The UN Charter Trail is a legendary guided tour, created in 2025 for the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations. Not many people know that San Francisco is the birthplace of the U.N. This legendary trail takes you to San Francisco’s landmark locations, that played an essential role in the formation and founding of this global organization. All stops are within a small span between the Civic Center and Nob Hill. Taking approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete. Ready? Let’s go!
Map of a San Francisco city tour highlighting stops including U.N. Plaza, War Memorial Opera House, Veterans Building, Grace Cathedral, and Fairmont Hotel, with icons for transportation options and routes.
Map of San Francisco highlighting the U.N. Charter Trail with key landmarks such as Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, Grace Cathedral, and the War Memorial Opera House. The trail includes walking routes, bike rentals, bus stops, BART stations, and parking areas.
Upcoming tours with SF City Guides
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#1 U.N. 80th Anniversary Guided Tour
11.06/2025 10:30AM-12:30PM
Make way for the U.N. Charter Trail. Experience the legendary U.N. 80th Anniversary Tour in San Francisco, created to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
Duration: 2 hours, with guide -
#2 U.N. 80th Anniversary Guided Tour
11.20/2025 10:30AM-12:30PM
Make way for the U.N. Charter Trail. Experience the legendary U.N. 80th Anniversary Tour in San Francisco, created to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
Duration: 2 hours, with guide -
#3 U.N. 80th Anniversary Guided Tour
12.04/2025 10:30AM-12:30PM
Make way for the U.N. Charter Trail. Experience the legendary U.N. 80th Anniversary Tour in San Francisco, created to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
Duration: 2 hours, with guide
Make way for the U.N. Charter Trail
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Discover Famous Landmarks
Start this tour at any stop you want. From the elegant Fairmont Hotel and Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill, to the historic Library, City Hall, and U.N. Plaza in the Civic Center. Every stop will reveal a new angle to landmarks you might pass by every day without a second thought—even the War Memorial Opera House and neighboring Veterans Building have a connection with the U.N. to uncover.
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Meet Legendary Guides
This self-guided tour is accented by appearances from guides such as Dean Young from Grace Cathedral, the Chef Concierge & Director of Heritage Tom Wolfe at the Fairmont, and Christina Moretta, Photo Curator, Archivist & Manager of the SF Public Library History Center. Each guide has their own storytelling style, irreplaceable knowledge and fun facts to share.
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Reveal Hidden Treasures
The landmarks are true treasures, but you will get the chance to discover other rewards during the tour. Discounts and vouchers will help you dive deeper at certain locations, if you choose to explore further. Keep an eye out, though—there is some actual hidden treasure along the way.
Start the self-guided tour here
Meet Tom Wolfe, Master storyteller, Chef Concierge & Director of Heritage of Fairmont San Francisco. He will guide us on this self-guided tour from the Fairmont Hotel, to your next stop on the U.N. Charter Trail. Ready to hit the trail?
STOP at the Fairmont Hotel
Whether you choose to start or end your tour at the Fairmont, it will be wonderful. The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco is a place of firsts. It’s the first Fairmont location. The first major business to open following the 1906 earthquake and fire. The first to be designed by California’s first licensed female architect. The most important “first” for today is the first United Nations Conference. You will find out just how deep the connection between the Fairmont and U.N. runs.
STOP at Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is stunning, but this isn’t only a sightseeing trip. You will experience history all around you, not just watch it. From the Grace Cathedral Fountain to the Human Endeavor Windows, there is so much to discover. There are four features in and around Grace Cathedral that connect the church to the United Nations. Don’t forget to take advantage of a generous offer from Grace Cathedral to explore these iconic features (and more!) with discounted admission.
STOP U.N. Plaza, the Library & City Hall
U.N. Plaza at the Civic Center carries a lifetime of history with it, and then some. It can be difficult to even know where to begin. The fountain, obelisk, Walk of Great Ideas, and more are all eye-catching highlights on this tour. U.N. Plaza was first opened for the 30th U.N. anniversary in 1975, and now you will be there for the 80th. Stand in the heart of San Francisco as you take it all in.
testimonials
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![A woman standing outside a government building holds a map and a notebook, possibly giving a tour or explanation to a group of people nearby during daytime.]()
"To physically trace the delegates' path for the 80th anniversary was a vital ritual; it’s a profound connection to the original, world-shaping idealism of the UN Charter."
Elara Vance
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![A group of young people standing outside a historic building, some looking at their phones, with a young man in the foreground using his phone.]()
"Walking the 80th Anniversary trail during the test phase and seeing people engage with the digital experience validated everything; history comes alive when you make it accessible now."
Theo Rodriguez
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![Young woman with shoulder-length dark hair looking at her phone outdoors during daytime]()
"I came for my mom, but I left with a deeper understanding of how San Francisco connects to global history and a newfound appreciation for my city's legacy of hope."
Lena Chen
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![A middle-aged man with gray hair wearing a dark blazer and a light blue shirt, outdoors in front of a building with columns.]()
"After eight years, this 80th anniversary tour is bringing a renewed urgency to the story of the UN's founding—the human drama forged in 1945 is as necessary today as ever."
Art Sterling
made possible with support of the following partnerships for the goals (SDG 17):
