In the event you’re planning a day journey to San Francisco—and even when you stay there and suppose you’ve finished all of it—these excursions will completely shock you (in one of the simplest ways!). Positive, town’s well-known for its big-ticket sights just like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, however these distinctive experiences go manner past the postcard model. I’m speaking retro VW rides, ghost hunts, hidden stairways, and meals excursions that’ll have you ever dreaming about dumplings for days.
Don’t need a tour? See my picks for the Finest Issues to do In San Francisco by yourself.
High San Francisco Excursions
San Francisco Love Tour
Climb aboard a fab little Nineteen Seventies VW bus—full with shag carpet and traditional rock tunes—and discover town prefer it’s 1969. This small group tour (simply 6 folks max!) cruises by means of iconic neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the Mission, all whereas your information shares quirky tales and native historical past. You’ll roll previous former houses of legends like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, snap images at Dolores Park, and soak in a number of the greatest Golden Gate views round. It’s the right mixture of retro vibes and metropolis sightseeing—and significantly, it’s simply enjoyable.
➞ Guide tour right here
San Francisco Film Sights Metropolis Tour
Calling all film buffs! This tour is like watching a movie reel of San Francisco’s best hits—besides you’re in it. You’ll go to 50+ filming areas from films like Vertigo, Mrs. Doubtfire (aspect be aware: my husband was an additional on this film!), and Full Home, all whereas cruising round in a comfortable bus. Clips from the flicks play as you go every website, and your information (an area actor!) spills enjoyable behind-the-scenes particulars. It’s such a playful, cinematic approach to see town—even when you’ve been right here a dozen occasions.
➞ Guide tour right here
Tea & Dim Sum in Chinatown Meals Tour
This 3-hour Chinatown Tea & Dim Sum Tour was such a enjoyable approach to expertise one in all San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods by means of its meals and tradition. Though I stay close by, I hadn’t explored Chinatown like this earlier than—and I’m so glad I did.
We began with a tasty dim sum unfold at Home of Dim Sum (suppose Chinese language-style tapas!), adopted by recent, heat cookies straight from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Manufacturing unit. After grabbing brown sugar pearl lattes, we wandered by means of historic alleyways whereas listening to tales about Chinatown’s previous—hidden playing dens, sailors, and even 10-cent barbershops.
The spotlight for me? Cantonese roasted duck at Grant Place Restaurant, served with fluffy bao and spicy inexperienced beans. We ended with a tea tasting that includes ginseng oolong and natural blends—and a heat custard tart to complete.
➞ Guide tour right here
San Francisco Bay Sundown Catamaran Cruise
There’s no higher approach to finish a day in San Francisco than out on the water throughout golden hour. This sundown catamaran cruise from Pier 39 was such a peaceable, stunning approach to wind down. We sailed previous Alcatraz, proper beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and watched town skyline gentle up because the solar set—pure magic.
You’ll be able to chill out inside or really feel the breeze on the open deck. A complimentary drink is included, and there’s a full bar when you’re within the temper for one thing additional. You’ll be able to even noticed just a few sea lions alongside the way in which!
➞ Guide tour right here
Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
This strolling tour by means of the Inside Sundown is a peaceable 2-mile stroll by means of one in all San Francisco’s most artistic (and infrequently neglected) neighborhoods, stuffed with colourful staircases, tucked-away gardens, and charming little streets that almost all guests miss.
You’ll climb the well-known mosaic steps, wander quiet hills with beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park, and listen to some actually cool tales in regards to the space’s historical past and native artwork scene. The small group dimension (simply 10 folks max) retains it relaxed and private, with loads of time to snap images and soak all of it in.
And the cutest half? You may even go dwelling with a tiny succulent as a memento.
➞ Guide tour right here
North Seashore & Little Italy Strolling Tour
If carbs are your love language (similar), this North Seashore strolling tour is looking your identify. You’ll sip sturdy espresso, munch on recent focaccia and Italian pastries, and pop into family-run delis for meats and tales handed down by means of generations. It’s half foodie journey, half historical past tour, and completely scrumptious.
➞ Guide tour right here
Final Electrical SF Bike Tour
Wish to see rather a lot of town with out breaking a sweat? This electrical bike tour is the way in which to go. You’ll zip up and down San Francisco’s well-known hills, cross the Golden Gate Bridge (sure, on a motorbike), and roll by means of neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and the Presidio. Your information shares fascinating tales as you trip, and there are many stops for snacks, images, and wow-worthy views. It’s lively however straightforward—and such a enjoyable approach to cowl floor quick.
➞ Guide tour right here
Ghost Hunt in SF Chinatown
Right here’s one thing completely totally different: a ghost-hunting evening tour by means of San Francisco’s spookiest spots. You’ll discover haunted alleys in Chinatown, go to historic websites, and use your very personal EMF detector (yep, similar to the professionals). The information dives into creepy tales from the Gold Rush days and past—some gives you goosebumps, some will make you snigger. It’s eerie, just a little instructional, and 100% memorable.
➞ Guide tour right here
Quick Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Quick on time however need the complete San Francisco bay expertise? This one-hour cruise has you lined. You’ll sail previous Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge—aka, prime picture ops each couple of minutes. The narration shares cool details and native tales, and you may sit inside or benefit from the breeze up prime. It’s straightforward, scenic, and tremendous versatile with open tickets that allow you to go when it really works for you.
➞ Guide tour right here
San Francisco Strolling Meals Tour
Let’s simply say… don’t eat earlier than this one. This strolling tour by means of the Mission District dives into one of many metropolis’s tastiest, most various meals scenes. You’ll attempt all the things from Mexican road meals to Italian sandwiches and even a secret shock dish (I gained’t spoil it!). Your information offers the lowdown on the neighborhood’s wealthy cultural historical past, and the group stays small so it appears like exploring with mates. In the event you love meals with a aspect of storytelling, this one’s a should.
➞ Guide tour right here
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Assets for Reserving Your Journey!
Guide Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you’ll be able to simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may also choose ‘most cost-effective month’ to seek out the bottom fares on your vacation spot (I take advantage of this on a regular basis!).
Guide Your Lodging
I take advantage of each Reserving.com and Expedia for resorts, as a result of every presents a pair totally different resort decisions and I like to match the evaluations on each. In case you have a gaggle or are in search of extra of a house environment, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, residences and even only a room for hire in each value vary.
Guide Your Rental Automotive
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the most suitable choice! I at all times ebook with Uncover Automobiles for one of the best costs and prime model choices.
Guide Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to engines like google for cool bucket record experiences! Every one can have totally different excursions, so examine each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey will be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an harm, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed here are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Listing Journey Amazon Retailer to seek out all my favourite journey necessities. All the pieces from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling sneakers.
*Lastly, examine journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security data.
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