Top San Francisco Historical Tours - page 2

Unlock the best of San Francisco, without breaking the bank, with this convenient package. Bundle your Alcatraz excursion with a bike rental to cruise the atmospheric streets and landmarks, a guided bus tour across the legendary Golden Gate Bridge, or a relaxing Bay cruise to see the sights from the water. Then, take the ferry to Alcatraz with your prepaid ticket—a great way to avoid waiting in sold-out lines—and tour "the Rock" at your own pace with your included audio tour.

This convenient package gives you access to two separate essential San Francisco experiences—a visit to Alcatraz Island, and a sightseeing cruise. Instead of waiting in long ticket lines, this time-saving option helps you explore San Francisco more efficiently. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island where you can go inside the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and enjoy an audio guide. A San Francisco Bay cruise is also included with views of Pier 39's sea lions, the waterfront area, and the city's skyline. Please note, children 4 years old and younger do not need purchased tickets.

Getting from San Francisco to Muir Woods can be a real challenge without a car. Instead, enjoy a hassle-free way to travel with this round-trip shuttle service. Following morning or afternoon pickup at Fisherman’s Wharf, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to the woods, all while your driver shares insider facts and tips. Upon arrival (admission tickets own expense), enjoy free time to explore independently before returning to the city.

This small-group tour takes you from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito—two of Marin's top attractions—in a single day. Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in a tour van leaves you free to take in the epic views instead of focusing on the driving. You'll have free time to explore both sites, making this organized option a great choice for independent travelers.

Visit two of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most popular destinations without the hassle of driving, parking, or securing reservations on your own. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, then spend time in Sausalito, known for its waterfront views, art galleries, and laid-back charm. Return to San Francisco by coach or choose the flexibility of a ferry ride across the bay.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to a canyon filled with ancient coastal redwood trees, also known as Muir Woods National Monument. Stroll through Mother Nature's redwood alleys with majestic 1,000-year-old trees towering 260 feet tall. Take a scenic drive through the seaside town of Sausalito, famous for its sweeping views, timeless sophistication, local boutiques, and cafes. Then hop aboard a 30-minute ferry ride across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island, a former prison now operated by the National Park Service. Known as “The Rock,” the prison was famous for housing inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud. Listen to a 45-minute cell house audio tour available in 11 languages. Hear stories from inmates themselves, as well as other former residents of the island. Step inside a prison cell and get a feel for what life was like during that infamous era. Return to San Francisco at your own pace; ferry boats return every 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy an overview of San Francisco’s highlights, even if you only have a few hours, on this small-group, half-day, panoramic driving tour in an electric van. Stop at landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alamo Square, admire the views from Twin Peak, drive by notable neighborhoods such as Chinatown, North Beach, and the Mission, while learning more from your guide’s stories and commentary.

Enjoy a scenic drive from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge before you explore the natural beauty at Muir Woods National Monument. The picturesque views don’t stop there, as your tour will continue on to Sausalito's waterfront. Explore the charming city with some leisure time as you see stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and downtown San Francisco.

Experience the vibrant culture of San Francisco's Chinatown on an immersive walking tour. With a knowledgeable guide, navigate through bustling streets adorned with colorful Chinese decorations and soak in the lively atmosphere. Discover hidden gems alongside popular spots, gaining insights into the neighborhood's rich history and evolving present. Visit an herbal pharmacy, where you'll learn about traditional Chinese medicine and its enduring significance. Wander through bustling food markets, exploring exotic produce and specialty goods unique to the area. The tour culminates with a visit to a local fortune cookie factory, where you can sample freshly made cookies and witness their crafting process. Throughout the journey, your guide's stories and insights paint a vivid picture of Chinatown's cultural heritage, creating a memorable and enlightening experience.

Get a great overview of San Francisco in just a few hours and learn about the city and its history in this sightseeing tour. Visit famous areas like Fisherman's Wharf, Haight-Ashbury, and Chinatown. After the tour, you’ll head to Pier 33 to visit Alcatraz, combining one of the city’s top attractions with your tour and making the most of your time.

Skip the guide books and research and enjoy an in-depth exploration San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, and the “Summer of Love,” on this small-group guided walking tour. Follow your guide around the colorful area, with stops at the former homes of key musicians, and hear fascinating tales from the area’s bohemian past along the way.

On this San Francisco bike tour, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and soak up stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. The guided tour takes you to the artsy town of Sausalito, where you have free time to explore. Return to the city at your leisure (either bike back or purchase a ferry ticket). This tour includes the use of a classic bike or electric bike for the full day.

Enjoy two quintessential experiences when you visit Alcatraz Island and cruise the San Francisco Bay—and make exploring simple—with this convenient tour package. First, depart from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island; after a ranger talk, you can explore at your own pace with an audio guide. Upon returning to the mainland, hop aboard your next cruise from Pier 39 and look forward to getting up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge.

See the best of San Francisco in just one morning on this time-saving, small-group tour with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Travel by minibus to North Beach, the Palace of Fine Arts, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury, and many other sights and neighborhoods as you explore the city and learn about its history. Your comprehensive tour also includes top attractions such as Lombard Street, the Painted Ladies, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Enjoy an immersive walk through some of San Francisco’s most popular downtown neighborhoods—and get a local perspective on the city that you’d otherwise miss—on this guided walking tour. In just half a day, discover highlight areas from Chinatown and ritzy Nob Hill to historical Jackson Square, North Beach (San Francisco’s Little Italy), and more. As you go, learn insider facts and stories from your guide.

Visit several of the most popular attractions around San Francisco in one convenient tour. Enjoy a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and see the natural wonders at Muir Woods as you admire coastal redwoods, some of the world’s tallest trees. Take in waterfront views at Sausalito, then cap your tour with a visit to Alcatraz by ferry, where an audio guide is available in 12 languages.

Cycle along San Francisco’s waterfront—and enjoy some of the city's most scenic views—on this guided bike tour. Pass Fisherman’s Wharf and the historic Presidio, cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and admire Alcatraz Island and the Pacific Ocean. After arriving in charming Sausalito, take your time exploring before catching the ferry (additional expense) back to San Francisco. With a one-day bike rental, you can continue your adventure at your own pace.

Join a boutique, small-group tour led by an experienced San Francisco local to explore top highlights around the city. Enjoy luxury transportation in a black Mercedes Sprinter van. You'll cross the iconic Golden Gate Bride and stop for a photo. Next, wander among ancient Redwood trees in Muir Woods for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then, visit the charming town of Sausalito, with 1 hour to explore its shops, cafes, and galleries. Next, join an exclusive nighttime tour of Alcatraz, starting with a narrated ferry ride on a unique "around the island" route. Experience Alcatraz's evening ambiance, admire the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, see cell door demonstrations, and hear captivating inmate stories. Use the multilingual audio guide to explore Alcatraz's history and escape attempts. Participate in activities led by expert historians, featuring unique exhibits. This tour offers a distinctive experience for a limited number of visitors each evening. Not available Sundays and Mondays.

Filoli is an unforgettable estate experience just outside San Francisco. Wander through 16 acres of vibrant formal gardens, explore a grand 54,000-sqft Georgian mansion, and discover miles of scenic nature trails where Dambo's giant Troll, Rose Wonders will be nestled in Filoli's Natural Lands. Originally built in 1917, Filoli offers a rare blend of cultivated beauty and wild landscape, now amplified by this incredible outdoor exhibition. It’s a perfect day out for all ages—where families can reconnect, kids can explore, and friends can roam. Enjoy a Garden Pop™ or sip a curated cocktail from one of Filoli’s seasonal pop-up bars. This historical California landscape bridges art, nature, and sustainability.

Visit Yosemite National Park without the hassle of planning a long day of driving or coordinating park logistics from San Francisco. Traveling in a small group, you'll journey through California’s Central Valley before exploring Yosemite Valley’s most famous sights, including Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. A stop among giant sequoias adds another iconic California landscape to the experience.

San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. Take the guesswork out and explore the ins and outs of this lively multicultural neighborhood with a guide who knows the way. Venture beyond the tourist shops to learn the history of landmarks such as Portsmouth Square and the Dragon's Gate, stopping along the way to sample authentic dim sum and tour a fortune cookie factory.

Uncover San Francisco’s haunted history on this thrilling ghost-hunting tour, complete with your own EMF detector. Explore eerie alleys, historic neighborhoods, and infamous sites like Gold Rush cemeteries and Chinatown’s old red-light district, while hearing chilling tales of paranormal activity, murders, and mysterious deaths. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this tour blends ghost stories with true crime and the city’s darker past.

Avoid the hassle of following maps and explore San Francisco in a much more fun way—by joining a small-group tour. The itinerary helps you learn about the history of the city with stops at interesting locations—such as Nob Hill, San Francisco City Hall, and The Castro, and Lombard Street. To help you save time and zip around the city with ease, the route includes travel by cable car, Metro, and historic streetcar.

Ride a GoCar all over San Francisco as it navigates for you and provides a guided tour. Take as long as you like to explore the city with a storytelling car as your guide. Learn all about the city as you visit spots such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Warf, Golden Gate Park, and much more.