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16 best san francisco tours (alcatraz, wineries & more).

Explore SF's top sights and hidden gems on these traveler-approved tours.

The Best San Francisco Tours

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See San Francisco's famous bridges with this dual bridge cruise from Red and White Fleet.

Whether by air, by bike, by boat, by bus or even by vintage Volkswagen, there are so many different ways to take in the beauty of San Francisco and experience its top attractions . To help you decide which method is right for you, U.S. News compiled 16 of the city's top tours, considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Foodies, history buffs, adventurers and everyone in between will find a tour on this list.

Red and White Fleet – Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise

Price: Adults from $48; kids from $36 Duration: 1.5 hours

Take in San Francisco's two most famous bridges on this 90-minute boat trip through San Francisco Bay. In addition to sailing beneath both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge , tourgoers will see Alcatraz Island, Palace of Fine Arts and the city skyline, among other landmarks. Red and White Fleet provides an audio guide available in 16 different languages that details the city's history. Reviewers say they enjoy the views, the helpful commentary, and the clean and comfortable boats. They recommend wearing layers – especially on evening tours – because it gets chilly on the water.

Tours run daily, year-round. You can hop on a boat in the morning and the afternoon, but exact times vary by day and time of year. Cruises depart from Fisherman's Wharf . Tickets start at $48 for adults and $36 for youths ages 5 to 17. Children 4 and younger can ride for free, but require a ticket. Short on time? Red and White Fleet also offers an hourlong Golden Gate Bay Cruise, among other tours.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2

Vantigo – San Francisco City Tours

Price: Adults from $95; kids from $65 Duration: 3 hours

Instead of a traditional tour bus, Vantigo transports up to seven passengers in a vintage Volkswagen van to see all the city has to offer. The three-hour tour highlights 15 points of interest, with plenty of opportunities for photos and views of Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, Twin Peaks and more. Reviewers love the Volkswagen, which they say is roomy and comfortable, and describe the guides as fun and informative.

Tours generally leave Thursday through Saturday and Monday once or twice daily. You can board at either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square . Tickets start at $95 per adult or $65 per child ages 5 to 11. Children 4 and younger are not permitted on public tours. Combo tours to Alcatraz are also available, as are brewery tours.

Seaplane Adventures – Alcatraz & City Sites Seaplane Tour

Price: From $239 Duration: 20 minutes

After you've walked the city streets and sailed the bay's waters, your next step should be an air tour. On this 15- to 20-minute flight from Seaplane Adventures, you'll fly over downtown and above Alcatraz and Angel Island before landing in Sausalito's Richardson Bay. Reviewers describe the trip as amazing and one of the best activities they did while visiting San Francisco.

Tickets start at $239 per person and tours depart Friday through Monday in the afternoon. Seaplane Adventures conducts several other air tours, including a 45-minute Greater Bay Area Tour.

View & Book Tickets: Seaplane Adventures

San Francisco Love Tours – The Love Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 2 hours

Drive through the city in a classic Volkswagen hippie bus during this two-hour tour. As you drive around to sites like Lombard Street and Golden Gate Park , you'll hear all about San Francisco history and listen to music. You'll also make two stops for photos to capture the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the nostalgic music choices.

Tours, which start and end near Fisherman's Wharf, are generally available daily at 8:30 and 11 a.m. as well as 2 and 5 p.m. The van can accommodate up to seven passengers. Tickets start at $85 per person. Children 4 and younger are only permitted on private tours. The company also runs a night tour.

Eat your way through North Beach with Local Tastes of the City Tours.

Local Tastes of the City Tours – Tastes of Little Italy: North Beach San Francisco Food Tour

Price: Adults from $74; kids from $25 Duration: 3 hours

According to reviewers, this tour is a must for food and history lovers thanks to experienced guides who are engaging storytellers. Along the three-hour tour, you'll explore up to 10 blocks of North Beach (or "Little Italy"). Samples of the neighborhood's best pizza, pastries, coffee, chocolates and more are all included in the cost of the tour. Travelers say the portions are generous and recommend arriving to the tour hungry.

Tours are generally offered daily at 10:30 a.m. with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour available on select days. Tickets cost approximately $75 for adults, $50 for youths ages 8 to 13 and $25 for children ages 2 to 7; infants 1 and younger can tag along for free. Still hungry? Consider the company's Chinatown tours.

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $55 Duration: 2 hours

If you're looking for a convenient way to visit the city's top attractions in one day, this hop-on, hop-off tour may be just the ticket. Big Bus lets riders disembark at any of its stops, explore the area and catch another bus when they're ready. Big Bus operates every 30 minutes and visits more than 20 locations, including Presidio Park , Chinatown, the Embarcadero and even includes a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. The entire tour lasts a little more than two hours, if you don't choose to disembark. All buses have open tops and prerecorded commentary available in 10 languages. Reviewers enjoy the educational commentary and the opportunity to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge in the open-top bus, but many warn that buses get crowded quickly.

If you buy your tickets online, pricing starts at approximately $65 per adult and $55 per child ages 3 to 12 for the classic one-day ticket. Big Bus San Francisco also offers night tours of the city, as well as upgraded tickets that include free bike rentals, passes to the U.S.S. Pampanito or tours of Muir Woods.

Electric Tour Company – Official Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $68 Duration: 2.5 hours

Riding a Segway can be a fun and expedient way to see a number of top attractions in a short amount of time. The Electric Tour Company offers you a chance to see dozens of sights in the iconic Golden Gate Park in the span of 2 1/2 hours, visiting the Conservatory of Flowers, the Shakespeare Garden, the California Academy of Sciences and Stow Lake along the way. The tour begins with a 30-minute training for first-time riders. All riders must be at least 12 years old and weigh between 100 and 275 pounds. Reviewers praise their guides, who they say are helpful and descriptive, and say the Segways as easy to ride.

Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. year-round. From June to August, there are additional 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. tours Friday to Sunday. Tickets start at $89 per adult and $68 per youth ages 12 to 17. The company also runs private San Francisco tours.

View & Book Tickets

Gray Line San Francisco – Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

Price: Adults from $96; kids from $75 Duration: 5 hours

This roughly five-hour excursion from Gray Line San Francisco takes you to Muir Woods National Monument to see its beautiful redwood trees up close. After exploring the forest, the tour continues to Sausalito, a charming town across the bay full of waterfront dining, shopping and art galleries. To enjoy more time in Sausalito, you can opt to return to the city by ferry for an additional cost. Reviewers say the tour bus is comfortable (though some note recent issues with the air conditioning) and describe the driver as engaging and knowledgeable. Many recommend this tour if you do not want to navigate the traffic and parking headaches at Muir Woods.

Ticket prices start at $96 for adults and $75 for children ages 5 to 11 and include admission to Muir Woods National Monument. Gray Line offers a variety of day trips from San Francisco, including trips to Sonoma , Napa Valley and Monterey .

View & Book Tickets: Option 1  | Option 2

Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours – Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $45 Duration: 2 to 3 hours

See San Francisco by bike on this tour that guides you from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito. The trip takes two to three hours and covers 8 miles. After making your way along the waterfront, you'll pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping for photo-ops along the way. At the conclusion of the tour, you can either bike your way back to the city or opt to take the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco for an additional fee. Tourgoers say guides are friendly and informative and the sights are beautiful.

Tours are open to all ages. Ticket prices start at $65 for adults and $45 for children 11 and younger. From March through October, tours are available daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tours are available daily at 10 a.m. the rest of the year. The company also offers a Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour, among other options.

Courtesy of San Francisco Whale Tours

See magnificent whales and the classic Golden Gate Bridge as you tour the San Francisco Bay with San Francisco Whale Tours.

San Francisco Whale Tours – Golden Gate Whale Watch

Price: From $120 Duration: 2.5 hours

Head into San Francisco Bay to catch sight of some of the many whales that pass through its waters with San Francisco Whale Tours. On the 2 1/2-hour cruise, riders may see humpback or gray whales, harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. You'll also get a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour does not include food, though you can bring your own, and you should bring warm clothes, including jackets, hats and gloves. Many tourists report seeing both gray and humpback whales and describe the crew as very friendly.

Tickets start at $120 per person. The company offers its Golden Gate Whale Watch once or twice daily from spring through early fall.

View & Book Tickets: San Francisco Whale Tours

Extranomical Tours – Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour

Price: Adults from $209; kids from $187 Duration: 15 hours

Once you've gotten your fill of the city, trek to California's incomparable natural wonders with a day trip to Yosemite National Park . On the approximately 15-hour tour, you'll stop at Tuolumne Meadows to see the 2,000-year-old giant sequoia trees, then hit top stops like El Capitan , Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall . Buses, which pick up from most hotels , are equipped with tour guides who provide commentary along the way. Tourgoers appreciate the information provided by the guides and rave about the scenery.

The trip departs every day of the year. Tickets start at $209 for adults and $187 for children 11 and younger if purchased online. Tickets do not include meals, but do cover the park entrance fee. Extranomical Tours offers a variety of city tours, as well as excursions to wine country and Monterey.

San Francisco Movie Tours – San Francisco Movie Sets & Locations Tour

Price: Adults from $67; kids from $44 Duration: 3 hours

Many movies and TV shows have been filmed in San Francisco, and this tour highlights all the top filming locations. Knowledgeable guides lead the interactive tour, which takes you to filming locations for productions such as "The Princess Diaries," "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Ant-Man." Throughout the three-hour trip, you'll see clips on big screens with surround sound of each movie or show as you arrive. Tourgoers describe it as a fun way to see the city and say guides are entertaining.

Tickets begin at $67 for adults, $44 for children ages 5 to 17 and $57 for seniors. Tours are generally offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., though availability may vary by month. San Francisco Movie Tours also leads a "Dirty Harry" tour, among others.

View & Book Tickets: Viator

The Haunt Ghost Tours – San Francisco Ghost Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 90 minutes

According to reviewers, The Haunt Ghost Tours' outing is full of intriguing and spooky information told by engaging guides. The nighttime walking tour, which lasts up to 90 minutes, unveils the darker side of San Francisco history, including stories about Chinatown's history, while you hunt for spirits along the way with EMF meters – devices used to measure electromagnetic fields.

Tours meet nightly (exact times depend on the season) in the Jackson Square Historic District. Trips traverse less than a mile of downtown. Tickets start at $49 per person; if you want to use one of the company's EMF meters, you'll pay a bit more. Though the tour covers topics like hauntings and ghosts, the company says it is family-friendly and kids 4 and older require a ticket. The company also operates ghost tours in Los Angeles and Temecula.

Dylan's Famous Tour includes time in Muir Woods.

Dylan's Tours – Dylan's Famous Tour with Muir Woods

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $79 Duration: 5 hours

If you're hoping to see the best of the Bay Area in one day, consider this approximately five-hour excursion. You'll travel by minibus to some of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks, including Chinatown, the Palace of Fine Arts and Billionaire's Row. From there, you'll spend more than an hour in Muir Woods before visiting Sausalito for lunch. The tour ends exploring more of San Francisco. (Note: The afternoon tour does not stop in Sausalito). The tour starts and ends at Fisherman's Wharf and includes multiple photo stops. Reviewers describe tour guides as insightful and funny, and say the bus is very clean.

The tour departs daily at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets start at $99 for adults and $79 for children 12 and younger. Know that if you choose the 8 a.m. departure, you'll have a slightly higher fee because of the extra stop in Sausalito.

View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters – San Francisco Bay Sail

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 90 minutes

To feel a bay breeze and see San Francisco from a new perspective, climb aboard Adventure Cat's sailing catamaran. The 90-minute cruise allows you to see the sights from inside the protected cabin or outside on a netted deck trampoline where you can feel the waves crashing beneath your feet. While you can't bring drinks on board, soda, beer and wine are available for purchase in the cabin bar. The company also provides an audio tour, which offers listeners information about key attractions as they sail by. Reviewers describe the cruise as fantastic, with many lauding the tour as their top experience in San Francisco. Others appreciate the excellent service provided by the crew.

Prices start at $60 for adults and $30 for kids ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and younger ride for free. Know that Thursday to Sunday sails have a slightly higher fee per person. Sails operate daily, but times vary by the season. The company also offers sunset sails and Alcatraz combo tickets.

GoCar San Francisco

Price: From $286 Duration: 7 hours

Explore the city at your own pace with this GPS-guided car that provides directions and historical and cultural commentary as you follow the designated sightseeing route or branch off on detours, stopping for photo-ops or breaks as you please. The full-day option takes you to the Painted Ladies, Legion of Honor, the Marina District and more. A maximum of two people can fit inside the three-wheeled car and you must be at least 21 years old to drive it. Reviewers describe riding in the car as lots of fun and a great way to see the city.

The seven-hour rental starts at $286 and there are multiple pickup times each day. A variety of routes and rental times are available.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best San Francisco Bus Tours
• The Best San Francisco Walking Tours
• The Best San Francisco Boat Tours
• The Best San Francisco Wine Tours
• The Best Hotels in San Francisco

Tags: Tours , Travel , San Francisco , Vacations , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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San Francisco Tours & Vacations

The gate to the ‘City by the Bay’ is open, waiting to welcome you with must-visit attractions and unforgettable experiences.  

San Francisco is a traveler’s dream. Known as the vibrant and multicultural beating heart of California. A multitude of sights you can photograph, admire, and remember for many years to come. It is so different from neighboring destinations such as Los Angeles ; this city has it all. See the historical and eerie Alcatraz prison or the sweeping landscape of the Napa and Sonoma wine country . Our San Francisco tours take you to iconic landmarks like the famous Golden Gate Bridge and give you a great insight into what it’s like to live in this picturesque city. Get ready to marvel at the remarkable layout of Lombard Street and walk amongst the various shops and stalls at Fisherman’s Walk. 

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San Francisco travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Getting around San Francisco

Getting around San Francisco is quite easy, considering the size of the city.

Walking or taking public transportation is the preferred option of travel with the streets being easy to navigate and the public transportation system easy to use.

The 'muni' (large municipal transportation system) operates buses, streetcar lines and San Francisco's famous cable cars, making it the most efficient way to get around the city. 

What do I pack for San Francisco?

What to pack for your vacation to San Francisco mostly depends on what time of the year you're traveling in.

San Francisco sees mostly mild weather year-round, so t-shirts, shorts and jeans are a safe bet. Packing a few sweaters might also be wise, as the nights can get a little chilly.

You should also pack comfortable walking shoes, as that is one of the preferred ways of getting around the city. Sunscreen protects you from the sun's UV rays when you step outside.

What is the weather like in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a beautiful city to visit all year. It has a moderate maritime climate with mild winters and summers. Due to the city's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, temperatures are steady throughout the year with averages of 45°F to 72°F. Rainfall is also fairly low compared to other parts of the country, with the wettest months being December through March.

Where is Lombard Street in San Francisco?

Known as being "the crookedest street in the world" and is one of the steepest street in the city of San Francisco, Lombard Street is located between Hyde and Leadenworth streets and is famous because of a zig-zagging, one-block section with 8 hairpin turns.

Hundreds of tourists flocks to this street to marvel at its incredible layout and breathtaking landscape. 

What are the best hikes in San Francisco?

There are a bunch of different hikes around the San Francisco area if you're craving a little bit of nature's beauty from coastal walks to mountain trails. They include: 

• Lands End Trail 
• Batteries to Bluffs Trail 
• Twin Peaks Hike 
• Fort Funston Trail 
• Lover's Lane Trail 
• Angel Island Hike 

How far is San Francisco from....?

San Francisco is a very popular city with tourists coming from all over the country to marvel at its beauty and famous landmarks. If you're traveling from cities within California or its surrounding states, chances are you'll be driving. Below is how far away San Francisco is from its surrounding cities by car: 

• San Francisco is about 48 miles from San Jose, making the journey by car just under an hour. 
• Palo Alto is 33 miles from San Francisco, making it about a 40-minute drive. 
• San Francisco is a 2-hour drive from Monterey in California, making it a 118-mile one-way trip. 
• San Francisco is roughly 192 miles from Yosemite National Park in California. The journey by car would take you around 4 hours. 
• Lake Tahoe is located right on the state lines of California and Nevada, roughly 210 miles from San Francisco. It would take you about three and a half hours to drive there. 

How deep is the San Francisco Bay?

Surprisingly the San Francisco Bay is quite shallow, with an average depth of about 43 feet.

At its deepest point, which is right under the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay stands at 360 feet.

At its shallowest point, the depth of the bay is only about 15 - 17 feet which is at the northern and southern areas, respectively.

Is Alcatraz haunted?

Alcatraz prison was closed in March of 1963 due to how expensive it was to maintain. It is completely isolated from the mainland, and a lot of resources had to be brought in. The facility itself required too much restoration and regular upkeep.

During its time, Alcatraz was known as one of the harshest prisons in the US and housed some of the country's most notorious criminals. It's little wonder reports have suggested paranormal activity within the prison, including ghost sightings and unexplained noises.

How long is the Golden Gate Bridge?

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks and has been since its construction in 1933.

This bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County, spanning a massive 2 miles. It features stunning architecture that makes for some great photos.

What is the weather like in Muir Woods?

The weather in Muir Woods is much the same as in San Francisco but a little cooler, with temperatures mostly staying in the 70s (°F).

If you're walking through the woods in the early morning or late afternoon, you'll likely see fog. You should bring appropriate cold-weather clothes, such as sweaters, as it can get chilly with the dense tree cover.

THE 10 BEST San Francisco Tours & Excursions

Tours in san francisco.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

2. Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

3. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

4. Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

5. Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

6. Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

7. Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise

8. San Francisco Love Tour

9. San Francisco: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoia Day Tour

10. Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

11. San Francisco E-bike Tour on Scenic Trails

12. Chinatown and North Beach Walking Tour

13. Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

14. San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

15. Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

16. Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

17. Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

18. Alcatraz Island Tour Packages

19. Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

20. Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

21. San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

22. Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

23. The 7D Ride Experience and The Flyer A flying theater Combo

24. Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

25. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

26. Full-Day San Francisco Tour by Cable Car & Foot

27. Inside Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Cruise

28. 1-Day San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour

29. Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco

30. Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour in San Francisco

What travellers are saying.

• Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
• Small Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz
• Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)
• Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
• San Francisco City Guides
• SF Excursions
• Electric Tour Company Segway Tours
• San Francisco Movie Tours
• Painted Ladies Tour Company
• Vantigo Tours
• Dandyhorse San Francisco Bike Tours
• L'Esprit San Francisco
• Best Bay Area Tours
• Local Tastes of the City Tours
• San Francisco Native Tours
• San Francisco Love Tours
• San Francisco Segway Tours
• White Wolf Private Tours
• San Francisco Sailing Company
• San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures
• Segway SF Bay

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The best San Francisco tours

Get to know the real Fog City on brewery crawls, art excursions, culinary walks and more of the best San Francisco tours

Though San Franciscans would rather cheer for the Dodgers than get caught riding one of those double-decker buses, it’s still fun to play tourist on one of the best San Francisco tours every now and then. Happily, there’s no shortage of offbeat excursions to quench the local thirst for discovery, from boozy trips to the best San Francisco breweries to strolls through the mural-covered Mission District . There are plenty of options for first-time visitors to the City by the Bay, too: You can get the lay of the land on a bike ride through Golden Gate Park or a walking tour of all the best San Francisco attractions .

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Best San Francisco tours

1.  City Guides

What started out more than 30 years ago as a request from the mayor for librarian-led tours of City Hall has evolved into a nonprofit operation with more than 200 volunteers who lead some 50 different walking tours all over San Francisco—entirely for free (though donations are gladly accepted). Guides are local history buffs who live to share their knowledge and wax poetic about their city. Tours cover every niche, nook and cranny of S.F.—from Russian Hill stairways and Alfred Hitchcock film locations to Chinatown tongs and gangs and the 1906 earthquake and fire.  Free

Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/ Roger

2.  Precita Eyes Murals Tour

With more than 200 murals canvasing its walls and back alleys, the Mission District is the city’s mecca for political, cultural and just downright beautiful street art. Since it was established in 1977, the Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center has worked with local artists to create and preserve many of the stunning works. On the third Saturday of every month, founder and director Susan Cervantes leads guided mural walks through the Mission. Learn how the art reflects the changing cultural and physical landscape and tells the story of the nabe's Hispanic heritage. $20

3.  Gourmet Walks

Given the city’s rep as a food mecca, it’s no surprise that there are a glut of “eat your way through…” tours in SF. Gourmet Walks stands out by having a great grasp on what people want, focusing on hip neighborhoods, of-the-moment dishes (think salted caramel ice cream, artisan salumi and fresh-baked breads), and of course, chocolate. Local cooks and culinary aficionados lead tasting tours of Hayes Valley , Russian Hill and Alamo Square that offer plenty of samples, plus meet-and-greets with chefs, cheesemongers, bakers and chocolatiers. $55–$90

4.  AT&T Park Tours

Regardless of where your team loyalties lie, few can argue about the fabulousness of AT&T Park, which in 2000 kicked off the transformation of South Beach from an abandoned warehouse wasteland into a bonafide five-star neighborhood. Behind-the-scenes tours of the park are offered all year, giving fans a chance to sit in the dugout, visit the clubhouse and press box, soak up the spectacular Bay views and walk on the field where the Giants have taken three World Series victory laps in the last six years. $22 adults, $17 seniors, $12 kids 12 and under

Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/ Shawn Clover

5.  Teas, Temples and Beatniks Tour

This walking tour pairs up two of the city’s most visited neighborhoods: Chinatown and North Beach. Start at Chinatown Gate, then venture further into the ‘hood to taste mooncakes at a local bakery, have your fortune told at the oldest Chinese temple in the country and taste freshly made fortune cookies at the factory. Then you’ll head into North Beach to see former hangouts of Beat poets like Jack Kerouac and look up Coit Tower. $66

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Giuseppe Milo

6.  The Castro Historical Walking Tour

Though San Franciscans have lived in the Castro for decades, it didn’t become the thriving LGBTQ community it is today until after World War II, when discharged LGBTQ servicemen settled in the neighborhood. Since then, the Castro has become a hotbed for social and political activism and a symbol of acceptance and diversity for people around the world. Discover the nabe’s history on a walking tour that visits cultural and historic landmarks like the Rainbow Honor Walk, Harvey Milk's residence and the Castro Theater. $25

7.  SF on Tap Tours

Hop heads can quench their thirst for suds on an SF on Tap brewery tour. Guided walking tours take drinkers to three local breweries and craft beer bars in Haight-Ashbury , SoMa or North Beach , where you'll sip complimentary beers as you learn about the city's beer history. Each tour is capped at 12 people, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to pepper your guide with questions about his favorite local brews.  $79

8.  San Francisco Urban Hike

Thanks to the city’s hilly terrain, walking in San Francisco might as well be considered hiking—just in an urban jungle instead of, well, a natural one. Ascend some of S.F.’s steepest hills on this three-hour tour that requires you to wear hiking boots. You’ll climb Kite Hill, ride the Seward Street Slides, discover a hidden eucalyptus forest and summit Twin Peaks. The sweeping views of the city are worth the perspiration. $49

9.  Historic Sausalito Houseboat Tour

After World War II ended, the once-bustling shipbuilding operation in Richardson Bay shut down, leaving tons of wood and scrap metal behind. Enterprising locals took the opportunity (and free materials) to build an entire community of floating houseboats in the harbor. Today, Sausalito is still home to more than 200 houseboats—everything from rough-and-tumble shantys to million-dollar properties. Explore the waterfront community that inspired Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” on this walking tour. $58.83

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Jay Sterling Austin

10.  San Francisco Love Tour

Channel the spirit of peace and love that once enveloped San Francisco on this ‘60s-themed bus tour. Instead of a charter coach, the tour uses a vintage Volkswagen van decked out with neon blue seats, shag carpets and beaded curtains to set the scene. You’ll cruise all over town to landmarks like Lombard Street and Golden Gate Park, plus the former homes of counter-culture icons like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. $48

11.  Golden Gate Park Self-Guided Bike Tour

Though 13 million people visit San Francisco’s verdant oasis every year, few of them explore all of the park’s 1,017 acres. Instead of hoofing it, hop on a bike to cover more ground in less time. Cycle to the Conservatory of Flowers, National AIDS Memorial Grove, Beach Chalet, Lloyd Lake, Japanese Tea Garden and other lauded landmarks at your own pace. $32

12.  Barbary Coast Trail

If you’re not a tour kind of person, but you still want to find out the backstory of San Francisco’s wild and scandalous Gold Rush past, take yourself down to the Barbary Coast Trail. The walking path was created in 1998 by local historian Daniel Bacon in conjunction with the San Francisco Historical Society. Bacon worked tirelessly for years to install more than 170 bronze Barbary Coast Trail medallions in the sidewalk that trace a 3.8-mile path through the history of gold diggers, shanghai dens, railroad barons and ship graveyards. The best part is you can do as little or as much as you want and you don’t need to go in order. Pick up a printed pocket guide, a Walking San Francisco on the Barbary Coast Trail book or download an audio tour. For the full experience, you can also book Bacon for a guided tour ($25 a person, $400 minimum).

Photograph: Courtesy Creative Commons/Flickr/ San Francisco Maritime NHP

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San Francisco Tours

Premium san francisco tour.

Walking Tour of San Francisco with Ferry Cruise & Sausalito experiences

35+ Attraction, Downhill Walking Tour Itinerary:

• Start at: The Ferry Building (Meet outside)
• Grace Cathedral
• Fairmont Historic Hotel
• Cable Car Barn Museum & Powerhouse (Tour inside)
• 1906 Earthquake Exhibition
• Chinatown (Full guided walk)
• Fortune Cookie Factory
• Transamerica Pyramid
• Ferry Building (Tour inside)
• Ferry Cruise to Sausalito (Walking tour customers)
• Sausalito (Time for exploring, Lunch)
• Ferry Cruise Back to San Francisco (25 minutes)
• Tour Ends at: The Ferry Building

Tour Benefits:

• Experienced, Knowledgeable Tour Guide.
• Only Downhill walks. No Uphill.
• Golden Gate Bridge included (see from Ferry Cruise).
• Ferry Cruise to/from Sausalito.
• See Alcatraz close up from Ferry Cruise.
• Visit Sausalito (small Mediterranean town with great SF views).
• Ferry Cruise offers outside and inside seating.
• Ride the famous Cable Car (fee not included).

Customers of this Tour Like/Want:

• More outdoor experiences.
• Unique, creative tour stops.
• Ferry / Bay Cruise.
• To avoid the crowds.
• Freedom of a walking tour.
• No uphill walking.

Ferry Cruise to/from Sausalito included in itinerary:

Take a 25-minute ferry cruise from The San Francisco Ferry Building to and from Sausalito on this tour. The sausalito ferry goes right by Alcatraz and the boat often slows down so you can get great views of Alcatraz Island. You will also get water views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Timing & Pricing

• Start Time: Daily at 9am
• Tour Duration: 5 hours
• Start location: The Ferry Building (Meet out in front)
• Available: 7 days a week
• Tour Type: Downhill walking Tour of San Francisco with Ferry Cruise & Sausalito experiences

Available San Francisco Tours:

Premium San Francisco Walking Tour

Muir Woods Tours

Muir woods tour.

This Muir Woods Tour is the only Redwood Tour that uses a Separate Tour Guide from Driver and stays longest in Muir Woods (90 minutes). This tour is also unique in that it goes to Marin Headlands (see below) to see the most majestic views of the Golden Gate Bridge (a very rare stop). You will also go to Sausalito, Muir Beach Overlook and a 25-minute Ferry/Bay Cruise. More tour details »

• Start at : The Ferry Building
• Muir Woods National Park (90 minutes)
• Sausalito (approximately 1 hour)
• Ferry/Bay Cruise (25 minutes)
• End at : The Ferry Building

Tour Benefits

• Includes Muir Woods Entry Ticket!
• Separate Tour Guide from Bus Driver. This benefit is crucial for a Muir Woods Tour – where guiding is prohibited in the park. Our Tour Guide will get to offer you face-to-face interaction so you can ask all of the questions before and after our stop in Muir Woods. This is better than looking at the back of your bus driver’s head on other tours.
• More Tour Stops are offered on this Muir Woods tour than any other comparable tour. It’s not just a Muir Woods tour! We also stop at Sausalito and include a ferry cruise.
• Ferry/Bay Cruise. Includes Ferry Cruise ticket costs! Get back from Muir Woods to San Francisco with a Ferry/Bay Cruise that goes right by Alcatraz Island (stones throw away). We are only tour operator that includes this ferry cruise in the itinerary!

Muir Woods 2018!

Available Muir Woods Tours and Combo Tours

• Muir Woods Tour Book Tour More Tour Details

Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Penitentiary was truly "The Rock," where America sent the worst of the worst criminals from 1934-1966.

Public enemies like Scarface Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Creepy Karpis, and the Birdman (Robert Stroud) all learned this first hand. People on the outside have always been fascinated with Alcatraz. Visitors peered at Alcatraz through telescopes when the prisoners were there, and ever since it was opened to tours, thousands of visitors have come every year.

San Francisco Comprehensive Shuttle Tours can get Alcatraz Tickets sometimes even at last minute, and we can arrange these for guests who buy our 5 our Premium City Tour (9am).

Morning Combo Tour

• Start at : Alcatraz Landing (Arrive at 8:30am) Pier 33
• 9am Sailing to Alcatraz
• Alcatraz (2+ Hours)
• Walk or F-line Train from Pier 33 to Ferry Building
• Board Shuttle Bus at 2pm
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Nob Hill (Guided Walk)
• Cable Car Museum
• Lombard Street (Guided Downhill Walk)
• Golden Gate Bridge (20 minute stop)
• Palace of Fine Arts
• Tour ends at Ferry Building or Fisherman's Wharf

Afternoon Combo Tour

• Start from: The Ferry Building (9am)
• Sausalito (time for lunch, shopping and exploring)
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Chinatown (Guided Walk)
• Ferry/Bay Cruise Included
• Walk or F-line Train to Pier 33
• Alcatraz Ferry from Pier 33 - departs at: 3:20pm or 3:50pm (tickets included in price)
• Alcatraz (2 hours)

* This tour has a 25-minute Ferry/Bay Cruise

• Award winning audio tour of the Alcatraz cell house, featuring interviews with former guards and former prisoners
• Possibility of meeting an actual Alcatraz guard or ex-prisoner, who are often on the island to talk to visitors
• Learn about the 1962 escape that was featured in the movie Escape from Alcatraz. Decide for yourself if they really made it or not!
• Man-eating sharks? Dungeons? Executions? Learn for yourself what was real and what is only legend
• Step inside an actual Alcatraz prison cell to have your photograph taken, including their famous "Hole", which was reserved only for the very worst criminals
• Incredible views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from Alcatraz Island
• Beautiful gardens that were planted by prisoners and are now being restored by volunteers
• Large colonies of nesting seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and night herons

Available Alcatraz Tours and Combo Tours

Alcatraz Island Tickets

Yosemite by Motorcoach Tour

See yosemite in 1 day by motorcoach.

Safest Yosemite Tour Around. More Free Time in Yosemite. Expert Separate Tour Guide (not a bus driver guide). Lowest Cost Tour. Comfortable Bus. Sightseeing Stops in Valley Floor. More Free Time in Yosemite!

13.5 Hours Tour Itinerary

• Start at: The Ferry Building (San Francisco 7:00am)
• Bus Ride to Yosemite (2 Hours)
• Break for Breakfast (cost not included)
• Bus Ride to Yosemite (1.5 Hours)
• Arrive Yosemite National Park
• See: Half Dome
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Sentinel Bridge
• Tunnel View
• Yosemite Falls
• Free Time in Valley Floor (2 Hours )
• Bus Ride Back (4 Hours)
• DROP OFF AT: San Francisco Area Hotels*: (10:30pm ) — Fisherman's Wharf – Financial District – Union Square

* If they prefer, customers can also be dropped off at a Taxi stand to get to their hotel.

Safest Yosemite Tour Around

Our Driver does not drive more than 7 hours per day compared to other companies work their drivers 12 to 14 hours and require naps.

You will have one Driver the way up to Yosemite Valley and then a new, well-rested driver, who stayed-over the night before, will be your driver on the way home.

Other Tour Benefits

• More Free Time in Yosemite.
• Expert Separate Tour Guide (not a bus driver guide).
• Lowest Cost Tour. No need for Driver and Guide OT. We pass savings to you.
• Comfortable Bus.
• No Third Party Tour Company! Many Tour operators are running the same itinerary and passing you off to a brand you didn't book with.

Tour Details

• 16 Potential Tour Stops
• See the Entire City in a full day
• Get off the shuttle at any of 16 stops, catch the next shuttle
• We use 16 Passenger Sprinters, 30 Passenger Shuttles - - much smaller, more intimate than 70 passenger Huge Hopper Buses in SF
• Our 16 Passenger Sprinters are really small; our 30 Passenger Shuttles are decked out with wood-flooring and phone charging stations
• Temperature Controlled inside (Winter or Summer benefits)
• You can actually hear the PA announcer (Tour Guide) on this tour (big benefit)

Available Yosemite Tours

Yosemite Tour

Robert Mondavi Tour

Napa experience tour w/ robert mondavi winery.

Only the Wine Country Tour Shuttle visits the great Robert Mondavi winery for guests traveling from San Francisco. Just like the Wine Country Tour Shuttles regular tour, this tour boasts: Ferry/Bay Cruise, 4 winery stops and a picnic lunch in Napa Valley. The difference with this tour is that Robert Mondavi winery is a guaranteed stop.

• Shuttle to Napa Valley  (over the Golden Gate Bridge)
• Domain Chandon Winery - Napa Valley
• Bouchon Pastry & Coffee Shop
• Robert Mondavi Winery - Napa Valley
• V. Sattui Winery - Winery of the year
• Picnic Lunch in Napa Valley
• St. Clair Brown Brewery & Winery w/ Winery Tour
• Break at OxBow Market
• Ferry/Bay Cruise to San Francisco
• Ends at : The Ferry Building

Available Tours

Napa Tour from San Francisco with Premium Wineries and Flexible Itinerary

Combo Tour of Napa and Sonoma

Premium Napa Tours from Napa Valley

Private Tours

San francisco private tours.

You actually save money (in most cases) with a San Francisco Private Tour. Medium to larger sized groups actually enjoy the benefits of a lower price per person for tours of all types when they come in larger numbers.

Further, with private tours of San Francisco you really do get first class treatment ranging from 1) A before tour discussion with your tour guide is customary 2) San Francisco hotel pickup and drop-off 3) change the itinerary anyway you wish 4) Include lunch in the overall price of the tour. Basically, whatever you want is our command with a private tour.

Tour Highlights

Choose your own tour times, Change the itinerary!, Free San Francisco Hotel Pickup and Drop-off, Free Refreshments (bottled-water), Bathrooms on board available upon request for buses, Separate Tour Guide from Driver.

Available Private Tours an Combo Tours

Private San Francisco City Tour

Private Alcatraz Island Tickets

Private Muir Woods Tour

Private Napa Valley Wine Country Tour

Private Monetery / Carmel Tours

Must See & Do in San Francisco

Take the san francisco city tour.

Look for SF city tours that offer more stops and visit more than the most known landmarks in San Francisco. We recommend the SF Premium City Tour with Ferry!

Visit the Wine Country - Don't drive your first time!

We don't recommend drinking and driving thus, we don't recommend renting a car to go to Napa or Sonoma. Go on a bus tour from San Francisco that visits great wineries and has lots of variety during the tour.

Don't Miss The Redwoods - Go to Muir Woods!

So many people come to San Francisco and fail to visit the Giant California Sequioa Coastal Redwoods at Muir Woods National Park. We highly recommend this even over Alcatraz Island. Find a bus tour that uses smaller shuttles and visits other surrounding areas in Marin along with Muir Woods.

Go to Yosemite by Train instead of Car or Bus

The Yosemite Park Train Tour from San Francisco or Sacramento rocks! It's the coolest way to get to Yosemite. We highly consider you investigate the train tour versus a regular old bus tour to Yosemite.

Buy your Alcatraz Tickets Early

You need to book all Alcatraz tour combos at least 2 weeks in advance. Alcatraz tickets need to be sold as a tour combo. Be weary of anyone selling tickets solely and not combined.

Best San Francisco Tours

Planning a trip to san francisco.

Check out our list of the best San Francisco tours that all offer a unique and fun way to see all of San Francisco in a day!

There are over 300 different companies offering various selections of San Francisco tours. You’ll find a variety of bus tours, bike tours, tours to Yosemite from San Francisco and more. But there are only a handful that provide a truly “All In One Day” tour like Dylan’s minibus tours of San Francisco .

This is our list of the best tours in and around San Francisco:

• San Francisco City Tours
• Tours to Muir Woods National Monument of Redwoods
• Tours to Alcatraz Island
• Tours of Golden Gate Bridge & Golden Gate Park
• Tours to Yosemite from San Francisco
• Tours to Wine Country from San Francisco

So, how do you choose the best San Francisco tour with so many options?

Based on our experience it comes down to seeing the best parts of San Francisco in a single day. That is why we created the top rated tour —  our Famous San Francisco to Muir Woods Tour .

If you’re looking for the top San Francisco tour options, we’ve got you covered with this list! We think each of these adventures provides excellent insight into the city and surrounding sites.

Most Popular Tours

Tours of San Francisco AND Muir Woods

On the San Francisco to Muir Woods tour , you’ll explore the most iconic city sites such as Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Palace of Fine Arts, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge.

You’ll also travel to some of the lesser-known destinations throughout the city. From the Presidio, the former military base which is now a gorgeous park and home to Chrissy Field, George Lucas’ Lucasfilm headquarters, and the Walt Disney Museum, the mansions on Billionaires Row and the charming coastal town of Sausalito (available only on the 8:00 AM tour). Along the way, you’ll be treated to stories about the neighborhoods, diversity, and geography of the Bay Area.

After touring the city, you’ll be transported to Muir Woods just outside of the city to hike among the magnificent redwoods. You’ll have over an hour to hike the trails, listen to a Ranger Talk, or wander through the gift shop. There’s a lot to see and do in Muir Woods, so make sure to read our blog on Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Muir Woods in preparing for your visit to the national monument.

This San Francisco tour and visit to Muir Woods is a great way to see all of San Francisco in a day! You’ll also be sure to get some amazing recommendations for restaurants and other things to do in San Francisco during your visit to the Bay Area.

Explore San Francisco, Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island

Dylan’s is the only Bay Area tour company offering San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz in one day! If you want to experience some more action-packed excursions from San Francisco, this is the best tour for you.

Visit famous sites in San Francisco, along the way learn all about the city’s history and culture. There will be plenty of opportunities to hop on and hop off the bus, take photos, and even wander around a bit. Head out of the city to Muir Woods to hike among the redwoods. Enjoy lunch, explore Pier 39’s shops and San Francisco’s infamous sea lions.  

You’ll be dropped you off at Pier 33, the Alcatraz departure point. Dylan’s takes care of Alcatraz reservations ahead of time, so you can board the ferry for the Official Alcatraz Day Tour of the island with no hassles or waiting in line. 

During your tour of Alcatraz you’ll be able to wander the notorious penitentiary grounds, listen to the famous audio tour and take in the history of the island. For Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Alcatraz read our blog and prepare yourself for what to expect.

While this full day city tour with Muir Woods and Alcatraz makes for a long day, it’s the only one of the many San Francisco tours that offer both of these national park sites in one day. So, if you want to do some major city sightseeing in the US, this is a great option.

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge

There might be a lot of tour companies offering San Francisco bike rentals to ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Still, there’s only one San Francisco tour company which allows you to enjoy Sausalito, Muir Woods, and riding the Golden Gate Bridge all in one day!

Our Bike the Bridge and Shuttle to Muir Woods is the only combo tour of its kind: explore San Francisco’s top landmarks, walk among the Giant Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument, enjoy a break for lunch in the charming coastal town of Sausalito, and enjoy an e-bike rental to bike the Golden Gate Bridge and explore the city.

Cruise the Golden Gate Bridge on an e-bike and experience the breathtaking views of San Francisco’s skyline from the other side. While cruising through the city, be sure to hop off your bike as often as you want to take photos of the Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

If a Ride to the Woods isn’t your ideal tour itinerary, check out Ride the City . This San Francisco bike tour includes a guided loop through the city to the top sites and lunch in the colorful Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

With the e-bikes, you’ll effortlessly climb San Francisco’s hills as you learn the fascinating history of Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy stunning views of the Bay as you approach the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll bike through the peninsula’s most iconic neighborhoods, see the National Historic Monument of Aquatic Park, and explore such scenic locations as the Roman and Greek inspired Palace of Fine Arts.

Visiting Yosemite National Park from San Francisco

If you didn’t think that you could see Yosemite from San Francisco in one day , let us prove you wrong!

Yosemite is known for world-renowned views of towering mountains, flourishing animal life, and awe-inspiring natural phenomena everywhere you look. Just a few short hours out of San Francisco, it is possible to visit Yosemite from San Francisco in a single day!

This is the perfect San Francisco tour for adventurers who want to check this national park tour off their bucket lists. During this full-day experience, you can hike to the Giant Sequoias (conditions permitting), take in stunning views of Half-Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, and still have time to explore the valley floor. All while making it back to your San Francisco beds that night!

Visiting Wine Country from San Francisco

This one is for the wine enthusiasts out there!

With famous Napa and Sonoma wineries a short shuttle away from the city, experiencing the wine country is a must-do for any wine lovers visiting San Francisco.

Some popular wineries you might tour in wine country include Peter Cellars , Nicholson Ranch , and Starmont Winery & Vineyards . If you’re visiting in late summer or early fall, you’ll be greeted by lush, beautiful views of full vines and bursting grapes ready for harvest. At some of the wineries, you may be treated to a detailed description of the winemaking process.

Planning Your San Francisco Trip

Best time to visit san francisco.

Believe it or not, the best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. The temperature in the city is best during the fall and the crowds are a lot less than in the summer. Summer is the peak of tourism for San Francisco, tourists hope for beautiful weather and a lot of sun, but this can be very disappointing. During summer, the average temperature is usually not higher than 60℉, and there is a lot of chilly fog accompanied by sea winds, which makes the summer not the best time to be in the city. The room rates also rise in summer since it is peak season, so be sure to book your hotel reservations months in advance if you want to visit the city during summertime. 

During spring, San Francisco has mild temperatures and a lack of rain which makes it a good season to travel to the Bay Area. San Francisco is famous because of its fluctuating climate so be sure to bring layers in case the weather changes quickly. In winter, we also recommend bringing a lot of layers since it can feel frigid. 

What To Bring

As mentioned before it is very important to pack a lot of layers when visiting San Francisco. The temperatures in the city can change very quickly, and every neighborhood has its own climate some days. These are called microclimates — yes, these are REAL.

If you are planning on doing a few hikes during your trip make sure to bring the right clothes and equipment. Prepare yourself by reading blogs about hiking to make sure you know what to expect. 

San Francisco Neighborhoods To Visit

San Francisco has a lot of different and unique neighborhoods. This makes it a bit hard to find out what the best places are to visit when you only have a short amount of time in the city. We created a top 10 of our most favorite neighborhoods to make it easier for you to choose!

On the Dylan’s Famous Tour with Muir Woods you will visit the majority of these neighborhoods. 

Fisherman’s Wharf

This is probably the most crowded and touristy area of San Francisco. The famous Pier 39 is located in Fisherman’s Wharf as well as most of the major hotels and souvenir shops. Definitely a must-see!

Chinatown attracts more visitors a year than the Golden Gate Bridge, it is a unique neighborhood which is definitely one of our favorite places in the city!

North Beach 

This is where our bike shop is located. 🙂 Make sure to walk around Little Italy and to eat at one of the great restaurants. 

Telegraph Hill

Telegraph Hill is located between Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach. Make sure to visit Coit Tower for an incredible view of the city and the Bay.

Lombard Street

The famously twisting Lombard Street is a must-see when visiting San Francisco. Enjoy going down the eight hairpin turns on a unique ride of the city’s ‘crookedest street.’

The Mission

This neighborhood is famous for its colorful murals. The Mission is home to a lot of great restaurants, and on a sunny day you can hang out in Dolores park where you can enjoy a view of the city. 

The Castro 

This is San Francisco’s vibrant gay neighborhood, you can wander through the streets while enjoying the rainbow-flag clad streets. A big movie fan? Make sure to stop at the beautiful Castro Theater to catch a movie!

Haight-Ashbury 

The “Summer of Love” took place in this vibrant and unique neighborhood. You can stroll through the street and discover the funky shops and little stores. Your trip to haight street is not complete without a stop at Amoeba Music. 

Pacific Heights 

Visit this neighborhood to spot the most expensive houses, Victorian homes, and impressive views in the city. This is also considered by many to have the best weather in the city thanks to the microclimates!

Financial District

The Financial District is known for the prominent skyscrapers, but there is a lot more to do. Discover the Ferry Building, City Hall and Union Square, all of it is easy to do in only one day!

The Presidio

Presidio is great for hikes, and if you rent a bike , you can bike all the way to the Golden Gate bridge through this big park. Traveling with kids? Pay a visit to the Disney Family Museum in the old barracks. 

Book Your Tour of San Francisco Today

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100% confirmed Alcatraz ticket. Don't miss the chance to see the world famous prison island in San Francisco!

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Return by Ferry!

Bike rentals near the golden gate bridge 20% online discount.

Only 20 minutes and up to the beginning of the Golden Gate Bridge on a flat bike path near the waterfront with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay! 

#1 San Francisco Bus Tour - Hop on Hop off - $5 Off E-Ticket

Hop on, hop off and enjoy the flexibility as you discover and explore golden gate bridge, fisherman's wharf, haight ashbury, chinatown and so much more.

SAVE $5 on San Francisco Sightseeing Tours!

Essential ticket (1-day hop on hop off): $73

Night Tour (1.5 hour Bay Bridge & Treasure Island): $49

Explorer ticket (2-day hop on hop off): $85

The best city tour San Francisco! 

San Francisco Tours - Top Things to Do

Bike rentals for the golden gate bridge, cruise around the alcatraz & under the golden gate bridge.

Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and ferry back to San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf! One of the world's most famous bike rides! Book discounted San Francisco tours and sightseeing tours at SF.TOURS.

Our best selling cruise in San Francisco! This 1-hour tour takes you around Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge with the view of the San Francisco Bay. Includes audio tour in 16 languages. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - San Francisco City Tour

See the most iconic San Francisco sightseeing tours sites – the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf, and a lot more! City tour San Francisco tours. Hop on Hop off ticket valid for 1 day or 2 days

California Sunset Cruise

San francisco tour packages.

On this relaxed, 1.5 hour cruise, you’ll  enjoy spectacular sunset views. It’s a paradise on the Bay, complete  with all the comforts that come standard when you cruise with Red and  White. Come as you are, as this sunset cruise of San Francisco is a  casual, relaxed affair. Sightseeing tours in San Francisco on cruises! 

San Francisco Night Tour

This 1hr tour of San Francisco includes the best of the city by night. The tour includes the Financial District, Chinatown, North Beach and Embarcadero. Departing from Fisherman's Wharf this tour covers the major attractions of San Francisco by night.

Explore San Francisco on your own pace! Pick 3, 4 or 5 choices from over 20 San Francisco tours and attractions for your own individual itinerary. Sightseeing tours, city tour San Francisco

Top San Francisco Tours & Activities

Half-day san francisco city tour.

This 3.5-hour sightseeing tour/bus tour covers some of the most famous San Francisco tours sights like: Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks. Complimentary door-to-door hotel shuttle service from most San Francisco hotels.

Muir Woods + Sausalito Tour

Venture north over the Golden Gate Bridge to an isolated canyon filled with ancient coastal redwood trees. Enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint seaside town of Sausalito – a Mediterranean-like village harbored across the San Francisco Bay. San Francisco tours, Sightseeing tours.

Escape From The Rock Cruise

Sightseeing tours - Cruise under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge in one spectacular cruise along San Francisco’s entire urban skyline, accompanied by our headphone audio in 16 languages. 90-minutes San Francisco tours depart daily. 

Aquarium of the Bay

Sausalito tour (hop on hop off).

Discover what lies beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay. Journey through crystal clear tunnels filled with 20,000 aquatic animals. Touch sharks, rays and sea stars. Learn how to support conservation of the bay  and marine environments. One of the best San Francisco tours for children!

This 60-minute Hop On Hop Off tour includes crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and a visit to the picturesque town of Sausalito. Buy San Francisco tours & attraction tickets at sf.tours!

Napa/Sonoma Wine Tour

Unwind and soak up the stunning scenery as we journey north into Napa and Sonoma Valley, two of the most prized wine regions of Northern California. During your venture, enjoy wine tasting and exclusive estate tours of three of our most favored wineries! city tour San Francisco, Sightseeing Tours

Best Value San Francisco Sightseeing Tours

Open-top hop-on hop-off bus tour - choose from 1-day or 2-day.

With this 2.5 hour city tour San Francisco (1-day pass valid from 9 am - 5 pm) you get the best views of San Francisco's Downtown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Golden Gate Park from the top of an open top Double Decker Bus. Be sure to bring your camera as there will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and simply enjoy the live commentary from our entertaining tour guides while seeing all major sites of San Francisco! Buy San Francisco tours and sightseeing tours tickets now at sftourcompany.com!

San Francisco Bay Cruises

The San Francisco Bay Cruise is one of our most popular water sightseeing tours in San  Francisco. You'll get close to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge for some amazing sights and photo opportunities.

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge

Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, a beautiful waterfront town, and have the option to return by ferry! Save up to 20% with online reservation! San Francisco Bike Rentals near Golden Gate Bridge.

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We believe traveling should be fun and carefree, so we offer a large selection of San Francisco tours with the most competitive prices. We personally handpick some of the most popular San Francisco tours that will be fun and enjoyable for all ages. Our San Francisco tour selections include the world famous Alcatraz tour, open-top double decker city bus tours,  cruises around the San Francisco Bay, bicycle rental activities, and other daily tours such as Napa wine tour, Yosemite National Park tour, and Monterey/Carmel tour. Here at San Francisco Tours & Activities,  we ensure you to find a memorable experience for a lifetime in our beloved city – San Francisco. Book San Francisco tours and attractions online at sftourcompany.com /San Francisco Tour Company!

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Venice food tours, st. mark’s basilica, murano & burano, gondola tours, doge’s palace, st. peter’s basilica, st. peter's dome, sistine chapel, raphael rooms, private tours, pompeii from rome, cooking classes, colosseum underground, paris food tours, eiffel tower, statue of liberty, nyc food tours, metropolitan museum (met), central park, last supper, lake como from milan, windsor castle, westminster abbey, tower of london, harry potter, changing of the guard, vegas shows, the grand canyon, uffizi gallery, tuscan wine tours, statue of david, florence food tours, florence duomo, accademia gallery, sagrada familia, montserrat from barcelona, casa batllo, barcelona food tours, barcelona boat tours, athens food tours, rijksmuseum tours, amsterdam food tours, amalfi coast, water & boat tours, sorrento boat tours, capri boat tours, the best tours of san francisco, see the best of the bay area from the golden gate bridge to wine country.

There’s so much to see in San Francisco we created a tour that includes all the sites. During our San Francisco in a Day Tour, you will see the unique quirks of the Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and Mission neighborhoods. Your tour guide will take you through the extensive histories of Presidio Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks. The tour ends with a stop at Alcatraz and a ferry ride to Fisherman's Wharf to see everyone’s favorite residents – the seals. Elevate your taste buds in America’s oldest Chinatown. Enjoy tea, dumplings, and fortune cookies while learning about the extensive history of the most populated area of the West. If pizza is more your thing, the North Beach Food Tour will feel like one big hug. Family-run businesses will welcome you in with wine, food, and stories of the past. Just because you’re staying in the city, doesn’t mean you have a miss out on a chance to experience the soaring Redwoods or picturesque Yosemite. Our day trips give you a chance to see the 300-feet-tall Redwoods and sip on incredible wine all in one day.

Rain or shine, San Francisco is one of the most impressive cities in California. With a sprawling cityscape, diverse culinary experiences, and endless outdoor adventures, we have a tour for everyone in your group. There’s so much to see in San Francisco we created a tour that includes all the sites. During our San Francisco in a Day Tour, you will see the unique quirks of the Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and Mission neighborhoods. Your tour guide will take you through the extensive histories of Presidio Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks. The tour ends with a stop at Alcatraz and a ferry ride to Fisherman's Wharf to see everyone’s favorite residents – the seals. Elevate your taste buds in America’s oldest Chinatown. Enjoy tea, dumplings, and fortune cookies while learning about the extensive history of the most populated area of the West. If pizza is more your thing, the North Beach Food Tour will feel like one big hug. Family-run businesses will welcome you in with wine, food, and stories of the past. Just because you’re staying in the city, doesn’t mean you have a miss out on a chance to experience the soaring Redwoods or picturesque Yosemite. Our day trips give you a chance to see the 300-feet-tall Redwoods and sip on incredible wine all in one day.

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San Francisco in a Day Tour with Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

Spend the day exploring the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, and more with a fun guide

( 7 ) From: $184.25

Guided Tour

North Beach Local Food Tour in San Francisco

Join a passionate local guide to explore culinary traditions in San Francisco's vibrant Little Italy

( 9 ) From: $89.00

San Francisco in a Half Day by Electric Bike

Ride through the city highlights from Golden Gate Park to Mission District and the Painted Ladies

( 6 ) From: $85.72

Chinatown Local Food Tour in San Francisco

Taste your way around Chinatown’s lively streets, markets, and hidden gems with a local foodie guid

( 11 ) From: $79.00

Marin Seaplane Tour with Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Picnic Lunch

Spend a morning among towering redwoods then fly over San Francisco Bay on the ultimate VIP day trip

( 5 ) From: $449.00

Take in the Best Views of Half Dome and El Capitan

Yosemite in a Day Tour from San Francisco

See the redwoods, Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, Half Dome and more on an epic day trip!

( 9 ) From: $224.00

Hotel Pickup from San Francisco Included

Redwoods, California Coast & Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco

Leave the city behind to explore ancient forests and picturesque towns on the Pacific Coast Highway

( 6 ) From: $119.00

The Great Boutique Wine Tour in Sonoma

The Great Wine Tour of Sonoma from San Francisco

Get the real California wine experience with tastings and tours at three boutique Sonoma vineyards

( 5 ) From: $179.00

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The 15 Best San Francisco Tours you Have to Take!

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From the Lands End Trail and its amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Embarcadero and the vistas of the San Francisco- Oakland Bay Bridge, there’s much to cover on a visit to San Francisco . Since its 1776 founding, the city has been shaped over the years by the many different settlers of such diverse cultures who have called it home. 

When you tour San Francisco, you never know what you’ll discover. Each district offers something different, from the vibrancy of the Mission District to the tranquility of the Richmond District. From walking tours to boat cruises to a ride on one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars, there’s so much to do and see in this city.

There’s so much to do in San Francisco, in fact, that you may not know where to start. If you’re looking for someone to help you see all the different sides of the city, start with one of the best tours in San Francisco, which we’ve compiled for you. From food crawls to guided hikes, there’s something for everyone!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 15 Best Tours in San Francisco, CA

1. see two of san francisco’s greatest landmarks on one cruise.

Many San Francisco tours will take you around the Golden Gate Bridge, but it’s often forgotten that the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is an equally beautiful monument. On the Bridge to Bridge Cruise , you’ll take an hour-and-a-half tour from Fisherman’s Wharf, taking you from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge. You’ll get the best of both worlds and see a side of San Francisco that those who just took a Golden Gate Bridge cruise wouldn’t get to see.

On your journey, you’ll get narration telling you all about San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, as well as the city’s history, architecture, and Indigenous culture. You’ll sail under the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise past the infamous Alcatraz Island, and take in the sights of San Francisco’s waterfront. Then, you’ll pass under the Bay Bridge before returning back to Fisherman’s Wharf.

Take a Relaxing Bridge to Bridge Cruise

2. Visit Alcatraz and Sail around the San Francisco Bay

Want an up-close look at Alcatraz Island? The four-hour Alcatraz Visit With Ferry and Bay Cruise gets you to take one of the city’s famous San Francisco Bay cruises while also getting you admission to explore Alcatraz. 

Alcatraz Island is best known for being the former home of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which once housed the US’s most infamous criminals, like Al Capone. Known as “The Rock,” the prison was best known as being inescapable. But on your visit to the island, you’ll hear plenty of stories of people who tried, as well as the few who perhaps pulled off the impossible.

In addition to your Alcatraz visit and the ferry taking you to the island, this ticket also comes with a cruise around the San Francisco Bay. Take in the sights of the San Francisco waterfront on this relaxing journey, complete with a trip around the Golden Gate Bridge.

Visit Alcatraz Island on a Cruise

3. Walk, Ride, and Cruise around San Francisco

For one of the best walking tours in San Francisco, check out the City Walking Tour and Bay Cruise With Cable Car . On this unique tour, you’ll explore the city on foot, by cable car, and by boat. 

You’ll begin your all-day tour near the Ferry Building before catching one of San Francisco’s famous cable cars. Riding on a cable car is a must-do San Francisco activity. During your tour, you’ll learn about the history of the cable car and what makes it so special.

You’ll stop off at Nob Hill for a stunning view, as well as a look at some of San Francisco’s most beautiful buildings, like the Grace Cathedral. From there, you’ll walk to Chinatown, where you’ll see hidden gems like the Tin How Buddhist Temple. You’ll see how fortune cookies are made at the legendary Golden Gate Factory and even get a custom-made cookie to take home. 

Next up, you’ll see the most crooked street in the world, Lombard Street, and venture over to Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square, where you’ll sample some delicious chocolate. From Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll cap off your day with a cruise around the San Francisco Bay, complete with narration about the city’s history and landmarks. Sail around Alcatraz, cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, and enjoy the incredible vistas of the San Francisco skyline.

Experience San Francisco’s Top Attractions 

4. Get an Aerial View of the Golden Gate Bridge from a Seaplane

Plenty of tours around San Francisco will take you under the Golden Gate Bridge. But how about one that takes you above it? On the Golden Gate Bridge Seaplane Tour , you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of some of the city’s most iconic sights.

On this half-hour tour, you’ll meet your pilot at the seaplane base in Mill Valley or take a round-trip shuttle from Fisherman’s Wharf. From there, you’ll board your plane and soar high over the San Francisco Bay. 

Take in the sights of the historic buildings, steep hills, and, of course, the famous bridge. You’ll also fly over Fisherman’s Wharf, Angel Island, and Alcatraz, as well as the scenic cities of Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito, before you end your tour at the docks of Sausalito.

Fly Over the Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

5. Go Sightseeing on a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Looking for a flexible way to see Fog City? The Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour is one of the best tours in San Francisco because you get to see all of the city’s biggest and best attractions, but it’s up to you where you want to hop off. 

Climb aboard an open-air sightseeing bus and ride along for one of three distinct routes that will take you around the city. Pass through Alamo Square, Chinatown, Union Square, and much more. With your ticket purchase, you can hop on and off for a full day. The bus will also allow you to take some time for photos at the Golden Gate Bridge, regardless of which route you take.

Choose to go deeper into San Francisco’s history by opting for a 48-hour ticket instead. With your 48-hour ticket, you can choose between admission to the USS Pampanito, a WWII submarine, or a free bike rental. Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge for incredible views and a day trip into the picturesque Sausalito.

See the Sights of San Francisco

6. Bike Over the Golden Gate Bridge

Want to experience San Francisco with the wind in your hair? The Golden Gate Bridge: 3-Hour Sausalito Cycle Tour is a biking tour that lets you get out and see San Francisco in a unique way. You’ll start your tour in Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll be outfitted with a bike, front handlebar bag, lock, helmet, rear gear rack, and takeaway map – everything you need to enjoy a day of riding through the San Francisco air!

Your guide will take you around the San Francisco waterfront, past Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, and into the Presidio. Take in the views from Crissy Field, enjoy one of the most unique places to see the Golden Gate Bridge at Fort Point, and then cross the bridge itself. 

Once you reach the end of the bridge, you’ll head to even more landmarks, like Old Fort Baker in the Marin Headlands. As your tour comes to a close, you’ll end your day in Sausalito, where you can enjoy the scenic city and see everything, from the famous floating houses to the many art galleries. 

The bike is yours for the day, so how you return to the bike shop before closing is up to you. Take the ferry back or enjoy riding back over the bridge if you’re not too tired from your day of exploration.

Bike Ride Across the Golden Gate Bridge

7. Discover Sausalito and the Famous Muir Woods Redwoods

If you’re visiting San Francisco, seeing the coastal redwoods belongs on your vacation bucket list. And the From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip will ensure that you get plenty of time to see these beautiful giants. Plus, you get the added benefit of getting some time in scenic Sausalito.

You’ll begin your tour with a pick-up at a central San Francisco hotel. From there, your coach bus will take you over the Golden Gate Bridge and into the Marin Headlands. Then, you’re off to Muir Woods National Monument, where you’ll be given an hour and a half to explore on your own. Enjoy a stroll through the woods, where the towering trees will soar into the sky all around you. 

After your time in the woods, you’ll hop back in the coach and be whisked off to Sausalito, with the tour offering narration about the history of the area and some tips on how to explore the Mediterranean-style town. Then, you’ll take some time to explore Downtown Sausalito, which is filled with fine dining, boutique shopping, and tons of art galleries. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the scenic views.

The tour provides round-trip transportation, so you can just hop back on the coach and be taken back to your pick-up point. But if you want to spend more time in Sausalito, you can always let the tour know you’re sticking around and take the ferry back instead. 

Explore the Muir Woods National Monument

8. Visit Locations from Your Favorite Movies

Who says Los Angeles is the only part of California that’s immersed in film history? Plenty of movies and shows have been featured and filmed in San Francisco, and the San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour will make sure you see them all. This three-hour guided tour is one of the best San Francisco tours and a must-do for film lovers.

Hop on the bus, where you’ll watch over 50 clips from the most famous movies filmed in San Francisco, with many of the filming locations just outside the bus’s windows. While many other tours around San Francisco focus on well-known landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge, this tour focuses more on locations that are little acknowledged but hold important places in film and TV history. 

Highlights of the tour include the family home from “Mrs. Doubtfire,” the park from the opening credits of “Full House,” the high school from “The Princess Diaries,” and the damaged park steps from the car chase in “What’s Up Doc?” You’ll still see plenty of famous landmarks, but you’ll get to see many locations that people often walk right past without knowing they were once featured in all kinds of cinema.

Your guide isn’t just a tour guide. They’re also an actor or comedian, so you know you’re in for a great time with fun and exciting narration throughout your journey. 

Match Movie Clips with Locations

9. See the Natural and Not-So-Natural Beauty of San Francisco

As a city, San Francisco is quite proud of all of its green spaces. The city takes special care to maintain its natural beauty, which is why the San Francisco 3-Hour Castro & Twin Peaks Urban Hiking Tour is one of the best San Francisco tours and an excellent choice for anyone who wants to embrace the greener side of the city.

If you’re up for a very active adventure, this tour will show you San Francisco in a new light. You’ll hike for about three hours, covering about five miles, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water. 

The views are one of the biggest highlights of the hike. If you’re up for the trek, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of Golden Gate Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Downtown San Francisco. But you’ll also be rewarded with finding hidden gems that few know exist in the city. 

Slide down the Seward Street Slides in a park designed by a 14-year-old, hike unmarked trails that you can only find with your knowledgeable guides, find a eucalyptus forest in the center of San Francisco, and stroll through quiet streets from Acme Alley to Pemberton Place. 

Hike the Summit of Twin Peaks

10. Zip around in a GoCar

When you tour San Francisco on a tour bus, you’ll find that the massive vehicle doesn’t really fit everywhere. As a result, some of the hidden gems around San Francisco are simply unreachable. But with a GoCar, you don’t have to worry about fitting on the winding city streets.

With the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard GoCar Tour , you can explore the city on your own terms and time, with your car as your guide. Your GoCar, which you can rent for two hours at a time, is GPS-guided and comes with narration, just like you’d get on a tour bus. However, your tiny GoCar lets you go to more places than a tour bus could. 

Drive through the city’s iconic parks, make your way to the Golden Gate Bridge, and get incredible shots as you ride along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Then, pedal through the boutique shopping districts of Chestnut and Union Street. And because you have your own vehicle, you can stop and do some shopping on your own. 

But perhaps the biggest highlight of the tour is Russian Hill. Once you drive up Russian Hill, you can take an incredible ride down the famous crooked Lombard Street to finish out your tour.

Jump in a GoCar and Tour San Francisco

11. Eat Your Way Around North Beach

San Francisco is filled with cuisine of all kinds. One of the best areas to grab a bite to eat is North Beach, aka Little Italy. If you’re a lover of Italian food, the North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour is one of the best tours in San Francisco for you!

Just walking around North Beach is a delight for the senses, from the quaint, intimate shops filled with handcrafted local goods to the smell of fresh bread wafting through the air from the Italian bakeries and cafes. This three-hour tour isn’t just about eating incredible food. It’s about learning about the culture of the area and embracing its history.

You’ll start your tour by visiting a family of bakers, where you’ll find the freshest bread around. Then, you’ll stop by coffee shops that have made roasting fresh coffee beans into an art. Along your journey, you’ll taste everything from cappuccinos, chocolates, and pastries to olive oil, specialty meats, and breads, covering both the sweet and savory of Italian cuisine.

You’ll also discover handcrafted goods made by local artisans, Italian cathedrals, and much more. This cultural journey is one that will remind you of what makes San Francisco such a remarkable city.

Enjoy Tasting Great Local Foods

12. Go on the Ultimate Foodie Tour in Chinatown

Another area of San Francisco you definitely want to eat your way around is Chinatown, and with the San Francisco Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour , you can do just that. Eating around Chinatown is about more than finding delicious food. It’s also about exploring traditional techniques that date back centuries and celebrating the history that’s cooked into every bite of the treats you’ll find on this three-hour walking tour.

After you meet your guide, you’ll be taken to a number of different restaurants and food markets, where you’ll marvel at the flavors and aromas awaiting you. You’ll see how fortune cookies are crafted, sample dim sum, and sip teas filled with exotic flavors. 

Beyond the food portion of the tour, you’ll also peruse rare antiquities, traditional cookware, authentic pottery, rare musical instruments, and sacred ritual items. This tour is as much about culinary delights as it is about celebrating an incredible culture. 

Try Foods from San Francisco’s Chinatown

13. Discover San Francisco’s Haunted History

Discover the ghosts and ghouls of San Francisco with the San Francisco Ghosts: Gold and Ghouls Tour . Choose between the traditional one-hour tour or the extended hour-and-a-half option to learn even more about San Francisco’s hauntings. 

This walking tour will take you around Downtown San Francisco to hear about what goes bump in the night. You’ll hear about a different side of San Francisco than you typically get during a guided tour. While some struck it rich with the 1849 Gold Rush and created an affluent city, others weren’t so lucky. And while luck and prosperity shaped the city, so too did tragedy.

Learn about the not-so-happy haunts of The Westin St. Francis, the fateful night that led to Fatty Arbuckle’s blacklisting from the film industry, what happened during the 1906 earthquake, and much more. Each story is bound to send shivers down your spine and make you see San Francisco in a new light.

Journey through the Darkest Corners of SF

14. Learn About the Rich History and Activism of the Castro

Many communities of all kinds have shaped San Francisco, and the LGBTQ community greatly impacted the formation of the Castro. Considered the world’s largest LGBTQ community, the Castro is filled with people who found a home where they can be included. And they’ve worked hard to maintain the district’s inclusive roots.

The Castro LGBTQ Walking Tour invites you to join a local activist on a one-of-a-kind tour through landmarks like the Pink Triangle Park and Memorial, the AIDS Memorial Quilt and Names Project, the Rainbow Honor Walk, and much more. Step into the shoes of Harvey Milk, the LGBTQ Civil Rights leader who died advocating for the inclusive world the Castro became. 

This two-hour walking tour invites you to see a vital side of San Francisco and celebrate those who have worked so hard to make it into what it is today. The vibrant Castro is a place that you’ll love exploring. 

Explore the Diverse and Colorful Sites of the Castro

15. Become a VIP at the Aquarium of the Bay

Over on Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll find the Aquarium of the Bay, an amazing place to discover more than 20,000 aquatic animals and learn about what you can do to help conserve their natural habitats. With the Aquarium of the Bay VIP Tour , you get admission to the aquarium, as well as a look behind the scenes that few people get to see.

With your admission ticket, you’ll enjoy access to the four main exhibit halls, where you’ll see everything from river otters to sharks. Once you’re done exploring, head to the lab to begin your VIP tour. You’ll learn about how the marine animals are taken care of when they get injured or fall ill. 

Then, you’ll head to the holding tank to see how new arrivals are readied for the aquarium. You’ll also get a look at how jellyfish go from being white specks to fully-grown majestic creatures, and you may also see how the sharks are fed by the divers.

If you’re an animal lover, this hour-and-a-half tour is easily one of the best tours in San Francisco. While exploring the aquarium is lovely on its own, going behind the scenes will give you a new appreciation for how the staff at the aquarium takes care of every animal that comes their way.

Discover the Aquarium of the Bay

There you have it! The 15 best tours in San Francisco. What’s your favorite San Francisco tour? Let us know in the comments!

Planning a trip to California? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Jacqueline is a writer and editor pursuing the freelance life to explore the world. Born and raised in New Jersey, she spent her college years in Boston before settling down with her partner and puppy in Monterey, California. When she’s not writing, you can often find her planning her next trip. Road trips are her favorite, whether it’s driving across the country or simply exploring a new city in her own backyard. She loves uncovering the history of every new place she goes. Jacqueline has a restless passion for learning and makes it a goal to pick up a new skill every year. She’s picked up embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and cross-stitching, but she’s hoping to master more languages to help her in her travels. She’s also a published author, with short stories and poetry appearing in several anthologies.

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San Francisco Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through San Francisco. We've got 181 adventures going to San Francisco, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 23 days. The most popular month to go is July, which has the largest number of tour departures.

181 San Francisco tour packages with 1,504 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

California Express - 3 Days

Great guides, scenery, driver and comfort level. Just enough to whet our appetite for another Tour Radar tour in the future.

• In-depth Cultural

Wild West – 5 days

This was truly an amazing Experience!! Our Drive and Guides were amazing!! The accommodations were very Good.

• Hiking & Trekking

California National Park Discovery

the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite

Great way to travel and meet new people! Changes were made to the itinerary due to road/trail closures but it worked out in the best way. CEO adapted meals for vegetarian travelers in the group. I would book with them again!

Vegas to San Fran

USA - California Express

Hiking in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite tour was amazing. Choice of lodging needed to be different. Too far out of the way which caused a lot of extra driving. A hotel which was previously used would have been better. And virtually no response to questions thru the Tour Radar app. Had to take care of extra nights stays & transportation myself when the app stated that they would assist with it.

• Coach / Bus

San Francisco & Yosemite Express 3D/2N (From Los Angeles)

Our tour guide, Dorit was excellent!

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days

This was a great trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenic views. Our tour guide Rourke, was very knowledgeable and accommodating. This was a hiking trip and in my opinion if you didn’t want to hike, you could do a nature walk. That was the best option for me because the hikes were a little too strenuous for me but I purchased a tripod just for this trip. All the beautiful photos I have of the walks through Yosemite are my memories for a lifetime. The camping grounds were stellar. Waking up to a delicious breakfast and beautiful scenery, I was blessed to have done this tour.

Northern California (8 Days)

The Northern California trip was fantastic. Impressed by the thoughtful trip planning and pacing. Our tour director, Jason, was one of the best we’ve ever had. Would DEFINITELY recommend this trip to others!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Western National Parks 7 Day Explorer Camping

Unique experience, super attentive staff and full of ideas to make the fun the best possible, I made great friends, a lot of knowledge of different cultures, incredible places and a fantastic structure for camping in style.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

4 Day Death Valley Yosemite San Francisco from Las Vegas Lodging

Private Tour the way to go!!!!!! Marie made it so simple for us she had everything planed out we did as much as we wanted to do, she is amazing!

USA - The Golden Experience

Yosemite & Tahoe Sierras - 4 Days

Best way to see all the amazing scenery without the hassle of all that driving

Great Cities of the West, Ending in San Francisco

What people love about san francisco tours.

I love my tour guide Pasquale. He is the most sweetest, friendliest, kind, generous, and genuine tour guide I know. He really knows everything during my trip. He’s very easy going and I had the best experience ever in the 5 days I was traveling. Amazing experience and I would highly recommend Pasquale if you wanna travel with him and experience so much travelling for Wild West tour. Thank you so much an amazing and unforgettable experience.

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Watch CBS News

Animated metal band Dethklok brings tour with Babymetal to the Masonic for two nights

By Dave Pehling

Updated on: April 24, 2024 / 5:39 PM PDT / CBS San Francisco

The popular death metal band led by Brendan Small, the creative force behind popular Adult Swim animated show "Metalocalypse," Dethklok comes to the Masonic in San Francisco for two shows with co-headliners Babymetal.

Arguably the second most popular virtual band behind Gorillaz (the animated group helmed by Blur singer Damon Albarn), Dethklok made their as the stars of "Metalocalypse" when the show created by Small and partner/voice actor Tommy Blancha debuted in 2006. The world biggest death metal band in the program's absurd and surreal alternate universe, Dethklok stands as the planet's seventh largest economy despite the fact that the group's members are idiotic incompetents incapable of doing anything besides writing and performing brutal metal songs.

The quintet of singer Nathan Explosion (who was inspired by Cannibal Corpse vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher), guitarists Skwisgaar Skwigelf and Toki Wartooth, bassist William Murderface and drummer Pickles live and work in their massive fortress-like home and studio Mordhaus, venturing into the world to secure lucrative sponsorship deals and play huge concerts for their legions of fanatical followers with outlandish stage theatrics like over-the-top pyrotechnics, lasers and a giant swinging pendulum blade, inevitably resulting in widespread death and destruction.

Over the course of four seasons and a special broadcast on Adult Swim, "Metalocalypse" became one of the network's more popular shows and a favorite among musicians, with such notable figures as King Diamond, Alice Cooper, Jon Hamm, Werner Herzog, Jack Black and members of Metallica, Exodus, Emperor and Mastodon appearing on the show. Dethklok further built on its fanbase with a series of studio albums featuring the satirical songs featured the show like "Murmaider," "Bloodrocuted" and "Duncan Hills Coffee Jingle." The band also delivered entertaining live performances with widescreen clips of the animated band projected behind Small and his talented band including monster drummer Gene Hogland (Dark Angel, Death, Strapping Young Lad, Testament, Devin Townsend) and former Frank Zappa collaborator Mike Kenneally on guitar.

Dethklok would make regular festival appearances and tour with the likes of Mastodon, High On Fire, Machine Head and the Black Dahlia Murder. After the broadcast of the hour-long rock opera special, "Metalocalypse: The Doomstar Requiem" in 2013, the band continued to perform, but the project went on hiatus after the show was cancelled two years later.

The band returned to action in 2019, playing the Adult Swim Festival to ecstatic crowds. Dethklok also returned to the festival post-pandemic in 2022. The following year, Smalls was at last able to release the final chapter in the Dethklok story with the film Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar , which was accompanied by both a soundtrack and the band issuing its acclaimed fourth studio recording,  Dethalbum IV .

With the show having run its course, the band's current tour could be Dethklok's last hurrah as it takes to the road with previous touring partners and co-headliners Babymetal which stops at the Masonic for two nights starting Wednesday . A sensation in their native Japan since first forming in 2010, the group mixes elements of heavy metal with elements of J-Pop and "kawaii" -- the Japanese "culture of cuteness" as exemplified by Hello Kitty and Pokemon. Singer Suzuka Nakamoto had impressed producer Kobametal (aka Key Kobayashi) in her earlier girl groups Karen Girl's and Sakura Gakuin when he wanted to start a new band performing a heavier style of music.

Initially a successful offshoot of Sakura Gakuin, Babymetal became independent in 2013 and enjoyed growing popularity with the release of their self-titled debut the following year. Featuring Nakamoto along with fellow singers Moa Kikuchi (also a member of Sakura Gakuin) and Yui Mizuno executing synchronized dance moves and melodic vocals backed by a group of shredding metal session players known as the Kami Band, the album delivered a dizzying juxtaposition of sunshine pop and metallic crunch. The band rocketed to success in Japan and were playing sold-out shows to thousands when the girls were still in their teens.

The notoriety in their native land soon led to international touring in Europe and North America, with Babymetal appearing at major metal festivals and opening for Lady Gaga. By the time the band was set to release their sophomore album Metal Resistance in 2016, they were headlining Wembley Arena in London and the huge Tokyo Dome to 55,000 screaming fans. More high-profile support gigs with the Red Hot Chili Peppers followed.

While the band suffered some hardship with the accidental death of guitarist Mikio Fujioka late in 2017 after he fell from an observation deck and the departure of Mizuno due to health reasons the next year, Babymetal continued to tour and in 2023 announced the addition of Momoko Okazaki as Fujioka's permanent replacement. The band plays fan favorites and songs from its fourth album The Other One  at the Masonic. Opening acts on the two nights will be different, with hyper-technical British power metal band DrangonForce playing Wednesday and theatrical LA-based melodic death metallers Nekrogoblikon kicking off the show Thursday. 

Dethklok and Babymetal Wednesday-Thursday, April 24-25, 6 p.m. $75.75 The Masonic

Dave Pehling started his journalism career doing freelance writing about music in the late 1990s, eventually working as a web writer, editor and producer for KTVU.com in 2003. He moved to CBS to work as the station website's managing editor in 2015.

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Carin León Unveils International Tour Dates Ahead of Stagecoach Debut

Carin León will head out on his 'Boca Chueca' tour starting July 22.

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Música Mexicana artist Carin León has announced his international “Boca Chueca Tour,” slated for this fall. León will kickoff the trek later this year after making debut appearances at both Coachella and Stagecoach .

The “Boca Chueca Tour” will hit major cities across North America and Europe, including a night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, two nights at the United Center in Chicago, Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, and BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.

Following the North American leg, León will venture into Europe with confirmed dates in Madrid, London, Amsterdam and Paris.

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“Embarking on this tour is an exhilarating opportunity to share my new music with fans throughout North America and Europe alike. Taking my songs and the vibrant essence of Música Mexicana to a global stage is truly an honor,” said León.

Ticket pre-sales begin April 30 at 10 a.m. local time and a limited number of VIP packages will also be available starting April 30. Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 3.

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Real Estate Listings Are Going Green: 5 Eco-Friendly Sales Features on the Rise Right Now

Remember when you used to rubberneck at the sight of solar panels on someone’s roof, or wonder why your neighbors ditched their lush green lawn in favor of xeriscaping?

Today, eco-friendly home features are becoming commonplace as we all work in small ways to combat the effects of climate change and cut down the costs of our utility bills.

This earth-forward trend is even showing up in the tactics we use to sell our homes: Over the past six years, the share of Realtor.com® listing descriptions mentioning various eco-friendly terms—e.g., “energy efficient,” “zero energy,” “solar panels”—has risen at a slow but steady pace.

(Realtor.com)

According to our research, the growth of green-friendly listings over this time frame has practically doubled. In 2018, there were 76,335 listings with prominent eco terms in the language, but by 2023, that number had jumped to 150,388.

Homes that tout “energy-efficienct” in their listing language have just about tripled, from 10,756 in 2018 to a whopping 29,288 just five years later.

Even those less-than-sexy rows of solar panels that were once considered anomalies are finding more fans, according to our data.

In 2018, nearly 25,000 home listings were advertising these ray-catchers, while last year that figure rose to almost 51,000.

Why eco-friendly listings are on the rise

“The rise in eco-friendly home listings mirrors trends we’ve seen in specific categories, such as for EV-friendly homes, called out in the team’s deep dive on the most EV-friendly housing markets ,” says Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale . “The data suggest that consumer tastes and preferences are leaning in an earth-friendly direction, and sellers are positioning their properties to meet those new and growing demands.”

Some homeowners are driven to save not just the environment, but also some cash—in the form of government kickbacks for adding eco-forward features to their homes.

“It’s worth noting that there are both carrots and sticks nudging homeowners to adopt more eco-friendly features,” Hale continues. “The Inflation Reduction Act included at least two provisions to rebate households for making electric and energy-efficient improvements, and there are many other state and local area incentives.”

Ways to go green at home

While not every homeowner can build a passive house from scratch, there are many ways to make a home more eco-friendly.

Better quality roofing is one avenue to try as this material reflects the sun’s heat, according to RJ D’Angelo , owner of  JWE Remodeling & Roofing . Redoing your home’s insulation or upgrading your appliances to more efficient, greener brands (like Energy Star) are two other ways to go.

Many new-construction homes incorporate earth-friendly features from the ground up.

“I’m mostly seeing these amenities in new construction, especially as it relates to insulation, encapsulation in crawl spaces, and the way HVAC systems are engineered—and I do think it creates resale value,” says Jessica Grier , a real estate broker with Premier Sotheby’s International in Charlotte, NC.

Curious to learn more about green home features you could buy in a home? Here are some other eco-friendly terms that are gaining traction.

Electric vehicle chargers

Electric vehicles are starting to flood the market—so it makes perfect sense that home listings will include the terms “EV charging” and “EV charger” in their language. These two phrases shot up from 212 and 139 in 2018 to 1,174 and 1,058 respectively in 2023.

And lately, there’s help with the costs. Government policies, like rebate programs, are in place to help motivate folks to consider buying an EV, which means charging stations at home should continue to burgeon.

Passive houses

A passive house is one that meets a certain standard of energy efficiency created by the International Passive House Association that combines strong insulation with specially coated windows. The result is a home that prevents warm air from escaping your rooms and blocks cold breezes that might waft in from the outside.

Since this type of construction is still rare, it makes sense that very few are up for sale. Currently, there are 86 on the market, up from 57 six years earlier. This tracks appropriately since there are only 250 certified passive buildings in this country.

 Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping —which involves replacing lush green lawns with native plants that don’t need much watering—might still be uncommon, but it’s growing in popularity as a real estate sales feature, with 721 mentions in listings in 2023 compared with 513 in 2018.

According to  Patric k Barrett , enhancements lead at FormLA Landscaping , this gardening approach does use less water, but since fire is a risk in some areas, it’s important to include hydrated foliage and smart irrigation too.

Tankless water heater

Upfront expenses are definitely higher for energy-saving tankless water heaters , but they’ll save you money down the road in hot water costs. The term “tankless water heater” has also taken off in listings data, nearly doubling from 35,000 mentions in 2018 to 57,400 last year.

Edible gardens

The “edible garden” trend peaked in 2020 when 322 listings nationwide mentioned them as a sales point. (Remember all those COVID-19 pandemic victory gardens ?) And although they’ve dipped to just 246 mentions in 2023, that’s still a respectable amount of farm-to-table action out there that many homeowners will see as a plus not just for the earth, but also come dinnertime.

Jennifer Kelly Geddes creates content for WhatToExpect.com, American Airlines Vacations, Oxo, Livestrong, and Parade.

Twitter Follow @jkgeddes

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