San Francisco , United States

San Francisco Grand City Tour

Active

(594 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a four-hour guided tour of San Francisco. At each stop, you’ll have the chance to get off the bus and see the sights.

Tour the city from the Bay to the Pacific Ocean, with photo stops at key locations. Enjoy great views and visit famous attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin peaks, Land's End, and Palace of Fine Arts.

Opt to upgrade your tour to include a bay cruise, or 4-hour bike rental, or a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay, to complete your San Francisco experience!

Available options

AM City Tour & Aquarium

San Francisco Deluxe Half-Day City Tour AM & Aquarium of the Bay Admission

AM City Tour & Bay Cruise

9:00am Tour & Bay Cruise: San Francisco Deluxe Half-Day City Tour AM and an hour-long cruise of San Francisco Bay

AM City Tour

AM City Tour : San Francisco Deluxe Half-Day City Tour AM

What's included

Transport by air-conditioned luxury coach

Bay Cruise if option selected.

Narrated bus tour of San Francisco + Plenty of photo stops

Choose from two departure locations in San Francisco: Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square

4h Bike Rental (if option selected)

Aquarium of the Bay Entrance Fee if option selected.

Detailed itinerary

Departing the heart of Union square, the coach makes its way to the Golden Gate Bridge.
On your way to the Golden Gate Bridge, travelers will see:
Union Square: Theatres, shopping, hotels

We make our way north on Van Ness Avenue. Famous for being used as a firebreak, by the US Army during the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Stop 3 Pass by

Two affluent neighborhoods, attracting young professionals. Chic fashion boutiques, Pilates studios, juice shops, beauty salons. Many fine dining restaurants ranging from French Bistros to American Fusion Cuisine.

Stop 4

Designed by Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Worlds Fair.
This 162-foot high open rotunda appears as a Greek-Roman inspired fictional ruin.
Disembark bus and explore the structure and lagoon.

Stop 5

Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of this iconic landmark. Capture memorable photos of this engineering marvel and enjoy the fresh coastal breeze.

Stop 6 Pass by

Former U.S. Army military fort,1500-acre park.
Home to; Baker Beach, hiking, historic buildings house the Walt Disney Family Museum, eateries, homes, and businesses like Lucasfilm, with its Yoda Fountain.

Stop 7

Beautiful coastal stop at Ocean Beach with rugged cliffs, cypress forest, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, Sutro Bath ruins, and the Cliff House.

Stop 8 Pass by

Entering Golden Gate Park from the west we pass by one of two Dutch Windmills. Journeying through the park the driver will point out all the points of interest; Bison Paddock, Japanese Tea Gardens, California Academy of Science, Conservatory of Flowers.

Stop 9 Pass by

Travelers will see where the Hippie movement began during the Summer of Love. Unusual stores, unique dining and live entertainment.

Stop 10

Two identical peaks give this attraction its name. One of the highest peaks in the city, you will have breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire city

Stop 11 Pass by

Descending down towards Market Street, we enter the Castro District.
All are welcome and safe in this LGBT community!

Stop 12 Pass by

This major thoroughfare in San Francisco. We drive east from the Castro towards the Ferry Building and the downtown Financial District.

Among the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline (Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower), there is a wealth of tech business and Fortune 500 companies.

Stop 14 Pass by

Passing under the "Dragon Gates" of Chinatown, traveler's enter a bustling district of commerce bursting with color.

Stop 15 Pass by

Don't blink your eyes, the transition from Chinatown to North Beach is seamless. This quick transition brings us the sights and aromas of San Francisco's "Little Italy".

Stop 16

First drop-off location
On the northern waterfront, is the cities most visited and busiest tourist areas. Souvenir shops, stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, appear at every turn.

Stop 17

Union Square:
Final drop-off location

What's not included

Food and drinks.

not included

Hotel Pick-up & drop-off Not included

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

484 reviews

5★

250

4★

128

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

110 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your paper or electronic voucher with you on the day of your tour to be redeemed upon pickup or check in at one of our tour offices.

If you choose the option that includes the Aquarium of the Bay Admission, please visit their site for Aquarium of the Bay hours.

If you choose the option that includes the Bay Cruise Adventure, please visit the Blue & Gold site for the seasonal schedule.

If you choose the option that includes the 4h Bike Rental: Bike reservation is not mandatory but we always recommend a reservation in order to hold you bikes and streamline the pick up process. Contact for booking confirmation at specific time.

Stops with Photo opportunities at: Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Twin Peaks, Land’s End Ocean Beach (Sutro Baths) & Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission district)

Information if you choose tour with 4h Bike rental: For all riders’ safety, Unlimited Biking do not recomend any riders who are 300 pounds and over as this exceeds the weight limit the manufacturer has advised for the bike’s build. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we do prioritize your safety during the ride.

Meeting point

Gray Line Fisherman’s Wharf Departure Location
2805 Leavenworth St.
Arrive by 8:45 AM to check-in
Bus Departs at 9:00 AM
Although there is no physical location, you'll easily spot Pomegranate Café directly across the street. Simply wait there, and our representative will meet you.

Important notes

We offer 2 departure locations to choose from for your pick-up. Please arrive at the one closest to your hotel/stay:

478 Post Street S.F. (Union Square Area - Downtown San Francisco)
Although there is no physical location, you'll find Encore Café situated right next door. For boarding the bus, simply head across the street to meet our representative and board the bus.
Arrive by 8:25 AM to check-in
Bus Departs at 8:40 AM

2805 Leavenworth St (Fisherman's Wharf Area)
Although there is no physical location, you'll easily spot Pomegranate Café directly across the street. Simply wait there, and our representative will meet you.
Arrive by 8:45 AM to check-in
Bus Departs at 9:00 AM

• If you purchased the City Tour option that includes the Aquarium of the Bay Admission, Please note that you will be given a voucher once you join the City Tour in the morning. Aquarium vouchers are flexible tickets and can be used at any time. Check their website times to plan your trip accordingly.

• If you purchased the City Tour option with the Bay Cruise Adventure, please note that you will be given a voucher once you join the tour. Bay Cruise vouchers are flexible tickets and can be used on the same day of your bus tour or any other day you wish. Please check the BLUE & GOLD FLEET website times to plan your trip accordingly. www.blueandgoldfleet.com/sf-bay-cruise

• If you purchased the City Tour option with the 4h bike rental, please note that you will need to redeem your voucher for bike rental at our partner office - UNLIMITED BIKING - located at 757 Beach Street, San Francisco, CA 94109. Bike reservation is not mandatory, but we always recommend a reservation to hold your bikes and streamline the pick-up process. Contact bookings@unlimitedbiking.com for booking confirmation at a specific time or call them at 415-854-222.

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