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Art and culture activities in California

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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4.96 out of 5 average rating, 269 reviews

Guided Tour of an Iconic Painted Lady Home on Postcard Row

We provide a guided tour of one of San Francisco's most iconic homes- one of the Painted Ladies on Postcard Row, Alamo Square. The Painted Ladies are all private homes, rarely open to the public. Tours are tailored to the interests of the group; film, tv, architecture, history, historic preservation, all presented in an informal, friendly, storytelling format. One of the best preserved of the circa 1894 homes in this row, this home is filled with family heirlooms and the stories of those who once owned them, dating back to 1849 and the Gold Rush. Visitors will have a unique experience of what it is like to live in one of the most well-known homes in America through the eyes of a native, an historian- who has been the owner for over two decades.

5 out of 5 average rating, 7 reviews

Journey through LA’s vibrant art scene

As a culture writer for outlets like Vanity Fair, it’s my job to discover art galleries, stores and eateries that shape neighborhoods and cities. On this experience, I’m thrilled to share the best of my home, LA's historic Arts District, with you. We’ll visit some of the essential spots and undiscovered gems loved by locals like: • A local rooftop, where we’ll toast our adventure while overlooking the city. • Cutting edge art galleries, some of my favorite stores, and unique snacks by way of Little Tokyo. • We will end our adventure at one of the Arts District's most famous and historic breweries. You’ll leave the district with a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood's rich history, artistic culture, and constant evolution.

5 out of 5 average rating, 6 reviews

Curator's tour of SF’s contemporary art scene

San Francisco has long inspired the work of artists as a hub of creativity and diversity. On this experience, you’ll get to meet the artists shaping the SF art scene today at Minnesota Street Project — the new center of SF’s art world. • We’ll welcome you into our space with bubbles and light bites. You’ll learn about the Minnesota Street Project and our efforts to increase public access to contemporary art. • We’ll step into three to four galleries/art studios, connecting you with different styles and mediums of art. Minnesota Street Project is a multifaceted organization that includes commercial galleries, artist studios, and a foundation for supporting the arts. • You’ll truly get an insider’s look at the art. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with a local artist or a gallery owner depending on the current exhibition schedules.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 45 reviews

Paint Watercolor with a Local Artist

You will have the opportunity to paint iconic San Francisco images in watercolor with an experienced artist and teacher. Beginners are welcome and all materials are included, you'll walk away with your own personal masterpiece! My name is James Gleeson and I am a multi faceted, local San Francisco Artist who specializes in local scenes of San Francisco. My work reflects both academic discipline and creative artistic freedom. My studio is located in the Bernal Heights/Mission district where I display my work and share my passion for art with others. This is where I paint and teach my classes, you will be immersed by iconic images and paintings of San Francisco. We do a different theme each class and I prepare an individual drawing for each student on watercolor paper. All students are provided materials and a spacious place to work. We will do a quick round of introductions and I'll explain our theme and painting in a beginner friendly step by step process. I will explain and demonstrate each step for students to paint each segment of the painting. You will learn basic water color technique as well as color and design methods. I am very excited to host you and to provide this artistic experience. As a teacher I love working with beginners and seeing their inspiration for art grow. You will learn technical skills to take home and continue your painting. See you soon!

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 548 reviews

San Francisco Architecture private tour

Your private tour will meet at the Queen Anne Hotel located at 1590 Sutter in Pacific Heights with its colorful Victorian row houses, famous mansions, and diverse architectural mix. Learn the history of San Francisco through its architecture. Explore the inside of a period Queen Anne Victorian with all its original detail and furniture. See where Mrs. Doubtfire and Princess Diaries were filmed, or where Robin Williams and Francis Ford Coppola lived and much more. See views of the bay including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy lunch after the tour on Union Street in Cow Hollow, our exclusive Victorian commercial district. A truly unforgettable experience! Other things to note Wear comfortable shoes. We go around hills, never up them. This is the perfect activity for corporate team building and convention groups. It’s also great for private events like birthdays and wedding activities. Only private tours are being offered at this time at a base rate of $200 for up to four. You pick the tour start time. Larger groups can be accommodated for an additional cost.

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4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1232 reviews

Electric bike tour of San Francisco

The best way to see San Francisco in a day is on an electric bike tour. You'll get the rich history of the best walking tour, local eats of the finest food tour, and an immersive culture & nature experience all in one unforgettable adventure. This is the most fun, authentic, and extensive way you can explore San Francisco, just see the reviews :) Highlights of this e-bike tour: • SF’s best electric bikes - super easy to climb hills and so fun! • Ride the Golden Gate Bridge! • Explore Golden Gate Park • Discover the Presidio, SF’s other grand nature area • See SF’s famous Painted Lady Victorian houses • Enjoy a pastry (included!) from once of SF’s best local bakeries • Experience 12 must-visit local neighborhoods • Wireless Headsets so you get turn-by-turn commentary and the safest ride possible! • Uncover hidden gems & get tons of ideas for things to explore - an extensive local guide to the city is included at the end of the tour! • Begin & end in the must-visit Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, 1 block from GG Park >>For more info just look up Dandyhorse SF Bike Tours<< Each tour led by Nick, SF’s most experienced bike tour guide. For the most awesome experience I all offer PRIVATE TOURS & TEAM BUILDING TOURS - Just send me a note. LANDMARKS WE’LL EXPERIENCE Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Painted Ladies Twin peaks Land’s End Crissy Field Japanese Tea Garden So much more!!

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 4448 reviews

The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour w/ Comedy & Photos

My friends JB, Elko, Jon and I are comedians and actors who have done some work on NBC, ABC, Netflix, and even Jimmy Kimmel Live! We're just 4 dudes trying to make it in LA. We're gonna tell you approx 3000 jokes (some dad-related) about Los Angeles, ourselves, our experiences in LA, maybe a Justin Bieber story? Also, no one has better dad jokes than us. Not even my own dad. (Sup Dad)! This experience is great for groups, teams, and individual solo travelers. We're about becoming best FRIENDS. At the start, I’m gonna hand you the best tasting WATER in the history of water. From there, we'll have y'all laughing so hard at our jokes and stories that you'll forget that we are hiking up a hill to the Hollywood Sign. Did we just become best friends?? WHAT ABOUT THE PICTURES? We stop at the BEST PHOTO STOPS for your own Cover Shoot. I've designed this hike for IG and can GUARANTEE You'll get 10+likes/photo. You’ll receive PROFESSIONAL photos of the sign, the skyline, and scenic panoramas that may break the internet with likes. Other tours take 1-2 pictures. I'll give you 75+ (Best Friend Move). We've been doing this for 6 years and love to show you how LA is done by an actual local and not a "tour company." Please Note: Tipping tour guides is America is customary and always appreciated. It's not mandatory but is the best way to show your guide that you had a great time!

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 517 reviews

Las Vegas Instagram Photo Experience

I am offering the perfect Las Vegas Strip experience for solo travelers, couples and groups, and families (as well as IG influencers and content creators) who want the perfect iconic Vegas photos! I will make sure that you get the perfect photos to show off your trip to Las Vegas. I will also share local insider tips for restaurants, shows, and off-Strip hidden gems. We will start by meeting at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, where we will capture the perfect photo of the iconic Bellagio fountains (with the Eiffel Tower in the background). We will then cross Las Vegas Blvd and get a wide angle shot of the Eiffel Tower. Our tour will continue to the Flamingo Habitat for a must-have shot with the High Roller in the background. We will then make our way towards Caesar's Palace, where we will get photos with the Trevi Fountain. We will finish off with some shots in front of the Venetian Hotel and the famous gondolas. This tour will be conducted by walking (approximately a mile and a half from start to finish). I am happy to take photos with my own iPhone 15 PRO (complete with wide lens) or with your personal device or your professional camera (on private tours). I will also edit three of your favorite photos for you! You will leave this tour with social media worthy photos from all locations as well as new knowledge of the hotels and spots we visit.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

Japanese Spoon Carving

Japanese wood carving is rooted in personal wellness, relaxation, and an age-old meditative tradition of making with your hands. For me, it's the best way to express and channel my creative energy as a designer. I will teach you how to hand carve your own wooden spoon using traditional Japanese tools and techniques. The class will start with a slow breathing exercise that leads into a discussion of different wood types, an explanation of the tools required, and an overview of the techniques used to cut wood. Once you have a basic understanding, I will guide you through the process of carving the bowl of the spoon with the spoon gouge, then designing and whittling the handle and top of the spoon. When the final design has been reached, we will find zen in our creation. Other things to note Please wear closed-toe shoes, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty. We will be carving and making a beautiful mess! Class will be held outside in Oakland if weather permits, exact location sent out a few days before class.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 504 reviews

Adventures in Glass Blowing by Torch

This is a semi-private group class where the instructor will review the entire process of creating art from glass on the torch (a.k.a. Flameworking, Lampworking). To begin, you will watch the instructor create a glass pendant, then you will take charge of the torch and create your own pendant as the instructor guides you step by step. You will be able to take your hand made treasure with you to show off to your family and friends. Other things to note This is a fun activity and no experience is needed.

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 63 reviews

Santa Monica/Venice Stories and Secrets

Santa Monica is a part of the entertainment world full of actors, entertainers and behind the scenes stories. To glimpse this world come ELECTRIC BIKE ride with me while l share stories and secrets. Who owned this pink house; which president slept here? See the historic site where the stars hung out and partied during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Name three movies shot at that pier. I’ll help. Vibrant Venice home of the Skate Park in the city where vertical skateboarding was invented. We once spotted 3x Olympic Gold Medalist, Shaun White defying gravity. Did you know he was discovered by Master of the skateboard Tony Hawk? Deedotdolla is a regular with his cans of paint for the Venice art walls. We could interrupt the creation of his latest Venice mural for a hello and the positive impact of this spot for legal graffiti. Continue on to explore the canals of Venice as you roll over historic bridges. See canoes, paddleboarders & ducks. I can show you an original cottage, a tribute to hippies from the sixties or my guess for the winner of the upcoming home decorating contest. Make a final stop at Muscle Beach made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 70s. If he’s not off making movies you may meet the new Arnold, 6’9” Ike Catcher a true eye catcher and biggest man on the bars. He’ll pose with you cuz you know you want that muscle beach photo. Snap. And we cruise back. Other things to note You must be a comfortable bike rider to do this tour. Ages 13-75, 100– 250lbs. Under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests must review and sign a liability waiver before riding. No pregnant guests due to fall risks. Any damages to bike or property are the rider's responsibility

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 175 reviews

Private Pottery Wheel Lesson

After being introduced to the space and to each other, I will provide a quick demonstration on the wheel with a small amount of clay. Afterwards, each guest will be allowed time to create one piece on the wheel from beginning to end with personal instruction and assistance from me. Guests are welcome to make anything they would like to on the wheel! Cup, bowl, vase, dish, etc. (Please Read)The firing of pottery is a long process that is separate from the time we spend on the wheel. Each piece requires a two day long firing process in a kiln, and I hand glaze each piece. I offer kiln services out of my personal studio if you have interest in having your piece fired for a *small fee that is not due the day of the experience.* I do not include this in the price of the experience because some guests do not wish to keep their piece. Wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting some clay on. Clay will wash out, but you may not want to go out right after. The time noted on the experience, 2 hours, is generally descriptive of a 2 person experience which encompasses the majority of my bookings. In general, the experience is 1 hour per person. If there are 3 or 4 people in the booking, likely the experience will extend the 2 hour session time, and if there is 1 person in the booking it will be closer to an hour.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

Beginner Silver Jewelry Making - Stacking Rings

If you don't see the date/time you'd like please request it! I limit this to 2 people in my home studio (unless you book a private group in which I can accommodate up to 4) so it’s likely you’ll have a private lesson! If booking for four please plan to stay an extra 30-60 minutes. I’m also available to come to you or your event in order to host larger groups/parties - please message to discuss. You will produce at least one, but most likely between 2-3 sterling silver, brass or gold (for an additional fee) stacking rings to wear home. You'll learn about the tools and equipment and how to size, saw, solder, shape, hammer and polish sterling silver using tools such as a caliper, jewelers saw, files, hammers, a butane torch and a flex shaft among others. First, we measure your finger and the length of sterling silver wire we'll need to use. You'll then saw the wire, form and prepare it for soldering, seal the joint with a torch, shape it into a perfect fitting ring with a hammer and mandrel and file and polish until it's ready to wear. We will do this as many times as possible- time permitting. I’m happy to share resources for setting up your very own jewelry studio after falling in love with your new skill set. Please let me know if you would prefer to work in 10K or 14K solid gold at an additional cost.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 672 reviews

LGBTQ Castro Tours

Explore the largest sexual and gender diverse community in the world and cruise the Castro like a local on this fun and fascinating two-hour LGBTQ cultural walk. As a long-time resident and civil rights activist, I'll show you why diversity is celebrated as we meet real people with real stories in this beautiful village of rainbows. Offering the most comprehensive LGBTQ tour in the world, you'll visit twice as many historical sites than any other tour experience. Discover how the Gold Rush, World War II, civil rights leader Harvey Milk, the AIDS epidemic, and the Rainbow Honor Walk created such a strong and progressive LGBTQ community. Learn how LGBTQ equality and civil rights are still being fought for in the United States today. Private groups of 10 or more can be accommodated on a request basis and are subject to availability. Other things to note Fortunately, San Francisco's weather is mostly mild year round so tours operate rain or shine. Please dress accordingly. Our route is easy, with no large hills and is handicapped accessible. There will be adult content.

4.8 out of 5 average rating, 377 reviews

Ghost Hunting in Old San Francisco

Welcome to The Haunt, San Francisco’s hands-on ghost tour through old Chinatown and Gold Rush alleys. Perfect for couples and families, The Haunt combines storytelling of ghosts and true crime with authentic ghost hunting, making it an unforgettable journey into San Francisco’s haunted past. You'll stand atop infamous tunnels used for kidnapping Gold Rush sailors, see a former 1800’s brothel and gambling hall, detect unexplainable EMF spikes at a haunted playhouse, and commune with the dead using modern ghost hunting tools. We’re experienced storytellers and ghost hunters, and we've been featured on Ghost Adventures with Zak Bagans. Spots fill up fast, so we recommend booking now to secure your place in this otherworldly experience.

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Art and culture activities in California

Art and culture activities led by local experts

Top-rated art and culture activities

Something for everyone

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