Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

San Francisco , United States

Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

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(797 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Avoid the crowds, confusion, and limitations of large buses and discover San Francisco by a luxury van. Trade the large tour bus for a guided luxury van and see more of San Francisco! Your guide takes you through more neighborhoods & photo stops, complete with views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks and several other famous landmarks.

Small Group Experience (no waiting on big groups)

Available options

Morning Tour

Afternoon Tour

What's included

Private transportation

Local guide

Bottled water

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Driver/guide

Snacks

Live commentary on board

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pick up & Drop off

Stop 2 Pass by

Pass through to Coit Tower

Stop 3 Pass by

Learn about Little Italy

Stop 4 Pass by

Drive through the second oldest neighborhood in SF

Stop 5 Pass by

Heart of Little Italy

Famous bookstore

Stop 7

Great picture stop with amazing backdrop

Stop 8 Pass by

Learn about the summer of love and all of the artists that lived in this famous neighborhood

Stop 9

Most people know them as the Full House houses! This is one of the only tours that can take you there!

Stop 10 Pass by

The famous crooked street

Stop 11 Pass by

Beautiful neighborhood

Stop 12 Pass by

Next to Pier 39

Stop 13 Pass by

The San Francisco Chinatown is the largest, and certainly the oldest, Chinese enclave in America

Stop 14

Great picture stop

Stop 15

Great picture stop

Stop 16 Pass by

Old army fort

Learn about the summer of love

Stop 18 Pass by

Stop 19

Great picture stop

Stop 20 Pass by

Famous pyramid shaped building

Stop 21 Pass by

Old army runway now beautiful field and beaches

Stop 22

Home of the painted ladies

Stop 23 Pass by

in Lincoln park

Stop 24 Pass by

Learn about Harvey Milk and The Castro

Stop 25 Pass by

Through the heart of Little Italy

Stop 26 Pass by

Haight & Ashbury

Stop 27 Pass by

Little Boutique shops and park

Stop 28 Pass by

Known for its sing along shows

Nice view at twin peaks

Stop 30 Pass by

We take you through the park and learn about this amazing park

Stop 31 Pass by

Views from sutro baths

Stop 32

Nice picture stop

Learn about this beautiful building

Windmills!

Hidden gem

Entrance to china town

What's not included

Gratuities

You must provide your own child seat and reserve a spot for the child

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

398 reviews

5★

383

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

399 reviews

5★

392

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour time. The tour departs promptly at the scheduled time. If you arrive early, you’ll find restrooms and a coffee shop on-site. Just outside the entrance, there are fire pits where you can relax while you wait.

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