San Francisco Half-Day Tour by Cable Car & Foot

San Francisco , United States

San Francisco Half-Day Tour by Cable Car & Foot

Active

(13 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

Spend a morning getting to know the real SF. We meet you near the Embarcadero, in downtown, before taking the cable car to Nob Hill, with its Gold Rush era mansions.

From there we take another cable car to San Francisco City Hall (or, on the weekend, the Cable Car Museum). After going inside this magnificent building, we take the historic streetcar to Castro, which is famous for its place in LGBTQ+ history. From there it's only a short walk to Mission Dolores Park, one of the nicest open spaces in San Francisco.

The Mission is really the birthplace of SF - and you'll learn about it all, as well as experiencing a lovely corner of the city. Next we take the bus to Haight-Ashbury, a name that's forever associated with the hippie generation and the Summer of Love.

We'll give you a tour of the neighborhood, with its beautiful murals, before your tour ends at the perfect time, and in the perfect place, for lunch.

Available options

San Francisco Half-Day Tour by Cable Car & Foot

What's included

All Metro travel is included (USD20 value).

We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.

Tour Guide

2 cable car rides and 1 journey on the historic streetcar included (if possible).

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your guide will help you orient yourselves, by telling you the history and background of the Ferry Building and downtown San Francisco.

Stop 2

Take the cable car up steep Nob Hill to see the grand mansions of the San Francisco's first millionaires.

Stop 3

Learn the history of the San Francisco's cable cars and see how they operate (note we usually only visit on weekends).

Go inside our beautiful City Hall and learn about the important events which took place there (weekdays).

Stop 5

See this picturesque new area, near the San Francisco Civic Center, with it's collection of great street art and small coffee shops.

Stop 6

Experience this historic neighborhood, hugely important in the LGBTQ movement, of which San Francisco is a world-wide symbol.

Stop 7

One of the loveliest parks in SF and possessing great views of downtown.

Stop 8

This is where the hippie, anti-Vietnam War, movement really started in the 1960's. The neighborhood still maintains much of that same aesthetic (as well as being a great place to have lunch).

What's not included

Gratuities not included, because voluntary. If you enjoy tour please allow 15-20%.

Lunch/Snacks are not included.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you will miss the tour.

This tour is not recommended for children under 12 y.o.

By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.

Please note cable car and streetcar operations can be affected by events and technical issues beyond our control

Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.

This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace, climbing several hills and sets of steps. It’s not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Meeting point

The guide will be checking in guests at the cable car station on the corner of Market and Drumm Street (by the Robert Frost marker), from 15 minutes before the tour is due to begin.

Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.

Important notes

Thanks for making a booking with REAL SAN FRANCISCO TOURS.

This ticket has ALL the information that you'll need - PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!

PREPARATION

Allow PLENTY of time to get to the meeting point. Remember that YOU'RE responsible for getting to the meeting point on time - not us. We do NOT have a phone/email help center. There's no point. You have ALL the information you need right here.

Be sure to wear layered clothing, we can get 4 seasons in a day in SF..

TRANSPORT / PARKING

There is parking in the area, but it can be hard-to-find and expensive, so please consider taking public transport, it will probably be faster than driving. The tour starts right next to Embarcadero Station.

WHERE TO MEET

The guide will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour the CALIFORNIA LINE CABLE CAR STATION on Market Street (by the Robert Frost plaque).. Please bring either a paper or electronic copy of this ticket for the guide.

We normally take the first cable car after 10 am, to start the tour. We have an average of 10 guests per guide, so it's very likely there will be other people on this tour. We CANNOT hold for latecomers - it's not fair or professional. There are NO refunds if you miss the tour.

TIPS / GRATUITIES

It's customary, if guests enjoy the tour, to tip the guide (this is a service industry). Obviously it’s up to you, but please bear in mind that our guides work very hard to make your experience enjoyable and a gratuity is a sign of appreciation. Guides are able to accept cashless tips via an app.

FINALLY!

Thank you again and see you on the tour.

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