Ghost Tours San Francisco
Embark on San Francisco's Spooky Ghost Tours

Mansions in Pacific Heights-SF Tour-Alta Plaza Pk.to Lafayette Pk.
Sat, May 23, 5:30 PMDon't be a No-show and lose your membership in the group. Attendance is taken. **We are meeting on the sidewalk at the intersection of Jackson St. & Pierce St., SF, along the north-side of Alta Plaza Park.** (There is a restroom near the top of the Park.) There is available free **parking** around the neighborhood and no restriction on weekends/holidays. (There is always parking on the very steep streets and usually around Alta Plaza Park for example.) To find a spot quickly look on the steep hilly street of Pierce between Jackson & Pacific Ave, 90 degree parking on the west side of the street here. The tour is a little longer than in the past with some new additions as we may make our way from the far west side of the tour at Vallejo & Normandie (where photo above was taken) to Lafayette Park to the east and return to where we started. (Unless lunch intervenes as we cross Fillmore on the return.) After the tour visit Fillmore St. where there are lots of shops, restaurants, coffee houses, bars and bakeries and today. You're welcome to join for lunch. My go to place is, La Mediterranee other places, Mayflower Market for sandwiches, Janes across the street at Fillmore & Sacramento St. Or About midway through the tour we'll stop for a break atop Lafayette Park. The strange 19th century tale of Samuel Holladay and how he got away with building his mansion on the highest point in Pacific Hts., even though his residential real estate "empire", **was atop and within Lafayette Park**. This is a true tale and will be told with some of the old photos. They'll be restrooms at the Park and views and we'll describe the surrounding heritage Victorian houses as time allows, but making our way back through some of the best examples of remaining Victorians in SF. Pacific Heights is best known for being one of the most affluent neighborhoods in San Francisco. This tour highlights the architecture, and some of the people who built, occupied and maintained these grand properties. About 30 of which will be on our tour with a few sentences of information about each property. The walking tour is 3 miles. With the usual SF hills. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Looking at a San Francisco Victorian, what to look for:** *(There are five Styles)* 1. Flat front Italianate- (earliest Victorians). 2. Italianate with slanted bay windows. 3. San Francisco Stick Style (also called East Lake). Simpler square bay windows now used. Overall more elaborate decoration. 4. Queen Anne Tower House&Witches Cap, with angled or rounded bay windows & front gable 5. Queen Anne Row House"Cottage", 1, 1-1/2 or two stories. Large front gable. Possible moon-gate entry. * Features & "Gingerbread" * Floral Decor-Garlands (one of many types of decorations known as \*"Gingerbread") * Fish scale&Diamond shingles- * Towers & Witch's Cap- * Stained Glass or Beveled Glass- * Carvings of grotesque faces- * Sunbursts- often painted gold color, half or full. * Gables (Queen Anne's) in a variety of material- (mainly redwood) * Newel Posts and Finials on Tower tops and roof peaks- We'll see clusters of Victorian homes systematically built for the average working person by a development company, "The Real Estate Assoc." THEA, in business from 1870 to 1880. Not quite magnificent but many still standing. *Periods* **1860 - 1870s *Italianate*:** Buildings were vertical in emphasis with rounded classical detail. Earliest had flat windows, with false roof fronts. **1880s *Stick Style* (also called East Lake):** Squared off bay windows appear. **Late 1880s and 1890s *Queen Anne*** : Gingerbread would be applied to both the Stick and Queen Ann styles in San Francisco. Sloping roofs appear. With gables and towers. *Rooflines in the Queen Anne were irregular, combining the witches hat rooftop on a rounded or octagonal tower*. Following the Victorians the next major architectural style were the Period Revival residences popular in the 1920s and 1930s. [If you would like a scholarly and detailed explanation with photos, click.](https://sfplanning.org/sites/default/files/documents/preserv/bulletins/HistPres_Bulletin_18.PDF)

East Bernal Hts. Walking Tour-Via Stair Path & SF Vernacular Architecture
Wed, Jun 10, 5:30 PM(Photo above: *Family moving "their" earthquake Cottage from Precita Park up to Bernal Hts.,1907. Occupants could keep the government provided, Union built cottage they had lived in after the earthquake, if the rent was up to date. Sometimes charged $100. for the cottage. But land values had bottomed after the earthquake. Rows of these, painted, park bench green, were temporarily built in most of the parks in SF and the Presidio.* East Bernal Hts. is rarely seen on City Guides or other organization's listings. But we're adventurous and we'll risk the wilds of East Bernal Hts. and have a great time. In what is one of the most unique neighborhoods in San Francisco little houses cling halfway up the hills here. We'll explore and discover the scenic, up and down stair pathways, as well as the Victorian architecture in this especially unique neighborhood. Not to mention the marvelous views as we ascend the stair paths. ([Here's a simple link that will allow you to support the Meetup and add a thank you.](https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=TJ8W6VVEGJ6BS&no_recurring=1&item_name=%0AIt%27s+very+nice+of+you+to+respond+and+give+support.%0AThank+you%2C%0AJordan¤cy_code=USD)) (Total distance, three miles, but there are several novel steps/stair/paths to climb up, resulting in a total elevation gain of a few hundred feet. You'll get your, "steps"/exercise, but overall we go slow, stopping to see some of the Victorian and vernacular varieties while taking in the gorgeous views of the bay. Wear sturdy shoes. *Don't risk a fall or a sprained ankle, or worse ,by wearing inappropriate footwear for this activity.* I think what makes Bernal Hts. unique in SF is that the early difficulties in commuting due to the terrain, made it a less desirable location. Resulting in a very working class, blue collar neighborhood with affordable housing for the locals. It also lacked in City infrastructure with some dirt roads not being paved until the 1980s. The typical SF, rigid grided, street layout didn't work well in Bernal Hts. The Berkeley ideal of streets following the contour of the land may have resulted in much more expensive housing? Instead we see so many moderate wood houses almost defying gravity in clinging to the sloping hills. If you have a problem maintaining your social calendar, please be advised! ***(Don't be a no-show.)*** It's good to give out name tags which I do. I fill out the name tags 24 hours before r the tour start time. This also gives me a way to take attendance. Name tags that are not picked up, are recorded as no-shows. (See photo below.) If you get too many no-shows recorded in your personal Meet-up profile you'll have to be canceled from this Meetup. (To cancel your RSVP beforehand (please at least 24 hrs.), look for the, **"Edit Attendance"** tab at the bottom right hand corner of the screen.)

Golden Gate Park, Eastside Hike to POIs & SF Botanic Garden
Sun, May 24, 5:00 PM**\*Don't be a no-show. *See the Group's no-show policy below.*** Don't be a no-show and lose your membership in the Group. Attendance is always taken and no-shows recorded. **[Here's a link to the video of the tour we did here on May 21st, 2022.](https://youtu.be/bJWphCOOW1g)** Golden Gate Park celebrated its 150th year anniversary in 2020. That's a lot of urban history. We'll get into just a little bit of that fascinating history today. But we want to get a good walk in. Distance today will be around 3.5 miles. Little up hills or elev. gain. Bring water only. Food trucks are available. My all time favorite is Sam's Chowder House truck, behind the huge, music Band Shell. Just the best clam chowder around. If you tip a dollar I'm sure you get extra clam, let's try it!. Also Annie's food carts, always around here and there. Below are the highlights to choose from in the eastern section. Unique about this walk is the members will choose as we go from the suggested sampling below. Come and see how this, **"we do it ourselves"**, style tour works. (I love it!) ***Golden Gate Park, (A sampling of POIs)*** Conservatory of Flowers (1878) US President James Garfield Statue (1884) Victorian era Baseball Player Statue, by Douglas Tilden (1891) Lily Pond & Australian Tree Fern Dell (1902) Tennis Courts (1894-2021) Lawn Bowling Courts (1901) Sharon Meadow (1894) Coffee House in the Park (recent) Lake Alford (1882) Alford Bridge & Tunnel (1889) Children's Quarter (1888) Sharon Building (1888) GG Park Carousal (1888-first Carousal) A Monastery Stone & the amazing story of these 8000 tons of stones that landed in the Park from Spain in 1931? Handball Courts Big Rec Baseball fields (1893) Shakespeare Flower Garden(1928) Spreckels Temple of Music , the "Band Shell" (1900) LUNCH (about 12:00pm) Music Concourse (built for 1894, Calif.Mid-Winter Fair) & new Ferris Wheel (Golden Gate Park Band plays Sundays at 1:00pm in season.) Japanese Tea Garden (1894) Stowe Lake (1881) San Francisco Botanical Garden (1940) (Then returning to where we started to the Conservatory of Flowers, we'll pass by the following.) **Itinerary-San Francisco Botanical Garden Tour, If we go there on this tour?** Garden of Fragrance Rhododendron Garden Heidelberg Hill & Magnolias Mediterranean Garden Ancient & Primitive Plant Garden South Africa/(Cape Town) Garden New Zealand & Australia Andean Cloud Forest Zellerbach Garden of Perennials Japanese Moon Viewing Garden Camellia Garden Redwood Grove California Natives Lots of interesting things in the Park. In-season: "Magnificent Magnolias", peak bloom time around Feb.1st. But we'll find lots of other beautiful plants and flowers to amaze. (\*Don't be a no-show.) It's good to give out name tags which I do. I fill out the name tags just before I leave for the tour. This also gives me a way to take attendance. Because name tags that are not picked up, are recorded as no-shows. If you get too many no-shows recorded in your personal Meet-up profile you'll be cancelled from this Meetup. In the photos is a picture of No-show name tags in February 26. (To cancel your RSVP beforehand [please at least 24 hrs. in advance]. Look for the, **"Edit Attendance"** tab at the bottom right hand corner of the screen for lap tops and left, bottom for phones.)

š Hidden Gems of Pacific Heights: Architectural Walking Tour in SF! š
Sat, May 23, 8:30 PMš **āI Never Noticed That Beforeā ā Discover the Hidden Stories of Pacific Heights** š Join architect Martin Bernstein for a lively and engaging 1.5-hour walking tour through one of San Franciscoās most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. One of his popular ***āI Never Noticed That Beforeā*** walking tours, this experience invites you to slow down, look up, and notice the details most people walk right past. From architectural quirks and design secrets to fascinating history, hidden symbolism, and colorful stories about the people who once lived behind these grand facades, Martin brings Pacific Heights to life in a way thatās both entertaining and eye-opening. Youāll never look at the neighborhood quite the same way again. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- š **Starting Point:** 2040 Franklin Street (corner of Franklin & Jackson) š **Starting Time:** 1:30 PM sharp ā please arrive a few minutes early so we can begin on time. Whether youāre a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a fresh way to explore the city, this tour promises plenty of *āaha!ā* moments and a delightful afternoon of discovery. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- šļø **COST:** The Walking Tour is **FREE**, but we are supported almost entirely by walker donations. At the end of the tour, you will be given the opportunity to make a **suggested $20\* cash contribution** or to contribute via Zelle to: martinbernstein617@gmail.com. *\*10% of each donation supports* **New Beginnings**, *a volunteer-led community that brings people together to make new friends, have fun, and share new experiences.* ⨠We hope you will consider contributing so we can keep walking! \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **WHAT TO BRING** āļø Sun protection ā hat and/or sunscreen š§ Water to stay hydrated š Comfy shoes š¤ Your curiosity **š PARKING** **Free 2-hour Street Parking** throughout the neighborhood. Note signs for any special parking restrictions. For **paid garages**, visit ***[Haas-Lilienthal House - Driving Directions & Parking](https://www.haas-lilienthalhouse.org/map-hours)***. (Haas-Lilienthal House is near our starting place.) **š PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:** * **Muni Bus, BART, or Cable Car**: For detailed directions, visit the ***[Haas-Lilienthal House - Driving Directions & Parking](https://www.haas-lilienthalhouse.org/map-hours)***[ ](https://www.haas-lilienthalhouse.org/map-hours) page. * **Muni Bus Fare & Schedule**: $2.75 for adults, $1.50 for seniors (65+). Pay with cash or through the Muni Mobile app. Check routes and timings at **[SFMTA.com](https://www.sfmta.com)**. * **Taking the Train into SF?** Exit at 4th & Townsend (the final stop). From there, take Muni or Uber/Lyft to our meeting location. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ⨠**Spots are limited to 20 ā RSVP soon to save yours!** If the event fills, join the waitlist. Walk-ups welcome if space allows. šØš»āš¼ **Your Tour Guide** Martin Bernstein, Architect [martinbernsteinarchitect.com](https://martinbernsteinarchitect.com/) Palo Alto ā San Francisco š 650.387.1000 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- š· **See our Group Guidelines [HERE](https://sites.google.com/view/new-beginnings-guidelines/home)** **š“ *Help Keep the Fun Going in 2026*** *Weāre a volunteer-led group, and member contributions help cover annual Meetup fees and occasional venue rentals. See our [2026 contributor list](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FhXm1V0hEuWSbuOMivlLUqTm3JaCPD6VSOzg3ZrAJyE/edit?usp=sharing). Please make your **annual $20 contribution for 2026** by giving cash **with your name to the host at an in-person event**. (Contributions are not tax-deductible.) New here? Enjoy a few events first, then pitch in if it feels like a good fit!* š“ *By participating in any New Beginnings Social Event, you and your guests RELEASE and DISCHARGE the organizers, hosts, and participants from all liability for injuries, illness, damages, death, issues relating to privacy or economic loss arising from activities, advice, or information provided. Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own risk. You are responsible for your safety, belongings, and transportation decisions. Choose carpool drivers carefully and consider leaving valuables at home.*

Bodega Dunes overnight
Sat, May 23, 3:45 PM**Bikepacking overnight on the Sonoma Coast via SMART train.** We will leave **8:45am Saturday from [Shorebird Park in Emeryville](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDSRWVUi51yAANrV7)** and ride the Richmond-San Rafael bridge, stopping in Larkspur for donuts before catching the **11:00 SMART train** to Santa Rosa. If you chose to meet us at the train station in Larkspur, please be there at **10:45am** (to get your donut fuel!). We plan to eat lunch on the train. We'll get off the train at Santa Rosa Downtown station and ride 28 miles to [Bodega Dunes campground](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=451#:~:text=Hiker%2FBiker%20site%20at%20Bodega%20Dunes%20Campground). The hike/bike campsite does not require a reservation. On Sunday, the plan is to leave the campground by noon and likely do the same route in reverse. **Day 1 route** - [Shorebird Park to Larkspur SMART train](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55269662) - [Downtown Santa Rosa to Bodega Dunes Campground](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55269891) **Please bring:** * **lunch to eat on the train on Saturday** * **$10 per person for camping plus card for SMART train ($6 OW)** * **water, snacks, food for meals at camp** * **your own copy of the route, in case we get separated** * **All the camping supplies you need (tent sleeping bag n mat, stove, etc.)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Important Notice: The Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Organizers in this group are not professional leaders or guides. By signing up for a trip, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging you are aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with the activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and Event Organizers of the NorCal Bicycle Touring and Camping Meetup Group against any and all liability arising from your participation in the group activities. Read these Safety Notes for Riders: [https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+tips+for+bike+touring](https://www.google.com/search?q=safety+tips+for+bike+touring) Gear List for Bike Touring: [https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/12vfu65/chatgpt_gear_list_to_get_started_bicycle_touring/](https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycletouring/comments/12vfu65/chatgpt_gear_list_to_get_started_bicycle_touring/)
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