UPCOMING TOURS
Photo by Al Barna
Roxie-Mission Neon Walking Tour
Sat 4/10 | Register
7:15 pm
The Mission District of San Francisco has an a rich collection of neon and legacy businesses: from bars and barbershops to grocery stores and cinema treasures. Take a twilight tour with San Francisco Neon historians Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan. This tour features eclectic local history with architectural and graphic design insights to San Francisco’s unique legacy of surviving neon signs. It is a treasure hunt to discover these beautiful signs in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood. We start at the New Mission Theater and end at the Roxie Theater. Be prepared to walk for 1.5 hours with rest stops. Photography and a lively Q&A encouraged.
Photo by Al Barna
Alameda Neon Walking Tour
Sun 4/13 | Register
7:00 pm
This tour route winds through a quiet bungalow neighborhood and the commercial corridors of Alameda, architecture insights and historical backstories included. From the grandeur of the Alameda Theater neon blade sign to the nearly invisible Pop Inn, downtown Alameda boasts a fine collection of vintage signs. This hour and 15 minute tour is hosted by Alameda’s local historian, Devi L. Dahl. Space is limited so book early.Photography and a lively Q&A are encouraged.
Photo by Al Barna
Lower Nob Hill Neon Walking Tour
Wed 4/16 | Register
7:15 pm
From gritty to glittery, zig zag through the historic corridors of Post, Sutter, and Bush Streets; vintage neon glows all along the way. This tour wanders through the residential neighborhood sometimes called the Tender Nob because it is situated below Nob Hill mansions and above the Tenderloin District. Discover these beautiful signs perched above local watering holes, small hotels, corner stores, beautiful garages, and old-school eateries. Tour led by SF Neon founders Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan featuring neighborhood history with architectural/design insights. Be prepared to walk for approximately 1.5 hours, 2 blocks uphill.
Vintage postcard
North Beach Neon Walking Tour
Wed 5/1 | Register
7:15 pm
North Beach has an impressive array of classic watering holes, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants in a neighborhood that is famous for vintage neon and bohemian history. It is a treasure hunt to discover these beautiful signs hidden in plain sight.
Take a twilight tour with San Francisco Neon founders Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan. Tour feature local history with architectural and graphic design insights to San Francisco’s unique legacy of surviving neon signs. Be prepared to walk uphill and flats for 1.5 hours with rest stops. Tour begins on Broadway and ends near Washington Square
Photo by Al Barna
Chinatown Neon Walking Tour
Sat 5/3 | Register 7:00 pm
Walk with us to find forgotten vintage neon signs in the streets of Chinatown, back alleys and backstories are included. It is a treasure hunt to discover these beautiful signs hidden in plain sight. We save the best for last: the glowing signs are at the end of the tour at twilight. Tour led by SF Neon founders Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan and includes neighborhood history with architectural/design insights. Be prepared to walk for approximately 1.5 hours, with rest stops.
Photo by Al Barna
Cow Hollow Neon Walking Tour
Check back November 2025
Wander between Lombard and Chestnut Streets and discover vintage neon signs for motels, movie theaters, diners, and a diving lady. Spend an evening under the neon glow with San Francisco Neon authors and neon historians Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan. This tour feature eclectic local history with architectural and graphic design insights to San Francisco’s unique legacy of surviving neon signs. Photography and a lively Q&A are encouraged. Be prepared to walk 1.5 hours, with rest stops. Tour starts at twilight.
Photo by Al Barna
Downtown Neon Walking Tour
Check back December 2025
This tour has hidden neon gems that still light up the night, reminding us when San Francisco’s nightlife was ablaze with neon. The Downtown neon tour includes several neighborhoods from Front Street, the Palace Hotel, and Union Square. Spend an evening under the neon glow with San Francisco Neon authors and photographers Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan. Tours feature local history with architectural and graphic design insights to San Francisco’s unique legacy of surviving neon signs. Be prepared to walk for 1.5 hours with rest stops. Photography and a lively Q&A are encouraged.