Chinatown, Russian Hill and North Beach Tour

This four mile loop weaves through the oldest Chinatown in the U. S. , climbs from the Cable Car Museum to the peak of Russian Hill, and cruises along the Italian enclave of North Beach to the Mecca of Beatnik culture. Beginning at the Friendship Gate, we'll travel through the colorful alleys of Chinatown, browse its exotic markets, pop over to the legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory & visit the first Chinese temple in America, the Tin How Temple. At the Powerhouse we'll see what makes the cable cars tick, then ascend Russian Hill, winding through the whimsical, verdant Macondray Lane--one of the City's most beautiful hidden streets & the basis for Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin's colorful fiction series Tales of the City. Coast through North Beach and enjoy the traditional trattoria patios, old-school bars, and handmade cuisine that bring the historic Italian charm to life. We'll check out City Lights Bookstore, Vesuvio Cafe, and other Beatnik landmarks before ending our loop back at the gate.