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