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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between a public and private group tour? How many people can join them?Public tours are offered 2-4 times each month. They are open to all. Private group tours are scheduled throughout the week and on weekends. They are for your group only, and can be customized based on your interests. These are small group tours. Up to 12 people attend them. If you are interested in scheduling a private group tour and would like a larger number of participants, just let me know.
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How do I learn about upcoming public group tours?I send out upcoming public tour dates a few weeks out. Please subscribe to receive these dates, news, and fun facts.
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Are tickets / entrance fees to park attractions included in your tours?No. Entrance fees to ticketed areas of the park are not included. Tours are designed to give you an overview of highlights within the park. Most tours are scheduled in the morning so you can explore places of interest – and these attractions – in the afternoon.
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What should I bring with me? How should I prepare?The weather in the park can be very different from the rest of the city. You'll want to be prepared for fog, wind, and sun, so bring layers! Good walking shoes and water are also good ideas.
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Are these tours strenuous? Is there seating along the way?No. But you would need to be comfortable walking for 1.5-2.5 hours. We walk at an easy pace and stop at many locations along the way. A few locations have seating available. All tours are on pavements and sidewalks and are flat – with the exception of one location. The National AIDS Memorial Grove access is either down some stairs, or via an ADA-accessible ramp. Please note: Participants walk at their own risk.
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How long are your tours?There are currently three tours available. The Full Loop is approximately 2.5 hours. The other two (Parts 1 and 2) are half of this tour, approximately 1.5 hours each. Times are approximate based on the number of people on the tour, questions and conversations, and the pace of our group.
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Are there any breaks along the way?The Full Loop tour has a 15-minute stop halfway through at the DeYoung Museum. Participants can use the restroom there, enjoy views atop the Hamon Tower, or relax.
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Is the tour appropriate for children? Pets?Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. It's important to note that these tours focus on history, art, and architecture. That being said, children will enjoy being in the park, and there are plenty of interesting things to see along our route. Please make sure to let me know if you're bringing children when booking. No pets, please. Any questions? Please contact me.
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Where do your tours start and end? How early should I arrive?Starting Points The Full Loop and Part 1: Half Loop tours start at McLaren Lodge (501 Stanyan Street, at Oak St., on the northwest corner). We will meet at the bench directly in front of the lodge and then move to the benches on the left side of the building. The Part 2 : Half Loop tour starts at the benches in front of the DeYoung Museum (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.). Ending Points The Part 1: Half Loop tour ends in front of the DeYoung Museum (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.). The Full Loop and Part 2: Half Loop tours end at Stanyan and Haight Streets, near the McLaren Lodge. Our tours start promptly. Please arrive 15 minutes early. If you are late, please contact me, and we can find a location along the route for you to meet us.
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Do you accept tips?Absolutely! Tips are greatly appreciated. You can add a tip at checkout. If you'd like to tip after our tour, I accept cash and will also have a QR code available to accept tips online.
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Do you have gift cards? How long are they good for?Yes, I do! Gift cards can be purchased here, and are good for a year.
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What is the cut-off for booking?Generally, it is 5pm the night before. But please reach out. If I'm available last minute, I'll let you know.
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Can I book online for a public group tour and pay cash on the day of?If the online booking option isn’t working or you would prefer to pay cash, please contact me. I'm happy to hold a space for you either way.
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Why can't I book a place on a public group tour? Is there a wait list?I send out upcoming tour dates and times a few weeks before each public tour. If the booking page lists "no sessions are available", upcoming scheduled tours are sold out. If you know the date of the tour you would like to join, and you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact me. If you have any other booking problems, please contact me. I’m happy to help. Please subscribe if you would like to learn about upcoming tour dates.
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What type of payments do you accept?We currently accept American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, MasterCard and Paypal. Please contact me if you prefer to use other payment options.
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I've booked. Will I receive a confirmation before our tour?Yes. I’ll send you two confirmations: one after you book your spot and the other the day before your tour date.
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Can I bring someone last minute?Please contact me if you'd like to bring an additional guest. I'll let you know if there is space available. If so, I'll send you a link to purchase an additional ticket online. You can also pay in cash when you arrive.
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How do I purchase and schedule a private group tour?Please review the tour options and contact me with any questions or to book your tour. All private tours can also be customized to your interest and group size. It would be helpful if you tell me a few dates that work for you. Once we have a date set, I'll send you a link to book online. Group tours can be rescheduled up to 1 week before your tour. Once purchased they are valid for a year.
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How long do I have to book a private group tour after I purchase one? Can I reschedule?You'll have up to a year after purchase to book your private group tour. If you need to reschedule, please contact me a week or more before your tour date. Cancellations / Refunds: Full refunds are available a week or more before your tour. If you cancel 3-6 days before your tour, you'll receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available if you cancel less than 3 days before your tour.
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How far out do you book for private group tours?A few months is usually the farthest out I book. Please contact me if you are interested in a later date.
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Do you confirm? Will the weather cancel?You will receive a confirmation when you book a tour, and also the day before your tour starts. Rain or extreme weather cancels. If the weather results in a cancellation, you will receive a full refund.
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Can I cancel and get a refund?Public Group Tours If you cancel 2 days or more before your tour date, you'll receive a full refund, less the service fee. No refunds are available if you cancel 2 days or less before your tour. Private Group Tours You'll have up to a year of your private group tour purchase to schedule your tour. Once a private group tour is scheduled: You can reschedule your tour up to a week before your tour date. If you cancel a week or more before your tour, you will receive a full refund, less the service fee. If you cancel 3-6 days before your tour, you will receive a 50% refund, less the service fee. No refunds are available if you cancel 2 days or less before your tour.
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