Hillside Hollywood & Secret Stairwaysup there for the amazin

Question

I’m so excited that VoiceMap has finally published my second walking tour. While my first tour was Downtown (where I learned a great deal myself while doing research); this second tour covers some fascinating history in my own neighborhood of Corona Heights.

I tried to walk the line between deeper history (the Hormel Mansion - home of America’s first openly Gay ambassador, the moving of city cemeteries - but not always the bodies, the sugar magnates home where Jack London penned White Fang - also where the Grateful Dead recorded some of their early music. Which ended up being owned by actor Danny Glover); to more lighthearted stops (the Too Close for Comfort TV house, the Rudolph Valentino bungalow, Professor Pym’s house from Anr-Man and the Marvel Cinematic Universe).

Also, Corona Heights Park, which I think is a hidden gem overlooked by many tourists. I that part tells the story of the Garry Brothers quarries - a comical story that turns to murder.

I think I have the most fun researching the topics. I had always wondered about the missing statue at Mount Olympus. I used to walk my dogs up there for the amazing views of the Pacific.

I’m glad I could get it all down.

I’ve already begun a third tour to cover the walk from the Palace of Fine Arts to Fort Point.

Answer

It sounds like your second walking tour in San Francisco’s Corona Heights neighborhood is a rich blend of history, pop culture, and local intrigue. Corona Heights itself is a fantastic area for walking tours, with its unique topography, secret stairways, and stunning views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. Combining historical landmarks with more lighthearted pop culture references can appeal to both local enthusiasts and visitors looking for a unique experience.

From your description, some of the highlights include:

The Hormel Mansion – notable as the home of America’s first openly gay ambassador, giving an important historical and cultural context.
The story of city cemeteries being moved – a piece of quirky and sometimes macabre urban history.
The sugar magnates’ home where Jack London wrote White Fang, later connected to early Grateful Dead recordings and eventually owned by Danny Glover, blending literature, music, and celebrity history.
Pop culture stops such as the Too Close for Comfort TV house, Rudolph Valentino bungalow, and Professor Pym’s house from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Corona Heights Park – a hidden gem offering scenic views and stories of the Garry Brothers quarries, mixing humor and dark history.
Mount Olympus – a vantage point for panoramic views and curiosity about missing local landmarks like statues.

The combination of deep historical research and lighthearted cultural stops makes the tour accessible and engaging. Your approach of narrating both the serious and the whimsical aspects allows walkers to enjoy the neighborhood from multiple angles, and the personal anecdotes (like walking your dogs) add charm and authenticity.

Planning for your third tour from the Palace of Fine Arts to Fort Point is also promising, as that stretch covers significant historic architecture, waterfront views, and iconic San Francisco landmarks. For walkers, this route can offer both educational and visually striking experiences, maintaining the balance of insight and enjoyment seen in your Corona Heights tour.

Overall, your walking tours seem to provide a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in San Francisco’s hidden stories, with a perfect mix of education, entertainment, and scenic views.

Hillside Hollywood & Secret Stairwaysup there for the amazin

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