Top San Francisco Surfing Lessons

Learn the basics of surfing with a beginner lesson that takes place at picturesque Stinson Beach. Your instructor provides a 2-hour lesson that covers fundamentals such as water safety, wave dynamics, paddling skills, surfboard positioning, stand-up and riding techniques, and surfing etiquette. Stinson Beach is located within a 1-hour drive of San Francisco and other Bay Area cities, making it convenient for both locals and visitors.

Catch some waves in the Pacific Ocean at Stinson Beach with this private surfing lesson. You'll get one-on-one attention from your professional instructor, which ensures the best possible chances of surfing success. Learn about surfing theory and do some practice on land before taking to the waves to paddle, stand up, and catch a wave.

Learn to surf with a big wave surfer, former lifeguard, and Ocean Beach specialist in a structured, beginner-focused lesson designed to get you standing up fast. This experience is built specifically for first-time surfers, using safe, controlled white-water waves and step-by-step coaching both on the beach and in the water. You’ll receive hands-on guidance throughout the lesson, with a strong focus on safety, confidence, and real results. All equipment is included, so you can focus on learning and having fun. Most students stand up during their first session, making this one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences in San Francisco.

Ever wanted to fly across the water? Now's the time. Come and explore the thrill of wing surfing/foiling in the San Francisco Bay. Learn from an IWO expert instructor with personalized attention and learning specific gear. This exploratory class is developed specifically for folks wanting get a taste for what wing foiling/surfing is all about. Some times we teach in areas were access requires climbing over rocks and participants should be prepared for some rigorous physical activity as well as good swimmers.

Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24 or 48 hours. Visit big-name attractions such as Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square. Explore at your own pace, hopping off at any of 17 stops. Add-on options include Aquarium by the Bay admission, a digital Chinatown walking tour, a panoramic sunset tour, and a half-day wine tour

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

With its iconic hills, architecture, bridge and bay, it’s no wonder so many movies have been filmed in San Francisco. See filming locations from numerous productions on this movie sites tour from Fisherman’s Wharf. Watch clips on the tour bus as you pass by the real locations with an informative actor-turned-guide who shares stories about the city and cinema history.

Explore the Northern California redwoods on this half-day tour of Muir Woods. Departing from Fisherman’s Wharf, your guide drives you over the Golden Gate Bridge in a comfortable luxury mini-bus to Muir Woods National Monument. Crane your neck to admire these trees standing 260 feet (80 meters) tall. Enjoy free time to hike among the coastal redwoods. Upgrade to take the ferry from Sausalito, or add a Big Bus combo for a 24-hour hop-on hop-off city tour with a digital Chinatown walking tour.

Visit Northern California wine country and Muir Woods for a truly fabulous day out. This popular tour takes you to Muir Woods National Monument, then to multiple wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with tastings included. Opt to include a gourmet lunch in historic Sonoma (choose option at checkout) and cross the Golden Gate Bridge on the return to San Francisco, with a stop for a photo opportunity.

Go whale watching in San Francisco on this 2.5-hour cruise that departs from Pier 39. On an eco-friendly catamaran, glide through San Francisco Bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge to reach the open Pacific, where you’ll keep your eyes peeled for humpback and gray whales, as well as marine life like dolphins and seals. Learn about the history and geology of the area from an onboard naturalist, and admire the rugged California coast.