Blandina Farley's Fabulous Tours - San Francisco, California

Emmanuel Gali

“I called on a Saturday morning not knowing what to expect. We met up around 1pm. She was on time and has a very warm and friendly personality so we immediately clicked. She’s also very knowledgeable about the city and has lots of fun interesting historical facts that you will appreciate and likely not find anywhere else but her. She is very well-known in the neighborhood and clearly, also dearly loved by the local residents. The same warm hospitality is extended to her guests and I left feeling less like a tourist and more like a friend. I met some amazing and very talented people with rich illustrious histories dating back to the first settlers in the North Beach area. And then there’s the food of course. One of my main attractions to this area is the food and Blandina does an excellent job of incorporating this experience and knowledge into her tour. The area caters to all different pallets, tastes and preferences ranging from vegan, meat-lovers, seafood and even hand-baked sweet treats and delicacies as well as specialty pizzas. The time flies by and be sure to wait for the surprise gem towards the end of the tour. You’ll know it when you see it and you can’t miss it❣️”

leila kight

Blandina's tour of North Beach was a blast! She is delightful--and delightfully quirky--and a real "who's who" in the neighborhood. She knows all the must-see spots and must-meet people, so taking her tour feels like visiting favorite haunts with a fabulous friend. North Beach is easy enough to visit on your own but, without Blandina, you'll miss so many fun facts about the neighborhood's history and illustrious characters. I wholeheartedly recommend her, based on my own experience and the fact that she was lauded by locals and even other tour guides, as the very best! My only suggestion is that you tell her in advance about any food restrictions and ask her how many tasting locations she plans to visit.

Kelly Brennan

It was a privilege to have Blandina show us all the history of San Francisco. She truly experienced a life simular to Mountain girl. Plus Blandina is a ray of sunshine, fun, smart and charming! My only regret is not taking all of her tours. Now I have a reason to return!

Carie Parisi

Blandina Farley’s Fabulous Tours was an awesome experience! We went on both the North Beach and San Francisco Music Hall of Fame at Music City tours.

Blandina is engaging, funny, and filled with knowledge of the rich history of San Francisco — in particular the North Beach area as well as the art and music scene.

The North Beach tour was full of fun facts, amazing sights, interesting architecture, mouthwatering eats, co-mingling cultures, and a kaleidoscope of colorful characters! There were also some “behind the scenes” experiences that only a local like Blandina can offer!

And the SF Music Hall of Fame at Music City tour was incredible! Musician-themed hotel rooms, rentable recording studios, historical photographs, memorabilia, and more! Blandina's backstories, coupled with the narratives and stunning photographs of performers adorning the walls, pull you into a bygone era leaving you with a longing to relive the unique love felt when your soul is moved by music. The hotel and Music Hall of Fame are but pieces of a much larger venue— literally a city within a city dedicated to music. It is sure to be an epic addition to the San Francisco music scene as well as the overall experience of the city when the full vision comes to fruition!

And Blandina made it all come alive! Spending those few hours with her felt more like spending time with a friend than being on a tour! It was obvious as we proceeded through the neighborhoods how involved Blandina is with her community and how much love the locals have for her!

If you want a personal, immersive experience of North Beach or the Music Hall of Fame at Music City in San Francisco, Blandina Farley’s Fabulous Tours is a “must do!”

Kirsten Farley (Sundstrom)

My husband and I had a blast on Blandina's tour of North Beach. Blandina was fun, charming and a wealth of information about the history, culture and evolution of the North Beach area. We were welcomed like locals into every shop and watched in awe as Blandina bantered with the staff like family. At each stop Blandina shared her impressive knowledge about each business's craft or specialty. We sampled so many delicious treats and appreciated beautiful craftsmanship and art. I can't wait to go back and take another tour!

jane naimark

Blandina is a wonder! Pretty sure she knows everybody in North Beach and somehow they all became our friends as well. She designed the tour around those of us who were there and our interests, as well as our food requirements. She knows so many stories about North Beach, and although I've lived in San Francisco for 46 years I learned so much! She is a true San Francisco institution and it was a pleasure and a privilege to spend some hours with her. Thank you Blandina!

Geno C

The first thing I noticed when I took Blandina Farley’s Fabulous Tour of North Beach is that she’s as cute as they come, and an absolutly charming tour guide! The next obvious thing is that her tour IS fabulous - and FUN. Blandina REALLY knows North Beach, and she brings it to life for everyone fortunate enough to take her tour.

I’ve lived in San Francisco for a few decades, and was introduced to North Beach soon after I arrived. I liked it so much that I moved to a little place near Washington Square about 25 years ago, and have never left. While I know North Beach quite well, I certainly know it a lot better thanks to Blandina!

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you’re sure to enjoy this excellent tour, and will almost certainly learn things about North Beach that you never knew. And you’ll meet a great bunch of people who own and run many of the small, neighborhood shops, galleries, and eating establishments.

All-in-all a VERY enjoyable tour, and one you should definitely take!!

Geno

Winslow Holmes

Blandina is an amazing tour guide. Her depth of knowledge of North Beach is outstanding. Having experienced several walking tours around the world - from London to Buenos Aires - I found it refreshing to be hosted by someone who actually lives in the neighborhood. On several occasions, Blandina was greeted by store owners, which provided her an opportunity to explain the history of the specific place. Given the varying dietary needs of my fellow walkers, I was impressed by how well Blandina ensured that everyone got to savor the delicious food North Beach is known for. I had a blast!