Winning the Vote: San Francisco Suffrage Walking Tour

Briefly About the Tour:

🚶‍♀️Walk the landmark trail of San Francisco suffragists who won California women the vote in 1911— nine years before the nation followed—and helped change American democracy.

Experience the struggles and triumphs of trailblazing local organizers on a guided women’s history walking tour through SF’s most historic suffrage districts. Explore the hidden stories of the Civic Center, the Tenderloin, Union Square, the Financial District, and the Ferry Building.

More About the Tour:

✨ SF women won California’s vote in 1911 — 9 years before America caught up. ✨

This walking tour traces how clubwomen, working girls, labor organizers, and gender-defying rebels united to change American democracy. We begin with the wealthy reformers of Nob Hill and Pacific Heights and follow the movement as it moved into the union halls, fashionable retail stores, and downtown offices of the Civic Center, Tenderloin, Union Square, and the FiDi (Financial District). 🏙️

On this tour, you will discover:

🎤 The site of the West Coast’s first suffrage speech by Laura de Force Gordon

📚The Women’s Co-operative Printing Union, which published the second-ever cookbook by a Black woman

⚖️The law school that barred Clara Shortridge Foltz, the West’s first female lawyer.

🥪The Votes for Women Club, where "working girls" organized over lunch.

🍽️The "Millionaire Waitress" headquarters, exploring the intersection of labor rights and the vote.

A herstory walk that shows how SF women changed American democracy.

Join us to uncover the radical history of the women who shaped San Francisco. Book your spot today!

Tour Details:

⏱️Distance & Pace: This is a 3-hour guided walking tour covering approximately 3 miles. We move at a moderate pace with frequent stops to discuss the history and landmarks.

🗺️Neighborhoods: We travel through San Francisco's most historic suffrage districts, including the Civic Center, the Tenderloin, Union Square, and the Financial District.

🍴Ending Point: The iconic Ferry Building, a perfect spot to grab lunch or explore the waterfront after the tour.

💪 Who it’s for: Solo travelers, locals, feminists, activists, history buffs, and LGBTQIA+ visitors ready to explore San Francisco’s hidden herstory—no expertise or special skills required, just bring your curiosity and come as you are.

Know Before You Go:

📍Meeting Point: We will meet at the voting box at the corner of Polk and Grove at San Francisco City Hall. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to check in with your guide.

🥾Difficulty: Easy/Moderate walking conducted at a moderate pace.

🌦️Weather: Runs rain or shine (within reason + comfort).

See below “Good to know” for more FAQs about this tour.

About Your Tour Guide:

Meet your guide, Heather Cassell—a San Francisco Bay Area native, queer feminist, award-winning journalist, travel writer, and lifelong storyteller. With 30+ years covering politics, LGBTQ+ rights, gender equity, and travel, Heather brings deep research, lived knowledge, and unforgettable narrative flair to every tour.

💬 Questions before booking? Whether you have accessibility needs, want to know more about the route, or simply prefer to chat with a human before committing, we’re here for you. Drop us a message at 415-517-7239 — we’re happy to help.

🎧 Ask about self-guided and virtual options if you can’t join us in person!

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