San Francisco Private City Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
San Francisco offers myriad possibilities to explore. Additionally, you can customize your itinerary on this private half-day tour. Let a personal guide lead you through city highlights such as the exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood, Japantown, Chinatown, Mission District, Ghirardelli Square, Golden Gate Park, and Union Square. Since all tours are customized, we can include a cable car ride as well. Round-trip hotel pick up is included.
Available options
City tour
English city highlights tour<br/>Pickup included
San Francisco Private City Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Snacks
Private driver/guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
They will see the bustling shopping district including the Apple store, Macys, Gucci etc, the Dewey Memorial, and Maiden Lane.
2
Stop 2
6 out of 7 of the original Gold and Railroad millionaires lived on this hill.
3
Stop 3
This is the oldest, largest and most authentic Chinatown in the US. Clients can stop at the Tin Hou temple built in 1852 and the original Fortune Cookie factory if they wish. They can do this on their own at a later time.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
This is a great place for lunch, dinner of just a coffee break.
5
Stop 5
Built in 1933, the Coit Tower showcases etching of the history of San Francisco from the Gold Rush era.
6
Telegraph hill was popularized by the counterculture Bohemian writers in the 1940s. They built cottages as opposed to the mansions of the original millionaires on Nob Hill.
7
Stop 7
We usually drive down the street where clients can see the view of Telegraph hill and North Beach. Clients with active teens prefer to walk down.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Some of the popular attractions at the Wharf include, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, Sea lions, Boudin Bakery, Hyde Street Pier, Musee Mechanique, etc. This is a popular end point for tours especially for families with kids.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Marina district is known for gorgeous waterfront mansions with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
10
Stop 10
Built in 1915, the Palace of Fine Arts is one of the iconic buildings in the city showcasing the Greco- romanisque architecture.
11
Stop 11
Built in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most photographed structures in the world for a reason.
12
Stop 12
The breathtaking view of the city is the most memorable experience for most people.
13
Stop 13
Pacific Heights showcases an array of architectural marvels with stunning views of the San Francisco bay
14
Stop 14
Experience the historical cable car ride and museum at the end of the tour
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
18 reviews
5★
17
4★
0
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
38 reviews
5★
34
4★
0
3★
1
2★
1
1★
2
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you have not already specified, you MUST advise supplier as soon as possible your Ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and departure time so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
• Minimum drinking age is 21 years
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
