San Francisco Small Group Customizable 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
I craft one four-hour adventure each morning just for the small group and unique goings on in the City that day. The itinerary is open - we will always stop at San Francisco’s classic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks and typically roll through neighborhoods like North Beach, Pacific Heights, Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and the Embarcadero.
We will also leave big buses behind and may explore street-art alleys in the Mission, mosaic stairways in the Sunset, the laid-back vibe of the Presidio, our Beaux-Arts City Hall, famous “Painted Ladies” at Alamo Square, or go down the real crookedest street in San Francisco (not Lombard). It all depends on what's best just that day.
It's a long morning, so mid way through we will stop at a local market where the group can get a quick lunch and do some local people watching.
We will finish in the Fisherman's Wharf area in the early afternoon. If your afternoon plans take you elsewhere, we can find a mutually convenient end point.
Available options
9:30am Departure
Tour departs at 9:30am<br/>Pickup included
San Francisco City Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Sightseeing tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
We will drive through the City's historic "Little Italy", where Joe Dimaggio and Marilyn Monroe took their wedding pictures and sidewalk cafes are perfect for people watching.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Drive through the oldest Chinese immigrant community and in the United States and enjoy the bustling street life and unique architecture.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
We will check out the palatial mansions and bay views of the the City's ritziest neighborhood, including a drive down Billionaire's Row.
4
Stop 4
Enjoy the Romanesque architecture of this monument from the 1915 Pan-American International Exposition around a serene pond.
5
Stop 5
We will stop at one of the many excellent lookouts around the Golden Gate Bridge, usually the civil war-era citadel at Fort Point. We may also cross the bridge if the weather is worthwhile.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
We will cruise through one of the largest city parks in the country and take in the Music Concourse, Conservatory of Flowers, and more.
7
Stop 7
Cruise through the historic home of the City's countercuture, where moderns street musicians, skaters and artists tread in the footsteps of the hippies that made the neighborhood famous in the 60s. If you're interested, we will make a quick photo stop at the Haight-Ashbury intersection.
8
Stop 8
We will enjoy the view from the highest auto-accessible point in town, located at the geographical heart of the City. Vista includes the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, the downtown skyline, the Pacific Ocean, Mount Diablo, Sutro Tower and much more.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Drive down through the historic center of San Francisco's LGBT community and see the fabulous Castro Theater.
10
We will make a brief stop where the group can buy and eat lunch. Gus's is a local, family-owned market in the sunny Mission District. They offer a sandwich counter, salad bar, hot food bar, soup, sushi, coffee and tea, beer and wine, and indoor and outdoor seating. The price of lunch is not included in the tour price, but the market has lots of options at all price levels.
11
Vermont Street on Potrero Hill may have only seven curves, but they are packed into a shorter block than the more famous Lombard Street. This makes Vermont substantially more "crooked"
12
Stop 12
Pass by
Cruise up San Francisco's waterfront by Chase Centre, the home of the Golden State Warriors, Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building.
13
Stop 13
Drive through the City's most colorful neighborhood past sunny Dolores park, the historic Mission Dolores, and more. If you're interested, we will stop by Clarion Alley or Balmy Alley to check out some of the neighborhood's famous street art.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
10 reviews
5★
7
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
32 reviews
5★
32
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
