San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through San Francisco's shadowy streets with our captivating walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine!
Guided by an expert local storyteller, this tour takes you to some of the city's most iconic and eerie locations in the historic district.
As you stroll through fog-laden streets, hear chilling tales of spirits lingering in places like the Sutter Building and the Fairmont Hotel, where echoes of the past resonate.
This mile-long trek reveals San Francisco's tumultuous history, from the Gold Rush's promise to the tragedies that scarred the city. Encounter stories of the California Street Wandering Bride and the Pacific-Union Club, once the opulent Flood mansion.
While entry into private buildings isn't allowed, standing on haunted ground will send shivers down your spine.
Each tale uncovers the darker side of San Francisco, offering ghostly encounters and historical insights that will both entertain and enlighten you!
Available options
Extended Walking Ghost Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Join us for the standard tour plus 4 more terrifying tales.
San Francisco Ghosts: Gold and
Duration: 1 hour
What's included
Documented accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity
Professional and Courteous Guides
Intensely researched true stories of history
Detailed itinerary
1
The Sutter Building in San Francisco, a striking office structure adorned with elaborate Neo-Mayan carvings, was erected in 1929 as a medical building and once earned the nickname "The Temple of Doom." Despite its architectural grandeur, the building is notorious for reports of dark, unsettling presences, with visitors and staff alike feeling an eerie and oppressive atmosphere that lingers within its walls.
2
On California Street, the legend of the Wandering Bride haunts the area with a tragic tale. This ghostly bride is said to roam the streets in her wedding gown searching for her lost groom and leaving behind a chilling presence that still unsettles those who encounter her spectral form.
3
The Fairmont Hotel, a historic and esteemed landmark in San Francisco’s prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood, is celebrated for its elegance and exceptional service. However, after the devastating 1906 earthquake, the hotel gained a reputation for being cursed, with numerous accidents and reported apparitions adding a haunting dimension to its storied past.
4
Though a men's-only secret society holds meetings behind closed doors in this old mansion, they can't keep out the ghost of the original owner. Hear the testimony of a custodian who shared his insider information.
5
Stop 5
Huntington Park in San Francisco, once the site of the grand Huntington Mansion owned by the renowned Collis P. Huntington, now offers a different kind of intrigue. After the mansion was lost to the 1906 earthquake, the park that replaced it has become known for its nighttime paranormal activities, with ghostly presences and eerie phenomena reported by those who visit after dark.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Explore this historic neighborhood, shaped by centuries of interesting personalities and unexpected disasters. Listen as even more stories unfold as spirits of the past make their presence known.
7
The Dennis T. Sullivan Memorial in San Francisco honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Fire Chief who, despite severe injuries from the 1906 earthquake, emerged from the rubble to help save lives. The memorial, dedicated to this heroic figure, is also known for its haunting legacy, with many visitors reporting eerie sensations and ghostly presences linked to the chief's tragic and selfless act.
8
The Sir Francis Drake Hotel, an opulent landmark built in 1928, has long been a symbol of historic grandeur in San Francisco. Its reputation for elegance is shadowed by the tragic fall of James Davidson from the 8th floor, a tragedy that has since given rise to numerous paranormal encounters and ghostly phenomena reported by guests and staff alike.
What's not included
Dinner
Private transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
104 reviews
5★
76
4★
8
3★
7
2★
3
1★
10
Tripadvisor
4.7
179 reviews
5★
157
4★
6
3★
7
2★
3
1★
6
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
All tours meet at Union Square, 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108, on the corner of Powell Street and Post Street, across from the giant lit sign that says "Saks Fifth Avenue". Please look for your guide wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Important notes
Please check in with your Tour Guide at the meeting location 10-15 minutes before the tour's start time.
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
