san francisco tour youtube

Find anything you save across the site in your account

• Walking Tour

Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles

Released on 10/25/2022

I'm James Dixon.

I'm a practicing San Francisco architect,

and today we're going to take an architectural walking tour

of San Francisco.

[chill music]

The iconic building over my left shoulder

is the very famous Transamerica Pyramid,

completed in 1972,

designed by William Pereira and Associates.

You know you've arrived in San Francisco

when you see the Transamerica Pyramid.

One of the reasons, it's raison d'être for its shape,

which is you can see all the way through to downtown.

That was an important distinction

that the person who commissioned the building,

who was the CEO of Transamerica Corporation, said,

I want more light onto the street.

And the city said,

We want more vantage points to downtown.

So that shape reconciles those two desires

to a remarkable degree.

And you'll see at either side of the pyramid shape,

there are two concrete shafts.

One is the elevator core,

the other is the stairway shaft with the smoke shaft.

That's the reason for those.

But they work very well with the pyramid shape.

The building terminates the long axis of Columbus.

Columbus goes all the way from Fisherman's Wharf

through North Beach, the Italian area,

through Chinatown into the Financial District.

As an architectural quibble,

the way the building meets the sky

was given much more attention

than the way the building meets the street.

You'll see how they had

to resolve the inclined face of the building

with windows that don't wanna be inclined.

No one wants to feel like the building's falling on them.

So the way they resolved that

was with a series of concrete forms.

And the window frames are offset from one another

with the one above it,

so that when the building

horizontally meets the inclined edge,

that isn't ever a sliver, it's always a full window.

Both the Transamerica Pyramid

and the former B of A world headquarters building

are in the valleys.

So this is what led to the fear

of we're gonna have these tall things

at the bottom of valleys

that just creates this homogeneity of viewpoint.

Now we're standing in front of the Hallidie Building,

completed in 1917 by the architect of Willis Polk.

The building is named for Andrew Hallidie,

who was the inventor of the cable car system

here in San Francisco.

So he was a mining engineer

who was brought over from Scotland to say,

How do we get the ore out of the mines?

So he developed these

very Harry Potter esque carts on rails.

That same idea was then used for the cable car system

that is now a national registered historic landmark.

What you'll notice is that the facade is entirely glass.

There is a metal armature that supports the glass,

and then the metal armature goes back to be attached

to the structural skeleton.

This is seen as a radical departure

from what was going on in architecture at the time.

The idea of the glass cushion wall

is what's on display here.

What Polk is doing is allowing as much natural light

into the space as possible.

This idea of the glass curtain wall turns on its head

the famous architectural dictum window versus wall

and says window is wall.

In the same way that Frank Lloyd Wright said, No.

it's not the form follows function.

Form is function.

So the idea of that curtain of glass suspended

over a public sidewalk

on an armature you're just inventing, was so gutsy.

This had been done in Germany before by Walter Gropius.

But this is the, again,

the first or the second time in America this had been done.

But the idea of the madman era

when everything was a glass clad skyscraper,

is exactly the progeny of this idea.

Welcome to the incredibly beautiful Pacific Telephone

and Telegraph building.

This is the first modern skyscraper in San Francisco.

This was done in 1925.

So the way the building meets the street

is with an elbow-high level of Sierra Nevada granite,

and above that is terracotta.

This is a steel frame building.

I have to have it fireproofed.

So the way you do that, or the way they did it was

with terracotta around the steel skeleton.

And the terracotta does a very good job

of matching the original Sierra Nevada granite.

If you look at just above the entryway,

there is the beautiful Bell System bell.

And then even at each of the spandrel panels

at the lower floor,

there is a series of bells that hang down post World War I.

The idea of this new worldview,

this new architecture was a rejection

of any type of a European past.

Europe had nearly destroyed the entire world.

Pflueger loved the idea of the Mayan world

and the Chinese world

as the major influences of San Francisco architecture.

This building behind me is 555 California,

formally the world headquarters

of the Bank of America Building.

By using crystalline forms in each of the bays,

it achieves this geometric purity

going from the street to the sky.

And the geometric purity is maintained uninterrupted

until each of those individual bays end varying heights

on the facade.

Then there is a unified crown

that is very clearly faceted at each side

as it wraps and forms the top or the hat to the building.

And this building is one of the two that were seen

as the start of the Manhattanization of San Francisco.

As much as this building is loved, it also was feared

as making these canyons downtown like Manhattan.

So this talks a lot about the history of the era

and how we are housing modern corporate America

in these monuments to capitalism.

Now we're at the top of Telegraph Hill

at the base of the very famous Coit Tower.

This tower was completed in 1933

and was the result of a design competition.

It actually exceeded the height ordinance of the time,

but because it was so beautiful,

the board of supervisors, they also said, You know what?

We're gonna pass a new zoning law

so no one can build anything tall near this building.

From this vantage point, from the base of Coit Tower,

you can see the entire panorama of San Francisco.

The way this building meets the sky,

with this filigree of architectural bravado,

the building itself can be seen

as an abstracted fire nozzle.

The designer said that's not the case at all.

It is simply its own idea.

The building meets the ground with a beautiful colonnade

and a promenade around its entire base.

Housed within that base are controversial murals,

controversial when they were done

and controversial today.

It was done as part

of the Depression-era Works Progress Association.

There was a hammer and sickle in one of the murals,

and it was seen as so controversial,

at odds with American values,

that they padlocked the building

and had them paint over the hammer and sickle.

Then once it was painted over,

then they took the padlock off.

But still in those murals,

still seen are people in the murals reaching

for Das Kapital in the library,

browsing the workers' daily magazines

in the magazine racks.

It is a very stark social difference

between what was happening in the Depression era

with what was happening when the murals were done.

Behind me is the very famous Postcard Row.

These were all built in 1894 and 1895

by the Multi-Hyphenate Kavanaugh,

who was described as a carpenter,

designer, builder developer.

You pick the noun.

So all these are Queen Anne in style.

The defining characteristic of Queen Anne

is the roof form goes all the way through

from front to back.

You don't have the false fronts that you would have

in Italianate or in Stick style.

The roof form is telling the truth

about how the building was framed.

Previously, in the previous styles,

one was constrained by the balloon framing system

that went all the way from the foundation,

all the way up to the top of the roof.

Now with a new framing system called platform framing

or Western Framing, each floor was framed individually

so that each floor could do its own thing.

So every cubic inch of Queen Annes was usable.

I feel my Van Helsing duty and quest

to drive a stake through the myth of painted lady.

That was only a thing starting in the late sixties

right down here on Steiner Street.

No one wanted bright pink on the exterior of the building,

nor did they want that mixed with a lime green.

Guess who did?

Hippies were fine with that.

That was the cheapest possible paint,

and those were the cheapest buildings to rent.

And the hippie said, No, we're fine with low rents

and we're gonna paint them

the way our psychedelic dreams are.

[classy piano music]

Behind me is the gorgeous block

of 3,200 Pacific Avenue, known as The Wall.

The reason The Wall is so important,

it was the most prestigious address one could have.

The Wall is simply a masonry wall

that separates the historic Presidio

where the Spanish originally established their forts in 1776

from public land.

These houses on this block had the premier architects

of this era working at the height of their powers

with barely any limited budget.

But here is what was limiting.

These lots are ridiculously small.

The Wall comes at a trapezoid

to the rectilinear street grid

to the point that at the very bottom of this block,

the lot is only 14 feet wide,

then it comes to a point.

So that's a tough architectural challenge to meet.

They were up for the challenge.

The building immediately right here is 3232 Pacific,

done by the God Almighty, Ernest Coxhead in 1902.

This building is an example of First Bay area style,

if not the best example of First Bay area style,

which combines the informality of East Coast shingle style.

Shingle style was brought into being

by HH Richardson and architects of his,

again architects at the top of their game,

designing residences for the elite New York City socialites

who got tired of the fussiness and the formality

of living downtown New York City.

So they would design these homes based

on American colonial shingle architecture,

a rustic architecture.

These buildings carry through that informality

with a uniform wrapping of shingles on every surface,

including the roofs.

And this gets into the idea of skin buildings,

is once you have a skin,

anything that happens in it can be very irregular.

You can do irregular window sizes.

I can have a casement next to a double hung.

I can have a bay window next to an oriel window.

At the stairway above is a Palladian window.

Below that is a broken cornice over the front door.

Those elements are usually only found

in classical architecture, the broken cornice.

Down the block, great examples of Second Bay Area style.

What Second Bay Area style?

Second Bay Area style uses

the vernacular architecture of California.

So what Second Bay Area style does is say,

Everything is going to be horizontally based,

using simple materials, natural and exposed to view,

as large panes of glass as we can possibly manage,

and very simply constructed buildings.

So they were very carpenter-friendly.

Everything was a very carpenter-friendly right angle,

but very Californian in the sense

that I can walk right out onto the patio.

I can have an interior courtyard.

But everything is horizontally based

as if it were in some theoretical farm yard.

The difference to Third Bay Area style

is Third Bay Area style is vertical.

It's saying I am in San Francisco, I am in a city.

I have hard limits where my property lines are.

So Third Bay Area style, very vertical.

Second Bay Area style, very horizontal.

First Bay Area style, drop dead gorgeous.

This block going up, going down, going across,

every building is chock full

of excellent architects doing excellent work.

We're here to see two iconic things.

One is the San Francisco fog in summer.

The second is the very famous Golden Gate Bridge.

The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937.

It was designed by two main engineers.

The chief engineer was Strauss,

and the principal engineer was Ellis.

Ellis has been given most of the credit

for the bridge's design.

Their architect who pulled everything together,

including the color, was Irving Morrow.

Irving Morrow kept a very art deco feel for this bridge,

going from the largest elements to the smallest,

the largest elements being these immensely tall steel towers

that have an inset and repeated parallel faceting

that works all the way up and goes to the sky,

and then is divided three times as it marches down.

The main thing about the bridge is this incredibly graceful

and beautiful 4,200-foot span.

The bridge meets the land with concrete abutments

to weight the lines down as they go into the earth.

The reason that's important is it is a suspension bridge,

and it wants to pull those suspension cables

right out of the land,

but they're anchored into the hillsides on both sides.

What Morrow does with the concrete abutments

is to give them the same faceting

that he used at the towers and elsewhere in the design.

Because art deco is an unabashedly vertical style,

it uses geometric ornament as its cornerstone

and as a linking device.

So the guardrails are a series of verticals.

The reason that's important is,

just like stroboscopic movies, just like zoetrope movies,

your eye quickly removes the vertical,

and you see what's behind it.

The Navy wanted the bridge painted in a striped pattern

because of danger to shipping.

And Morrow said, We're not doing that.

He said, We're using this color.

I'm gonna call it International Orange.

So the Golden Gate Bridge is not named

for the color International Orange.

It is named for the Golden Gate Strait that it bridges.

Architect Reveals Hidden Details of Washington, D.C.

Architect Reveals Hidden Details of Brooklyn

Architect Reveals Hidden Details of Georgetown

Architect Explores New York City's Greenwich Village

Architect Explores New York City's Upper East Side

Architect Explores Chicago's Hidden Architecture & History

Rockefeller Center, Explored & Explained

Architect Explores Chicago's River North Neighborhood

Architect Explores Wall Street's Details & History

How SoHo NYC Became The Cast Iron District

Architect Explores Downtown Los Angeles’s Diverse Architecture & History

Why The World’s Tallest Apartment Buildings Are On The Same Street

How Walt Disney Concert Hall Was Designed To Be Pitch Perfect

How The Upper West Side Revolutionized NYC Apartments

Architect Tours New Orleans’ Most Haunted Houses

How Central Park Was Created Entirely By Design and Not By Nature

Architect Breaks Down 200 Years of NYC Mansions

Trending video.

Inside The Home Frank Lloyd Wright Designed For His Son

Inside Joshua Weissman's Minimalist Texas Home

3 New Hotels To Build A Trip Around In 2024 From Hawaii To Paris

Inside The Fabulous ‘Vanderpump Villa’ Chateau with Lisa Vanderpump

Inside Emma Roberts’s Charming Los Angeles Home

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

Discover the allure of San Francisco in this video

Here's why travelers leave their hearts in this California city.

In 1967 nearly 100,000 people flooded San Francisco ’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, creating a movement now dubbed the Summer of Love . More than five decades later, travelers still head to Haight Street, home to vegetarian cafés, smoke shops, and a sprawling Amoeba Music.

San Francisco isn’t exactly hippie headquarters anymore. Tech moguls moved in, housing prices have skyrocketed (making San Fran one of the most expensive cities in the United States), and high-rises are reshaping the downtown skyline. (Discover where to get amazing views .)

But even with all the changes over the past 50 some years, there’s still plenty to love about California’s City by the Bay. 

• Nat Geo Expeditions

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics.

• NATIONAL PARKS
• BEACH ACTIVITIES
• RESTAURANTS
• CULTURAL TOURISM

You May Also Like

The essential guide to visiting Texas

10 best things to do in Alaska

A guide to Brighton, Britain's most progressive seaside resort

These U.S. beach towns are even better in the fall

Here are the best ways to get outdoors in all 50 states

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

• History & Culture
• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Protect Your Trip »

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

Getty Images

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

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best florence tours.

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Gwen Pratesi April 24, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Cape Cod

Lyn Mettler April 24, 2024

Best Whale Watching Tours in Maine

Marisa Méndez April 23, 2024

The Best Wineries in Napa Valley

April 23, 2024

The Best East Coast Beaches

April 19, 2024

The Best Carry-on Luggage

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Luggage Brands

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Is a Tour of San Francisco Worth It?

Malia Artsitas Last Updated: December 30, 2022

San Francisco only spans a seven-square-mile radius, but the tiny city is packed with iconic landmarks. A great way to see a lot in a short amount of time is to join a local expert guide. From Alcatraz to the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll check off bucket-list sights and hidden gems all in one day. Here’s why a a tour of San Francisco is worth it.

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  San Francisco Guide  for more planning resources, our best San Francisco tours  for a memorable trip, and how to spend 3 days in San Fran (with itinerary).

What You Get on a San Francisco Tour

Touring San Francisco is the best and easiest way to get to know this incredibly diverse city. It’s only 7 miles by 7 miles large, but it’s not an ideal city for tourists to drive in. So why not let a local who loves the city help you see the sites and learn all about the culture and history here? That alone makes a San Francisco tour worth it!

On this full day tour of San Francisco, you’ll explore the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, Palace of Fine Arts, Mission District, Alcatraz, and so much more. And since your local guide knows the city super well, they’ll be able to avoid the traffic traps and areas that are closed for an event, while making it up with another cool place to see.

Not ready to book a tour? Read more in our San Francisco Guide .

Top Areas You’ll Visit on a San Francisco Tour

A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without seeing the most famous attractions in San Francisco. Make it easy with skip-the-line tickets to Alcatraz Island and the best viewpoints for those selfies you’re dying to capture. Here are the top attractions that make this tour of San Francisco worth it.

3. Picnic at the Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies are an iconic row of victorian homes located next to a famous San Francisco park, Alamo Square. There are many nearby shops and restaurants where you can buy a picnic to-go and enjoy lunch with a view.

Sunny Alamo Square Park Makes for A Picture-Perfect Picnic

Alamo Square is located in the heart of San Francisco, on a sloped grassy knoll. Some locals will tell you it is the best place in the city for a picnic on a sunny day.

The park overlooks the Painted Ladies , which are in the foreground of a beautiful San Francisco skyline view. You’ll be able to see some of the most iconic buildings from the park. Let us know whether or not you are a fan of the new tallest building in SF – the Salesforce Tower. Spoiler: most locals will tell you they hate it.

The Architecture is Famous

Originally built between 1892 and 1896, these iconic homes tell a story of the city’s unique history. It wasn’t until 1963 that famous artist Butch Kardum started experimenting with colors on these Victorian homes.

This eventually turned the painted ladies into a famous icon of San Francisco and gave them their name. In May 2022, the NBC Bay Area reported that one of the famous houses had sold for $3.55 million, $1 million dollars over the asking price.

A Day Tour Makes This an Easy Pit Stop Between Other Landmarks

Considering you will be traversing our hilly city all day, having a local expert guide you through the city will help you fit many more local gems into one day.

The Painted Ladies and Alamo Square Park can easily turn into a simple stop for the day, and you’ll still be able to check off other places on your to-do list. Your knowledgeable tour guide will also be able to make quick stops or drive through famous neighborhoods when passing through the city en route to the main stops of the tour.

2. Sail to Alcatraz Island

Arguably one of the most famous prisons in history, Alcatraz Island is an experience that can’t be missed. Many tourists expect it to be easy: just hop on a ferry and head over to this famous island. However, you’d be disappointed to discover that you actually have to book ferry tickets—and quite far in advance.

Our full-day city tours end at the Alcatraz island ferry port and include pre-booked ferry tickets. Additionally, you’ll be able to admire the island from the many vantage points throughout the day tour.

Alcatraz truly is a beautiful tragedy. The paradox of being able to see the gorgeous San Francisco skyline while being stranded in prison was created by design to torment the prisoners. On windy nights, the prisoners would even be able to hear the laughter and music from the nearby yacht club.

The guided audio tour of the Alcatraz story is told through the voices of real prisoners and guards. You’ll get to peer into the cells of the prisoners, hear escape stories, and learn about how the prisoners and guards spent their free time at Alcatraz.

View The San Francisco Skyline

The ferry ride to Alcatraz features one of the best views in all of the Bay Area. You’ll have views of Coit Tower, the Transamerican Pyramid, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges.

The view from Alcatraz island itself makes for a beautiful photo opportunity as well. You’ll see sailboats and windsurfers in the bay with a background of the skyline.

During the audio tour, you’ll learn that Alcatraz was strategically placed with a perfect view of the city to torment the prisoners. On windy nights, prisoners could even hear all of the laughter, music, and joy that they were missing out on from the nearby city.

Walk The Cell Blocks

When you arrive at this famous prison, you’ll receive a headset for the audio tour that will guide you around the infamous cell blocks. It’s narrated by real prisoners and guards of Alcatraz.

As you walk the cell blocks, the audio guide will accompany you from cell to cell, recounting gruesome stories of chilly nights, solitary confinement, prison visitors, and what a day in the life of Alcatraz was like. Fun fact: the families of the prison guards also lived on the island and participated in school dances and parties.

Hear Stories of Famous Inmates and Escapes

From “The Rock” to “Escape From Alcatraz”, this prison is a famous setting for many Hollywood blockbuster movies. You’ll be guided through two famous escapees’ cell blocks.

The tour will narrate how the prisoners dug through a vent with a spoon to successfully escape from Alcatraz. Some unsuccessful stories are also highlighted during the tour of the prison.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out more about how to visit Alcatraz .

1. View the Golden Gate Bridge From Fort Point

Most tourists are unfamiliar with Fort Point, which is known for the best view of the bridge. You’ll be able to see the old army base, view the bridge from below, and learn some extra history about the famous bridge and surrounding areas.

This is all while the rest of the tourists are waiting in line to capture a picture near the visitors center. Fort Point is a local’s secret that is usually off the beaten path. It’s a great way to avoid the crowds!

Learn About the Golden Gate Bridge Construction

It’s one thing to see the Golden Gate Bridge and marvel at its construction, but it’s another to actually learn about it while you’re standing underneath it. Your San Francisco tour will explain so many incredible details about the engineering masterpiece of its time. Did you know they held a party on the bridge after it was completed? Yep!

Why a San Francisco Tour Is Worth It

As we’ve mentioned there are a few benefits to booking a San Francisco tour with a local guide from convenient transportation to local knowledge. Let’s break it down even further.

Driving in The City is Not For The Faint of Heart

Renting a car and driving through the narrow streets of San Francisco is not for the faint of heart. ‘Nuff said. Even the locals will tell you they refuse to drive in the city . Between traffic, one-way streets, and some of the steepest hills you’ve ever seen, your day in SF will be best spent enjoying the ride and letting an expert take the wheel.

Personalized Tours

Our tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable of the city’s interesting history and will pass by some hidden gems en route that you’d otherwise miss. They also do a good job of incorporating specific requests into your day tour. If there’s anything in particular that you’d like to see during your SF tour, don’t hesitate to ask your tour guide.

San Francisco is packed with plenty of must-see places, and considering it is only seven square miles, odds are they’ll be able to swing by at some point in your tour. Look no further than a personalized tour for the best possible experience you could ask for when in San Francisco.

Great Value

San Francisco is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Your tour guide will set you up with Alcatraz tickets , take you to the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco, and give you a local’s take on many eclectic SF neighborhoods. Rest stops and lunch are taken care of too, all for a reasonable price. It really is a no-brainer.

Learn More About San Francisco

With a knowledgeable tour guide, you learn so much more about the city than you would otherwise. San Francisco is home to so many nooks and crannies full of secrets and rich history—and you’d never know it without a guide’s expertise. Not only will you learn about the city’s history, but you’ll also be able to see many more areas of the city known only to locals while passing between San Francisco’s iconic tourist landmarks .

It’s a Family-Friendly Activity 

Like many landmarks you’ll see in San Francisco, Alamo Square Park is a fabulous stop for adults and kids alike. Kids of all ages can enjoy the fun architecture and sweeping city views. The park is a wonderful place for people (and dog) watching. Because many San Franciscans don’t have backyards, the parks in the city have become hangout spots where locals get some fresh air and enjoy being outside.

Where To Stay in San Francisco

Make the most of your visit to San Francisco by choosing to stay in the best neighborhoods for seeing all this iconic city has to offer. You’ll love our hotel recommendations.

About Malia Artsitas

San Francisco-born Malia Artsitas began her career managing the events, PR, and social media for local Bay Area restaurants. In 2020, she assisted in the launch of a luxury Downtown Napa hotel, and is a purveyor of all things Napa. In her free time, she enjoys rollerskating, playing guitar, and exploring new restaurants.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Travel Guide
• In The Press

POLICY & TERMS

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

San Francisco

Trending San Francisco trips

See More San Francisco Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Capital City

Washington D.C.

Good morning

Good evening

"From lush parks and golden beaches to buzzing neighbourhoods and historic streets, I could never choose just one favourite place in San Francisco - so join me and see it all!"

Travel Director

Explore the Fisherman's Wharf

With all kinds of amazing attractions, quirky museums and dining experiences, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the best places to visit in San Francisco. We’ll take you strolling along Pier 39, check out the sea lions lounging on the docks, and show you where to find the best crab chowder in the neighborhood. You can even ride the San Francisco Carousel!

Admire the eclectic mix of architecture, culture and cuisines

When you travel San Francisco with Trafalgar, we’ll dive into the city’s multicultural charm, taking you from the icons like the ‘postcard row’ of colorful Victorian houses, to the hidden gems, like the retro bars and Italian trattorias of North Beach. From the historic Ferry Building marketplace, to the world’s crookedest street, the treasures are endless in this city.

Stroll through the Union Square

More than just a plaza, Union Square is the beating heart of San Francisco and one of the busiest squares in the country. Watched over by the Greek Goddess of Victory on the Dewey Monument, Union Square is surrounded by the best shopping in the city, with boutiques, galleries, and department stores galore, and we’ll lead the way through it all.

Learn about the history of the American Civil War

Our San Francisco holidays dive into the history of the city, and we’ll take you from the Civil War monuments of the Golden Gate Park, to Union Square, once used for Thomas Starr King rallies during the American Civil War. We’ll even explore the Presidio, a former US Army military fort that is now a scenic 1,500-acre park and a National Historic Landmark.

See the majestic Golden Gate Bridge

You can’t come to San Francisco without setting eyes on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, it’s now one of the most photographed bridges in the world, and we’ll take you on a guided walk across this 1.7-mile architectural wonder to snap some gorgeous shots and admire the city skyline.

Our top 5 things to do in San Francisco

We can’t wait to show you all the best things to do in San Francisco, and we’ll take you from the historic parks and markets to the best beaches and vibrant neighborhoods.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Modern art lovers are in for a treat here. As the first museum on the US West Coast dedicated entirely to 20th-century art, today the SFMOMA is filled with over 33,000 artworks including paintings, photography, sculpture, design and architecture. It’s also one of the world’s largest modern art museums, so prepare to spend hours exploring all the treasures.

California Academy of Sciences

Located in the Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is one of the world’s largest museums of natural history, with a dizzying 26 millions specimens. You can spend hours wandering the natural history section, plus there’s an incredible planetarium, aquarium, and even an Amazonian flooded forest in the rainforest exhibit.

Contemporary Jewish Museum

Housed in the historic Jessie Street Substation, this fantastic museum shares the stories of Jewish history and culture, with everything from photography and textiles to sculptures and audio projects. It’s a must-see in San Francisco and the building itself is a work of art, designed by Daniel Libeskind based on the two Hebrew letters spelling “L’Chaim”, meaning “To Life”.

Best museums in San Francisco

If you’re looking for the best of San Francisco, you’ve got to check out the museums, with exhibits on everything from modern art to Jewish history.

Dungeness crab

You can’t visit San Francisco without trying the famous Dungeness crab, and we’ll show you all the best spots in Fisherman’s Wharf to try this local specialty. You can even try this dish the traditional way, with the freshly cooked crab pulled out of a steaming cauldron and placed in a cup with cocktail sauce. Delicious!

If you’re looking for a lavish foodie experience in San Francisco, you’ve got to try abalone. This rare mollusk is on par with truffles, caviar and Kobe beef in the luxury culinary world, and in North America, it’s only farmed in California. That means you’ll get the freshest abalone in the Bay Area, sautéed to perfection with that distinct buttery and salty flavor.

Lemon cream tart

No San Francisco trip would be complete without a visit to Tartine Bakery for their famous lemon cream tarts. The lemon curd filling is more like a heavenly lemon butter, and it’s wrapped in a delicious cookie-like crust and topped with fresh cream. Tangy, silky and almost too pretty to eat, this lemony delight is what dessert dreams are made of.

Best food in San Francisco

We’ll take you on a San Francisco food tour you’ll never forget, with VIP access to the mobile food extravaganza of Fort Mason and a feast in our favorite Chinatown restaurants.

What to pack for San Francisco

As one of the country’s greenest cities, San Francisco is working to reduce waste, including banning disposable coffee cups. Follow their lead and bring your own reusable mug.

Reusable bags

San Francisco has also banned plastic bags in stores, so remember to bring your own reusable bags or a day pack if you plan on getting some retail therapy.

The Golden City is lined with beautiful sandy beaches and incredible surf, and you’ll definitely want to pack your swimsuit and take advantage of the sunny weather.

Comfortable shoes

Whether you’re wandering through the massive parks or hitting the vibrant streets, you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes on your San Francisco vacation.

Layered clothing

Although the city is famed for its gorgeous sunshine, it can get chilly, especially if you run into Karl the Fog! Bring some warm layers and stay cosy.

Our North & Central America destinations

United States

US National Parks

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Limited $5 off San Francisco Bus Tour - Hop on Hop off! Free 48-Hour Cancellation!

Signed in as:

[email protected]

• Hop-on Hop-off
• ALL Bus Tours
• San Francisco City Tour
• Muir Woods Tour
• Muir Woods + Sausalito
• Muir Woods + Napa Wine
• Napa Wine Tour
• Monterey + Carmel Tour
• All Cruises
• Bay Cruise (1-Hour)
• Escape From The Rock
• Sunset/Twilight Cruise
• Bike Rentals
• Tour Packages

Discounted Sightseeing City Tour San Francisco

Book discounted San Francisco tours and activities online!

San Francisco Tours & Activities, LLC + 1 (415) 814-3909

Alcatraz Tour Ticket Available!

Book Now! Alcatraz tickets can sell out weeks in advance!

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.

San Francisco Tours & Activities | SFTourCompany.com

San francisco tours & activities | bike the bridge bike rentals.

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!

Copyright © 2018 San Francisco Tours & Activities, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

• All SF Tours & Activities

Real history, real experiences, real San Francisco

What is real san francisco tours.

Our guests are interested, curious people who want a real experience of San Francisco. That’s why we offer bicycle and walking tours and use the metro, it’s the best way to see and learn about the city, as well as being the most eco-friendly. Anyway, who doesn’t want to see SF by cable car, exploring cool neighborhoods with their own guide? We guarantee our San Francisco tours are an experience you’ll never forget. This is what we do:

SF in a Day Tour : We take you places that no one else does, traversing the city by cable car, rail and bus as we visit downtown, Nob Hill, City Hall, Hayes Valley, Castro, Haight-Ashbury, Painted Ladies, Lombard Street, North Beach and Chinatown. If you really want to get to know SF, this is the only way to do it (10am daily).

Half-Day SF City Highlights Tour : Explore some of the best parts of the city. Taking the cable car up to Nob Hill, then down to City Hall and Hayes Valley. Stroll through Castro, before ending the tour in Haight-Ashbury, a perfect spot for lunch (10am daily).

The Real San Francisco Bike Tour : See the historic parts of SF, visit City Hall & pass through beautiful neighborhoods, before getting some of he best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, all from the seat of your bike. Have lunch at Fisherman's Wharf (10am daily).

SF: Food + History + Art Tour : Learn all about how the city was founded, view some amazing public murals and street art and eat some of the best food in California (midday Sunday).

Icons of SF Tour : Visit the most famous places and picturesque neighborhoods in San Francisco after lunch. See Painted Ladies, Lombard St, North Beach, Chinatown & more (3.30pm daily).

Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour : Go back in time to visit the sites of old Hollywood scandals, red-light districts, opium dens, gambling dives and Gold Rush era lynchings (6pm Saturday).

All of our experiences can be booked as private tours.

To open in Google Maps click the icon in the top right corner.

OUR REVIEWS

We love tours that give you the inside scoop, background, history & current cool things about any place. This tour completely fitted the bill for SF. We saw all the things we had heard were worth seeing & many that we had never heard of. My wife's fav was the fortune cookie "factory" in Chinatown. The tour also covered Russian Hill, Lombard Street, the Painted Ladies & some beautiful streets. Kevin, our guide, had passes so all the transit was covered. 
It was great!

- Marty K, TripAdvisor

Our expert guides create entertaining & enlightening tours, which will transform your understanding & appreciation of SF & California.

We have San Francisco tours for all budgets: free self guided tours, group tours from just $50 pp & private tours from just $325 for a group of up to 10.

We get off the beaten track to reveal the hidden beauty & history of San Francisco, meaning you have a truly memorable & enjoyable experience.

Real san francisco tours calendar.

I love travel. In the past there was nothing I enjoyed more than visiting a city and getting lost wandering its streets. However, during a trip to Europe in 2012, I discovered a guided walking tour and realized that it’s a much better experience. I got a quick history lesson, saw most of the best sights and was able to ask all the vital questions I had (like where to have lunch) from a local expert. It was the highlight of my trip and I began doing walking tours in every city I visited.

Returning home, to Los Angeles, I looked for a walking tour there, but all I found were bus tours of Beverly Hills, which isn’t where the “stars” live nowadays, and Rodeo Drive, where locals like me never go. So I decided to start a new company, The Real Los Angeles Tours , offering totally different tours - ones that would allow both visitors AND Angelenos to properly experience LA and learn its fascinating history. We opened in 2013 and we've been awarded multiple TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame awards, in recognition of hundreds of five-star reviews.

I'm often in the Bay Area and it seemed that there was an opening to create more authentic tours here too, that would delve more deeply into SF than the typical tour itinerary of Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street and the Golden Gate Bridge. So, in 2020, Real San Francisco Tours launched. Our mission is to give you an entertaining and authentic experience of San Francisco culture and history. Join us on a tour and we promise you'll really get to know this amazing city, whether you're a visitor or a local.

- Damien, founder of Real San Francisco Tours

Morning & All-Day Tours

BOOK SF IN A DAY TOUR

10am daily, Embarcadero

$110 pp (inc transit)

BOOK HALF-DAY SF CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

$80 pp (inc transit)

BOOK THE REAL SF BIKE TOUR

10am daily, Ferry Building

$90 pp (inc bike rental)

Afternoon & Evening Tours

BOOK SF: FOOD + HISTORY + ART TOUR

12 midday Sunday, Mission District

$80 pp (inc food)

BOOK ICONS OF SF TOUR

3.30pm daily, Alamo Square

$50 pp (inc transit)

BOOK NOTORIOUS SF: GHOST & CRIME TOUR

6pm Saturday, Union Square

I discovered early on that I love showing people around. For a long time I was a tour guide for historical and architectural societies as a hobby, but 15 years ago I decided to leave my corporate job and lead tours full time. It was the best decision of my life! Sharing the incredible beauty and history of San Francisco with visitors and locals is a privilege and pleasure! In fact, I gained so much experience that I recently published a “tour guide’s guide to San Francisco,” a training manual for SF guides that’s already become very popular.

At high school in Sacramento I read everything Californian John Steinbeck wrote. Then I pursued a nomadic Steinbeckian life for two years. After military service and university here and in Germany, I got into tour guiding. I’ve conducted tours in 48 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe.  I enjoy the “close to the ground” intimacy of walking tours. San Francisco offers so much to share; geology, topography, history, politics, prose, poetry, art, music and the stories of so many unique characters. It’s what I do and I love it!

I’ve been a working poet for forty years, which definitely feels like an achievement in and of itself. My latest full length collection is Roshi: San Francisco  (published by Norfolk Press). Something to Be , which is on the subject of work, is out soon (from Pski Porch), and a historical novel is on the way. I live with my wife, the activist Joan Juster. In between writing I’ve been showing people around San Francisco for more than a decade. I really love surprising guests with a different side of the city than they expect.

I’m that rare breed – someone living in San Francisco who was born and raised here. I was a History Major at UC Berkeley and since leaving I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively. Ironically, one thing those vacations made me realize is that my hometown is a great place to visit too. San Francisco is a city of such distinct neighborhoods, each with its own charms, it’s unique. I’ve worked as a tour guide for many years and I love meeting fellow travelers from all over the world, sharing my passion for this amazing city.

I’m from the UK and I majored in History at the University of London. Travel is one of my main passions and I lived in Germany, Spain and Australia, before moving to California. Since then it’s become home and I love it. In 2013 I founded The Real Los Angeles Tours, bringing walking, bicycling and metro tours, focused on history, culture, architecture and food, to L.A. I’ve always loved San Francisco and I wanted to bring the same kinds of tours here too, so I’m very happy that I’ve been able to fulfill that dream.

(INSTAGRAM)

Got Questions about San Francisco or California?

If you’re a visitor looking for specific information related to your trip here, such as fun things to do in San Francisco , cool places to go to in California or activities to do here with your kids , be sure to check S.F.Info . We also have general information about the U.S., including answering that most vital of all questions for foreign visitors: when and how much should I tip?

The San Francisco Scoop is designed by us to take you inside SF whether you’re visiting or you live here. From current-affairs inspired articles on California’s history (such as the Fatty Arbuckle Scandal ), to our suggestions on the best events being held in San Francisco every month , via inside information on authentic and fun SF experiences , we give you the essential scoop on the city by the bay.

Whatever your questions about SF, we have the answers.

Our Gallery

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Downtown San Francisco Tour

Tour Information

On this tour, we will explore the heart of San Francisco. Join us and you’ll discover who San Franciscans are. You’ll see what we care about, what we spend our time on, and how we designed this city to be a beautiful place to live. You’ll see the history of the construction of the city, the destruction caused by the great earthquake and fire of 1906, and how the rebuilding created one of the greatest cities in the world. You’ll also see why every building in the area looks so interesting and unique, with hidden places in the middle of downtown that even the locals don’t know about!

Sites we cover include:

• The "Path of Gold" through the heart of the city
• The famous San Francisco Ferry Building
• Hidden parks of the city, built on the tops of buildings or in hollowed-out banks
• Amazing art deco skyscrapers
• The Palace Hotel, the most luxurious hotel in San Francisco for many years. (And built with stolen money!)

...and more!

We also have a highlight version of this tour that explores Market Street as a self paced Audio Tour.   (Esto también está disponible en español!)

Tour information

Reservations: REQUIRED. Click here to reserve . Groups of 6 or more must contact us before booking.

Where: We meet just outside the Embarcadero BART station, at the corner of Market Street & Spear Street. We will be on the south side of Market Street (if you're looking at Market, the tall Ferry building tower should be on your right. Use our Google map for directions to the tour starting point. Look for your guide with the orange shirt.

Duration: The tour lasts about 2 hours. The total walking is just over one mile (1.6km).

When: View our Calendar

Cost: This is a name-your-own-price tour. That means the tour is free to attend, and at the end of the tour, you decide how much the tour was worth to you. Our guides are happy to take cash or credit card, whatever is most convenient to you!

Save even more money in San Francisco with a discount tourist pass !

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Enter a Search Term

You’re invited to the Hilltop. We’ll show you the classrooms, hangout spots, and green spaces that make up our beautiful 55-acre campus in the center of San Francisco.

In-Person Campus Visit

Join us for a campus tour and information session. Our University Ambassadors can answer your questions about academics, student life, or what it’s like to live in San Francisco.

For groups of 10 to 50, please sign up for a group visit. We offer group tours to high school or transfer students. Our University Ambassadors would be happy to show you around.

Virtual Info Session

Join a virtual information session to learn what to expect in the admission process and see what makes USF an incredible place to study. Special sessions are available for international, transfer, and nursing students.

Admission Events

Join us for an event to talk to current students, learn more about academics, and see what it’s like to live in San Francisco.

Self-Guided Tour

If you’re in the area, take a walk through our campus to see where USF students study, live, and relax. 

Graduate Student Visit

Join a graduate student ambassador for a tour of our beautiful Hilltop campus in the center of San Francisco.

Having the city of San Francisco be an extension of the campus appealed to me, and I immediately was drawn to the diversity, abundance of activities, and the nature that surrounded the campus.”

Johanna Loacker ’17, USF Biology Graduate

Plan your visit

Make the most of your trip to San Francisco and see our tips on where to stay, eat, and explore while you’re here.

Chat with a Current Student

Interested in USF? Chat with a current USF student to get your questions answered right away.

Virtual Tour

Explore our beautiful 55-acre campus, including classrooms, libraries, and more. This tour is available in English , Spanish and Mandarin .

Welcome Center

• Main Campus

Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hi, what are you looking for?

Metal Injection

• New Albums Out This Week
• Top Tracks Of The Week
• Top Stories Of The Week
• Upcoming Releases
• Funny Stories
• Photo Gallery
• Latest Videos Listing

Music Videos

• Metal Injection Exclusives

Live Footage

• Funny Videos
• Slay At Home
• ASK THE ARTIST
• Kids In Metal
• Mashups & Covers
• Rockumentary
• View All Channels
• Apple Playlists
• Spotify Playlists
• Los Angeles

Tour Roundup

Opeth announces north american tour.

Happening this October.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Opeth (@officialopeth)

Want More Metal? Subscribe To Our Daily Newsletter

Enter your information below to get a daily update with all of our headlines and receive The Orchard Metal newsletter.

Sponsored Links from Around the Internet

You may also like.

All The North American Tour Dates Announced This Week 4/26

Till Lindemann, Opeth, Kittie, Megadeth, Veil Of Maya, Evanescence, and more!

Latest News

Brann dailor explains how he started singing in mastodon.

It all started with "Oblivion".

MÖTLEY CRÜE's New Single "Dogs Of War" Sure Is A New MÖTLEY CRÜE Single

Weekly Injection

The weekly injection: new releases from darkthrone, deicide & more out today 4/26.

Plus releases from Full Of Hell, Glassing, Harvestman, Inter Arma, Ou, and Glassing.

SLIPKNOT Debuts New Masks & New Drummer Live

KITTIE Announces Exclusive North American Shows

11 Reunion Albums That Absolutely Rule

Watch SLIPKNOT's Entire Californian Club Show From The Front Row

No, AMY LEE Is Not LINKIN PARK's New Singer

Summer Slaughter 2024 Returns: VEIL OF MAYA, BRAND OF SACRIFICE, GIDEON & More Booked