San Francisco tours are a must-do activity for tourists and locals alike. SF is a city unlike any other–you’ll never run out of things to see in San Francisco. In this blog post, we break down all the best tours of San Francisco.
The best tours in San Francisco touch on the city’s beautiful nature, interesting architecture, and a unique history. From bay cruises to walking ghost tours, San Francisco guided tours are the perfect way to learn about the city.
San Francisco Tours by Boat
Eagle Cafe’s blog San Francisco Boat Tours: A Complete Guide is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the many boat tours in San Francisco! Here are a few options that we love best:
Blue & Gold Fleet Escape from the Rock Cruise
Blue & Gold Fleet has been the best choice for water excursions for over 40 years! Their 90-minute Escape from the Rock Cruise glides under the Golden Gate Bridge, passes the Angel Island State Park, and circles Alcatraz Island offering an in-depth look at the famous prison.
Professional guides tell captivating tales of life at the maximum security prison, as well as other interesting facts about the area. For those who do not speak English, a free audio tour is available in Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, German, and Taiwanese!
SF Whale Tours Golden Gate Whale Watch Cruise
The San Francisco Bay is teaming with wildlife. But, did you know that it is also home to many whales? Check out San Francisco Whale Tours‘ cruises to get a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Departing from Pier 39, you could end your adventure on the bay with an authentic Dungeness crab dinner at Crab House at Pier 39, the best crab restaurant in San Francisco.
Also consider Bay Voyager Excursions and Adventure Cat Sails!
Walking Tours of San Francisco
For those who love to explore by foot, don’t miss out on these amazing guided walking tours in San Francisco!
San Francisco City Guides – Free Walking Tours
SF City Guides offers 70 free walking tours operated by 300 volunteers. They have been doing this for over 46 years! Follow an expert of San Francisco tours attractions throughout the city every day of the year.
San Francisco Ghosts – Gold and Ghouls Tour
Get Your Guide has plenty of unique tours to pique your interest. From the “Gold, Greed, and Gunslingers Walking Tour” that highlights Gold Rush landmarks to “The Hidden Stairways of San Francisco”, this group has it all.
We especially enjoy their San Francisco Ghost tours for spooky evenings with friends. Try the “Gold and Ghouls Tour” or “The Haunt – Ghost Hunting Walking Tour” for memorable San Francisco tours and activities!
Check out more free guided tours here, such as Free Tours by Foot – Walking Tours and GuruWalk – Free Walking Tours.
Check Out San Francisco on Wheels
If walking up and down the hills of San Francisco seems daunting, consider these fun options by bike, bus, pedicab, and go-car!
By Bike
You don’t need to bring your own bike. These companies will provide the bicycle – regular or electric.
Blazing Saddles – Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bike Tour
This is our favorite bike rental and guided tour group because they are conveniently located in Fisherman’s Wharf. Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with Blazing Saddles. When you’ve finished your adventure, join us at Crab House at Pier 39 for an unforgettable meal.
Dylan’s Tours & Blazing Saddles – Golden Gate Bridge Guided Bike Tour e-Bikes
Dylan’s has partnered with Blazing Saddles to lead the original city loop tour! Check out the city’s most scenic destinations with the convenience of an electric bicycle and an expert guide.
By Bus
Hop on a bus to be whisked away by an expert guide who will do all the driving.
San Francisco Hop-on, Hop-off Big Bus Tours
Big Bus offers the absolute best San Francisco tour packages in town. Take advantage of the open top deck for photo ops of SF’s iconic landmarks. Their San Francisco day tours run every 15 minutes and provide 17 stops to explore. Their night tour happens once per evening and shows the city by sunset. Don’t miss out on these San Francisco daily tours!
SF Love Tour in a ’70s era VW bus
You won’t find a tour like this anywhere else. Check out the city that started the hippie movement in the most authentic way by hopping onto a ’70s-era VW bus. These buses only accommodate 6 people, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
By Pedicab
There are endless things to do in San Francisco with SF Pedicab. Here are our eco-friendly favorites:
SF City Stargazing Tours with SF Pedicab
This mobile couch tour will show you another side of the city. Grab your date and stargaze at SF’s most beautiful landmarks.
Private Tuk Tuk San Francisco City Tour – Electric Tuk Tuk
This private option allows you to drive your own electric Tuk Tuk! Visit the city at your own pace and enjoy the heated seats and blankets and electronic guides.
By GoCar
GoCar SF Tour
Rent these private, 3-wheeled GoCars and explore the city on your own terms. These two-seater rides come equipped with a talking GPS for your convenience.
GoCar E-Sport Golden Gate Tour
This one-of-a-kind ride has a top speed of 75 MPH! This three-wheeled Arcimoto FUV vehicle is freeway legal and is designed to provide an exhilarating experience.
Best Crab Restaurant in San Francisco
While you’re checking out SF’s landmarks, you may also want to taste some of the city’s most iconic dishes. From Dungeness crab to Cioppino, Crab House at Pier 39 is your best choice for local dining. Enjoy the city’s most delectable seafood from the Crab House dining room overlooking the Bay. These views cannot be found anywhere else but Pier 39.
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