Not many people know that San Francisco is the Birthplace of the United Nations. After going on this new 3-mile heritage trail in San Francisco for UN Day 2026. You certainly will.

The UN Charter Trail (UNCT) was created for the 80th Anniversary of the UN, and is on a mission to put the UN back on the Map. How? With a heritage trail and serial monument at each of the 7 locations that connect San Francisco to the Founding of the United Nations. We know we cannot do this alone, and we will have to take one step at a time. You are cordially invited to join and help us “walk the talk”. This coming October 2026, we will mobilize “we the peoples” for the Commemoration of UN Day in San Francisco with Guided and Self-Guided tours presented with our Trail Partners, Community and Donors. ready? Let’s go! #everystepcounts

  • Two guides, a woman and a man, wearing red jackets and blue caps, are standing outside a modern building. The woman is smiling and looking at the man, who is holding a sheet of paper and talking into a headset microphone. They are near a metal railing and steps, with artistic orange and blue decorations and trees in the background.
  • Close-up of a person sitting on a chair with their hand resting on their knee, holding a bundle of blue flags with the United Nations emblem. Part of another person standing nearby, dressed in a blue jacket and gray sneakers, is visible in the background.
  • A woman with curly hair and sunglasses crouching down to pet a brown and white dog on a brick plaza in front of a monument with engraved text. In the background, there are trees, people walking, decorative building facades, and the dome of a government building.
  • Interior view of a decorative domed ceiling with ornate white plasterwork, featuring detailed relief sculptures of mythological figures and floral motifs, framed by a colonnade with gold accents.
  • People attending an indoor event in a grand hall with classical architecture, large columns, ornate railings, and a balcony, some are looking upwards while others are engaged in conversation.
  • Group of people waving standing on steps in front of a historic city hall building with ornate sculptures and decor.
  • A group of people gathered outside a city hall building, listening to a man wearing a red jacket and a blue cap speak.
  • Close-up view of a group of people standing outdoors, focusing on their legs and feet, with varied clothing and athletic shoes, on a sidewalk in front of a building entrance.
  • Inside a bus, a woman with curly hair and blue headband is smiling and holding onto a yellow handrail. There are other passengers around her, some wearing face masks and some with headphones. The bus has yellow poles and overhead advertisements.
  • Tourists gathered in front of the ornate main door of a cathedral or historic building, some looking up at the architecture, with steps leading up to the entrance and metallic fencing around the door.
  • People standing at the entrance of a Gothic-style cathedral with large ornate doors and a rose window above, on a cloudy day.
  • People gathered inside a church, with some seated and others standing, facing an altar decorated with small flags of various countries. The church features stained glass windows and detailed stonework along the walls.
  • An interior view of a church or cathedral with stained glass windows at the top and a mural with flags and statues depicting unity and peace below. The mural has text about the United Nations and a display of flags from various countries. Rows of chairs are visible at the bottom.
  • A woman sitting outdoors at a bench, wearing large black sunglasses, a beige cap, a colorful scarf, and a gray jacket. Behind her are flags, a building with glass windows, and cloudy skies.
  • Two older adults, a man and a woman, standing close together outdoors in a city area, smiling for a selfie. The man is wearing a red jacket, glasses, and a blue United Nations cap with a headset microphone. The woman is wearing a red jacket, glasses, and a black cap with white polka dots. There are trees, street lamps, and a gray building in the background.
  • A group of people gathered outdoors, possibly on a tour or guided event, with a tour guide hand gesturing to the crowd. The setting appears urban with modern buildings, trees, and lampposts, and the sky is cloudy.
  • A city square with brick pavement, tall light poles, and a crowd of people walking. There are buildings in the background, including a mural with the word 'TRUTH' on one. Trees are lining the square, and an American flag and a United Nations flag are visible in the scene.
  • View of a city street with trees, streetlights, and a government building with columns decorated with red, white, and blue bunting in the background. There are a few people walking on the street, and a large domed building is visible farther back.
  • A group of people outdoors in an urban area, engaged in a conversation. One person is speaking, holding papers, wearing a red jacket and a blue cap with a headset and camera. Other individuals are listening and wearing hats and jackets. Tall buildings, trees, and a water fountain are visible in the background.
  • A group of people gathered outdoors near a monument in an urban setting, with buildings and trees in the background. The scene appears to be a tour or a gathering, and some individuals are wearing backpacks and hats.
  • People standing on steps in front of an ornate building entrance with a gold and black decorative gate and architectural details.
  • A female sheriff in uniform standing behind a desk inside a courthouse, with a clear glass partition in front of her. Two other officers are visible in the background, and the area has classical architectural features with columns and wooden accents.
  • Smiling young man with curly hair, wearing a blue cap and athletic clothing, walking on city sidewalk with a group of people in the background. The scene includes trees, historic buildings, and parked cars.
  • A group of people standing outside a historic stone building with large arched windows, columns, decorative sculptures, and a lion relief. Some wear backpacks and hats. There are signs, red chairs, and lampposts nearby.
  • People sitting in a room with a large painting or photograph on the wall behind them, showing a formal gathering with flags and a globe emblem, likely at a conference or event.
  • Inside a building with a large painting of world leaders, the United Nations emblem, and flags in the background. There are red velvet chairs and a glass-top table with a decorative lamp on it.
  • An auditorium or theater with red curtains on the stage, wooden paneling, ornate detailing, and multiple people walking and sitting in red chairs, some with hats or jackets, in a large, decorated room.
  • Inside a large theater or conference hall with rows of red seats. Several people, mostly wearing jackets and some with backpacks, are gathered and talking. The ceiling has ornate gold decorations and chandeliers. A person in the foreground has a backpack with patches and badges, and a water bottle attached.
  • A group of people, including a woman in a red jacket and a person with a backpack, inside a large room with a United Nations emblem on a wall and flags in the background. Some individuals are wearing face masks, and others are walking or standing around.
  • A man smiling and wearing glasses, a blue cap, and a red jacket, pointing upward with his index finger, in front of a painting of historical figures.
  • A group of people, mostly wearing jackets and hats, standing on a city sidewalk and engaged in conversation, with a large sign indicating parking regulations behind them, and tall buildings and trees in the background.
  • A person with curly hair wearing a blue cap and sunglasses with colorful frames, standing outdoors in front of a large historic building with rainbow flags, parked cars, and a street.
  • A group of people gathered outside on the sidewalk in an urban area with tall buildings. Several trees line the sidewalk. A parking sign indicates two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except vehicles with area C permits. Cars are parked on the street and a white car is visible in the foreground. People are wearing casual clothing and hats, some with backpacks, and are standing or talking to each other.
  • The front of a white historic hotel building with Corinthian columns, rainbow flags, and a flagpole with the American flag on top. There are people walking on the sidewalk and several cars parked in front.
  • A group of people walking up the stairs of Grace Cathedral, a Gothic-style church with ornate stone architecture and large rose window, situated in an urban cityscape with tall modern buildings in the background.
  • A group of people, mostly older adults, standing on steps outside a historic building, possibly a government or religious building, engaging in conversation. They are dressed casually with hats and jackets, suggesting cool weather.
  • People gathered outside near a building with gothic architectural details. One individual in the foreground is wearing a blue hoodie and cap, holding a small United Nations flag. Several other people are engaged in conversation or listening, some with hats and backpacks, suggesting a group setting or protest.
  • A group of people standing outside in front of a historic building, listening to a tour guide. The group consists of mostly older adults, some wearing glasses and hats. The building features stone architecture with ornate details near the entrance.
  • Tour group of diverse people, including elderly, observing a monument outside in an urban area near a large gray building with a bas-relief sculpture, during overcast weather.
  • Group of people standing and observing a mural inside a building, with flags and a globe in the mural, and a statue of a woman holding a plant.
  • Group of people gathered outdoors in front of an old stone building with arched windows and a blue door, possibly a historical site or university campus, on a cloudy day.
  • A group of people gathered outdoors in an urban park, listening to a person speaking. The background shows trees and tall buildings.
  • Two smiling women with backpacks standing outdoors in an urban park, surrounded by trees and tall buildings, one wearing a blue jacket and the other wearing a blue hoodie and a United Nations cap.
  • A large crowd gathered in a plaza with a statue of a person on horseback at the center. The scene is sunny with clear blue skies and several trees with green leaves. Buildings line the background, and there are streetlights and festival tents visible. People are walking and socializing.
  • A group of people gathered around a monument with a bronze statue of a horse and rider on a tall stone pedestal, with historic buildings and a clear blue sky in the background.
  • A crowd of people gathered around a large sculpture of a figure on a horse. The sculpture is mounted on a pedestal. The background shows a building with arched windows and trees. The sky is clear and blue.
  • Photo of a person with sneakers and jeans standing on engraved words on a concrete surface. The person's shadow and the shadow of a dog on a leash, as well as a small dog wearing a colorful jacket, are visible in the image.
  • A woman in a red jacket and blue cap appears to be giving a speech or presentation to a small group of people outside. The group is gathered near a stone monument with a decorative plaque, and there are trees and a building in the background. The audience includes an elderly man with white hair and glasses, wearing a green jacket, and a person wearing a sheriff’s badge on a jacket.
  • A group of diverse people standing outdoors on a sidewalk, engaged in conversation, with some holding papers and wearing backpacks. The background shows a cityscape with buildings, and a decorated trolley or tram nearby.
  • A group of people gathered outside in front of a building with large windows, some wearing hats and backpacks, listening to a woman with curly hair and glasses who appears to be giving a tour or explanation.
  • People gathered outdoors around a reflective memorial wall with engraved text, in a city square with historic stone buildings, trees, and lamp posts.
  • A group of people, including a man wearing a red jacket and blue cap, are standing on a city street near a silver car, in front of a large ornate building with an archway labeled 'The Fairmont' and decorated with rainbow flags.
  • A group of people gathered on the steps of a large historic building with gothic architecture, while someone holds a small blue United Nations flag in the foreground.
  • A group of people standing in line inside a building, with some wearing masks. A woman with curly blond hair in a floral dress is speaking to a woman at the front of the line, near an automated check-in kiosk.
  • People gathered in an indoor space, listening to a woman with curly gray hair speaking, with American flags and maritime company banners on the wall behind her.
  • A large Gothic-style church with intricate stone carvings and a circular stained glass window above the entrance. A group of people is sitting and standing on the steps leading up to the church, with some colorful steps in front, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Guided Tours with SF City Guides for UN Day 2026

  • 10/16/2026 10:30AM-12:30PM

    Step it UP for UN Day - UN Day 1/3 Celebration. San Francisco City Guides Civic Center guides will be participating in UN Day 2026 with special UN Charter Trail tours in San Francisco. The UN Charter Trail commemorates San Francisco as the birthplace of the United Nations—something not many people know.

    All tours are donation based. Donations are tax deductible to benefit the creation of 7 commemorative bronze plaques, one at each historic stop.

    To learn more and reserve your spot, click the button below. Limited capacity. All guided tours are first come, first served.

    Duration: 2 to 2 ½ hours, with guide

    RSVP

  • 10/22/2026 10:30AM-12:30PM

    Step it UP for UN Day - UN Day 2/3 Celebration. San Francisco City Guides Civic Center guides will be participating in UN Day 2026 with special UN Charter Trail tours in San Francisco. The UN Charter Trail commemorates San Francisco as the birthplace of the United Nations—something not many people know.

    All tours are donation based. Donations are tax deductible to benefit the creation of 7 commemorative bronze plaques, one at each historic stop.

    To learn more and reserve your spot, click the button below. Limited capacity. All guided tours are first come, first served.

    Duration: 2 to 2 ½ hours, with guide

    RSVP

  • 10/24/2026 10:30AM-12:30PM

    Step it UP for UN Day - UN Day 3/3 Celebration. San Francisco City Guides Civic Center guides will be participating in UN Day 2026 with special UN Charter Trail tours in San Francisco. The UN Charter Trail commemorates San Francisco as the birthplace of the United Nations—something not many people know.

    All tours are donation based. Donations are tax deductible to benefit the creation of 7 commemorative bronze plaques, one at each historic stop.

    To learn more and reserve your spot, click the button below. Limited capacity. All guided tours are first come, first served.



    Duration: 2 to 2 ½ hours, with guide

    RSVP

A Monument for the United Nations in San Francisco.

The UN Charter Trail is a 3-mile Heritage Trail and Living Monument to commemorate the birth of the United Nations in San Francisco.

Your donation supports:

  • The creation, installation and maintenance of the seven bronze plaques: a serial monument to commemorate the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco. Locations of the 7 heritage sites are: Grace Cathedral, the Fairmont Hotel, UN Plaza, the SF Public Library, City Hall, SF Opera House, and Herbst Theatre. All played a vital role in the founding of the UN.

  • The creative development of the self guided tour, a 24/7 seamless educational journey and inspirational experience for ages 9-99.

  • As your participation helps us make the UN Charter Trail an official trail recognized by the City of San Francisco and the United Nations. This is a trail for: We the Peoples, for the City of San Francisco and the United Nations. The UNCT connects peoples to each other, to San Francisco and to the United Nations.

  • By supporting the UNCT and its mission. You help create awareness for San Francisco, the birthplace of the United Nations. How? Literally by putting the UN back on the map.

We can not do this alone. Help us walk the talk.


3% Cover the Fee

The U.N.Charter Trail is a 501©3 tax-exempt organization EIN: 41-4404224. Your donation is tax deductible.

A vintage-style fictional US ten-dollar bill featuring the Golden Gate Bridge, a portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and UN emblems.

What’s next?
Step it up with the
Self-Guided Walking Tour right here below. At any time.

No matter how you decide to, do your first visit, or continue your second, or third visit to the UN Charter Trail (UNCT). You are on the right track. Whether you decide to first go on one of the Guided Tours, presented with SF City Guides this October for UN Day 2026 or you take one or two stops, and come back to complete the other stops on your bike, instead of walking. Or to take the cable cart instead of the bus.

One of the greatest ways to go the UNCT is by starting the self-guided tour. When you do. Please consider to register with your email, as then the Self-Guided Tour will count your steps, take you past trail highlights with the audio tour and virtual exhibit on your mobile phone. It remembers the locations you have been. You do not need to worry about where to go next on the trail, as you will automatically be guide to the closest stop, and give you directions based on your location. We hope you will enjoy the journey and your next steps.

A commemorative bronze-colored plaque with a large star in the center, inscribed with "U.N. CHARTER TRAIL." Around the star, text reads "Commemorating the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco and the path to global peace. Presented to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors." The plaque has a decorative border with small stars and laurel leaves, and mentions the date June 26, 2027, as Charter Day.
A commemorative bronze-colored plaque with a large star in the center, inscribed with "U.N. CHARTER TRAIL." Around the star, text reads "Commemorating the founding of the United Nations in San Francisco and the path to global peace. Presented to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors." The plaque has a decorative border with small stars and laurel leaves, and mentions the date June 26, 2027, as Charter Day.

“we the peoples”
took an impressive
1.000.000 steps on the
UN Charter Trail on Charter Day 06/26/26

Every Step Counts. Literally.
Congratulations. Well Done. A big thank you to all people who joined the first UNCT Walkathon this past June 2026. A big thank you to all the peoples behind the scenes who made this incredible milestone possible. To our partners and to all of you who participated in the first edition of the Walkathon, to help create awareness and support the funding, and maintenance the 7 bronze plaques. These plaques form a serial monument. One original bronze plaque at each of the 7 heritage sites, that connect San Francisco to the founding of the UN. The UN Charter Trail is a 3-mile heritage trail in San Francisco, connecting Civic Center to Nob Hill. If you participated in the Walkathon and that’s what got you here. Please keep coming back to more stops, perhaps in different ways (bike, run, virtual tour) or join us this UN Day October 16, 22 or 24 for more events on the UNCT. If you have not done, and are here (reading this) consider to start your trail experience with two stops next time you are in one of the districts, or begin with one stop, and combine it with a lunch. However many stops you do, is totally up to you. A self-guided audio tour and virtual exhibit at the 7 stops, is part of to the trail experience that has been put together for the 80th Anniversary of this vital Global Peace Organization. #everystepcounts right now, it’s perhaps more than ever important to revitalize the the values of international cooperation, sustainable development and peace as stated
in the UN Charter.
San Francisco is the birthplace of the United Nations #walkthetalk #sanfrancisco

UN Charter Trail
#everystepcounts

made possible with support of the following partnerships for the goals (SDG 17):

  • Fairmont San Francisco hotel logo in black and white with elegant cursive font for 'Fairmont' and uppercase font for 'San Francisco'.
  • Logo of Grace Cathedral featuring a stylized dove with wings forming a circular shape, in purple and white.
  • Graphic for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, featuring interconnected circles icon.
  • Logo of the San Francisco Public Library featuring a stylized spiral staircase
  • Logo of the San Francisco Historical Society featuring the Golden Gate Bridge and text in blue and orange.
  • Logo for San Francisco City Guides featuring a red skateboarder silhouette, with the text "San Francisco City Guides Since 1978".
  • Logo for San Francisco Civic Center featuring a circular, mosaic-style graphic and text.
  • Logo for Nob Hill Association with a spiral and circular design.