Queer History Walking Tour of the Barbary Coast
Hike Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Leader: Edward Joy | edward@edwardjoylaw.com | 415 608-6727
Rating: Level 2
Mileage: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 750'
Trailhead Meeting Location: Front of the Ferry Building, under the Clock Tower. (Feel free to privately arrange carpooling. Best option is to take BART of MUNI to the Embarcadero Station and walk to the Ferry Building.
Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:45 AM (The hike will begin at 10:00 AM)
Description: Step back in time for a guided walking tour exploring the rebellious queer history of San Francisco’s Barbary Coast and North Beach. This tour features a little more talking and a little less walking than usual as we wander through hidden alleyways, secret parks, and historic streets layered with scandal, resistance, and artistry.
Along the way, we will encounter an iconic performer at one of San Francisco’s earliest lesbian bars, the first openly gay man to run for public office, poets who shattered censorship laws through depictions of same-sex desire, radical countercultural artists, and activists whose protests helped usher in the modern LGBTQ rights movement.
We will also enjoy sweeping views of the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz as we trace the hidden queer history woven into the city’s waterfront and hillside neighborhoods.
Bring / Wear: Water, walking shoes, sunscreen and lunch.
Weather Policy: Canceled in the event of rain.
Pet Policy for this hike: No dogs, please.
Tour limited to 24 people. Beyond that names will go on a waitlist.
Level-1
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Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
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strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
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very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
