After the gold rush, the real fortunes in San Francisco were to be made by developing the railroad network of the west. The captains of the train industry built their homes above the city and port on the posh peak of Nob Hill. On this walk, we will explore the stories of six key residents of Nob Hill, and the stately neighborhood they called home.
I am all about exploring local history, architecture, food and art to learn about how places came to be. You can find me in search of hidden places, tasty dim sum, high-design speakeasies, skyline vistas and other ingredients to build the perfect day.
In the heart of Nob Hill stands a handsome park, complete with fountains, brick walkways, manicured green grass and a playground. This is …
This stately brownstone was built in 1886 by San Francisco's favorite son, architect Willis Polk (the man behind designing the Hallidie Bui…
Enter the lobby of the Fairmont and imagine a world of wealth and opulence, champagne and satin dresses. This marble-saturated lobby has g…
The Stanford Court Hotel sits across the street. This cookie-cutter hotel was built on the grounds of Leland Stanford's mansion in 1972. Th…
The 19-story InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel stands on the land that was originally owned by the treasurer of the Big 4. Enter the mar…
Sitting on the site of Charles Crocker's mansion is an unceremonious parking facility for up to 200 vehicles. It's not much to look at toda…
The Masonic is not associated with a tycoon; however, it is noteworthy for its presence in the square. The 1958 edifice is part Freemason …
In 1849, a little Episcopalian chapel called Grace Church was founded down the hill for newly-arrived Gold Rush parishioners. In the 1906 …
Proceed inside Grace Cathedral and do a loop. There is a suggested donation, but feel free to do whatever is appropriate.
The Cable Car Museum is highly recommended. If all it housed were the original cable cars of the 1870s and an evolution of ride token desig…