city tour in san francisco

Last-Minute Alcatraz Combo Tours Available! Check Availability and Book Now!

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 25% 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 with us!

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 10 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 25% 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

• English English Deutsch

• All Tours All San Francisco Tours Hop On - Hop Off City Tours Alcatraz Bike Tours Boat Tours and Ferries Muir Woods Tours Wine Country Tours Food and Drink Tours Family Activities Romantic Getaways Attractions and Museums Beyond San Francisco
• Guide Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate Park Haight Ashbury Palace of Fine Arts Cliff House & Sutro Baths

[email protected]

99 Jefferson StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133

Copyright © Skyline Sightseeing 2024

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

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 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.

Editor's Pick: Dylan's Tours – Dylan's Famous Tour with Muir Woods

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

U.S. News independently paid to send Lili Weigert , an arts and travel writer based in Marin County, on this tour to provide readers with an unbiased, first-hand perspective of what to expect. Dylan’s Famous Tour With Muir Woods was selected by our team as an Editor’s Pick thanks to its popularity and favorable user reviews.

This half-day minibus excursion takes you from Fisherman's Wharf to Muir Woods and back, and includes a lively tour of some of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Throughout the ride, our guide – a passionate San Francisco native – shared fun and surprising facts and pointed out interesting sights as we wound through North Beach , Pacific Heights, Chinatown and Alamo Square. After a dramatic photo-op at Fort Point (the waves can make a big spray!), we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and drove to Muir Woods, where we spent almost 90 minutes strolling through the trees. After a lunch break in the town of Sausalito, we headed back over the bridge, making a quick stop to admire the Palace of Fine Arts before ending back at Fisherman's Wharf.

Tours operate daily at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Know that if you choose the 8 or 10 a.m. departure, you'll have a slightly higher fee because of the extra stop in Sausalito (the 8 a.m. tour) or the Ferry Building Marketplace (the 10 a.m. tour). Dylan's Tours offers a variety of minibus tours, including a foodie tour and a daylong Sonoma and Napa wine tour.

Lili Weigert

Why we love it:

• Our guide kept us entertained with fascinating historical anecdotes about the Bay Area; he even used visual aids and played music to bring the stories to life.
• In Muir Woods, our guide explained the different paths we could explore, then left us on our own so everyone could go at their own pace and as far as they wanted.
• The organization and timing of the entire tour was flawless – there were plenty of stops for photo-ops and our guide was very clear and respectful of everyone's questions and needs. He even had water and energy bars for us.
• Sausalito is a lovely spot for lunch and there’s enough time for a snack and stroll through town or a waterfront meal at The Spinnaker – just ask for your check when you order!

– Lili Weigert 

Check prices & availability on:

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 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 this is a must-do if you're a first-time visitor and that 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. Short on time? Red and White Fleet also offers an hourlong Golden Gate Bay Cruise, among other tours.

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 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, comfortable and unique, and describe the guides as fun, informative and personable.

Tours are generally available Thursday through Monday once or twice daily. You can board at either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square . Combo tours to Alcatraz are also available, as are brewery tours.

Secret Food Tours – San Francisco Mission District Food Tour

Price: Adults from $79; kids from $69 Duration: 3.5 hours

Weave your way through the epicenter of San Francisco's Latino culture on this tasty food tour of the Mission District . The tour starts with a Mission-style burrito and ends with a visit to a craft chocolate maker for a total of five stops, including the company's "secret" dish that's not revealed until the day of the tour. Along the way, your guide will share stories about how immigrants continue to shape the district's culture and food scene and its many murals. Travelers applaud the authentic food featured on the tour and are particularly impressed with the insightful guides, who share a bounty of historical information about the district and the dishes. 

This tour is offered daily at 11 a.m. and it's capped at 12 participants. If you're hungry for more, the company also runs a combo food tour of North Beach and Chinatown.   Check prices & availability on:

Seaplane Adventures – Alcatraz & City Sites Seaplane Tour

Price: From $249 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 short seaplane tour, 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. Even locals recommended it and were particularly impressed with the pilot.

Flights depart Thursday through Monday in the afternoon. If you're hoping to spend more time flying, consider the company's 45-minute Greater Bay Area Tour.

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 sightseeing 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 and say this is a great way to spend a couple hours in San Francisco, especially on the first day of your trip.

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. The company also runs a night tour.

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

Price: Adults from $79; 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 walking 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. Still hungry? Consider the company's Chinatown tours.

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Price: Adults from $63; kids from $53 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. Buses frequent stops every 15 minutes and visit more than 15 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 six 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. For access to maps and live bus tracking, heed the advice of past riders and download the Big Bus Tours smartphone app.

Big Bus San Francisco also offers night tours of the city, as well as upgraded tickets that include free bike rentals or tours of Muir Woods.

Gray Line San Francisco – Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

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

This half-day 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 on your own for about 90 minutes, the tour continues to Sausalito, a charming town across the bay full of waterfront dining, shopping and art galleries. You'll have about an hour to explore on your own before boarding the bus back to San Francisco. For even more time in Sausalito, you can skip the bus and instead return to the city by ferry for an additional cost. Reviewers say the tour bus is comfortable 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.

Gray Line offers a variety of day trips from San Francisco, including trips to Sonoma , Napa Valley and Monterey .

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

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $55 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. From March through September, tours are available daily at 10 a.m. and 2 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

San Francisco Whale Tours – Golden Gate Whale Watch

Price: Adults from $96; kids from $72 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 cruise, you may see humpback or gray whales, harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds, depending on the time of year. 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 and respectful of the marine life.

Golden Gate Whale Watch tours are offered once or twice daily. The company also operates specialty cruises for popular seasonal events in San Francisco, such as Fleet Week and July Fourth fireworks.

Extranomical Tours – Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour

Price: Adults from $214; kids from $192 Duration: 15 hours

Once you've gotten your fill of the city, trek to one of California's incomparable natural wonders with a day trip to Yosemite National Park . During the daylong 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 . You'll also enjoy about two hours to explore on your own in Yosemite Valley. Buses, which pick up from most San Francisco hotels , are equipped with expert park guides who provide commentary along the way. Tourgoers appreciate the information provided by the guides and compliment the drivers for their attention to safety. Reviewers also rave about the scenery and say this is a great option if you don't have time for a multiday trip to Yosemite.

The trip departs every day of the year. 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

Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed in San Francisco, and this bus tour highlights all the top filming locations. Knowledgeable actors-turned-guides lead the interactive tour, which takes you to filming locations for productions such as "The Princess Diaries," "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Full House." Throughout the trip, you'll see clips on big screens with surround sound of each movie or show as you arrive. Along the way, you'll see several of the city's most popular neighborhoods, including North Beach, Nob Hill, Golden Gate Park and Pacific Heights. Tourgoers describe it as a fun way to see the city and say guides are entertaining.

Tours are generally offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., though availability may vary by month.

The Haunt Ghost Tours – Ghost Hunting in Old San Francisco

Price: From $48 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, documented hauntings and true crimes, 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. Though the tour covers topics like hauntings and ghosts, the company says it is family-friendly and kids 4 and older require a ticket.

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters – San Francisco Bay Sail

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $35 Duration: 90 minutes

To feel a bay breeze and see San Francisco from a new perspective, climb aboard Adventure Cat's sailing catamaran. The 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.

Sails operate daily, but times vary by the season (know that Thursday to Sunday sails have a slightly higher fee per person). The company also offers sunset sails and Alcatraz combo tickets.

GoCar San Francisco

Price: From $286 Duration: 5 hours

Explore the city at your own pace with this GPS-guided talking 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 roofless, three-wheeled car and you must be at least 21 years old to drive it. The custom cars do not exceed a speed of 30 mph. Reviewers describe riding in the car as lots of fun and a unique way to see the city; they also assure that it's easy to drive.

The rental cost covers both passengers. A variety of routes and rental times are available daily.

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 Top Things to Do in California

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 10 best rome food tours.

Laura Itzkowitz Sept. 4, 2024

Top Things to Do in Hershey, PA

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon Aug. 29, 2024

The 18 Best Barcelona Tours

John Rodwan Aug. 28, 2024

Best Fall Family Vacations

Aug. 27, 2024

The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Katie Hearsum and Timothy J. Forster Aug. 27, 2024

Top Music-Themed Cruises

Gwen Pratesi Aug. 23, 2024

• Visitor Resources
• Wineries We Visit
• Lodging Guide
• Shopping Guide
• Getting Around
• Live Web Cams
• Giving Back
• Satisfaction Guarantee
• Our Reviews
• For Partners
• Last Minute Deals
• Special Offers

San Francisco City Sightseeing Tours

The San Francisco sightseeing tours by Extranomical Tours offer the best possible ways to explore and experience San Francisco! These San Francisco city tours take you on a guided experience, with photo stops and walking tours at all the top attractions, like the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown, North Beach, Golden Gate Park, and more. Our local San Francisco tour guides will provide you with memory-making experiences, from start to finish.  And our San Francisco Bay Cruises provide a unique city sightseeing experience! Please get in touch if you have any questions about our city tours in San Francisco!

Morning Guided San Francisco Sightseeing Tour

Most complete and entertaining San Francisco city tour available. Stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.

Guided Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour

This full-day guided tour breaks you into Alcatraz and explores the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.

San Francisco Hop On Hop Off 24-hour City tour

Discover Chinatown, North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, Civic Center, Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Bridge and more.

• Find Your Tour
• How It Works
• Become a Member
• Become a Sponsor
• Become a Guide
• Resources & Links
• Private Tours

Wednesday September 04

Japanese Tea Garden

After the successful 1894 Mid-Winter Exposition San Francisco decided to keep the Japanese Village exhibit. Makoto Hagiwara was hired to be the new manager of the Garden and immediately set about expanding the Garden three-fold to its size today. An impressive variety of flora greets you as you enter a Japanese inspired wonderland of small scenes created throughout the Garden. The peace and quiet of the Garden encourages one to slow down and be mindful of the surroundings - A perfect walk for those seeking a peaceful afternoon...

View Tour Details >

Coit Tower Murals

Tucked away in an unpainted tower on a hill, one of the greatest works of Social Realist art in America lies hidden away. A set of murals created by 26 of California’s best artists, it documented California life in the 1930s from a socialist perspective: romanticizing workers, illustrating inequality, and sometimes even winking at the Soviet Union. It was controversial, sure. But as a work of art? Nobody could deny that it was stunningly gorgeous.

Making Waves on the Waterfront

San Francisco’s northern waterfront has long been a site of legendary innovation. Before the tech boom revolutionized the world, local inventors were dreaming up modern staples like denim jeans and TVs. Labor and human rights organizers catalyzed movements. It’s a city defined by forward progress — if you slow down, you get left in the dust.  We’ll explore level ground (no hills to climb), visiting a grand collection of historic sites and hidden parks, all along the sensational northern shoreline.

Cable Cars: Halfway to the Stars

Since Andrew Hallidie introduced Cable Cars in 1873, San Francisco’s cable car lines changed the landscape of San Francisco, making hilly neighborhoods accessible.  The cable cars survived the 1906 earthquake and fire as well as outlasting political attempts to modernize transportation.  Today the cable cars have gained worldwide attention to become what it is seen as today, a San Francisco icon.

Haight-Ashbury

It’s 1967 and the sun is shining on San Francisco. You’re walking down Haight, weaving through groups of long-haired kids smoking joints and laughing. As you pass the legendary Straight Theater, you hear Jerry Garcia and the Dead letting loose a psychedelic storm of sound. You’re in the Hippie Capital of the world.

Gold Rush City

"Gold! Gold from the American River!", shouted San Francisco businessman Sam Brannan, as he ran down Montgomery Street in May,1848, waving a jar filled with gold over his head, sparking the Gold Rush. As word spread rapidly around the world, the tiny village of San Francisco, tucked amidst massive sand dunes by the Bay, and frequented by grizzly bears and mountain lions, was transformed virtually overnight into a booming instant city.

Downtown Deco

Even though the Art Deco movement was a French creation, it found a dedicated American evangelist in San Francisco architect Timothy Pflueger. His designs, along with those of other architects, invoke the jazzy buoyancy of the Roaring 1920s and San Francisco’s thriving economy throughout the period. We’ll take a comprehensive tour of all the Art Deco masterpieces in San Francisco’s downtown. Soak up San Francisco of the 1920s through these elegant, timeless buildings.

Mission Bay: Hidden Waters

From muddy tidal estuary inhabited by the Yelamu, to a rail and shipping nerve center for the city, to what is now home to emerging biotech companies and San Francisco's newest residential district, Mission Bay offers a glimpse of the future but doesn't forget its past. From house boats to high-rises, development isn't over yet, with more buildings and housing planned.

Thursday September 05

1906: Earthquake And Fire

You are jolted awake in the morning of April 18, 1906 to a horrific scene. The San Andreas Fault has unleashed a shockwave felt from Los Angeles to Oregon, with the epicenter just off the coast of San Francisco. As the ground convulses, buildings disintegrate and fires are ignited. Your home, the capital of the West Coast, has been reduced to rubble in minutes: 28,000 buildings destroyed, 3,000 dead and more than 200,000 homeless. What followed that disaster, though, was one of the greatest stories of resilience in history

Crissy Field and Climate Change

The Crissy Field and Climate Change tour explores the most beautiful and iconic views of San Francisco Bay from Crissy Field and discusses the threat of climate change and sea level rise to Crissy Field’s beauty.  The tour discusses the restoration of the airfield to create a carbon-absorbing, nature preserve around a marsh; local environmental heroes; and ways to lower your own carbon footprint.

Golden Gate Bridge

What more is there to say? It’s an international symbol of San Francisco, a mind-blowing feat of engineering, and one of the most-photographed places in the entire world. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge has captivated locals and tourists alike since it opened in 1937. It was the world’s longest and tallest suspension bridge at its opening, and almost a century later, remains one of the most impressive structures ever built by humans.

Main Library Tour

It’s easy to admire the Main Library of San Francisco from afar, its stately rectangular body spanning an entire block. But it’s when you get inside that the real magic appears. A dramatic skylight crowns the soaring atrium, flooding every nook and cranny with natural light. The bridges above span the spacious lightwells, delivering readers to whatever book they’re searching for. Perfect for bookworms and non-readers alike.

Architectural Gems South of Market

Join us for a captivating stroll through one of our most intriguing and often overlooked neighborhoods. Delve into 150 years of urban evolution, and an array of architectural styles, from Victorian Gothic to 21 st c Contemporary. See the juxtaposition of historic landmarks with modern skyscrapers, each witnessing the city's past and present. Learn about transformation through massive redevelopment projects, while discovering protected hidden gems. Stunning open spaces offer panoramic views. This flat, leisurely walk shows a rich tapestry of architectural, socio-economic and cultural history. Explore the soul of the city, here, one step at a time.  

Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops

From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States — The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America.  When the military left lawmakers transformed the space into a National Park in 1996, and since then the Presidio has become one of the greatest (and greenest) places to explore in all of San Francisco. Join us on a walk through San Francisco’s panoramic, luscious park, with wooded areas and scenic views as far as the eye can see including the newly-created Tunnel Tops.

Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited

Discover fascinating, but seldom-visited features in the Park by hiking from the Music Concourse around Stow Lake and to the observatory ruins atop the second highest sand dune in San Francisco. Tour the Prayer Book Cross commemorating a little-known 16th century event and Lloyd Lake's Portals of the Past, a haunting reminder of the tragedy of 1906.

Friday September 06

Cityscapes And Public Places

The 1985 Downtown Plan was one of the most important piece of red tape in San Francisco history. With accelerating downtown development, city officials laid down some ground rules: If you’re going to build here, you’re going to have to pay a little extra to cover the necessary infrastructure improvements. Oh — and you have to devote a portion of your project to a publicly accessible open space. Thus, Privately-Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS) were born.

Fisherman's Wharf: A Hidden History

It may not look like it now, but underneath the sleek, commercial facade of today’s redeveloped Fisherman’s Wharf, hundreds of Italian immigrants built an entire industry on the backs of Dungeness crab. Not everything on this tour happens on the water. We'll look at Ghirardelli Square, once the factory of San Francisco's most beloved chocolatier. Passing the Hyde Street Cable Car Turnaround we  discuss San Francisco's cable cars and we'll explain the stories of many of the historic ships anchored at the Hyde Street Pier.  Discover a new side of the Wharf, featuring stories of the Bay that locals themselves don't know.

Golden Gate Park: West End Breakers, Old Trains & Windmills!

At the western edge of Golden Gate Park, within sight of the Pacific Ocean, the towering Dutch Windmill welcomes walkers. Surrounded by the year-round beauty of the Queen Wilhelmina Garden, the mill bears witness to the struggles of Park Superintendents William Hammond Hall and John McLaren to transform the shifting sands of the Outside Lands into a verdant landscape.

Mission Murals

Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area's identity.  Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood. You'll start in beautiful Precita Park and be moved by the stories that inspired the murals and finish in Balmy Alley where you will see a display of powerful works expressing feelings about immigration, war, gentrification, as well as healing and the celebration of women. This is an unforgettable walk, both visually dazzling and emotionally impactful.

Mission Dolores Neighborhood

See one of San Francisco’s oldest and most colorful neighborhoods, the Mission, where you’ll trace a history beginning with Indigenous peoples through waves of immigrants to today’s concerns of gentrification. Begin at the famous golden fire hydrant where locals successfully fought to save the area during the 1906 earthquake. Gaze at a spectacular view of SF’s skyline from gorgeous Dolores Park.  Wander through a historic district, get a mini-course about Victorian styles, go down the hip Valencia Street corridor, see and understand the importance in the Mission of its murals, while learning about the area’s Indigenous peoples and the colonization by Spain and Mexico at the oldest building in San Francisco, Mission Dolores, the church of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Saturday September 07

Ferry Building

North Beach

Terrific Street: The Devil's Playground

Golden Gate Park: Mid Park Ramble Hidden Gems, Rarely Visited (No Tour Today)

Telegraph Hill Stairway Hike

1840s San Francisco and the Astonishing Legacy of America’s “First Black Millionaire”

1850's San Francisco: Paris Of The Pacific

Alamo Square and its Painted Ladies

Castro: Tales Of The Village

Fairmont Hotel

Boom & Bust

Land's End: Sutro Heights

Victorian San Francisco

Sunday September 08

Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub

Noe Valley: A Village Within the City

Architecture Downtown

Billionaires' Row: Outer Broadway Architecture

Dogpatch and Potrero Point

Gold Rush City (No Tour Today)

Murals And The Multi-Ethnic Mission District

Monday September 09

Gardens in the Sky: Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park

Tuesday September 10

Embarcadero South: A Turbulent Port

Scandalous Murals of Rincon Center

Sacred Places In San Francisco

City Hall and the Civic Center

Historic Market Street: Path Of Gold

Wednesday September 11

Thursday September 12

Fort Mason To Aquatic Park

View Other Tours

2:=E@iE@FCDoD74:EJ8F:56D]@C8');"> gro.sediugyticfs@sruot

415-375-0468

Mailing Address San Francisco City Guides c/o SF Public Library 100 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102

EIN: 85-3688709

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame

• Group Tours

Subscribe to Newsletter

© 2024 San Francisco City Guides

WordPress Web Design and Development by HyperArts

• Resources & Links

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

Discover San Francisco like never before! Join our Explore S.F. group on Facebook, your ultimate guide to the city’s best-kept secrets. From local tips to monthly adventures, this is where your journey begins. Click here to join and start exploring!

Featured Tour

Explore the best of San Francisco with one of our top-rated tours.

Never Miss A Post

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter filled with San Francisco travel tips and occasional discounts on tours and rentals.

Related Posts

• 2024 Events
• Alcatraz Tours
• Attractions
• Family-Friendly
• Itineraries
• Things to Do
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• SF Bay Area
• Cruises from SF
• All Beyond SF
• Northern California
• SF Arrivals and Transfers
• Weather & What to Wear
• Getting Around SF
• Earthquakes
• Games & Puzzles

SIGN UP  FOR MY EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE  SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.

San Francisco City Tours: 6 Great Options to Get to Know SF

by Jill Loeffler   •

San Francisco city tours are one of the best ways to explore the City by the Bay. You can head out on a classic journey that takes you to the hot spots in a large van or passenger bus. 

I've also included a few fun options such as exploring in a 70s VW van or checking out famous movie locations. Read on to learn more and find the one that is right for your stay!

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. San Francisco Deluxe Half-Day Tour

Of all the San Francisco city tours, this deluxe half-day (3.5-hour) tour does a great job of packing all the major highlights into one convenient, informative morning or afternoon. This option is great because it's thorough but compact, allowing you to check off all the top tourist sights on your list, and spend the rest of the day exploring on your own. 

The tour makes it easy for you by picking up and dropping off at central SF hotels , and narrating the scenery and history as you visit the Golden Gate Bridge , Chinatown , Fisherman's Wharf , and more, with a special photo stop at Twin Peaks . You'll especially want to consider this option if you have very limited time to spend in the San Francisco.

Days/Times: Every day at 9 am, there is also a 2 pm tour during the busier months

>> Check for ticket availability today

>> Find more of my favorite bus tours

2. Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

The Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is the perfect option for visitors who prefer to go at their own pace, but still appreciate the convenience of being transported from one attraction to another and learning about them in between. 

The double-decker bus has an open top so you can take in the city sights as you cruise along this route, which offers 20+ stops, including Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square , Chinatown, Lombard Street , and the Haight-Ashbury  district. 

Buy a one- or two-day pass, and for that duration, take your time getting off and back on at the stops you choose. The bus will pass by at 15- to 20-minute intervals.

Should you choose to ride the whole route from start to finish without hopping off, it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Days/Times: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

>> Find tickets today

>> Additional Hop-On Hop-Off Tour options

3. San Francisco Panoramic Night Tour

San Francisco is beautiful during the day, but even more amazing at night. Hop aboard this open-top double-decker bus for a one-hour and 15-minute night drive through SF.

You will pass by top attractions including those in North Beach, Chinatown, and along the Embarcadero. You'll see Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill and cross the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island for a chance to take photos of the impressive SF skyline.

The tour provides complimentary headphones to listen to the pre-recorded commentary in six languages.

This is one of the San Francisco city tours that runs after dark part of the year and when it's still light out in the summer months.

Dates/Times: Leaves nightly at 6:30 pm (7 pm in the summer)

>> Check pricing and find ticket availability

>> Find more of the best night tours and activities in SF

>> Find additional things to do at night in SF

4. San Francisco Love Tour

Get a taste of San Francisco's hippie era of the past and hipster culture of today as you tour the city in a 1970s VW bus that harkens back to the heyday of free love in the City by the Bay. 

This is one of the more personalized San Francisco city tours, as the bus seats only up to six people, and will take you down streets that normal tour buses can't. 

In addition to the interior shag carpet, the Love Tour keeps to the theme by taking you to the homes of the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix. The two-hour experience also takes you to conventional stops like the Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach, the Castro , the Mission , and more.

Days/Times: Runs most days at 8:30 am or 11 am

>> Find tickets today to this funky tour

5. Movie Sights City Tour

Want to see where some of the most famous movies and TV shows were filmed in San Francisco? 

This tour takes you on a fun adventure through the heart of the city. You'll see clips of movie scenes right before you drive past the actual filming location. I LOVE this tour, and it's very well done.

On this three-hour tour, you'll cruise past more than 55 filming locations. Some top picks include locations for Mrs. Doubtfire, Vertigo, and the opening credits of Full House.

Did you know that scenes from Interview with the Vampire, The Princess Diaries, and What's Up Doc? were also filmed here? You'll see some of those locations too!

Days/Times: Runs most days at 10 am or 1 pm

>> Find out more about this movie city tour and find tickets for your upcoming visit

6. Dylan's Famous San Francisco City Tour

One of the top San Francisco city tours is called Dylan's Famous San Francisco City Tour as it includes so many of the top attractions around SF. 

On this 2.5-hour tour, you will get the highlights of San Francisco starting in Fisherman's Wharf, where you will board their comfortable minibus.

As you are chauffeured around SF, you will hear interesting stories from your knowledgeable local guide about some of our top districts, events, and culture. 

This tour includes several photo stops and concludes with a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. 

The ending location is the waterfront town of Sausalito , where you might want to grab lunch with a view before deciding how you want to return to San Francisco (options include bus, ferry , and taxi/Lyft/Uber). 

Days/Times: Daily at 8:30 a.m.

>> Get more details and make your reservation on their website

More Fun Tours for Your Stay

Bay Cruises

Walking Tours

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

About Me    |    Contact Me    |   Privacy Policy    |   Terms of Service    |    Advertising Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

Copyright © 2009-2024 by SFTourismTips.com. All rights reserved.

This website does not sell any personal information. (See privacy policy )

Historical Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco’s Historical Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and cinematic past. Led by an expert English-speaking guide , this private group experience delves into the architectural gems and rich history that have shaped the metropolis. Priced at $672.84 for up to four participants and lasting 2 hours, the tour traverses Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral, and the Cable Car Museum, providing guests with a rundown of San Francisco’s vibrant heritage. With a flexible cancellation policy , the tour caters to families and small groups eager to uncover the secrets that lie within the city’s streets and buildings. But the true allure of this experience lies in the stories that await…

• This 2-hour private group tour in San Francisco offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s rich history and notable landmarks.
• Key highlights include Grace Cathedral, the Cable Car Museum, and iconic filming locations from classic movies like ‘Vertigo’.
• The tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and covers Nob Hill, the Fairmont San Francisco hotel, and the architectural wonders of Grace Cathedral.
• The tour is priced at $672.84 for up to 4 participants, with a flexible cancellation policy allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour starts at Hyde Out in Nob Hill and includes guided segments at various historical and cultural sites throughout the city.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• San Francisco Love Tour
• San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country W/ Optional Gourmet Lunch
• Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip From San Francisco
• Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

Tour Overview

The historical tour in San Francisco offers a private group experience that immerses visitors in the city’s arts, culture, and cinematic history, with a duration of 2 hours and a price starting from $672.84 per group of up to 4 participants.

The tour features a live English-speaking guide who leads the group through notable landmarks like Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral, and the Cable Car Museum.

Highlights include exploring the intricate labyrinths of Grace Cathedral and unveiling the secrets of San Francisco’s iconic cable car system.

With the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, the tour provides a flexible and personalized way to discover the city’s rich history.

Price and Duration

The historical tour in San Francisco costs from $672.84 per group of up to 4 participants and lasts for 2 hours.

This private group experience allows travelers to explore the city’s rich history with a live English-speaking tour guide . The price covers the entire group, making it an affordable option for small parties.

During the 2-hour tour, guests will venture through Nob Hill, visit the iconic Grace Cathedral, discover the Cable Car Museum, and see notable filming locations featured in classic movies.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can plan their trip with flexibility and confidence.

Tour Highlights

Visitors on this historical tour in San Francisco can discover Nob Hill , known for its vibrant arts, culture, and cinematic history. They’ll also explore Grace Cathedral , one of America’s largest churches, which features intricate labyrinths.

Plus, the tour unveils the history of the Cable Car Museum and uncovers San Francisco’s fascinating transit secrets. Along the way, guests will see notable filming locations, including those featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller ‘Vertigo’.

This private group experience with a live English-speaking tour guide promises an engaging and informative journey through the city’s rich past, highlighting its architectural gems , transportation icons, and cinematic connections.

Guided Tour Segments

On this historical tour , guests will embark on a guided journey through various landmarks, spending time at each location to uncover its significance.

They’ll start with 20 minutes at Hyde Out in Nob Hill, followed by 30 minutes at the iconic Fairmont San Francisco hotel.

The tour then moves to Grace Cathedral, where you will spend 40 minutes exploring the church’s intricate architecture and labyrinths.

Finally, the group will visit the Cable Car Museum for 30 minutes, delving into the history and mechanics of San Francisco’s famous transit system.

The itinerary is designed to provide a rundown of the city’s rich history, from its architectural gems to its transportation legacy.

Booking Information

Travelers often have the option to reserve their spots now and pay later for this historical tour in San Francisco.

Availability can be checked for different starting times and group sizes. The tour offers a flexible booking process, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

The private group experience with a live English-speaking guide is priced at $672.84 per group of up to 4 participants, making it an affordable option for families or small groups to explore the city’s rich history together.

Meeting Point

The historical tour in San Francisco begins at Nob Hill , in front of Hyde Out, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.

Travelers can easily find the meeting point by opening the provided Google Maps link for directions. The tour starts at this centralized location, allowing participants to conveniently gather before embarking on the 2-hour journey.

During the tour, the group will explore the iconic Nob Hill neighborhood, famous for its arts, culture, and cinematic history.

From the meeting point, the live English-speaking guide will lead the private group to the next stops, including the renowned Grace Cathedral and the Cable Car Museum , uncovering the city’s fascinating transit secrets along the way.

Tour Itinerary

Commencing from the Hyde Out in Nob Hill, the historical tour in San Francisco takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s rich cultural heritage and cinematic past.

The 2-hour privately guided experience begins with a 20-minute stop at the Hyde Out, delving into the area’s artistic and theatrical legacy.

Next, the tour moves on to the opulent Fairmont San Francisco hotel , where guests will spend 30 minutes exploring its storied past.

The highlight of the itinerary is the 40-minute visit to the iconic Grace Cathedral , marveling at its intricate labyrinths and architectural grandeur.

The tour concludes with a 30-minute exploration of the Cable Car Museum , unraveling the secrets of San Francisco’s unique transit system.

Tour Location

The historical tour in San Francisco begins at the Hyde Out in Nob Hill, where you will gather for the start of their captivating journey through the city’s vibrant past.

From this iconic location, the tour will take visitors on an exploration of some of the most significant landmarks and film sites in the area:

Guests will marvel at the grandeur of the Fairmont San Francisco, a historic hotel that has played a prominent role in the city’s history.

The tour will then lead participants to the breathtaking Grace Cathedral, where they’ll discover the intricate labyrinths and architectural wonders that have made it a beloved destination.

Finally, the tour will unveil the secrets of the San Francisco Cable Car Museum, offering a unique insight into the city’s renowned transportation system.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
• San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Small-Group Wine Country Tour From San Francisco With Tastings
• San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
• Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour in San Francisco
• Small-Group Tour: Sf, Muir Woods, Sausalito W/ Optional Alcatraz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for families with young children.

The tour may not be the most suitable for families with young children. The 2-hour duration and focus on historical sites and landmarks could prove challenging for young kids to fully engage with. However, older children may find the tour interesting and educational.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no special requirements, though participants should wear comfortable walking shoes. Groups up to 4 can join, and the private experience allows flexibility for individual needs. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Personal Interests?

The tour can be customized to personal interests, as it’s a private group experience with a live English-speaking guide. Participants can discuss their preferences with the guide to tailor the itinerary to their specific interests and needs.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is 4 participants. The tour is a private group experience, allowing up to 4 people to explore San Francisco’s historical highlights with a live English-speaking guide.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is available only in English as it is conducted by a live English-speaking tour guide. There is no indication that the tour is offered in any other languages based on the information provided.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Private Vacation Photography Session With Local Photographer
• San Francisco: Go City All-Inclusive Pass 30+ Attractions
• GoCar 3-Hour Tour of San Franciscos Parks and Beaches
• San Francisco: Full-Day City Tour W/ Muir Woods & Sausalito
• San Francisco Highlights Using Public Transportation
• 2hr – INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay
• San Francisco: City and Muir Woods W/ Optional Alcatraz Tour
• From San Francisco: Muir Woods Wine Tour With Napa & Sonoma
• San Francisco: Half Day Wine Tour & Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket
• San Francisco: Sonoma Wine Country Tour With Tastings
• San Francisco: Marin Headlands Gravel Biking Tour +GG Bridge
• Tastes of Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf
• Muir Woods, Sausalito and Ferry Back to Fishermans Wharf
• 2hr – SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

The Historical Tour in San Francisco offers a captivating private group experience that’s perfect for families or small groups.

With a flexible cancellation policy , guests can explore the city’s iconic landmarks, cinematic history, and architectural gems under the guidance of a live English-speaking tour leader.

At $672.84 for up to four participants and lasting 2 hours, it’s an ideal way to explore San Francisco’s vibrant past.

Similar Posts

Roman Ruins to Blitz Bombings: Londons Fiery History

Innsbruck: Unlimited 4G Internet in the EU With Pocket Wi-Fi

Split Zipline Adventure With Optional Transfer

Davos : Private Transfer To/From Airport Malpensa

Private Day Tour to El Fayoum & Valley of the Whales From Cairo

From Delhi: 6-Day Golden Triangle With Udaipur Luxury Tour

San Francisco Lucky Tuk Tuk Ultimate City Private Tour 2.5 Hours

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

2.5 Hours in an eco friendly Electric Tuk Tuk. No more than 6 guests makes this a personalized experience. This is the ultimate insider tour for small groups. Explore the road less traveled and go where buses never dare--off the beaten track! See more sights in an eco-friendly Tuk Tuk than you could ever see on foot. Climb San Francisco’s tallest hills in this small but mighty vehicle! Marvel at the sparkling San Francisco Bay and city skyline, enjoy the sights and smells of Fisherman’s Wharf, green spaces in Golden Gate Park and grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge. Your experienced, entertaining tour guide narrates your 2.5-hour excursion, stopping often for “Instagram worthy” photos! Your tour starts in Fisherman’s Wharf at Umbrella Alley. Tours are limited to five riders per Tuk Tuk (6 guests ok with a group that includes children and adults).

Ticket Options

1 Option Available

2.5 Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour: $90.5

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Heated seats and warm blanket for those chilly days
• Fully guided private group tour lead by entertaining story telling guides.
• Lots of "Instagram worthy" stops
• Fully narrated tour with max 6 guests

What's not Included

• Meals and beverages not included
• We travel past but do not enter Museums and Attractions
• Suggested: five adult riders per Tuk Tuk (6 guests ok with group that includes children and adults).

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We cannot accommodate wheelchair, walker, luggage, or stroller storage aboard the Tuk Tuk.

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• San Francisco

43 Best Things to Do in San Francisco — From Famous Sites to Can't-miss Attractions

Planning a trip to the Golden City? Here are some of the top things to do in San Francisco.

San Francisco is a city filled with iconic American landmarks, fascinating history, must-try culinary delights from cioppino to Ghirardelli chocolate, diverse cultures, and quintessential California nature. Even the people who live there couldn't get bored with all there is to see and do in the bustling and beautiful West Coast metropolis. The next time you find yourself planning a trip to the Golden City (soon, we hope), allow this list of things to do in San Francisco to inspire your itinerary.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The Golden Gate Bridge is a world-famous landmark, and walking or biking over it gives you a memorable experience.
• Cheering on the Giants baseball team at Oracle Park will make you feel like a proud San Franciscan for a day.
• Hundreds of street art works make up the Mission Murals, painted on several alleys in the Mission District.
• Indulge in pizza, pasta, and cannolis in Little Italy.
• Pretend you're on the seaside somewhere abroad in Sausalito.

Walk or bike over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable sights in the U.S. The 1.7-mile-long, brick-red structure spans the strait for which it's named, allowing both cars and pedestrians to travel between San Francisco and Marin County. Walking or biking across the bridge is almost mandatory during a first visit to the city. There are two sidewalks on the bridge — east and west — and there are rules about which should be used for walking and cycling depending on what day of the week and time of day you cross it. Check the website before you go.

Watch the Giants play at Oracle Park.

Rooting for the home team in San Francisco means cheering on the Giants at Oracle Park . Baseball fanatics will want to sit in the 100s, close to the field, but the upper deck at this waterfront stadium offers stunning views of the bay. Seriously, this is where sitting in the nosebleeds can really pay off. Just bring a glove so you're prepared to catch a foul ball or homer.

Tour the Mission Murals.

Get out and see some fabulous street art for free with a self-guided tour of the Mission Murals. The best way to view them is by taking a stroll down Caledonia Alley, Clarion Alley, Balmy Alley, and Horace Alley, though really, you can just walk around the area and find your own favorite mural out of hundreds that line the streets.

Eat your way through Little Italy.

North Beach is San Francisco's Little Italy, packed with pasta joints and plenty of cafés to sip an espresso outside like a true Italian. Have a cannoli from Victoria Pastry , try a Neapolitan-style slice from Tony's Pizza Napolitana , dig into the cioppino (seafood stew) at Sotto Mare , or sit and savor a glass of wine at Bodega North Beach .

Experience Sausalito's small-town charm.

123/Getty Images

The picturesque seaside village of Sausalito is just across the Golden Gate in Marin County and best accessed by bike or ferry. On a sunny day, you might feel like you're somewhere in the Mediterranean thanks to the small town's colorful architecture, hilly nature, and relaxed aura. Many liken it to Positano, Italy. Spend some time touring the neighborhood by bike (rental shops abound), making sure to stop at Lappert’s for an ice cream and Waldo Point Harbor to admire the elaborate houseboats.

Find fresh air at the Presidio.

The Presidio , a one-time military post that's now a 1,500-acre public park, is an excellent space to roam outdoors. It's the place to go for a hike or bike ride on the 24 miles of trails, as well as to get an epic view of the Golden Gate Bridge from one of the lookout points. San Francisco is surrounded by beautiful nature, and this is one of the best places to escape the bustle and find a moment of peace.

Take in the view from the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

The Presidio Tunnel Tops provide green space above a six-lane highway. The 14 acres of parklands connect the Main Post (the site of the former military base) to the Crissy Field waterfront, offering some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can even reserve one of the picnic tables with the best view for an unforgettable experience. There are also plenty of opportunities for recreation and learning, such as weekend campfire talks led by National Park Service rangers.

Admire art that pushes boundaries.

Sure, you'll find many places to admire art in this intensely creative city, but the  Institute for Contemporary Art San Francisco is different: It's nonprofit, non-collecting, and "dedicated to experimenting." It's the antidote to artistic pretentiousness. The pieces here range from photography to textile to video to mixed media, and you won't pay to see any of it thanks to free admission.

Feel a sense of pride in the Castro.

xavierarnau/Getty Images

The Castro is as iconic as neighborhoods get. As one of the first predominantly gay neighborhoods in the nation, it became a symbol of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood remains a vibrant place to visit and is still home to the famed Castro Theatre and GLBT Historical Society Museum , plus Pink Triangle Memorial , a site dedicated to remembering the gay men persecuted in Europe during World War II.

Do anything but drive on JFK Promenade.

JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park was once car-free just on weekends, but San Francisco voters elected to make the road permanently pedestrian-only. You can walk it, bike it, skate it, or make your way along it any way you want without having to worry about traffic. On the route, you'll be treated to art installations, chairs set up for kicking back, and public pianos.

Travel by cable car.

San Francisco is a famously hilly city. Unless you're hoping to get a major leg workout, it may be beneficial to get around on public transportation. The city's celebrated cable car system, an attraction in itself, has been transporting people around the city since 1873. Plus, it's very easy to hop onto one within walking distance from some of the city's best hotels . The cable cars remain both an excellent mode of transit and a super Instagrammable experience you must try. Tickets can be purchased through the MuniMobile app or at kiosks around the city.

Ferry over to Alcatraz.

Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure

Visiting a jail may not seem like a very vacation-like thing to do, but Alcatraz isn't any old jail. The long-closed penitentiary, located on the namesake island in San Francisco Bay, housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals (some of whom tried to escape by swimming across the treacherous waters). Anyone can take the ferry over to the island, now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area , for a guided tour of the prison to learn more about its fascinating history.

Tour North America's oldest Chinatown.

San Francisco’s Chinatown , whose entrance is marked by the Dragon Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, is the oldest one in North America. Spanning 30 square blocks, the neighborhood is its own little bustling metropolis. Go peruse the shops, feast on world-class dim sum or traditional congee, sip boba, or grab a green tea-flavored fortune cookie from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory .

Walk down Lovers' Lane.

For an outdoor treat, take a quiet stroll down Lovers' Lane , the oldest footpath through the Presidio. The roughly half-mile trail is paved and rated easy to moderate. It's the perfect place to find a moment of solitude amid the trees, and it's an ideal spot to stroll hand-in-hand with someone you love.

Stand in awe at the Palace of Fine Arts.

hFor the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition, architect Bernard Maybeck designed the neoclassical Palace of Fine Arts as a Roman ruin to be dismantled after the fair ended. Instead, a determined group of citizens saved the beloved structure, which really did become a ruin by the late 1950s. Rebuilt during the following decade in a more permanent fashion, it remains a stunning landmark. The free attraction features a gorgeous open-air rotunda, 162 feet tall, flanked by two Corinthian colonnades and overlooking a tranquil lagoon, all set in a park at the edge of the Presidio. It’s a great place for a walk or haighphotoshoot.

Picnic at Alamo Square Park.

Alamo Square Park is one of the most photographed places in San Francisco, mostly because it's the perfect vantage point for capturing the pastel-colored Painted Ladies (aka the Victorian-style homes of Full House fame). But it also offers a spectacular view of the entire city on all sides. Pack a blanket and a snack to sit out and people watch to your heart's content.

Flip through Beat classics at City Lights Bookstore.

As far as bookstores go, City Lights is San Francisco's most famous. Peter D. Martin and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti opened it as America’s first all-paperback shop in 1953, eventually attracting (and sometimes publishing) the likes of Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. Today, the indie North Beach landmark remains committed to bringing customers the best of Beat literature, though it does have a little bit of everything. Go to sift through poetry, fiction, historical, and philosophical books and possibly find a literary souvenir to take home.

Find a vintage gem at TreasureFest.

San Francisco is home to some seriously stellar vintage shopping, but there is perhaps no better spot to find unique items than at TreasureFest . The open-air market includes clothing, antiques, handmade products, and more. There are plenty of food trucks on hand to feed the hungry masses as well. Check the website for a schedule and locations as this flea is open only one weekend a month.

Cruise the bay.

Get a different perspective of the city by hitting the water on a bay cruise. This will allow you to get up close to several attractions including Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Keep an eye out while on the water for seals and other sea life, too. You can book an hour-long tour with the Blue and Gold Fleet or an adventurous 90-minute excursion by inflatable raft with Bay Voyager . There are many boat tours to choose from.

Build something new at the Exploratorium.

The Exploratorium is a museum and "public learning laboratory" that allows anyone to become a mad scientist. You can use the tools available to create whatever you pull from your imagination. Unsurprisingly, the place is a hit among children, but the museum's adult-only Thursday evenings are especially fun if you're child-free. Otherwise, go anytime to learn from regular speakers and interact with the exhibits.

Lose yourself in art at SFMOMA.

To say the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is huge would be an understatement. The museum has seven gallery floors and more than 45,000 square feet filled to the brim with contemporary pieces, photographs, sculptures, and so much more. You could easily spend an entire day (and then some) wandering SFMOMA and experiencing all this vast institution has to offer.

Grab a snack at the Ferry Building.

Looking to get a tasty treat? Head to the historic Ferry Building , a marketplace offering local delights from the Portuguese donuts at Ocean Malasada to the frothy beers at Fort Point Beer Co . If you're lucky, you'll even visit on a market day — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — when local purveyors descend on the space to sell their goods straight from the farms (or straight from the studio).

Stop and smell the flowers at San Francisco Botanical Garden.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden stretches across 55 acres and showcases the most magical flora in the city. You'll feel like you're in the Andes one minute and the Mediterranean the next as you wander through the different gardens. This place is particularly well known for its magnolia collection, so make sure to walk by and get a whiff if you're visiting during the blooming season, mid-January through March.

Sip a tiki drink in the Tonga Room.

The city is filled with excellent bars and restaurants that will happily serve you a drink, but arguably none are as iconic as the Tonga Room . The tiki-style bar inside the Fairmont San Francisco has long been a favorite of travelers because it just feels so out of place in the Bay Area, yet somehow, it works. Get a fruity cocktail and a few island-inspired bites and feel transported to the tropics.

Have afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel.

Want to feel a little more regal? Head to the Palace Hotel for afternoon tea. On Saturdays, the hotel hosts a traditional ceremony in its Garden Court dining room, where stands of classic English bites like scones and finger sandwiches decorate the tables and serve as the perfect pick-me-up for peckish tourists and locals alike.

Peruse a dispensary.

Keen to have a quintessentially San Francisco experience? Pay a visit to one of the city's many dispensaries. Even if you don't partake, it can still be fun to check out the thriving marijuana business up close. Since 2016, adult-use cannabis has been legal in the state, and now it's become a full-service lifestyle. Think of it like going to a wine shop. If you need any help, just ask a friendly "budtender." Check out Weedmaps to find a location.

Climb the Filbert Street Steps.

Take in more sights and get a great glute workout at the same time with a walk up Telegraph Hill via the famed Filbert Street Steps. This set of stairs starts at Samson Street and takes you up to Coit Tower, a columnar concrete landmark of San Francisco's skyline. Along the way, you can marvel at the stunning gardens on either side and use the displays as a great excuse to stop and catch your breath.

Take in a San Francisco Symphony performance.

A show at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, in the Civic Center neighborhood, is a feast for both the ears and eyes. Go for a traditional concert, or visit during one of the San Francisco Symphony's special film nights, during which a blockbuster movie plays on a big screen while the orchestra provides a live soundtrack. Check the schedule on the  symphony's website .

Get an Irish coffee at Buena Vista.

Come for a cup of coffee with a twist at Buena Vista . The café claims to be the spot where the Irish coffee was perfected in America in 1952. Warm yourself up with one at the bar and see whether it lives up to your standards. If not, that's OK. The restaurant has a full menu of items to choose from, including crab cake eggs Benedict, "scrambled" lobster, and more.

Indulge at Ghirardelli Square.

If the name Ghirardelli Square rings a bell, odds are you have a sweet tooth. The entertainment and retail complex, located between Fort Mason and Fisherman's Wharf, was once home to the famed chocolate company of the same name. Ghirardelli moved its operations to nearby San Leandro in 1966, but its Chocolate Experience — featuring a pick-and-mix bar and a sundae station – pays faithful homage to the property's history. Head in for a taste, or visit its neighboring restaurants and bars for a larger bite.

Stroll the Japanese Tea Garden.

The Japanese Tea Garden is an absolute treat for any anthophile. The five-acre gem in Golden Gate Park is filled with stunning plant life, traditional pagodas, tranquil koi ponds, and an authentic tea house where you can sip and savor for as long as you'd like. If you visit during the spring — specifically March or April — don't miss the cherry blossoms.

Drive down the "crookedest street in the world."

The place that best represents San Francisco's characteristic hilly and winding landscape is Lombard Street, otherwise known as the "crookedest street in the world." It takes eight sharp turns in zig-zag fashion on the hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. It's a fun little stretch on which to take a slow drive, but if you're prone to motion sickness, you can walk the street and check out the houses along the way instead.

Spot sea lions at Pier 39.

Being right on the water means that San Francisco's "locals" include some sea critters — namely the California sea lions that live on K-Dock at Pier 39 . Some years ago, hundreds of them descended on the pier and quickly ousted the boaters. Now, you can stand at the viewing area near the north end of the pier to wave from a distance, watch them bask in the sun, and hear their adorable barks.

Get nostalgic at The Walt Disney Family Museum.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is a must-see for any Disney fan making their way through San Francisco. It showcases the personal side of the man behind the brand with interactive exhibits and plenty of insider knowledge. On display are original storyboards, retro movie posters, some of Walt's own personal belongings, Disney memorabilia, and more. You'll surely leave feeling inspired, or at the very least, you'll want to rewatch your favorite animated classic.

Attend an outdoor music festival.

Avid festivalgoers are likely familiar with Outside Lands , one of the most popular music festivals in the world. Every August, dozens of first-rate bands and hundreds of thousands of people descend on Golden Gate Park for the three-day festival. Less famous but still worth attending are the Stern Grove Festival and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival , both of which feature free outdoor concerts throughout the summer, and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival , which kicks off fall with sweet folk sounds.

Listen to the ocean at The Wave Organ.

pikappa/Getty Images

Did you ever put your ear next to the opening of a conch shell and "listen to the ocean" inside of it? Well, San Francisco's Wave Organ is sort of like that but on a much larger scale. Designed by architect Peter Richards and built on a jetty in the Marina District by stonemason George Gonzalez, the sculpture contains PVC and concrete pipes laid out alongside the bay in a way that makes the tides literally sing as the waves hit and pass through the tubes. The acoustic sculpture has been part of the city's waterfront since 1986.

Peruse the exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences.

Kids and adults alike can easily lose an afternoon regarding prehistoric fossils, spotting colorful marine life, and learning all things natural history at this Golden Gate Park museum. The California Academy of Sciences is more than just a collection of exhibits — one housing 46 million specimens, to boot — it's also an interactive lab where children can touch a real condor wing, practice insect collecting, and get their hands wet building a model boat and testing it on the winding Riveropolis.

Get groovy at an old-school roller disco.

"Rolligion" is the new foundation of this 19th-century church that's been transformed into a funky disco skating rink. At the aptly named Church of 8 Wheels , you can rent skates, take a lesson, watch performances, or take to the floor during an open skate session to test your coordination.

See masterpieces old and new at the Asian Art Museum.

Thousands of artworks from Asia and by Asian artists live in this museum , one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world. Here, you'll find a permanent collection with masterpieces dating back to the fourth century, as well as rotating exhibits showcasing anything from kimono couture to K-pop. Go on the first Sunday of the month for free admission.

Forget you're in the U.S. inside this French Gothic cathedral.

DanHenson1/Getty Images

Grace Cathedral feels like a slice of 12th-century Europe in the heart of San Francisco. Despite the French Gothic style of the structure, it was actually finished in the 1960s (and opened with a sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). Today, the grand exterior lures many a Nob Hill tourist inside to see intricate murals, medieval-esque labyrinths, and stained glass that drenches the space in color when the sun shines.

Get a bird's-eye view from Twin Peaks.

Twin Peaks is a park comprising two near-identical hills offering 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Bay Area. The park is the second-highest point (922 feet) in San Francisco, only 16 feet shy of Mount Davidson's height, and sits conveniently near the center of the sprawling metropolis. A trail just 0.7 miles long scales both peaks and provides incredible photo opportunities.

Go back in time in Haight-Ashbury.

Flower children will develop a soft spot for this neighborhood famed for its hippie culture. You'll feel like you've time traveled back to the 1960s as you flip through bins of vintage vinyl and racks of bohemian fashion. Deadheads — or anyone who appreciates the counterculture of said decade — must stop by the Grateful Dead House at 710 Ashbury, where most of the band lived from 1966 until early 1968. You can also walk past Janis Joplin’s former pads (635 Ashbury and 122 Lyon), but the real stars of the neighborhood may be the Four Seasons houses – a stunning quartet of Queen Annes at the corner of Waller and Masonic designed to represent winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

Take your clam chowder in a bread bowl.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

Clam chowder is a staple of San Francisco's food scene, but to experience it like a local, you need to order it right: with a fluffy, golden bread bowl as the vessel. Some of the best of San Francisco's clam chowder bread bowls hail from Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf, which serves its creamy New England-style chowder in sourdough. Really, though, you can find this signature dish on just about any seafood menu.

Related Articles