Jackson Square Historic District, San Francisco
Jackson Square, located in San Francisco, was once a part of the infamous Barbary Coast, known for its crime and prostitution. However, today it stands as the oldest commercial district in modern-day San Francisco. This area was constructed on a fill site, where remnants of abandoned ships are believed to still rest beneath the ground. In the 1850s, the buildings here were crafted from brick and adorned with ornate ironwork, reminiscent of San Francisco's Gold Rush era.
While some historical buildings remain, the present-day Jackson Square has undergone significant changes and is now known as the "interior designer's district." It has transformed into a hub for English-style furniture from the 18th century, antique carpets, 19th-century French paintings, and even contemporary 21st-century designs, all coexisting within the same vicinity. The area has gained fame for its art and antiques, attracting visitors who can explore its rich history through guided walking tours, marvel at Californian art, and admire European posters displayed in galleries.
For those interested in enhancing their living spaces, Jackson Square hosts highly reputed dealers offering a wide array of furnishings and wall coverings. Additionally, for the culinary enthusiasts, the neighborhood houses some of the finest restaurants, ready to satisfy any appetite.
While some historical buildings remain, the present-day Jackson Square has undergone significant changes and is now known as the "interior designer's district." It has transformed into a hub for English-style furniture from the 18th century, antique carpets, 19th-century French paintings, and even contemporary 21st-century designs, all coexisting within the same vicinity. The area has gained fame for its art and antiques, attracting visitors who can explore its rich history through guided walking tours, marvel at Californian art, and admire European posters displayed in galleries.
For those interested in enhancing their living spaces, Jackson Square hosts highly reputed dealers offering a wide array of furnishings and wall coverings. Additionally, for the culinary enthusiasts, the neighborhood houses some of the finest restaurants, ready to satisfy any appetite.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Francisco. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Jackson Square Historic District on Map
Sight Name: Jackson Square Historic District
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: San Francisco, USA (See walking tours in San Francisco)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in San Francisco, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Francisco
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Francisco is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chinatown Walking Tour
The San Francisco Chinatown is home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia. It is also renowned as a major tourist attraction in the city, drawing annually more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge. Since its establishment, in 1848, this enclave has been instrumental in the preservation of the history, culture, language, religion, and identity of the ethnic Chinese in the United... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Famous Architecture Walking Tour
San Francisco is one of the world's top travel destinations, famous for its spectacular tourist attractions like Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. But besides that, it also boasts a huge variety of world-known architecture fit to delight the eye of any beholder. Let's give ourselves an aesthetic treat, too, and check out some of the city's most... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Union Square Walking Tour
Union Square, a bustling hub in the heart of San Francisco, is a place where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy a mix of shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions. In addition to being the third largest shopping area in the United States, the square features an array of restaurants, theaters, and a wonderful concentration of fine art galleries.
One of the prominent landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour
If it's a hot, sunny day or the one filled with San Francisco's iconic fog, a walk through Fisherman's Wharf can feel quite special all the same. Sure, you'll be surrounded by tourists, but the smells of good food and the sights of a legendary seaport (the one where a few lovingly preserved, historic vessels are still docked and open to visitors) will make you happy.
At the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
At the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Castro District Walking Tour
It's a well-known fact that San Francisco is the place where the gay and lesbian culture flourished in its modernity in the mid-20th century. The Castro District, where the rainbow flag is flying high, houses several iconic locations that have played pivotal roles in LGBTQ+ history and continue to be celebrated today.
One such is the Castro Theater. This renowned landmark, which has been... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One such is the Castro Theater. This renowned landmark, which has been... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
North Beach Walking Tour
North Beach is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Francisco, known as San Francisco's Little Italy. Bursting with history, culture, and diverse attractions, this fun area features a great mix of architecture, museums, restaurants, and old shops.
Perhaps the most iconic landmark here is the Transamerica Pyramid, a distinctive skyscraper that has become a symbol of the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Perhaps the most iconic landmark here is the Transamerica Pyramid, a distinctive skyscraper that has become a symbol of the city's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
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