Ghost Tours San Francisco

Julia Morgan,Architecture Tour-Elmwood&Claremont Ct.+add*Berkeley City Club Tour

(Photo above JM in Paris, 1900, Cathedral Notre Dame in the background.) Do the Meetup tour in the morning, stop for the pizza and then: ***\*On*** *the 4th Sunday of the month there are **45 min**. docent led tours of*[ Julia Morgan's Berkeley City Club](https://berkeleycityclubconservancy.org/docent-tours/), *2315 Durant St., starting at 1:00pm-3:30pm.* (The City Club is 6 blocks from where we initially meet.) **\*(Don't be a no-show or your membership will be cancelled.)** It's good to give out name tags which I will do. I fill out the name tags 24 hours before I leave for the tour. This also gives me a way to take attendance. Name tags that are not picked up, are recorded as no-shows. See photo below of No-show name tags for February 2026. If you get too many no-shows recorded in your personal Meet-up profile, (only visible to the organizer) you'll be cancelled from this Meetup. (To cancel your RSVP beforehand [please at least 24 hrs. or a no-show is recorded.], look for the, **"Edit Attendance",** tab at the bottom right hand corner of the screen on a notebook and left bottom on a phone.) We're meeting outside the Julia Morgan Theater on College Ave. at Derby St., our first stop on the tour. (Optional stop after the tour at nearby, Nabolom Bakery - Pizzeria.) Usually the JM Theater is not open when we are there. But the best way to see the interior is to attend a show there. [Here is the upcoming schedule with many discounts.](https://berkeleyplayhouse.org/season-passes/?utm_source=Berkeleyside+newsletters&utm_campaign=544e798651-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_07_21_04_36&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-544e798651-333312869&mc_cid=544e798651&mc_eid=37a7442579) (Along the way we'll stop to see Bernard Maybeck's, First Church of Christ Scientist, a Nat'l Landmark site. Directly across the street is Julia Morgan's 1918 Baptist Theological Seminary. Built of brick to resemble the Ashmolean Library of Oxford. Britain's first public museum and the world's first university museum. note. The Seminary's windows and Tudor details recall the period when the Baptist Church was founded.) Morgan graduated UC in 1894 with a degree in Civil Engineering, one of her specializations was structural engineering. (This benefited her clients greatly, as was seen after the 06' earthquake in her still standing buildings.) She arrived in Paris in 1896. A few years later it was reported in the San Francisco Call: **Paris, Oct.30,1902** - *Julia Morgan of San Francisco passed the examination with honors at the Architectural section of the School of Fine Arts (Ecole de Beaux Arts, Paris France.* The first woman to do so. Ironically one of the greatest architects in history, was made to wait two years, taking entrance exams before admission. By the end of her 45 yr. career she had received over 700 commissions. It was said, "Her rational approach to home design and the public success of her large commissions gave Julia Morgan a solid reputation. It also won her the confidence of her clients. With the hard work, genius, inspiration and true artistic perception to create memorable works. Over the course of her career, Morgan designed nearly one hundred buildings across California and the nation for women’s organizations. Her commissions included social and civic clubs for women; academic, residential, and recreational buildings; primary schools; orphanages; hospitals, sanitariums,and nursing residences. She also designed more than thirty YWCA buildings, including those in San Francisco and Berkeley. We'll concentrate on the many Julia Morgan designed houses, churches and buildings in the Claremont Ct. and Elmwood neighborhoods. Unique here are the Julia Morgan ensemble houses, where she creatively and economically placed two houses on one large lot. We'll see several of these ensembles. In fact when JM bought her own house at Washington & Divisadero in SF in 1925, she bought a pair of houses there. To read more about the many Julia Morgan public buildings, such as the Hearst Castle etc. go to wikipedia. She was one of California's most prolific architects. The first woman to receive the American Institute of Architects highest award, the AIA Gold Medal, awarded posthumously in 2014. The three projects that immediately solidified her future career as a great architect, engineer and fully capable project/construction manager were the rebuilding of the new Fairmount Hotel after its semi-destruction following the earthquake. The design, engineering and building of the beautiful Bell Tower at Mills College and Carnegie Library there, both of which survived the earthquake without a crack. And the completion on time and within budget of the construction of the Greek Theater at UC for John Gayland Howard, campus architect. After the last Julia Morgan home we'll find our way back through what I call the "Pacific Heights" of Berkeley. Look for parking on the smaller side streets. Option for lunch afterward. Here are some links if you would like to help with Meetup expenses. [Here is a Venmo link.](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3262702482882560580&created=1757371525), for my account. Here is my Paypal account. '[herrmann48@comcast.net'](http://herrmann48@comcast.net'/) *Or use the Donation feature above.*

SF Marina Tour-Panama Pacific Int'l.Exposition of 1915, from Scott St. entrance

**Note:** The subject tour is of one of the great works of architecture, art and art display in history. It was all created in San Francisco's Marina area, unbelievably in only the two years of, 1913 & 1914. Aside from Bernard Maybeck's Palace of Fine Arts, the re-creation of the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.and some remaining statues and sculptures, all we have left are photos, drawings and written descriptions and accounts of what was there in 1915. But the land this was all on is still there and accessible (except for the Doyle Dr. entry ramp area). By combining the land with the eupherma mentioned above we can virtually recreate in our minds eye what was here. So it is not lost if we don't want it to be! That is why this tour will be done many times in the future as the early tours develop a summary view that will enable the detailed tours coming later to fall into an organized context. Join in this journey into something very special in the worlds of art and architecture. [A link to a video of the PPIE.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY75exH6Rck) Imagine it's 1915, and you are going to tour the Panama Pacific International Exposition, a San Francisco cultural phenomena. (An idea conceived by Willis Polk in 1891, that eventually had to overcome not only the devastating 1906 Earthquake and Fire, (which made San Franciscans even more determined to have the Exposition), but the start of World War I in Europe. A quarter of million attended opening day and almost twice that many closing day. Imagine how you would spend your day there in 1915. That's what our tour will attempt to do. As we walk a likely route, we would have chosen in 1915. We'll take turns reading descriptions of and look at photos of what was along our route. We'll be in the same area as the July tour but there was so much here and with some streamlining it is worth repeating but will not be repetitive. Come on at least one of these early tours and be prepared for the deep dive into the details coming in the future. *(See some of the 64 photos with captions attached here to prepare.)* Take a look and do an arm-chair, **\***[self-guided walking tour created by the NPS for the Presidio and GGNRA.](https://npshistory.com/publications/goga/brochures/pan-pacific-expo-1915.pdf) Before the PPIE which the lower part of the Marina District was created for, was a tidal marsh that required pumping Bay mud to fill, including the Marina Green. San Franciscans were very proud and serious about the PPIE. (In 1910 over 4 million$ was raised in a single, two hour, public meeting.) They were making a statement, in letting the world know, that they had successfully survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. In fact some very wealthy San Franciscans built mansions in Pacific Hts. just to overlook the PPIE. A way of making their own personal statement that they and the City were back from the ashes and had made an unbelievable recovery. **Chestnut St.** has a large assortment of traditional and avant-guard restaurants. Let's pick one out from the listing below. Or if you have a great favorite please recommend it. **Italian Restaurants and Pizza Shops** * **[A16](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/m/0220x5j&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH0ZyHiueTAxVkJzQIHVf_DkQQqdYPegQICRAC)** : A highly-regarded spot specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza and wines from the Campania region. * **[Little Original Joe's](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11t4kffz5b&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH0ZyHiueTAxVkJzQIHVf_DkQQqdYPegQICRAF)** : A popular neighborhood staple offering Italian-American classics like vodka pasta, pizza, and burgers. * **[Delarosa](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/1tgxts6d&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH0ZyHiueTAxVkJzQIHVf_DkQQqdYPegQICRAI)** : Known for its Roman-style thin-crust pizza, small plates, and craft cocktails in a lively atmospher * **[Norcina (Pierce St)](https://www.norcina.com/)**: Located just off Chestnut, this Italian spot is praised for its Nor-sting-ya pizza and authentic pasta dishes. * **Roma Antica (Scott St)**: An authentic Italian restaurant featuring homemade pasta like Cacio e Pepe and Lasagna, often with Italian-speaking staff. * **[Napizza (Scott St)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=/g/11rn77y0nx&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjH0ZyHiueTAxVkJzQIHVf_DkQQqdYPegQICRAO)** : Offers upscale pizza and pasta, such as truffle mushroom bruschetta and Meyer lemon pizza. **American & Comfort Food** [Causwells](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F1q66z5g1s) [4.3(941)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F1q66z5g1s) [American](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F1q66z5g1s) [Open2346 Chestnut St10.2 mi](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F1q66z5g1s) A European-inspired bistro famous for its Americana double cheeseburger, as well as seasonal salads and baby back ribs. [Cracked & Battered - Marina](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11jghv89cs) [4.6(534)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11jghv89cs) [$20–30Restaurant](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11jghv89cs) [Closed2240 Chestnut St10.1 mi](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11jghv89cs) A cozy brunch restaurant serving savory and sweet dishes, including fried chicken and waffles and lemon ricotta pancakes. [Chestnut Diner](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fjwx0) [4.0(562)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fjwx0) [$10–20Diner](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fjwx0) [1312 Chestnut](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fjwx0) A classic, no-frills American diner known for its fluffy omelets and retro counter seat [The Dorian](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11ckvljj8w) [New American](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11ckvljj8w) [2001 Chestnut St](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11ckvljj8w) A swanky, modern American restaurant and bar popular for social gatherings and brunch. [Balboa Cafe](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F01zn48k) [4.2(842)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F01zn48k) [$20–30Restaurant](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F01zn48k) [3199 Fillmore](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F01zn48k) An iconic neighborhood institution serving classic American fare and known as a social hub. **Global & Specialty Cuisine** [Dragon Well](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fj1z7) [4.2(343)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fj1z7) [$20–30Chinese](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fj1z7) [Open2142 Chestnut](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fm%2F04fj1z7) A long-standing neighborhood favorite for health-conscious Chinese food and handmade potstickers. [Milos Meze](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11lvz40pvx) [4.9(365)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11lvz40pvx) [Restaurant](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11lvz40pvx) [3348 Steiner](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11lvz40pvx) A modern Greek restaurant serving authentic dishes like lamb chops and spanakopita.[Souvla](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11gv_sljj1) [4.5(481)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11gv_sljj1) [$10–20Greek](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11gv_sljj1) [Open2272 Chestnut](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11gv_sljj1) A casual, modern Greek rotisserie and salad spot.[Lobalita](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11n43r0k2m) [4.6(11)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11n43r0k2m) [$20–30Restaurant](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11n43r0k2m) [Open2231 Chestnut](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11n43r0k2m) Recently replaced The Tipsy Pig, this modern Mexican bar offers tapas-style bites like aguachiles and tacos. [SF.gov](http://sf.gov/) +7 [Super Mensch](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11xkn4hmzs) [4.3(67)](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11xkn4hmzs) [$20–30Jewish](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11xkn4hmzs) [Open2336 Chestnut St10.2 mi](https://www.google.com/viewer/place?mid=%2Fg%2F11xkn4hmzs) A modern Jewish deli specializing in pastrami on house-made rye and matzah ball soup. ## References: Title: San Francisco's exposition year : the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition / 907.4794 Bruce Title: Panorama : tales from San Francisco's 1915 Pan-Pacific International Exposition / 979.461 B836p Title: San Francisco's Jewel City : the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915 / 907.47946 Ac57s Title: San Francisco's wildflower : the Palace of Fine Arts / 708.074 B896s plus hundreds and hundreds of Google searches. such as, "Show me a photo of xxx State building at the PPIE.

Presidio Hts.&Terrace Architecture&Presidio Hike+Swedenbor.Church Tour&Lunch

***\*Don't be a No-Show*** *and have your membership in the Group canceled. See the,\*No-Show policies at the bottom.* The idea is to make almost a day of it. Relax like on vacation. [Have lunch ](https://www.presidiogolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ironwoods-Brunch-2026.pdf)and enjoy a variety of tour activities and give it three hours plus lunch, next to the Presidio golf course. We're meeting in front of the former home of William Hammond Hall, the father of GG Park and the first State Engineer of Calif. He finished building this 4900sf house in 1913 and lived at this location from 1905 until 1933. We'll review a little history of the Panama Pacific Int'l Exposition when we get to the vantage point of Lyon & Broadway. Inside the Presidio we'll do a nature hike to the golf course for lunch. We'll do a Presidio Heights and Presidio Terrace architecture tour, including a stop inside the Swedenborgian Church. [Then lunch at Presidio Golf Course restaurant](https://www.presidiogolf.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ironwoods-Brunch-2026.pdf), *at the end*\*\*.\*\* We can dine outside overlooking the beautiful Golf Course. The restaurant is called the **Ironwoods Bar & Grill.** If a little pricey for you find someone to split something with. (I like doing that because I eat less too.) (Note: *A perfect follow-up to this tour* is the [Pacific Hts., Victorian Tour coming up on Sunday, August 9th.](https://www.meetup.com/hikes-and-tours-of-wonderful-places-in-the-sf-bay-area/events/313362240/) Outside of the Sunset District and houses in the southern part of SF (mid-century modern tract houses) these two tours will cover, almost, all of the residential, architectural styles, found in SF from 1860 to 1960.) This tour highlights not only the diversity of the architecture, but also the mix of architects and people who built, occupied and maintained these grand properties. About 50 of which are on our tour today, including Presidio Terrace. I also have some ephemera we can see to get a feel for what life was like here about ninety years ago. Here are some links if you would like to help with Meetup expenses. [Here is a Venmo link.](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3262702482882560580&created=1757371525), for my account. Here is my Paypal account. '[herrmann48@comcast.net'](http://herrmann48@comcast.net'/) The walking tour covers approximately 4.0 - 5.0 miles of walking with an uphill stretch). *(We won't be going to these dining spots.)* Afterwards there are a couple of interesting dining spots at Divisadero and California Sts., *Patisserie & Dynasty Dumpling.* Both are good options for lunch. **But sometimes it's fun to try something different, Hinodeya Ramen Bar at 1737 Buchanan St.** I know where to find parking, no worries. So join me afterwards. They also have a location just off Chestnut St. at 3340 Steiner St. This location looks more luxe with nice outdoor seating and more tables. Same menu. The House Ramen or Spinach soup seems like the go to's! ($17.00.) By the way Chestnut St. seems to have a lot of new and unique restaurants if you have a good suggestion that you've actually tried, and recommend, let me know. *What follows applies to previous tours, not this one.* Lots of walking today, about three miles, but mostly level. (On Sundays we'll pass by the **[Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco](https://sfswedenborgian.org/history/)** at the end of our walk. A weekly Sunday tour of this early Arts & Crafts gem is offered at 1:00pm. We'll stop by and take a look. See some of the art there in the photos here.) We're meeting at the intersection of Baker St & Vallejo. Very ample parking on the nearby streets. There are no restrooms until the end of the tour. *\*(Don't be a no-show.)* It's good to give out name tags which I do. This also gives me a way to take attendance. 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 have to be cancelled from this Meetup. (To cancel your RSVP beforehand look for the, **"Edit Attendance"** tab at the bottom corner of the screen.) *Please ask your guests to join the Meetup.* [Here are several photos, including inside the house at Presidio and Pacific, the house pictured above.](https://www.compass.com/listing/3198-pacific-avenue-san-francisco-ca-94123/1291319997995710705/) *Popular architectural genres in the early development of Presidio Hts.-* At the time of its development around 1905, the **brown shingle, Arts & Crafts style** was popular. Known as the First Bay Traditional or Regional style we'll see this genre in evidence at the beginning of the tour. (Be sure to take a look at the four photos here of a great example of this type of architecture.) Presidio Hts. was an early hot bed (It fizzled out.) of this style, led by the Swedenborgian Church nearby and Its founding pastor, Rev. Joseph Worcester who is credited with building the first Bay Area brown shingle house in Piedmont, in 1876. **1895 the 1910 *Edwardian and Colonial Revival:*** The continued elaboration of ornament and facade shapes reached its height in the early 1890s as the the Victorian era ended. After that there was a gradual move towards simplification and away from excess and toward, order. Eccentricity gave way to strict conventions, quiet lines and understated, quality materials. Money now made understatement its chief method of display. Style was no longer measured in pounds of gingerbread ornament per square foot, but in elegant proportions and an air of conservatism. (Julia Morgan lived nearby at Washington & Divisadero. There are four JM houses on today's tour.)

Haunted Hike - Blue Heron Lake

Aug.2026,Full Moonrise Over PacificHts.,via Mansions&VictoriansTour

Car Guys-Gals, Car People,A Chance to Demo All-Especially EVs

[Electrify Expo has expanded to include all vehicles.](https://demodaysfestival.com/collections/all-events) This used to be focused on electric cars and trucks. If you order soon, [try this 50% off code](https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKLcMTrZHWbgBbNLDcnnhxQJJtWWPtwQwwdHFWCVdvwLWvsmVqrmJKqvccHjggfBvKJq) for the special admission package ($30.), only $5.00 more than regular admission. This event is held outdoors in a spectacular setting at Alameda Point. I love it. Especially the up and coming Bay Area car manufacturing start-ups you will discover there. You can see their cars and trucks in pre-production. And there are dozens of the established car manufacturers. All ready to let you test drive. This is not your grandfathers Moscone Center new car show they used to have on and before Thanksgiving weekend every year. Really you get to not only sit in but drive all the cars and trucks you want to. Meet me at 9:45am next 2900 Main St, Alameda, CA 94501, exact spot coming soon!

Mini-Meetup: San Francisco City Guides POPOS Tour

The Golden Gate Dozen: San Francisco’s Newest Cross-City Trail

The Golden Gate Dozen: San Francisco’s Newest Cross-City Trail Join me as we explore San Francisco’s newest official urban trail—the Golden Gate Dozen! Where every mile tells a story, and every step reveals another side of San Francisco Recently introduced by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this 13-mile route links together 12 spectacular national park sites stretching from Crissy Field to Fort Funston. We’ll experience some of the city’s most iconic landscapes while discovering the history, ecology, and hidden stories that make this one of America’s most remarkable urban national parks. Highlights include: * Crissy Field * Presidio Tunnel Tops * Fort Point * Baker Beach * China Beach * Lands End * Sutro Baths * Sutro Heights * Ocean Beach * Fort Miley * Fort Funston * And countless breathtaking coastal viewpoints along the way. As a fourth-generation San Franciscan, I’ll share local history, personal stories, and little-known facts that bring these places to life. We’ll take a comfortable pace with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and appreciate the incredible diversity of landscapes found within one city. Walk Details * Distance: Approximately 13 miles * Elevation Gain: About 1,300–1,500 feet * Pace: Moderate (around 3 mph with frequent stops) * Duration: Approximately 5½–6½ hours * Difficulty: Moderate. Participants should be comfortable walking the distance and handling hills. What to Bring * Comfortable walking shoes * Layers for changing weather * Water and lunch/snacks * Sunscreen and a camera This is a wonderful opportunity to experience San Francisco as few people ever do—following a continuous route through beaches, bluffs, forests, military history, and some of the finest coastal scenery in California. Come discover why the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is often called one of the world’s greatest urban parks.

Ocean Beach to GGB Overlook

Ancestors & Spirit Guides: Relationship, Veneration & Practice

**Dive into the world of Ancestors and Spirit Guides and learn how to connect with them in real life!** ## Ancestors & Spirit Guides: Relationship, Veneration & Practice Join us **in person** for an enlightening experience exploring the deep connection with our **ancestors** and **spirit guides**. Dive into the art of **veneration** and learn meaningful **practices** to honor these guiding forces in your life. Whether you're curious or seeking to deepen your spiritual journey, this event offers a warm, welcoming space to connect and grow. Join Bear Paw for deepen your understanding of working with ancestors and spirit guides through offerings, boundaries, signs, and an ongoing devotional practice. What you’ll experience: • grounded, beginner-friendly teaching • guided hands-on reflection or practice • space for questions without pressure • a grounded framework for offerings, discernment, boundaries, signs, and continued devotional practice. No prior experience is needed. Come curious and leave with a practice you can actually use--a real spiritual relationship is built through attention, respect, boundaries, and practice. Ancient Ways, 4075 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. Doors Open: 6:45 PM. Class: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 · $60, including all ritual materials to take home. Space is limited—reserve your place now.

Art in the Afternoon: Treasures of the Pharaohs at the De Young Museum

Skeptics in a REAL Pub

**WHAT: Skeptics in a Real Pub** Enjoy an evening of socializing and feasting with fellow Bay Area science-forward folk in an Irish Pub on the Peninsula with great food. < **[Menu](https://www.fiddlersgreenmillbrae.com/menu)** > Please join us! This is a free event open to all. A joyful way to celebrate Bastille Day! **WHEN:** Tuesday August 11, 7-9:30 PM **WHERE:** **Fiddlers Green**, 333 El Camino Real, Millbrae. Accessible by Caltrain, BART, Bus, & Bicycle. **HOW:** Click **[HERE](https://maps.app.goo.gl/i7oGqww8xNnQomVL9)** if you can offer a ride or would like a ride to & from Fiddlers Green.