Sunken Ships and Shady Past The Yerba Buena Waterfront Walk
Overview
Wind your way through the historic heart of San Francisco, tracing the "ghost" of the original 1849 waterline and the chaotic birth of a global metropolis. Starting where the bay once met the shore at the Transamerica Redwood Park, this tour takes trekkers through the preserved brick alleys of Jackson Square, the lawless echoes of the Barbary Coast, and the cultural crossroads of Portsmouth Square and North Beach.
We’ll stop at several famous points of interest and hidden markers, including the site of the First U.S. Mint, Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, Portsmouth Square, and Hotaling Place. You’ll learn about the legendary figures who defined early SF—from the eccentric Emperor Norton and his faithful dogs to the "Demon in the Belfry" and the rebellious Beatniks of Columbus Avenue. Along the way, we’ll point out the best secret photo ops, like the perfectly framed "urban canyon" view of the Transamerica Pyramid.
What's Included
- Entrance fee
- Bottled water
Meeting Location
600 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Transamerica Redwood Park
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Old United States Mint
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Jackson Square (pass by)
Portsmouth Square
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Old Saint Mary's Cathedral
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Columbus Avenue
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Jackson Square (pass by)
Transamerica Pyramid
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Sunken Ships and Shady Past The Yerba Buena Waterfront Walk?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-445744P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- Entrance fee.
- Bottled water.
The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Sunken Ships and Shady Past The Yerba Buena Waterfront Walk is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Sunken Ships and Shady Past The Yerba Buena Waterfront Walk will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Entrance fee
- Bottled water
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
