FOOT! fun walking tours

The tour was informative and fun -- although it focused primarily on the music scene of the 1960's-'70s. I would have enjoyed learning about other aspects of that era, as well.

I have lived in the Bay Area for some 30+ years, but my 16-year-old niece was visiting from Arizona so I took off a Thursday and arranged to go with her on the Nuts and Bolts tour -- since it was not too long nor too hilly and we were worried that it might rain. When we got to the Union Square meeting point, we were surprised to find that no one else was waiting and then, when our guide finally arrived, we were told that we were the only two on the tour. As such, we got plenty of attention (maybe too much) and had a chance to talk with our guide at some length. It turned out that not only was he not a comedian (which became even more obvious as the tour went on), but also that he was not all that familiar with this particular tour and therefore spent a lot of time shuffling through his cards and his binder materials. Nevertheless, he tried hard to make the best of the situation and he did show us and tell us about a few things I hadn't known about before. On the other hand, I also told him a few things that he didn't know about (but should have) such as the fact that President Harding died in the Sheraton Palace Hotel. I think that my niece also found my comments to be more amusing than the comments of our guide, who spoke in such a low voice that it was often difficult to hear him over the street traffic. He also ended the supposed two-hour tour after only 90 minutes, which was probably best insofar as all of us were concerned. I have spoken to others since our tour who have gone on other walking tours of San Francisco, and their experiences have been much better because they went on other tours and went at night. Since this company does not offer night tours, I can infer only that they went on tours offered by other companies.

I, a local, had never been on this type of tour and thought it looked interesting when looking for activities for my two visiting nephews (age 19). We all thoroughly enjoyed the tour - it was fun, educational, and a great and different way to view and explore (parts of) the city. Our guide was knowledgeable, funny, easy to follow, and interesting. The tour - history-wise - focused mainly on the original settling of the city plus the rebuilding of the city after the 1906 earthquake/fire. Not that this wasn't interesting, but I think I was expecting a bit more comprehensive historical perspective (like what's been going on over the last 100 years?). I may have misinterpreted the description of the tour... and/or maybe three hours just isn't enough time to cover 160 years ;) I would recommend this tour to anyone - and I'll keep it at the top of my list for all future visitors.

Although it was fun to walk around and hear about the history of the city, the tour wasn't all that humorous. I've had non-comedic tours with as much humor and fun. I'd say that any tour has as much likelihood of being funny as this one was.

This was my first tour with FOOTtours and in the Castro as well. My friend and I had a great time. Our guide was very informative and to see the place where Harvey Milk once lived and worked was very interesting and affecting. The only thing I would like to criticize is that our tour only lasted 1.5 hours. I assume that there's so much more out there to talk about that I would've preferred to be there a little longer. Besides that I could totally recommend this tour and will try out another one with them in the future.

Learned things about San Francisco that were fun and fascinating. My friends and I are already trying to figure out which tour to do next. Great gift idea!

The two hour tour was better than I expected. Although we live in the area I learned many interesting and useless facts. The tour guide was humorous and knowlegeable. The tour was perfect and ended our two day visit on a positive note.

AJ was a great host for our tour. As locals to the Bay area, we know San Francisco pretty well, but we still learned some interesting tidbits, and saw some back-street scenes that we might otherwise miss. This is a good way for tourists to take in three different areas of the city and learn some good stuff as they do so.

Tom did a good job. He concentrated on the culture more than history which was more interesting than just boring history. Culture also allowed for more jokes. Also liked the large breath of the tour from art history to beatniks.

Anson was the guide. My main criticism is that I wish his voice was louder. Our group consisted of 6 people, but I can't imagine having a larger group and fighting to get close enough to the guide to hear him. I suggest that the guides wear a small mic. Given city noise like traffic and construction it would be helpful. There were times that I could not hear what was being said. Who knows how many tidbits I missed. It would have been nice if at the beginning, he had us all introduce each other. I expected more of a comedian as well. Anson was reasonably funny. Though he had many facts at his fingertips, I was expecting more. Example: the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral, I would have thought he knew more about it. The distance covered was just right, not too long. Maybe my expectations were too high? I don't know. I wouldn't let this experience prevent me from trying a foot tour again, at least one more time.

We both learned a great deal. I am a native San Franciscan with a fair knowledge of the city and its history. However, I learned many new and interesting facts. I was espciallly pleased about how our guide structured the tour to relate to me and my grandson---a bright 11 year old. Many thanks, Martin Weiner

I am fan of walking tours. Attended lots of good ones in the US and Europe. This wasn't one of them. Stories are too general, superficious. Talking about the gold rush in general...? Details that one remembers were missing. Has a short "expiry date".

Enjoyed our tour with Kim. He genuinely loves the district and it's people, and this come through. Thoroughly recommended.

I live in Menlo Park and signed myself and two New Zealand friends up for the tour. Even though I'm a local, I don't really know that much about the City so this tour was excellent for giving my friends a good overview and increasing my knowledge of where I live. AJ was wonderful! She was so knowledgeable, personable and fun! We absolutely had a great time. I highly recommend this for locals and tourists alike.

We had a great time and our guide was super interesting! I'd recommend this tour to anyone who wants to know more about The Castro and is not afraid of a little GBLT humor.