Emperor Norton's Time Machine

Emperor Norton’s is temporarily closed. Click here for additional information.

Choose from Four Options

• $19.50 for a San Francisco Time Machine historical tour for two ($60 value)
• $30 for a San Francisco Time Machine historical tour for four ($120 value)
• $19.50 for a San Francisco waterfront tour for two ($60 value)
• $30 for a San Francisco waterfront tour for four ($120 value)

The Time Machine historical tour takes meet under the Dewey Monument statue on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m . Emperor Norton recounts stories of San Francisco’s past, telling about the history of Union Square, the 1906 earthquake, the St. Francis Hotel, and other notable sights. The waterfront tours run first and third Sunday at 11 a.m., meeting in front of the Ferry Building. Tour stops include such historic sites as the Ferry Building, the Bay Bridge, the Embarcadero, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery, and the historic waterfront.

Emperor Norton’s Time Machine

With a satchel swung ‘round his shoulder, walking stick in hand, and a plume of red and black feathers struggling against his cap, Emperor Norton I leads enthralled sightseers around the iconic corners of San Francisco during 2-mile treks through time. Gold epaulettes gleam beneath the Bay Area sun as the emperor dispenses lively, informative, and charming commentary while ambling along a route that, like an above-ground swimming pool full of sleeping but excitable sharks, takes approximately 2.75 hours to cover. Stories about landmarks, including the St. Francis Hotel, Maiden Lane, and Lotta’s Fountain, explain each location’s importance, helping tour-takers take in the city’s history.