Walking Through Women's History In San Francisco
This self-guided tour of women's history will take you through San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods and past our most beloved icons.
San Francisco is a city full of stories, a place where bold ideas are born, and a great place to explore. Many of these stories and ideas were told and generated by women who have come to define what San Francisco is today: a welcoming, vibrant city.
This self-guided tour, which includes travel on foot and via public transit, will take you to places where women's history was made and where the women who shaped San Francisco are remembered.
Coit Tower
Your tour begins at one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. A defining element of the San Francisco skyline, Coit Tower was built in 1933, thanks to a generous bequest from longtime resident Lillie Hitchcock Coit. Her goal was to leave a lasting gift that would further enhance the beauty of her beloved city. The interior of this 210-foot high architectural jewel is adorned with federally funded murals from the New Deal era, including Maxine Albro's 42-foot masterpiece "California".
From Coit Tower, walk south on Montgomery St. until you reach California St.
Julia Morgan Ballroom
The first licensed female architect in California, Julia Morgan was one of the most influential and prolific designers of all time. Nowhere is her talent on finer display than at the Julia Morgan Ballroom, one of San Francisco’s most coveted venues. Morgan was key to rebuilding the city after the earthquake of 1906 and also designed important parts of the UC Berkeley campus. Here's the best part: you don’t have to wait for an invitation to visit The Julia Morgan Ballroom. If there are no events scheduled, you can admire the timeless Beaux-Arts interior up-close.
Hop on the California Street cable car headed westbound and disembark at Mason Street, at the top of Nob Hill.
The Fairmont San Francisco
Fulfilling their late father's wish, Tessie Fair and her sister Virginia constructed a luxury hotel atop Nob Hill. The sisters used the family name (Fair) and the hotel's location on top of a hill (Mont) to create the stately moniker. Unfortunately, the 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco interrupted their elaborate and highly anticipated grand opening. A year later, Julia Morgan (another lady on this list), the hotel's architect, finished repairs, making it the first business to reopen in San Francisco after the disaster. You'll hear people say it's "a hotel so grand they built a city around it."
Walk east one block to Powell St. and walk south to Union Square. (This is another great chance to ride the cable car.)
The Goddess of Victory Statue
Though it is meant to represent the ancient Greek goddesses Nike, local legend has it that Union Square's central statue was modeled from the likeness of San Francisco heiress Alma de Bretteville Spreckles. Installed in 1903 to celebrate the U.S. victory in the Spanish-American War, this trident-and-wreath-wielding feminine deity is perched on top of an 85-foot tall column, looking out over the bustling action with a cool, confident demeanor.
From Union Square, walk south on Powell St. toward Market St. (If you're walking downhill, you're going the right way.) Turn right and head west on Market St. toward UN Plaza. If you're facing west at UN Plaza, City Hall will be standing out in front of you.
San Francisco City Hall
Looking mighty impressive with its massive dome (taller than the U.S. Capitol!), San Francisco City Hall is a beautiful building. San Francisco city government has long been shaped by women leaders. Mary Margaret Morgan was the first woman elected to our city's Board of Supervisors (that's City Council to us) in 1921, just one year after American women gained the right to vote. San Francisco has had two women mayors: Dianne Feinstein, who went on to become a U.S. Senator, and London Breed, our current mayor and the first African-American woman ever elected to the office.
From the Van Ness Ave. side of City Hall, board a westbound 38 or 38R Muni bus or walk to Geary Blvd. and Laguna St. Walk one block west to Buchanan St. and turn right. Walk one block north and cross Post St.
Origami Fountains
In this stretch of the Buchanan Mall known as "Osaka Way," visitors can see public artwork by one of San Francisco's most famous and prolific female creators, Ruth Asawa. The fountains she created for the city's Japantown neighborhood may be made of steel and bronze, but because of their clean lines and polygonal shapes, they look as delicate and light-weight as the paper origami that inspired them. The fountains are a key signifier of San Francisco's sister city relationship with Osaka, Japan. Asawa's artwork can be seen all over San Francisco, both outdoors and in multiple museums.
Walk west to the corner of Fillmore and Sutter streets. Board a southbound 22 Muni bus and ride it to 16th and Valencia streets. From there, walk south on Valencia St. to 18th St., then take a right turn to walk west.
The Women's Building
Massive murals celebrating powerful female leaders and artists, from Rigoberta Menchu to Georgia O'Keefe, cover The Women's Building, located in the heart of the Mission District. A women-owned cultural center founded in 1979 that advocates for gender equality and social justice, the four-story building hosts a variety of programs and events and serves as a hub for other non-profits.
Walk west on 18th St. to Church St. Turn right and walk north to Duboce Ave. (or board a J line Muni train headed in the same direction). At Duboce Ave. and Church St., board an outbound N line Muni train and exit at Irving St. and 7th Ave.
San Francisco Women Artists Gallery
Founded as a "sketch club" for female artists in 1887, San Francisco Women Artists (SFWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and expanding women in the arts. Past members include luminaries like Imogen Cunningham and Ruth Asawa. The onsite gallery hosts monthly exhibitions, as well as permanent work by current and past members.
Walk west on Irving St. and turn right at 9th Ave. Walk north to enter Golden Gate Park.
Nancy Pelosi Drive
In honor of Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's 25 years of service in Congress, including her time as the first female Speaker of the House, the City of San Francisco named one of the streets in Golden Gate Park after her. A trip down Nancy Pelosi Drive, which is bookended by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and John F. Kennedy Drive, takes you past the California Academy of Sciences to the AIDS Memorial Grove.
You May Also Like
With the help of local adventurer Paulina Dao and Hilton, we've created the perfect San Francisco itinerary for outdoors lovers.
Put yourself in your favorite stars' shoes by visiting these famous San Francisco locations made popular by film, TV, and streaming.
Find LGBTQ+ history throughout San Francisco's different gay neighborhoods, from the Castro to SOMA.
Here's a helpful round-up of the must-see performances in San Francisco this season.
Free concerts across San Francisco's iconic venues and public spaces start this May and will last all summer long.
Charming Sausalito is a great place to spend a day, and can be easily reached on a beautiful ferry ride from San Francisco.
This tranquil escape within Golden Gate Park is full of history, culture, and beauty.
No matter how you like to mark another year around the sun, San Francisco offers the perfect experience for everyone on their birthdays.
Looking for a juicy steak and all the sides? Here’s our definitive list of the best steakhouses in San Francisco, from timeless classics to newer gems.