Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 17 Stops and Sunset Option
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning from the Golden Gate Bridge for panoramic views of the Bay, to Fisherman’s Wharf to enjoy fresh clam chowder and watch sea lions at Pier 39.
Explore Chinatown’s bustling streets, admire the Painted Ladies’ Victorian charm, and experience the counterculture history of Haight-Ashbury. Stop at Union Square for shopping or unwind in the green spaces of Golden Gate Park.
With one full route covering all major attractions, you won’t need to change buses or worry about directions. Hop on and off at your own pace, while onboard commentary provides stories and tips to bring the city to life.
Highlights:
Unlimited hop-on hop-off access at 17 stops across San Francisco
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on an open-top bus for unbeatable views
Learn about the city with engaging onboard commentary
Flexible tickets that let you explore at your own pace
Available options
24hr, Chinatown, & Sunset Tour
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 17 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.<br/>Duration: 1 day<br/>Panoramic Sunset Tour: 1-hour Sunset Tour of SF in the golden light<br/>Digital Chinatown Walking Tour: 1-Hour walking tour of historic Chinatown
24-hour & Half-Day Wine Tour
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Explore SF with 17 convenient stops<br/>Half-Day Wine Tour: Visit 2 wineries plus Sausalito. Departs at 12:30PM.
48hr, Aquarium, & Sunset Tour
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 16 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
<br/>Aquarium by the Bay: Get up close and personal with marine animals<br/>1-Hour Panoramic Sunset Tour<br/>Duration: 2 days<br/>Digital Chinatown Walking Tour: 1-hour guided tour of historic Chinatown
24-Hour Ticket Only
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 16 convenient stops around San Francisco and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.<br/>Duration: 1 day: Unlimited use valid for 24 hours from first scan<br/>Digital Audio Commentary
What's included
Open-top double decker bus
No additional fees
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, 24 or 48-hour ticket
Aquarium of the Bay admission (if option selected)
Downloadable app with route information and live bus tracking
1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour (if option selected)
1-hour Digital Chinatown Walking Tour (if option selected)
Digital audio commentary with souvenir earbuds provided
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
KO
PT
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.1
1,459 reviews
5★
798
4★
332
3★
159
2★
85
1★
85
Tripadvisor
4.1
3,047 reviews
5★
1811
4★
520
3★
253
2★
175
1★
288
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
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
Aquarium by the Bay is located on the San Francisco waterfront on PIER 39
Half-Day Wine Tour visits 2 wineries and the town of Sausalito; transportation by comfortable, a/c motorcoach
Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid for use during operating hours for 24 or 48 hours after first use.
Wheelchair accessible, please call ahead for arrangements
Two ways to activate tickets: 1. Download and open the Big Bus app. Tap "Add Booking" and enter your booking reference. On the day of travel, open your ticket and press "Activate" then show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop along the route. Plus, use the app for route information and live bus tracking. 2. Redeem voucher and activate with Big Bus staff at Stop #1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors Center at 99 Jefferson St (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets, or with any driver at any stop along the route.
Important notes
Two ways to activate tickets:
1. Download and open the Big Bus app. Tap "Add Booking" and enter your booking reference. On the day of travel, open your ticket and press "Activate" then show your activated ticket to the driver at any stop along the route. Plus, use the app for route information and live bus tracking.
2. Redeem voucher and activate with Big Bus staff at Stop #1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors Center at 99 Jefferson St (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets), or with any driver at any stop along the route.
Sunset Tour:
Tour departs at Stop 1 - Big Bus Tours Visitors Center (99 Jefferson St). No tours on July 4th, Thanksgiving, Dec 24th and Dec 31st.
For wheelchair accessibility needs, contact the Visitor Center 24 hours in advance for schedule, +1 855 854 8687
Download the Big Bus app for city information and live bus tracking.
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
