Mission District: Water Walking

Why is the Mission of San Francisco called "Dolores"? On this fascinating tour, you will explore treks along water routes where creeks once flowed, before the city grew up. Some are still flowing, hidden to the untrained eye. As you walk along, you'll delve into both practical and political sides of local drinking water, sewers, wells, hydrants and reservoirs. This extensive, interactive history lesson covers sinking hotels, lagunas, arroyos, Chula Alley, and a brutally incorrect bronze plaque. You'll find out how this place came to be a population center; and coolest of all, you will finally debunk San Francisco's founding lore -- "Founded on a now-vanished freshwater lake" -- and see how that myth came into being. With so much water everywhere, you'll be awash in history.

Note: The cost of this event is paid as a donation to Thinkwalks' educational and research projects on natural and social history. Exact meeting location will be provided upon confirmation.

If you cancel more than 36 hours ahead, you can apply the full amount to a future ThinkWalk booking within 3 months, or get half refunded. Tours occur rain or shine.