Mt. Davidson Stroll (October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Mt. Davidson Stroll

San Francisco

Sunday, October 4th: 10 AM - 12 PM

Join us for a stroll led by Jacquie Proctor on San Francisco’s highest hill. At 928 feet, Mt. Davidson is absent from most tourist maps and remains rarely visited by locals. Yet this largely hidden landscape has a remarkable history. Once owned by some of San Francisco’s most influential figures, the hill is crowned by a man-made forest that inspired a women-led movement to save it as a 38-acre park, and its ownership has twice been contested before the California State Supreme Court. More recently, the discovery of a time capsule at the base of the gigantic cross dedicated to the Golden Rule in 1934 and first lit before 50,000 people by Franklin D. Roosevelt has revealed even more about the fascinating history of this little-known corner of the city. Shaped by major historic events, as well as the determined and altruistic efforts of neighborhood residents and the Council of Armenian Organizations of Northern California, Mt. Davidson offers a remarkable story hidden in plain sight.

Route and ADA accessibility:

Mt. Davidson Park has been designated as a Natural Resource Area by the City of SF. Therefore public access is limited and unimproved to protect native plants. The dirt paths vary from flat to various inclines and can be rocky and uneven. We will start ascending at Sherwood Trail on Dalewood Way, then left to East Ridge trail, and then downhill along St. Croix Fire Road to Dalewood Way. Click here for a map of Mt. Davidson.

Attire:

Sturdy shoes, layers, hat, and sunscreen are recommended as the weather can range from fog, wind, and sun. Rain cancels. No drinking water is available, so please bring your own.

Meeting Location:

Meet at the intersection of Dalewood Way and Sherwood Ave., next to the Muni 36 bus shelter. There is plenty of unrestricted free parking on Dalewood Way, Lansdale and Sherwood Avenues. No restrooms are available along the trails. Publicly available restrooms before and after the event are at nearby Starbucks: 675 Portola Ave. and 100 West Portal Ave.

About our guide:

A longtime resident on the slopes of Mt. Davidson, Jacquie Proctor worked in city management before exploring her interests in local history, landscapes, and architecture. In addition to creating the archival MtDavidson.org and JacquieProctor.com blog websites, she has written two books: San Francisco's West of Twin Peaks and Bay Area Beauty: The Artistry of Harold G. Stoner, Architect. Jacquie also created and leads two walking tours as a volunteer for San Francisco City Guides: Mt. Davidson Stroll and West Side Whimsy. Her research essay, "Adolph Sutro's Urban Forests: Influences and Lasting Benefits," was published in the Summer 2016 edition of the The Argonaut Journal of the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society.

Cancellation Policy: Please notify us at info@cglhs.org if you need to cancel your registration so that we can notify the next person on the waitlist. Full refunds will not be granted after October 1st.

Photos and map provided by Jacquie Proctor.

Port of Los Angeles Conference (October 23, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles

Image created by John Martin.

Harbor Heritage: Landscapes & Landmarks Through Time

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Join us as we explore the evolving story of the Port's waterfront - its historic landscapes, iconic structures, and the transformation of working harbor spaces into today's modern terminals and public environments. This year's conference will highlight the rich cultural, architectural, and natural heritage that has shaped the Port of Los Angeles across generations.

Scroll to the bottom for a note on accessibility and accommodations during the conference.

The conference will include:

Friday, October 23, 2026 at 6PM

Cocktail and Dinner Reception

Rafaello Ristorante

457 W 7th St.

San Pedro, CA 90731

Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 9AM

Continental Breakfast and Speakers

DoubleTree Hotel, San Pedro

2800 Via Cabrillo Marina

San Pedro, CA 90731

Topics include the connection between Henry E. Huntington and San Pedro, an example of an early municipal park design, and how the landscape at the Port of Los Angeles has evolved over the years.

Red Trolley Tour

Includes Stops at Averill Park, Korean Friendship Bell, and Point Fermin Lighthouse. Along the way, we will see the historic homes and the old town architecture and culture of San Pedro.

Dinner with a view of the marina

22nd St Landing Seafood Grill & Bar

141 W 22nd St.

San Pedro, CA 90731

Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 8AM

Harbor Tour

Harbor Breeze Cruises

550 S. Harbor Blvd

San Pedro, CA

An hour-long scenic, narrated boat excursion that highlights the massive Port complex and local marine life.

CONFERENCE LOGISTICS

Detailed information, as well as additional sites to visit in the region, will be provided to participants in October.

Accessibility: All locations have wheelchair accessibility except the Red Trolley Tour.

Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro has provided CGLHS with discounted rate for stays during the conference. Booking Link for discount

Please review our Cancellation Policy. Note that the overall availability of tickets shown includes possible dinner guests. Full conference attendance is limited; late registration is subject to venue capacity.

CONFERENCE FEES

Registration includes the opening dinner reception, Saturday programs and meals, and Sunday harbor tour and light breakfast.

Please reach out to info@cglhs.org with the subject line "2026 Conference" should you have any concerns or questions.

Early bird rates end on Friday, September 18, 2026.

California Garden & Landscape History Society upcoming events

Mt. Davidson Stroll (October 04, 2026)

Port of Los Angeles Conference (October 23, 2026)

Courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles

Image created by John Martin.