destination for those who enjoy watching these amazing creatures. The Western Snowy Plover is on the endangered species list and makes its home here along the shores of Ocean Beach along with the brown pelicans. Experienced tour guides will point out the different types of birds and where they live, as well as their eating habits and more. It is recommended that you bring a good pair of binoculars so that you can get a better view.
California Nature Tours
235 Douglass St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 971-5201
californianaturetours.com
Article Written By Carl Pruit
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
