San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Chinatown to Presidio Walk

San Francisco’s 49-Mile Scenic Drive. You’ve seen the signs. You may have driven it. But have you walked it? Here’s your chance!

Join us on this 7-mile portion of the route filled with city landmarks and hidden gems. From Chinatown’s Dragon Gate, we’ll climb up to Grace Cathedral and then head down to North Beach for another climb to Coit Tower for spectacular bay views. We’ll then join the parade of locals and tourists along Fishermen’s Wharf and the Marina. After passing the Palace of Fine Arts, we’ll enter the Presidio and, for Star Wars fans, take a selfie with the legendary Yoda! We’ll end at the new Presidio Tunnel Tops park for one last sweeping view of the bay.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:30 AM for check-in at Peet’s Coffee at 773 Market Street (about a block from Powell Street station). We’ll have lunch at Aquatic Park next to Ghirardelli Square and expect to arrive at the Presidio Transit Center by 3:30 PM to board a free shuttle back downtown to Embarcadero station (~30 min).

Level of Difficulty: Moderately difficult. Total mileage is about 7 miles (all sidewalks) with about 250 feet of steep elevation gain (Nob and Telegraph Hills). Due to the ascents, it’s recommended to have some recent hiking experience with hill climbs.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There:

By BART/Muni Metro: Public transportation is the best option. Take a train to Powell Street station, exit up to Market Street and walk east towards the Financial District/Ferry Building/bay. Peet’s is on the right/south side of Market, just past the Men’s Warehouse. If you have to drive all the way in, there are several SFMTA parking garages within 3-4 blocks (Union Square, Sutter/Stockton, Moscone Center).

What to Bring: Water, snacks, a bag lunch and hat/sun protection. Layers as it might be sunny or cold, or both. Walking poles (with rubber tips!) are optional for the hills.

Post-Walk Social: For those interested, we’ll grab snacks and drinks from food trucks and relax on oversize lounge chairs on the Presidio’s Main Lawn Parade before heading back to Embarcadero station.

Leader: Led by Guy Joaquin who walked the entire route in stages. Here’s a map of the full route (our portion is #10-26 markers). It makes for a fascinating local Camino (a “staymino”).

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.