When entertaining out of town visitors, such as for upcoming Pride, or for a great staycation, we recommend going on San Francisco Travel’s self-guided tour of women’s history. The tour, which includes travel on foot and via public transit, will take you and your guests to places where women’s history was made and where the women who helped to shape San Francisco are remembered.
Coit Tower (1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.)
The 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. to California St.
The Julia Morgan Ballroom (465 California St.)
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. If there are no events scheduled when you visit the Julia Morgan Ballroom, you can admire the timeless Beaux-Arts interior up close.
Walk west on California St. to St. Mary’s Square.
Monument to the “Comfort Women” (651 California St.)
San Francisco erected this statue of three young Asian women holding hands in St. Mary’s Square, the heart of Chinatown, to commemorate those forced to work in Japanese brothels during WWII. A fourth statue represents Kim Hak-sun, who was the first of these “comfort women” to publicly testify about her experiences in 1991.
Continue west on California St. to Stockton St. Turn left and head south on Stockton St. to Union Square.
The Goddess of Victory Statue in Union Square
Although 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 (downhill) on Powell St. toward Market St. At Powell St., turn left and head west on Market St. toward UN Plaza. If you’re facing west at UN Plaza, City Hall will be in front of you.
San Francisco City Hall (1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.)
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 (San Francisco’s City Council) 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 current Mayor London Breed, who is the first African-American woman ever elected to the office.
From the Van Ness Ave. side of City Hall, board a southbound 49 Muni bus at the corner of Oak St. Exit at Mission and 18th streets and walk west on 18th St.
The Women’s Building (3543 18th St.)
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 nonprofits.
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 (647 Irving St.)
Founded as a “sketch club” for female artists in 1887, San Francisco Women Artists (SFWA) is a nonprofit 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 Golden Gate Park
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.
For more local travel tips and information: https://www.sftravel.com/
Recent Comments