Hot Pads, Cool Town: Living in the 1920s Tenderloin Walking Tour

Led by celebrated storyteller and historian Linda Day, Hot Pads, Cool Town offers an engaging exploration of the rich architectural and cultural history of the Tenderloin’s apartment and hotel district. This area, which rose from the ashes after the devastating 1906 earthquake and fires, showcases a dynamic transformation in the city’s landscape. As the ruins gave way to a vibrant new neighborhood, the district became a symbol of resilience and renewal.

This tour will explore the architectural styles that emerged during the reconstruction, from elegant Edwardian apartments to stylish hotels that catered to a growing urban population. Alongside the evolving cityscape, a lively nightlife scene flourished, with bars, cafés, dance halls, and even boxing rings, creating a sense of community and entertainment in a bustling urban setting. Despite living in smaller spaces, residents embraced this social and cultural vibrancy, finding ways to “live large” in the heart of the city.

Hot Pads, Cool Town paints a vivid picture of how the Tenderloin not only rebuilt itself physically but also established itself as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s unique character, where architectural gems met the pulse of city life.

Ticket includes admission to the Tenderloin Museum.