Explore San Francisco’s historic Financial District with this self-guided audio walking tour created by John King, the San Francisco Chronicle's urban design critic. See the area's most impressive architecture and delve into the history of some of its most iconic buildings.

Find out about this area inhabited by gargoyles and walruses, where redwood trees hug an 850-foot pyramid. Learn how the past collides with the present and find the hidden clues that show how the district has evolved. Go at your own pace with plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way.

Some of the highlights from the tour: • The identity of shrouded sculptures that look down on San Francisco's famous cable cars • An ornate office building that's only 20 feet wide • A 20-story metal high-rise perched atop two classical banks • Stunning art deco lobbies • Why everybody was wrong about the Transamerica Pyramid • The office of fictional detective Sam Spade