sf city walking tours

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

San Francisco Walking Tours

This post provides information about the best free walking tours available in San Francisco led by local guides.

These expert guides will help you plan your trip and find the best San Francisco attractions.

Sightseeing doesn’t have to be expensive or boring. Suited for any budget, these San Francisco walking tours will take you all over this amazing city, keeping you entertained, educated, and excited the entire way.

So come along and discover hidden neighborhoods, sample world class cuisine, and learn the incredible stories of the men and women who built the City by the Bay.

Free San Francisco City Tours

The tours covered below focuses on the main highlights of the city.

You will learn about history, architecture, places and events that make up this city.

Original San Francisco Free Walking Tour

These tours will cover main highlights of city. You will get info about earliest history of the city dating back to 18th century.

You will get to see some famous architecture of the city while walking through famous districts of downtown.

• Availability: Usually Mon, Wed and Fri
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Hours: 10 AM to 12:30 PM

SF Free Tour: The Incredible Stories of San Francisco

The guide on this tour will cover all of the downtown area.

You will hear stories about places, people, events and architecture that makes the past and present of this city.

• Availability: Everyday
• Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Hours: 10 AM to 12:15 PM

History Tours

As the name suggests, the focus of the tours mentioned below is to cover the history, movements and events of the city which paved the way for the city where it stands today.

Land, Villains, and Revolutionaries Tour

This tour covers history about the social movement and introduce to the thinking of Karl Marx.

You will hear about Black Panthers, the American Indian Movement, the LGBTQ quest for full citizenship and many more such stories.

• Availability: Saturday
• Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Hours: 9 AM to 11:45 PM

San Francisco Civic Center Tour

This tour explores the significance of culture and public policy, tells the stories about city and its food as you walk around the Civic Center.

• Availability: Wednesday
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Hours: 3 AM to 4:30 PM

Street Art Tours

These tours cover this modern art form which can be found throughout the city.

On the tour, you will found murals on sidewalk ceilings, alleys, buildings which tells various stories about the city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by San Francisco City Street Art (@sfcstreetart)

Mission Mural Art Tour

This tour will focus on the street art of the city along with history, art, culture and cuisine all in one walking tour.

• Availability: Usually on Sunday and Tuesday
• Duration: 2 hour 15 minutes
• Hours: 11 AM to 1:15 PM

Hidden Stairways of SF Tour

This tour will take you on the beautiful mosaic tiled steps and you will get to see 360 degree views of Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and downtown San Francisco.

• Availability: Usually Everyday, check calendar
• Duration: 2 hours
• Hours: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

This is the most exciting of all the other type of tours as it not only covers the rich culture, art and architecture, but it also covers drinks and food palette of this city.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chinatown, San Francisco (@chinatownsanfrancisco)

Chinatown Food & History Tour

You will walk through beautiful storefronts, alleyways and markets of the city with the stops to taste Dim Sum, fortune cookies, tea and more!

• Availability: Usually on Saturdays and Sundays, check calendar
• Duration: 3 hours
• Hours: 11 AM to 2 PM

SELF GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Free Tours by Foot offer self-guided GPS-enabled Audio tours of San Francisco!

Searching Availability...

Walking tours are great for meeting fellow travelers and making new friends.

Our guests come from all over the world, which means that many different perspectives are reflected in the questions asked of our tour guides and contribute to more enriching experiences for our guests.

We have over 700 reviews with a rating of  5 out of 5 stars .  Read the reviews  for yourself.  

Self-Guided San Francisco Tours

Don't see a tour that fits your schedule?

We also offer  self-guided tours , which are totally free to take. These tours can be enjoyed anytime of the time, day and night.

These tours come with a map and guide of different San Francisco's attractions like Chinatown , North Beach , Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge .

Each self-guided tours lasts for around 1 - 1 ½ hours.

OTHER TOURS

There are a lot of ways to explore San Francisco - by bus, boat, or streetcar! Find out more about those options.

• Self-Guided Golden Gate Bridge Walking Tour
• Alcatraz Tour Prices | Which Alcatraz Tickets Should You Buy?
• San Francisco Bay Cruises and Boat Tours
• San Francisco Night Tours
• The Best San Francisco Bike Tours
• 5 Best Segway Tours San Francisco
• Blue and Gold Fleet San Francisco
• Red & White Fleet San Francisco
• Self Guided Tours of San Francisco

And much, much more

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

Protect Your Trip »

The 13 Best San Francisco Walking Tours

Explore the beauty of San Francisco on two feet with these informative jaunts.

Getty Images

Strolls by San Francisco's classic Victorian homes is a must-do activity in the city.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may have limited or ceased operations due to COVID-19. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Despite its famous hills, San Francisco is full of leisurely (and occasionally flat) strolls. To get in a workout while on vacation and see some of San Francisco's top attractions , consider signing up for a walking tour. Local guides lead participants to some of the most interesting areas of the city, sharing history, hauntings and delicious food along the way. Here are 13 of the best San Francisco walking tours, analyzed by U.S. News using traveler opinion and expert input.

Victorian Home Walk

Stroll by more than 200 of San Francisco's colorful Victorian homes on this two-hour tour. The guided walk explores the Pacific Heights neighborhood, taking visitors past filming locations for "Mrs. Doubtfire," "The Princess Diaries," and other beloved movies and shows. Participants will also be shown the interior of a period Queen Anne Victorian. Reviewers say the guide provides interesting information. They also appreciate the leisurely pace of the walk, which doesn't include large hills. Tours are available Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., and tickets cost $25 paid in cash only. Reservations are required.

[ View & Book Tickets .]

San Francisco City Guides – Golden Gate Park: East End

On this two-hour tour, participants will meander through San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park . Sticking to the east side of the park, guides take tourgoers to landmarks like the National AIDS Memorial Grove and the Music Concourse, while sharing information about the park's past and present. The walking tour does involve climbing stairs and small hills. Reviewers describe the tour as wonderful and praise the friendly, insightful guides. The tour, which is offered two Sundays per month at 1 p.m., is free but donations are welcome. San Francisco City Guides also offers tours focused on Alfred Hitchcock's famous San Francisco filming locations, the 1906 earthquake and architecture in Chinatown , among other themes.

Wild SF Walking Tours – Haunted San Francisco Ghost Tour

Delve into San Francisco's seedy past with tales of true crime, hauntings, unexplained deaths and even the Black Plague on this 90-minute ghost tour. Guides regale participants with stories about historic sites throughout the city that are believed to be haunted, including the Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square , a former brothel, underground speakeasies and a church associated with cult leader Jim Jones. Reviewers say the tour is informative and the stories, while tragic, are not too scary. Tickets cost approximately $25 per person, though the tour is not advised for children younger than 10. Tours depart most evenings at 7 and 9 p.m. Wild SF also offers tours of San Francisco's street art, a food crawl through Chinatown and Little Italy, and a free tour of the city.

Free Tours by Foot – All-in-One Tour

See the best of the city in five hours on this free tour. During the excursion, you'll take an iconic cable car ride , visit Chinatown, learn about the buried sunken ships from the Gold Rush era, pass historic Nob Hill mansions and visit the biggest cathedral in the city. You'll also stop for a lunch break. Reviewers recommend the tour, explaining they learn a lot about San Francisco. Tickets start at $7, which cover the cost of the cable car ride, though the company asks that you name your own price at the end of the tour. Tours are scheduled on varying days, departing at 10 a.m. Free Tours by Foot offers tours of Lombard Street and downtown, among other areas of the city.

San Francisco Native Tours – Original Tour

Nosh on more than a dozen food samples, including dim sum, pizza and Ghirardelli chocolate, as you explore neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach and downtown on this four-hour tour. Reviewers, who highly recommend the tour, say the food is amazing and the guide informative. Tickets start at $65 per person, including the cost of the food. Tours, which are limited to 10 participants, are available Monday through Friday at noon. San Francisco Native Tours also offers private tours, as well as a version of the original tour that includes alcoholic drinks.

Urban Trek USA – Urban Trek 4

History buffs interested in 19th-century San Francisco will want to book this small group tour. Limited to seven participants, the tour explores Chinatown, North Beach, Coit Tower , the Ferry Building Marketplace , Union Square and more, emphasizing the historical events that shaped these popular neighborhoods. Reviewers highly recommend the tour and praise guides for their great customer service. Tours depart at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and conclude around 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $39 to $69, depending on the number of people on the tour, and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour; you'll need extra cash for the tour's single bus ride to the top of Telegraph Hill. Reservations are required. Urban Trek USA also offers tours of Russian Hill, Pacific Heights and the Marina District, among other neighborhoods.

Free SF Tour

For a budget-friendly look at all San Francisco has to offer, join the daily 2 1/2-hour Free SF Tour, which takes visitors through the city's downtown. The tour visits a variety of neighborhoods, including Chinatown, the Embarcadero, the Financial District and more, providing an overview of the city's history, current affairs, as well as tips for making the most of your visit. Reviewers report learning lots of interesting facts and highly recommend the tour. Tours depart daily from Union Square at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; tickets are free. Reservations are not required – just join the tour at its designated meeting place. The company also offers this tour in Spanish, as well as a fee-based evening tour of Chinatown in both languages.

Courtesy of All About Chinatown

All About Chinatown takes travelers through the company's namesake neighborhood for a fun history lesson.

All About Chinatown Tours – Daily Tour

Discover the gems of San Francisco's Chinatown on this daily two-hour walking tour. Participants see many historic and architecturally significant buildings, stop at a fortune cookie factory, visit the Stockton Street food markets and see an authentic Buddhist temple, among other sights. Tourists also have the option to stay for a dim sum luncheon at the conclusion of the tour. Reviewers describe the tour as interesting and worth the cost. Many also advise staying for lunch Tickets for the tour start at $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 6 to 17; children 5 and younger tour for free. You'll want to budget an additional $30 per person if you opt for lunch. Tours leave at 10 a.m. from Old St. Mary's Cathedral, and reservations are required. The company also offers private culinary tours and scavenger hunts.

San Francisco Architecture Walking Tour

Architecture buffs can get an in-depth look at significant structures in the city's Financial District on this roughly 2 1/2-hour tour, which is led by a local historian. The guided tour takes participants to various buildings in downtown San Francisco, as well as to rooftop gardens, open spaces and historic landmarks. Because of the lecture-style delivery of the tour, it's not recommended for young children. Reviewers applaud the guide for his expertise and say it's a must-do activity for those interested in architecture. Tickets cost approximately $40 per person. Tours run on select days at 2 p.m.

Cruisin' the Castro – Historical LGBTQ Tour

Hear the history of San Francisco's first gay community, the creation of the rainbow flag and the "Summer of Love" on this two-hour tour through the Castro district. As you listen to the guides' stories, you'll visit sites like Harvey Milk Plaza, the GLBT Historical Society Museum, Pink Triangle Park and more. Reviewers applaud the well-informed guides, who they describe as passionate and entertaining. Tickets start at $28 per person and are free for children younger than 5. However, the company does not recommend the tour for young children as some of the stories may be deemed inappropriate. Tours depart most days, except Sunday and Monday, at 10 a.m. The company also offers private tours.

Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour

The Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour explores the history, fashion and architecture of this iconic neighborhood as well as modern-day happenings. You'll hear stories about music icons like the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin as you weave your way through 12 blocks in about 2 1/2 hours. Reviewers say they enjoy their guide and learn a lot about the neighborhood. Tours run Tuesday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. or Friday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $20 and are free for children 9 and younger.

Local Taste of the City Tours – Chinatown and North Beach Night Walking Tour

Stop for tasty food samples in two of San Francisco's most famous neighborhoods on this three-hour tour. As guides share information about Chinatown and North Beach, you'll enjoy samples from the oldest Chinese bakery in the city, chocolate from Z. Cioccolato, cannoli from a North Beach pastry shop and more. Reviewers highly recommend the tour and say the food is great. Tickets start at $59 for adults, $39 for youth ages 12 to 16 and $15 for children ages 2 to 11; infants younger than 2 tour for free. The price includes drinks and food, and tours are available daily at 6 p.m. The company also offers daytime food walking tours of Chinatown only and a combo tour of North Beach and Little Italy.

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , San Francisco , 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

Fun things to do in arkansas.

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Florida

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Timothy J. Forster and Amanda Norcross May 30, 2024

Road Trip Essentials

Alissa Grisler and Amanda Norcross May 29, 2024

The Best Whale Watching in Santa Barbara

John Rodwan and Suzanne Mason May 29, 2024

The Best Underseat Luggage

Rachael Hood May 28, 2024

Top Pride Parades and Celebrations

Suzanne Mason May 28, 2024

The Best Miami Boat Tours

Gwen Pratesi May 28, 2024

The Best Travel Purses

Rachael Hood May 24, 2024

The Best Beach Games

Gwen Pratesi May 24, 2024

Private Local Walking Tours

Roam with a knowledgeable passionate local ambassador of San Francisco

Discover The Hidden Alleyways of Chinatown

Dive into the authentic local side of Chinatown

Explore the Murals of the Mission

Experience the vibrant neighborhoods from a true local perspective

Learn About the Rich History of SF

Enjoy an informative & knowledgable local guide

See the Beautiful Views & Vistas

Take pictures from the best view points in the city

Explore San Francisco with an Expert Guide

Discover the City by The Bay like a local

The Best Walking Tours of San Francisco

The essence of the best walking tours of San Francisco is not about moving around like a tourist…

It is about Discovering The City By The Bay Like A Local! 

Why is taking a walking Tour of San francisco better?

Everything in San Francisco is spirited in history and passion. It is not something that you can just see, but something you must feel!

To experience San Francisco fully, you need someone knowledgeable and enthusiastic to walk you through this picturesque city.

Experience San Francisco With Your expert Walking Tour Guide

Meet Ryan Curtis . He is your walking tour guide in San Francisco and the mind behind Roam Local .

As a local historian and long-time resident, he understands the spirit of the city and will open your eyes to new experiences that lie underneath all beauty and charm of San Francisco.

You will feel like you are in a place where you belong, like you are home.

Join Us on a Unique Walking Tour of San Francisco

Want to know about what makes California’s San Francisco Bay Area so special? What makes it such an amazing place to be in?

Come immerse your senses on Roam Local’s Walking Tours to find out.

Become one with San Francisco!

Join us for an amazing San Francisco experience on the Castro-Mission , Chinatown-Russian Hill-North Beach , Cow Hollow , Four Peaks , Golden Gate Park or Telegraph Hill & The Old Waterfront tour.

Interested in a private tour? Customized tour? Corporate outing? Exploring another iconic SF neighborhood? Please contact us and we’d be happy to help you with this request!

Roam Local Walking Tours

Highlights:

The Ferry Building Marketplace

A Local’s Tour of Secret Gardens

Historic Murals of Coit Tower

Levi Plaza––the Birthplace of Blue Jeans!

The Matrix Club (Founded by Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin!)

Union Street

The Lyon Street Steps

Lucasfilm Campus

Palace of Fine Arts

de Young Museum Observation Tower

National AIDS Memorial Grove

The Bison Paddock

The (enormous!) Dutch Windmill

Ocean Beach

The First Chinese Temple in America

Cable Car Powerhouse

Russian Hill Panoramas

Whimsical Macondray Lane

San Francisco’s Beatnik Mecca

The Castro’s Rich LGBTQ+ Culture and History

The Mission’s Nightlife and Latin Flair

Iconic Victorian Architecture

The BEST Cookie Shop in San Francisco

Four of the Best Vistas in San Francisco

Mount Olympus

Corona Heights

Hidden Gardens, Staircases, Slides

The Randall Museum (Free!)

“I LOVED this tour. Ryan was a great guide and super informative. If you want to have a fun time in San Fran, definitely take this tour with him!”

-Sara, Google, April 2022 (Castro Mission Loop)

“Our group of four took a tour of the Castro area and the Mission District with Ryan C. From the moment he met us (right on time). We were impressed by his knowledge of plants and trees, architecture, local businesses, the murals on the route, and the history of the areas we were in. Mostly, we enjoyed his enthusiasm/love for San Francisco.”

-Tour324534, Trip Advisor, Mar 2021 (Castro Mission Loop)

“Highly recommend both tour and guide. Ryan is extremely knowledgeable both in regards to history of the city, flora and fauna. Go off the beaten path with a local. Worth it.”

-Elisa Carroll, Tours By Locals, October 2020 (Four Peaks)

“Ryan is both knowledgeable about the history of San Francisco, but he is also extremely personable and easily connects to his guests. Each experience is one of a kind because he listens to his guests and tailors the tour to meet the guest's expectations!”

-Joe Summerhill, Tours By Locals, February 2020 (Chinatown, Russian Hill, N. Beach)

“The sights, sounds, and smells of the area were enhanced by Ryan's detailed description of what we were experiencing. An incredible part was the use of his ipad with historical photographs of the places where we were.”

-Sejacurtis, Trip Advisor, November 2017 (Chinatown, Russian Hill, N. Beach)

“This tour is just what we wanted. It was so refreshing to get off the beaten path and have a personal tour through the neighborhoods of San Francisco. His knowledge spanned everything from history of the city and neighborhoods, to architecture, to art, to plant and wildlife. We had a great time, and highly recommend him!”

-Brian P., Trip Advisor, May 2019 (Telegraph Hill, Old Waterfront)

“Ryan is spirited, knowledgable and can be trusted to provide an entertaining tour of the various neighborhoods in San Francisco.  I have been on 3 different tours over the past 4 years with Ryan and they have all been enjoyable.  The information is not dry and fact filled but presented in a way to be stimulating and often funny........lots of interesting trivia.”

“We loved every minute! It's hard not to be wowed by the depth and layers of rich SF history that we were given today. This is my third tour with Ryan...I'm a Bay Area native and have come away from each tour with many moments of wondering where I was!”

“Take this tour! You won't be disappointed. Wow! What a spectacular tour given by an amazing guide!... I learned all sorts of fun new facts. I didn't want it to end.”

“Ryan is by far the best tour guide we have ever met. He is incredibly knowledgeable and armed with amusing anecdotes and curious facts about the city...you will be taken to some unique spots that are completely off the beaten path and offer the most breathtaking views of the city!”

Are you are ready to discover beautiful San Francisco?

• Restaurants
• Attractions
• Real Estate
• Neighborhoods
• Browse Walking Tours »
• San Francisco
• Civic Center
• Downtown/Financial District
• Embarcadero
• Hayes Valley
• Haight (Lower)
• Mission Bay/Dog Patch
• North Beach/Telegraph Hill
• Richmond (Outer)
• Russian Hill
• South Beach
• Haight (Upper)
• Financial District
• Haight-Ashbury
• Outer Richmond
• South Of Market
• Tours & Things To Do

Walking Tours in San Francisco

There’s no better way to get to know the city than to take of the many San Francisco walking tours. These specialized and localized tours let visitors get up front and close to the city’s most amazing sights and landmarks, putting them in contact with locals who are the lifeblood of the city and who can tell visitors exactly the type of excitement that awaits for them. Whether it’s the historical sights downtown or the miles of beach along the coast, walking tours are the only way to make a personalized acquaintance with the city.

Featured Listings

Best of berkeley gourmet food tour.

San Francisco CA

5 Book a tour

Just a few miles east of San Francisco lies what many call the birthplace of California cuisine: Berkeley. On this 3-hour gourmet food tour, your expe…

San Francisco Food Tour of the Mission District with Cocktail Pairing

Taste your way through San Francisco’s historic Latin neighborhood, the Mission District, a colorful, cultural, trendy area brimming with great loca…

San Francisco Urban Hike: Coit Tower, Lombard Street and North Beach

Get ready to climb lots of steps and go off the beaten path on this challenging 5-mile walking tour of San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill …

San Francisco Food Tour: Ferry Building and Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Awaken your senses and tickle your taste buds on this culinary journey through San Francisco's famous Ferry Building! Sample San Francisco's bounty of…

San Francisco Urban Hike: The Presidio

Enter a new world as you embark on an urban hike through the historic Presidio in San Francisco. Following your expert guide, wander through groves of…

San Francisco Food Tour: Taste the Mission

Explore San Francisco's culinary landscape and taste dishes from the Mission District, a cultural neighborhood with a rich, diverse dining scene. On t…

• Most Popular
• bar, club & pub tours
• 1–10 of 22

Don't see the business you're looking for? Add it here

Walking Tours by San Francisco Neighborhoods

Restaurants / Nightlife / Events / Attractions / Hotels / Real Estate / Jobs / Directory / Neighborhoods / Other City Guides

Add Your Business

List Your Event

Places to Stay

© 2024 SanFrancisco.com: A City Guide by Boulevards . All Rights Reserved. Advertise with us | Contact us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Site Map

Welcome to the Barbary Coast Trail

The Barbary Coast Trail® is a San Francisco walking tour that connects the City’s most important historic sites.

Bronze medallions and arrows set in the sidewalk guide you along the trail, drawing you into a world of gold rushers and railroad barons, writers and visionaries, shanghiers and silver kings.

Three ways to Walk the BCT

Audio Tours

Audio tour sample.

Printed Guides

Our printed guides include maps and tips of cool things to do and see along the trail. 

Guided Tours

Weekend sherpa walks the barbary coast trail, trail overview, where to begin.

The southern end of the Barbary Coast Trail begins downtown at the Old Mint at 5th and Mission streets. From there it heads north, weaving its way through San Francisco’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. The northern end of the trail is located near Fishermans Wharf at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.

Each end of the trail is connected by the Powell-Hyde cable car line. This allows you to begin anywhere along the trail and make you way back to where you started.

What to See

• 20 historic sites • 5 history museums • Historic sailing ships • Lively pubs and cafes • Victorian and Edwardian architecture • Panoramic views

Included in our Barbary Coast Trail pocket guide.

Latest reviews.

An excellent introduction to historic San Francisco! Order the guidebook online or get a copy at the Tourist Information Office at the Moscone Center. This is near the beginning of the Barbary Coast Trail. Once you find the trail, you’ll see very clear markers – big bronze plaques more than a foot across embedded in the concrete sidewalk – that indicate every turn of the trail. This is a 3.8 mile walk so get your mind (and feet) ready. It will take you three times as long as you think because every stop is worth spending time to read, study and absorb. And there are 15 significant stops along the way. There are plenty of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants along the path so you could take time off your tour for lunch. 

Ronald Snyder

Sf's official trail.

The Barbary Coast Trail is San Francisco’s official historical walking tour. The trail is marked with 180 bronze medallions and arrows embedded in the sidewalk, making it easy to follow from one end to the other. 

Along the way you’ll discover San Francisco’s dynamic history from the Gold Rush to the 1906 Earthquake and Fire to the present.

Terms and conditions

Phone: (415) 246-2027 Email: [email protected]

Copyright © Barbary Coast Trail

Site by barbary coast trail.

Best things to see and do in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the west coast of the United States. This beautiful city is constantly ranked as one of the bucket list destinations you need to visit at least once in your life.  Whether it’s checking out Golden Gate Bridge or sampling the culture and cuisine Down Town, San Francisco is a Californian gem that is waiting for you to get out and discover its hidden charms. 

On any of the free guided tours available from GuruWalk in San Francisco , you will be able to find a vast selection of must-see stops that you can explore with a local guide. A trip to San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without the customary visit to the famous Golden Gate Park, Chinatown neighborhood, the Fisherman’s Wharf, or riding the city’s iconic system of Cable Cars and taking a boat ride across the bay to Alcatraz Jail Museum. Among the famous landmarks that people love to see includes the street culture like Lombard Street and the iconic zone where the Summer of Love started, the Haight-Ashbury zone. Get your fill of some modern culture at the Exploratorium museum, or checking out a show at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater. 

Many travelers leave their reviews and ratings after having done their free walking tour in San Francisco, in the morning, afternoon, or evening. They evaluate the route and their experience with the local guide so you can read up on which tour is the most interesting and would be the best for you. 

Free walking tour near San Francisco

Others cities to visit after san francisco, where are you traveling to.

EXPLORING THE URBAN LANDSCAPE

Group, private, and, corporate hiking tours, san francisco, note:  .

TESTIMONIALS

We had a spectacular tour with stunning views of the bay and the city. Faris is bright, knowledgeable and pleasant. We started as customers and ended like friends. You get to see San Francisco like only locals do. An amazing experience! 

—  ARIELLE L., Tel Aviv, Israel

I found this company and was so pleased I did! The best bit was seeing “real” neighbourhoods and understanding how people live. A great combination of streets, parks, hills and even a small but quite foggy forest! A perfect way to end our trip.

—  FIONA S., Hawthorn, Australia

I've been to the city several times but this is the first time I feel like I've gotten to see a the city from a local's perspective. Kevin was an excellent guide. He brought the hike to life in a way only a native could do. It was definitely one for the memory books. 

—  LEANNE., Louisville, KY

• Alcatraz Tours
• Attractions
• Family-Friendly
• Itineraries
• Things to Do
• Union Square
• Fisherman's Wharf
• All Restaurants
• Concerts & Live Music
• All Nightlife
• All Lodging
• 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.

• Walking Tours

San Francisco Walking Tours: The 10 Best Guided Walks

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: February 16, 2024

Are you looking for the best San Francisco walking tours? With so many options, are you not sure which one to choose? 

My list of the top 10 offers you the chance to easily find the right tour option for you. This selection gives you the chance to get an up-close and personal look at our major attractions and learn more about the neighborhoods that made SF famous. 

San Francisco has quite a few interesting guided walks, from the popular Golden Gate Bridge trips to food tours where you taste your way through a specific neighborhood or market. 

The best part about many of these guided walks is that you will get access to places you normally wouldn't find on your own or that only allow guided tours to visit.

You will also find out about hidden spots and little-known facts for each SF district or tourist attraction.

My Three Top Picks

#1 top pick.

North Beach & Little Italy Food Tour

3 hour tour

Sample chocolates, coffee, pizza & more

SF Ghosts: Gold and Ghouls Tour

1 hour tour

Visits both Nob Hill & Union Square

Runs nightly

Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour

Sample dim sum

Learn about Chinese teas & herbs

Visit a Buddhist temple

What to Expect During These Walks

San Francisco walking tours last between one and three hours. I've found that most hit the spot in between and are around two hours long. During this time, you do quite a bit of standing and walking, since the guide is explaining a lot along the way. 

On average, the tours usually cover around one to three miles. The city is very hilly, but many tours try to take the flattest route. If any tour requires climbing a steep hill or set of stairs, I've included it in the description, so you know what you are getting yourself into before you book.

Make sure you always wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the walk, since there isn't always a place to sit down and rest.

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

1. North Beach & Little Italy Food Tour

The San Francisco North Beach District , also called Little Italy, is where you will find some of the most amazing Italian treats and quite a bit of history. And, this walking tour gives you a sample of both!

Stroll through the streets of North Beach as you sample some of its tasty pastries and desserts from locally popular bakeries and delis. Indulge in fresh roasted coffee, Italian sodas, and teas.

You will also learn all about this historically significant neighborhood from your local guide. Take a peek inside some of the Beat Generation's favorite stops. Step inside one of the most beautiful neighborhood churches, Saints Peter and Paul Church. 

At the end of this tour, you will know North Beach, Little Italy and it's most treasured stops like a local!

The tour runs for about 3 hours on mostly flat streets. It runs twice a day almost every day of the year.

>> Find tickets to this tour on GetYourGuide

>> More of my favorite food tours around SF

2. Golden Gate Bridge

The first of the San Francisco walking tours on my list is a free Golden Gate Bridge walk. It's offered through SF City Guides every Sunday and Thursday at 11 am.

On this stroll, you will learn more about the history of the Golden Gate Bridge, walk through its outdoor museum, and then walk on the bridge to the first tower.

The walk lasts about two hours and starts at the Strauss Tower on the southern end of the bridge near the Visitors Center.

It's a great way to learn all about this amazing structure and the people that built it.

You do not need to register for this tour ahead of time. Simply show up at the meeting location a few minutes before 11 am. 

They will ask you to sign their form and where you found out about this walk.

At the end, they will ask for a small donation to help support their work. I usually give about $7 to $10 per walk. 

The only downside of this walk is that they don't limit the number of people, so come early and stand in front so you can hear everything the guide describes.

>> Find additional guided walks offered for free by SF City Guides 

3. Explore the Mission, Castro, & the Duboce Triangle

One of the hottest new San Francisco walking tours is called the "Surreal San Francisco Tour." It tells the folklore of three of our most interesting and diverse neighborhoods: the Castro ,  the Mission , and the Duboce Triangle.

Your tour starts in the Castro where you'll then walk through Mission Dolores and up to Dolores Park. You'll hear two fascinating stories along the way, told by your guide, a published poet and longtime city resident.

You will then head back over to the Castro with a stop at Harvey Milk Plaza where you'll hear another fascinating story from this district. 

The tour continues with stops for additional San Francisco tales at Corona Heights, Duboce Triangle, and the Lower Haight.

You will end your tour where you began. This is NOT a family-friendly walking tour, as the masterful storytelling contains some profanity, drug references, and content for adults.

The tour runs about 2 hours and is an easy walk with no hills. 

>> Find tickets to this tour on Viator

4. Food Walking Tour of Chinatown & North Beach

Spend your afternoon getting to know two of our top districts : Chinatown and North Beach. These two very different neighborhoods sit side-by-side and make for one of the most popular San Francisco walking tours.

Your journey begins in Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. You'll start by sampling fresh dim sum at a local bakery. 

You will then hear all about this district's culture and intriguing stories. Before you leave, you will also get the chance to sip on some tasty Chinese tea.

You will emerge from China and step into Italy as you enter North Beach. This part of your walking tour includes stops at some of the Beat Generation's favorite watering holes and a chance to sample handmade pizza.

You will savor some of this district's best locally roasted coffee. You will also get the chance to see where "The Godfather" was written.

Your ticket for this 2-hour tour includes all the food and drink samples along the way. Don't eat too much before you arrive as you want to leave room for all of the tasty treats!

This is one of the San Francisco walking tours that runs almost every day of the year.

>> Find tickets for this tour on GetYourGuide

>> More Chinatown tours

5. The Haunt: Ghost-Hunting Walking Tour

Union Square 's dark history comes to light on this interesting and fun ghost tour. This district was a common stop for visitors looking for a little fun during the Gold Rush era. Above the forgotten graves and buried ships emerged an area with brothels and crime-filled alleys.

You'll meet for this tour in the Jackson Square historic district and prepare to learn about the dark events as your guide outfits the group with paranormal activity detectors.

This tour isn't so much scary as it is a chilling look back at this district's infamous past.

This tour is offered most nights and runs for about 90 minutes.

>> Find tickets for this spooky tour on GetYourGuide

>> More ghost tours around SF

6. Craft Beer Walking Tour in Fisherman's Wharf & North Beach

Are you a craft beer lover? Are you curious about the craft brews that San Francisco has to offer? If so, you are going to love this fun walking tour!

On this fun adventure, you will spend around 4 hours sampling some of the area's best craft brews in the Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach districts. 

You will get the chance to tour a craft brewery and stop and sample at three popular beer bars. As you sip, you will also learn all about the history of craft beers in both SF and California.

It's a great way to get to know some of our top districts as well as our hot artisanal brewery scene.

This tour runs several times a week. It meets at 2 pm and includes beer and snacks. 

>> Visit Viator to check for ticketing availability

7. Castro LGBTQ Walking Tour

Want to explore one of the world's largest LGBTQ districts? 

On this tour, your local guide will tell you all about the Castro. You'll learn about its history, some of the most important spots around the district, and its ongoing role in the civil rights movement. 

You'll also learn more about one of the district's most interesting late residents, Harvey Milk, and what led to his untimely death.

Other top stops include the Rainbow Honor Walk, Pink Triangle Park, and Harvey Milk Plaza.

The tour is about 2 hours long with no large hills. It runs two to three days a week.

>> Find out more and book your tickets on this tour today

8. Mission District Walking Food Tour

This tour takes you to some of the best food spots around the Mission District, whose culinary scene has exploded thanks to its rich cultural diversity. On this 3-hour tour, you'll stop at five local mom-and-pop shops and restaurants.

Along the way, you'll sample everything from the best marinated meat tacos in town to the best falafel around. You'll have pizza, treats from an award-winning French bakery, and more. 

As you stroll through this diverse neighborhood, you'll also learn more about its history and the stories behind its colorful street art. 

The tour includes all food tastings and snacks, so you don't have to worry about paying at each location. Another benefit is that you get to skip the lines at all of these popular eateries!

Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for the full three hours. 

It runs most Fridays and Sundays.

>> Find out more about this tour including availability during your stay

9. Telegraph Hill & the Old Waterfront Tour

Learn all about the history of San Francisco's eastern side on this scenic tour. It starts at the Ferry Building and takes you along the old waterfront. 

You will then head up the Filbert Street Stairs as you learn about the history of the Telegraph Hill District as well as some of its most famous residents, the wild parrots.

You will walk up to Coit Tower to learn more about this tall landmark on the hill. Enjoy great views while you learn about its history and the person who donated the money to build it.

You will then descend down the Greenwich Stairs as you learn even more about this interesting, historic area.

The walk is about four miles long and includes quite a few stairs. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours.

You will then return to the Ferry Building at the end of the journey. This tour runs two days a week.

>> Find tickets to this interesting San Francisco experience

>> Find additional unusual experiences around SF

10. Full Day San Francisco Tour by Cable Car & On Foot

The final option on my list of 10 best San Francisco walking tours is this 8 hour tour that will take you past many of our top attractions.

It's fun to head out on this tour that is mostly on foot, but also offers a couple of rides on our famous cable cars. 

What will you see on this all day tour? Here are a few of the highlights.

• Lombard Street
• ...and more! 

This tour starts at the corner of Market & Drumm Streets and finished in Chinatown. The cost of the two cable car rides and the streetcar ride are included in your ticket price. 

>> Visit Viator to book your spot

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 !

Contact Me    |   Privacy Policy    |   Terms of Service    |   Site Map    |   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 )

San Francisco City Guides

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

San Francisco City Guides - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

San Francisco Walking Tours

Robert Alexander , Contributor/Getty Images 

One of the best ways to rejuvenate passion for your hometown is to see it through another person's perspective. San Francisco walking tours are an exceptional way to introduce your visitors to SF, and at the same time, add some historical and cultural facts to your own knowledge bank. Get ready to experience the city in a whole new way.

San Francisco City Guides

The walking tours offered by non-profit  SF City Guides  are an amazing resource for both San Franciscans and visitors alike. Not only do they offer a large range of themed walks citywide, but the tours are also free (though the do accept donations for their organization). Volunteer guides lead participants on strolls through time and history, from the haunted corridors of San Francisco City Hall to the Art Deco-lined streets of the Marina District.  

Free Guided Nature Walks

This is a city with a lot of greenery, both within SF limits and in the greater Bay Area, and it's ready and waiting to be explored. The state, and U.S. park systems are fantastic resources for free guided walks and hikes at places like Lands End and Golden Gate Park, as well as other nature and history-oriented tours and talks. A great local resource is the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy, which provides a schedule of guided outings as well as stewardship programs. The Presidio also offers an ongoing schedule of active events. 

The San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour

Chocolate connoisseur Andrea Nadel started Gourmet Walks' Chocolate Tours  in 2007, and they've been winning hearts since. For anyone who loves chocolate, here's an opportunity to fully indulge. The Gourmet Chocolate Tour includes loads of delicious samples, including a decadent chocolate velvet cupcake and unshelled truffles, while a highlight of the Ultra Chocolate Tour is a wine and truffle flight (the tour is for those 21+). Both tours include multiple hours strolling through downtown SF, as well as some wonderful local history. 

Gourmet Walks also leads food-centric tours through some of the city's other culinary neighborhoods, including Russian Hill and Hayes Valley.  

Wok Wiz - Chinatown Walking Tours

Wok Wiz  has long won accolades as one of San Francisco's best walking tours, and for good reason: these daily tours let you experience Chinatown like a local, accompanied by a guide who speaks Cantonese. Stop include neighborhood herb vendors, an authentic Chinese temple, back alleyways, and the beloved Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and your guide can also offer tips on the best spots to shop for souvenirs. 

In addition, Wok Wiz hosts a popular "I Can't Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown" tour, complete with a traditional Chinese breakfast and a hosted family-style Chinese lunch. 

Vampire Tour of San Francisco

"Vampire" Mina Harker (aka Kitty Burns) leads this somewhat alternative tour once a month along the streets of tony Nob Hill, interspersing vampire lore and legend with tales of the area's colorful and affluent history. Stops include the Fairmont Hotel, the Pacific-Union Club, and Grace Cathedral. Although on hiatus for winter, Ms. Harker will resume her antics in May. 

Foot! Comedy Walking Tours

Ready for a tour that's as entertaining as it is enlightening?  Foot! guided tours are led by comedians who make it their mission to both inform and amuse in the context of an interactive walk. Themes include "HOBNOBBING WITH GOBS OF SNOBS: the stinkin' rich and dirty money that built Nob Hill," and "FULL EXPOSURE: A revealing tour of the never-changing identity of North Beach. "

Cruisin' the Castro Walking Tours

Set out on an intimate tour of one of the world's largest lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities: San Francisco's Castro District, and learn about the role that it played both in LGBTQ culture and in U.S. Civil Rights. Along the way you'll delve into the world of California's first openly gay politician, Harvey Milk; see America's first Rainbow Flag, and walk the streets of history and an easy and informative stroll. 

The Haight Ashbury Flower Power Walking Tour

Get a glimpse at San Francisco's present Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and some major insight into its past with the Flower Power Walking Tour: a 12-block traverse of both hippiedom and general history, along with details on the neighborhood's fabulous Victorian architecture . 

Tours take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

San Francisco Ghost Hunt

The exhilarating San Francisco Ghost Hunt is an evening amble through the lovely streets of Pacific Heights, where you'll learn the stories behind some of the city's most notorious places.  Halloween is an especially popular time to take the tour, so if you prefer a smaller clan, choose a week that's a little less (ahem), haunting. They take place every evening except Tuesday, rain or shine. 

Hobnob Tours

Get an inside perspective on the history of railroad barons, silver kings, and the Gold Rush wealth that created Nob Hill with Hobnob Tours. The company's distinct walking tours (which also include SF's Financial District and Union Square with Chinatown ) askew hills for easy walking, and are awash in fun and informative facts—not to mention details on a few lewd scandals. Tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays, with provisions made for private tours.

Victorian Home Walk

San Francisco's Victorian Home Walk is an easy jaunt through the city's luxe Pacific Heights neighborhood, providing insight into its lovely Victorian architecture as well as tips on distinguishing the different styles. More than 200 homes—including the one from Mrs. Doubtfire —line the tour route, which also features a look at a Queen Anne interior. Walks take place daily, rain or shine.

18 Best Things to Do in San Francisco at Night

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Francisco

Don't Miss These Great San Francisco Attractions

The Best Staycation in Every State

Alamo Square: The Complete Guide

Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide

The 20 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco's Buena Vista Park: The Complete Guide

How to Travel from Sacramento to San Francisco by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Muir Woods National Monument: The Complete Guide

Day Trips and Vacation Side Trips from San Francisco

Top 12 Places to Visit in the US

Disney Magic - Western Mediterranean Cruise Travel Log

49-Mile Drive in San Francisco: What You Need to Know

San Francisco Tourist Tips

The 8 Best Things to Do in San Francisco's Richmond Neighborhood

• Destinations

Free tours in San Francisco

• Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco – The Charming City by the Bay

San Fran is a much loved city made up by many wonderful facets - with plunging hills, valleys and stunning vistas, beautiful white-sand beaches, delightful boutiques, restaurants & bars, a huge gay & lesbian population, rich cultures, counter-cultures, history, heritage & traditions, San Francisco is a colourful, alluring, ambient, hip & diverse city with an irresistible unique charm.

Freetour.com recommended free walking tours are an ideal way to really get to grips with this remarkable place. Friendly local guides take great pride in showing you their city & give you an unrivaled insider perspective to see San Fran, and life lived here, through their eyes. Learn the history & heritage, see the many sights like Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Old Market Street, vibrant Chinatown, legendary cable cars & more, get useful hints & tips and meet other like-minded travelers. And after your introduction to San Francisco you can hit the Haight-Ashbury district to explore the many different shops, cool cafés & restaurants, marvel at the 'painted ladies' - the charming Victorian-era houses on Alamo Street, traverse winding Lombard street for exceptional views and embrace the atmospheric nightlife of the South of Market district, aka SoMa, with it's happening nightclubs, bars & venues. There is something for everyone here in beautiful San Francisco by the Pacific.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

• Top Picks of the Week
• San Francisco Calendar
• East Bay Calendar
• Bay Area Calendar
• – North Bay Events
• – South Bay Events
• – Peninsula Events
• Free Museum Days

SF City Guides Memorial Day Weekend 2024 (50+ Free Walking Tours)

It’s time to learn more about your city and get out and walk. San Francisco City Guides offers free walking tours just about every day.

All tours are free and open to the public, but donations are welcome.

Memorial Day Weekend Walking Tours 2024 | SF City Guides May 24-27, 2024 FREE*, but donations are appreciated RSVP Required Friday May 24, 2024 – 9 free tours 9:30 am Japanese Tea Garden 10:00 am Architectural Gems South of Market 10:00 am Cityscapes And Public Places 10:30 am Cable Cars: Halfway to the Stars 10:30 am Fisherman’s Wharf: A Hidden History 11:00 am Murals And The Multi-Ethnic Mission District 1:00 pm Embarcadero South: A Turbulent Port 1:00 pm Japanese Tea Garden* 1:30 pm Gold Rush City Saturday May 25, 2024 – 23 free tours 10:00 am Chinatown 10:00 am Climate Change at Crissy Field 10:00 am Coit Tower Murals 10:00 am Ferry Building 10:00 am Mission Murals 10:00 am North Beach 10:00 am Palace Of Fine Arts/Marina 10:30 am Golden Gate Park: West End – Breakers, Old Trains & Windmills! 11:00 am 1850’s San Francisco: Paris Of The Pacific 11:00 am Alamo Square and its Painted Ladies 11:00 am Castro: Tales Of The Village 11:00 am Fairmont Hotel 11:00 am Inner Sunset: The Birth Of A Neighborhood 11:00 am Pacific Heights Mansions 1:00 pm Boom & Bust 1:00 pm Japanese Tea Garden* 1:00 pm Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops 1:00 pm Scandalous Murals of Rincon Center 2:00 pm Corona Heights Stairways 2:00 pm Japantown 2:00 pm Land’s End: Sutro Heights 2:00 pm Making Waves on the Waterfront 2:00 pm Telegraph Hill Stairway Hike Sunday May 26, 2024 – 18 free tours 10:00 am Applause! SF’s Performing Arts Hub 10:00 am Cow Hollow 10:00 am Inner Richmond: Part II(No Tour Today) 10:30 am Cable Cars: Halfway to the Stars 10:30 am Mission Dolores Neighborhood 11:00 am Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco 11:00 am Billionaires’ Row: Outer Broadway Architecture 11:00 am Castro: Tales Of The Village 11:00 am Dogpatch and Potrero Point 11:00 am Golden Gate Bridge 11:00 am Haight-Ashbury 11:00 am Japanese Tea Garden* 11:00 am Nob Hill 1:00 pm Golden Gate Park: American History – Memories in Trees, Stone & Bronze 1:00 pm Japanese Tea Garden* 1:00 pm Mt. Davidson Stroll 1:00 pm Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops 1:00 pm Terrific Street: The Devil’s Playground 2:00 pm Gold Rush City(No Tour Today) 2:00 pm Russian Hill Stairways Monday May 27, 2024 – 10 free tours 9:30 am Japanese Tea Garden 10:00 am Chinatown 10:00 am Embarcadero South: A Turbulent Port(No Tour Today) 10:00 am Palace Of Fine Arts/Marina 10:30 am Fisherman’s Wharf: A Hidden History 11:00 am Pacific Heights Mansions 11:00 am Salesforce Transit Center and Rooftop Park 1:00 pm Japanese Tea Garden* 1:00 pm Presidio: From Military Base to National Park with Tunnel Tops 1:30 pm Chinatown 2:00 pm Making Waves on the Waterfront *Japanese Tea Garden is free admission for San Francisco residents with valid ID. Free entry for all Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9am to 10pm. Otherwise Non-residents pay $15 for M-F admission and $18 for weekend admission from February to November. Please note prices can change. Please check gggp.org for the latest updates and admission fees  

Free / Learn More

Most popular upcoming events.

• SF’s 2024 “Golden Gate Park Band Festival” in the Park (June 8-9)
• SF’s Filipino 5-Block Long “Be Free” Festival (SoMa)
• San Francisco Fireworks: 4th of July (2024)
• 2024 San Francisco Juneteenth Parade & Festival (Market Street to UN Plaza)
• SF’s New Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (June 2024)
• SF’s New Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays”
• SF’s “OminoDay in the Park” Free World Music Festival (2024)
• “Cinematic San Francisco” Free Mini Film Festival of SF on the Big Screen (June 4-25)
• 12th Annual Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival (2024)
• SFMOMA’s “Free Family Day” Free Museum Day (SF)

Sign Up For Funcheap Emails

Most popular city guides.

• SF’s Central Freeway Might Be Torn Down
• June Street Fairs & Festivals (2024)
• Free Monthly Museum Days
• Brand New Huge 75,000 Sqft Korean Food Hall Coming to Daly City
• Nintendo to Open Official Store in SF in 2025
• SF’s Open-Air “Boat Tram” is Back this Summer
• West Oakland Getting Brand New Summer Night Market
• SF’s “Chinatown Night Market” Returns for 2024
• How to Get the NY Times for Free (Updated for 2024)
• The Ultimate Guide to Bay Area Farmers’ Markets

• About Funcheap
• Jobs & Internships
• Terms of Service
• DMCA Requests
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Privacy Policy

LA Walking Tours

Review Highlights

“ Neel has been doing this since the company started (8 years) is a very good story teller and is very compelling. ” in 82 reviews

“ I wanted to do something different in downtown LA on my Friday off and came across Downtown LA Walking Tours. ” in 28 reviews

“ Neil is an excellent guide, that has great insight and narrates while walking through the concrete jungle of DTLA . ” in 22 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Serving Los Angeles Area

You Might Also Consider

Ebird Express - Pedal Party Bike Tours

6.9 miles away from LA Walking Tours

Peter N. said "This Ebird express is a fantastic way to stay active and drink at the same time. It's a very interesting vehicle and it's a ton of fun! Chris is a great host to us and the other guests that came with us. I will definitely book…" read more

in Bike Tours, Bus Tours, Party Bike Rentals

Michelle V. said "Okay, so you've seen and heard about Away luggage. I mean, it's all over Instagram and podcast commercials right? Well some people, like my boyfriend, have a tough time committing to such an expensive type of luggage and want to see…" read more

in Airlines, Luggage, Travel Services

Ranger Reub Adventures

Take the path less traveled and find joy in an exploration on foot that offers more than just sightseeing - it's a look into Southern Utah's intriguing history! read more

in Walking Tours

Amenities and More

About the business.

Business owner information

Business Owner

Providing guided walking tours of Los Angeles …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Are you going to take us back to the starting location or do we have to go back there on our own, especially if our vehicle is parked there?

Hello Don, A few of our tours end within a few blocks of our starting point. Some do end a 20 - 25 minute walk from the starting point. Usually you can hop on the Metro… more

Is the walk hard?

Hello Donna - each of our tours are approximately 1.5 to 2.0 miles. Most of them are flat with two of them having an uphill portion.

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

186 reviews

My dear friend was visiting from out of town and I decided to book the Haunted Tales walking tour to kill a few hours in DTLA before his flight home. I'm so happy I did that, as we ended up having a great time! I have already recommended this walking tour to several friends and am happy to do so with anyone else thinking about checking it out. My one suggestion is this: Ask for Brandon! Our guide, Brandon, was simply fabulous. He was knowledgeable and passionate about the macabre, as well as the general, history of Los Angeles. I was surprised to hear that he had only done about 20 tours ... anyone would believe he's been doing this for decades! Brandon was very organized, told us interesting stories and shared personal anecdotes and photos throughout the tour. He was laid back and was able to answer all questions ... it was like exploring downtown with an old friend. Thanks for a great experience!

Death Hotel

so much fun on the haunted takes tour in dtla with Brandon! I'm an LA adjacent local and it was Cool to hear history and lore that I never knew about. Brandon was a great guide!

On January 27 '24 we had the best "Haunted Walking Tour" with Brandon. I have lived in Los Angles since 1990 and I embarrassed to say how little I know about the history of my city. Brandon took us to so many spooky and interesting places. His knowledge runs deep. But even more important he is so enthusiastic about everything he is telling you about. The creepy old hotels were probably the highlight. It was great to take a walk at night. I can't wait till we have out of town company. I think all our guests would love this. The next day I was getting my hair done and I was showing my stylist the photos and tell her what I remembered. She wanted their website and then she shared some Netflix films that mentioned these creepy hotels. The tour also ends at The Biltmore Hotel which is gorgeous. Very nice place to rest up and catch an Uber back to your car.

I recently took a Haunted Pasadena tour presented by LA Walking Tours. Our tour guide was helpful, enthusiastic, patient, and extremely knowledgeable. It was great to learn some of the history of places I've passed or visited many times over the years. The tour started in front of the Pasadena Playhouse and ended in Old Town Pasadena. My one complaint is that if you say a tour is going to end at a certain time, please try to stick with it. I think our tour guide thought she was doing us a favor by sharing more of her knowledge with us and going longer, but I had to not only walk over a mile to get back to my car, but I also had an hour-long drive to get home. I'm not at all into the paranormal stuff, but this tour was chosen by a friend, so it was fine. If you're not in a group and you're not a true believer in ghosts, this might not be the perfect tour for you. That said, I'm still giving it five stars.

The first stop on our Haunted Pasadena tour was the Pasadena Playhouse.

Highly recommend this tour - we did the Old & New Downtown LA. Phil was a great tour guide! Knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. We learned great history of the area and the buildings.

Great company, great tours. They've been doing virtual tours for a while now (for free--hard to beat that price) but they are starting to do in-person tours once again. We did the Griffith Park tour (from Fern Dell to the Observatory) and it was a blast. Special thanks to Phil who gave a fun and interesting (and educational) tour. The tour lasted about 2 hours and ended at the Observatory so factor in another 20-30 minutes for the hike down and maybe a little more time if you want to explore the grounds around the Observatory. (The Observatory is currently closed.) Prices are reasonable, you will probably learn a lot, you will get some exercise, and, most importantly, you will have fun.

We took the "Old and New" tour and you get a good sense of a few different areas of downtown LA. which, frankly, is massive. Most of the members of our group were from other countries but I would absolutely recommend the tour to locals who probably don't know the history or trivia as well as they might think. Everyone thinks they know their own city's history but they probably don't. That goes for me, too. There is a fair amount of walking on the tour but you will stop often and generally in shaded areas. Be prepared to see and experience (and perhaps be stalked by) a few of downtown LA's homeless in full effect. We saw a naked guy in an alley (well, he was wearing socks) and there were plenty of other interesting and colorful characters who either commented to us, walked with us a ways, or didn't look like they gave warm hugs. So, buckle up, buttercup, be aware, and you'll probably be fine. The best part is you will almost certainly learn a little or more likely a lot about the history of downtown LA and you'll get some exercise doing it. All the 5 star reviews can't be wrong, right? The tours are affordable ($17 per adult, kids are freeee) and last about two hours (or maybe a bit longer). Our guide was Neel and he knows his stuff. I would go again. In fact, I would go on the exact same tour. It's a lot of fun.

absolutely love this!! I've done it twice and both times were so much fun! would def do it again!

Looking to photograph Los Angeles from a completely different angle? Sure, we love seeing the Hollywood sign just as much as any visitor. But if you are looking for grit and stunning street art, look no further than Downtown Los Angeles' Art District. We recently joined up with LA Walking Tours to do their 2-hour Arts District walking tour, departing every Sunday at 2 PM. What's the difference between mural art vs. street art vs tagging? You'll learn all of this and more, including stops at some of the most influential art galleries in the world. Move over New York and London! You'll find no shortage of fantastic photo spots to capture. And along the way, learn how this area grew from a poor artist community to one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. If only we bought some real estate here 10 years ago! You can do this on your own, but we really enjoyed the structure and stories with LA Walking Tours. The tour includes old photographs as well as old footage. My favorite part? Seeing the grungy performance club where Nirvana performed one of its first sets (with nearly nobody paying attention in the crowd!). Advanced reservations are required and tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children (ages 5-12). Book on their website.

I wanted to do something different in downtown LA on my Friday off and came across Downtown LA Walking Tours. I booked the Downtown Discovery tour and had Julia as our tour guide. The tour itself was awesome!!! It's amazing to see what you actually notice in downtown LA just by walking around as opposed to when you're going out at night or being in your car. We learned so much about the historic Broadway St and all the theaters (many buildings still in tact today!), fashion district, flower district, and the future plans of downtown. Downtown LA is much more fascinating once you know the history behind all the buildings! With that being said, be careful for dog poop on the side walks (my friend stepped in some) and all the homeless people! We had quite a scary interaction with one in the beginning of the tour, but Julia handled it well and just ignored him. I would highly recommend taking a tour here. It's affordable and was actually really fun. The two hours goes by quickly! Will be booking another tour with them in the future, perhaps the Haunted Halloween tour available in Oct.!

See all photos from Kent V. for LA Walking Tours

We've done about four of these tours so far. Each guide was well informed on the subject matter and easy to get along with. It felt like hanging out with an old friend. Would love to return to do more. They have a lot more options to pick from so it'll definitely be fun to return to do even more.

26 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Sustainable Wine Tours

Our tours grant you exclusive access to only all private, small-production, wineries, estates, and vineyards where guests often meet the winery owner or winemaker while immersing themselves in the history, sights, smells, and tastes… read more

in Wine Tours

Trip Designs

Jelena F. said "For years I hesitated to travel to my country because of the details involved and the price of the airfare. The moment I contacted Milica at Trip Designs, I told my friends and family the wait was over and I have found my travel…" read more

in Tours, Travel Agents

Collections Including LA Walking Tours

Yelp 100 Challenge 2015

By Carol L.

Things To Do

By Makayla A.

LA Activities

By Kevin S.

Places To Go

By Khara H.

By Diane L.

People Also Viewed

The Real Los Angeles Tours

Access Hollywood Tours

Another Side Of Los Angeles Tours

A Day in LA Tours

Old Hollywood Walking Tour

Hollywood Bus Tours

Paramount Studio Tour

Haunted Santa Monica Ghost Tours

Glitterati Tours

Best of Los Angeles

Things to do in Los Angeles

People found LA Walking Tours by searching for…

Cliftons Cafeteria Los Angeles

Cupcake Tour Los Angeles

Downtown La Los Angeles

Dtla Murder Mystery Tour Los Angeles

Free Walking Tours Los Angeles

Guided Tours Los Angeles

Haunted Ghost Tour Los Angeles

History Tour Los Angeles

Hollywood Horror Tours Los Angeles

La Art District Los Angeles

Tourists Must See List Los Angeles

True Crime Tour Los Angeles

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Bike Rentals

Whale Watching

Other Places Nearby

Find more Architectural Tours near LA Walking Tours

Find more Historical Tours near LA Walking Tours

Find more Walking Tours near LA Walking Tours

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

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

Looking to walk with your own private group?

Our City Guides liaisons can arrange a walk where your group can experience the bohemian atmosphere and Italian heritage of North Beach…gaze at palatial hotels and hear about who built them and visited them…or learn about the delightful and sometimes whimsical differences of our classic Victorian architecture. You can take a stairway walk or hill hike to see the City in a new and wonderful way. 

Our tours are always intimate, and we can cater to the needs of your group, whether you prefer an easy stroll along the waterfront, an exploration of hidden gems in Golden Gate Park, or a challenging hike up one of the City’s famous hills. San Francisco City Guides has been leading tours of our wonderful city for more than 45 years — we know all the facts, all the details, the rumors and gossip, the myths and the truth behind them – and “where the bodies are buried” (or, in San Francisco, where they used to be buried).

Private group tours can be arranged for a special date and time. It may be possible to coordinate more than one tour for a day-long event. We can customize tours for your event or group and even can come to your office or event to provide a historical presentation.

Contact us  to learn more about our Private Group Tours. Our coordinator will assist you to arrange a fabulous event for your group.

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