Top San Francisco Pop Culture

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.

Go beyond the movies and gain a deeper understanding of the man behind some of the world’s most beloved animated characters at The Walt Disney Family Museum. Located in San Francisco’s historic Presidio, the museum brings Walt Disney’s life and creative legacy into focus through early cartoons, films, personal stories, and recordings in his own voice. Before you leave, take in sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the museum’s glass-walled galleries.

Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

Experience Alcatraz from the water while uncovering the stories that made “The Rock” one of America’s most infamous prisons. Rather than simply viewing the island from afar, hear firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates through a smartphone audio guide as you cruise around Alcatraz. Along the way, enjoy views of San Francisco Bay landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, with skip-the-line boarding for a seamless experience.

Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24, 48, or 72 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 the stops along two routes. Upgrade to the 48-hour tour for a digital Chinatown walking tour and a panoramic sunset tour, or the 72-hour tour, which also includes a bay cruise.

Combine a haunted ghost tour with a pub crawl with this unique Spirits of Barbary Coast haunted pub crawl in San Francisco. Follow your guide around to some of the city’s most infamous paranormal spots, with stops in between to grab drinks (own expense), while hearing about documented accounts and stories of hauntings.

To make your stay complete in San Francisco, this package includes two essential activities in a single pack. A visit of the most famous prison in the world, discovering its history and walking into the footsteps of Al Capone. Don’t miss the 45-minute audio tour that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the federal penitentiary which brought together the most dangerous criminals of the time. You can then enjoy a one-hour boat cruise in San Francisco Bay which will offer you an exceptional view of the city and its hills, but also other sightseeings such as going underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Please note, free for children 4 years old and younger and don't need to have a ticket.

Join your expert, local guide at Chinatown's Dragon Gate to explore two of San Francisco’s oldest and most culture-rich neighborhoods – Chinatown and North Beach (Little Italy). Hear unique stories that feature the rise of North America's oldest Chinatown in the Gold Rush, the ingenuity of Chinatown’s madams and struggles of its gang history, the Beatniks' free-lovism that challenged 1950s American ideals, and the controversial club where Carol Doda inspired the adult entertainment world on this casual walk around the neighborhood. See some of the famous local watering holes, art spaces, and places of great rebellion that still stand today. Only the adventurous – those who wanted to forge their own path and weren’t burdened by cultural norms – went west. This anything-goes spirit is the thing that shaped San Francisco, and we'll immerse ourselves in it on this ~1.5 mile mostly flat walk. This tour is ideal for those wanting more than typical tourist sights and has adult themes.

Uncover a fascinating side to San Francisco that many miss out on with a walking tour of the city that covers both true crime and the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. Discover what made the area so dangerous in the 1960s and 70s, and hear tales of former residents, including Charles Manson, Jim Jones, and Janis Joplin. Designed by a sixth-generation San Franciscan, the tour is full of anecdotes you won't hear elsewhere, plus, insider knowledge you'd otherwise miss.

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.

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.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Get to know San Francisco’s dark and seedy history on this small group tour of crime and scandal. In the company of a guide, stroll through the city’s neighborhoods and hear stories about scandals of the past. Visit China Town, Maiden Lane, and more and stop in the oldest bar in San Francisco.

Go beyond the guidebooks and uncover a side of San Francisco that many visitors miss on this ghost-themed walking tour of Pacific Heights. Rather than simply admiring the neighborhood’s grand Victorian homes, hear stories of alleged hauntings, unsolved crimes, and local legends that add a new perspective to its historic streets. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and insights from a guide who brings the area’s mysterious past to life.

San Francisco's rollicking, rags-to-riches history has left plenty of haunted happenings in its wake, so explore the city's more sinister side on a walking ghost tour. Visit some of San Francisco's most historic and allegedly haunted locations on and around Nob Hill, once the epicenter of San Francisco high society. Learn trivia and hidden history that you won't find in any guidebook on this ghoulishly fun, after-dark adventure.

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.

Discover San Francisco from a whole new perspective with a scenic bay cruise — the perfect way to explore the city’s iconic sights while enjoying fresh air and panoramic views. As the boat glides across the water, passengers are treated to unforgettable moments, from sailing beneath the towering Golden Gate Bridge to circling the historic Alcatraz Island, once home to some of America’s most notorious inmates. Along the way, take in lively waterfront scenes like the bustling Pier 39, where sea lions lounge in the sun and the city buzzes with energy. The cruise offers sweeping views of the bay itself, with sailboats, bridges, and the San Francisco skyline stretching out in every direction. Whether by day or at sunset, this relaxing ride delivers stunning photo ops, fascinating history, and a unique look at one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Ideal for travelers of all ages, this bay cruise is a can’t-miss highlight of any San Francisco visit.

Venture into the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach—lovingly dubbed ‘Little Italy.’ On this food and ghost tour, you’ll weave through a rich culinary landscape while delving into the spine-tingling tales that haunt this iconic district. HIGHLIGHTS: + Full meal included + Unearth the chilling tales of the Gold Rush Era + See the cinematic history of the oldest restaurant in SF + Dive into the captivating history of pizza + Taste famed focaccia bread sandwiches at a bohemian gem + Hear stories of the Beatnik poets + Take a quick sojourn into Haunted Chinatown + Feel history come alive outside North Beach’s oldest bar + See where The Godfather was written + End on a sweet note with a renowned Italian dessert We’ll walk through the neighborhood's hidden corners and explore North Beach's sinister past, local gems, and time-honored establishments. Please note that this tour used to be all pizza, so some reviews might mention that, but we have diversified the menu since then.

See all of San Francisco's top sights and attractions in one hassle-free way with this combination sightseeing package. With a 72-hour hop-on hop-off bus pass, you have the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace, including highlights such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. This package also includes ferry and admission tickets to Alcatraz Island, 60-minute San Francisco Bay cruise and a panoramic sunset tour.

If you want to hear all about the ghosts that haunt San Francisco, then join this small group tour and try not to get too scared. Your guide will tell you tales about the Goldrush era and more while you walk by historic places like Jackson Square, The Old Ship Saloon, and more. This isn’t just your average pub tour-this one is haunted.

Savor the best of Napa and Sonoma wine country with ease on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy scenic photo stops, and visit renowned wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Taste award-winning wines, explore charming Sonoma Plaza, and discover gems that can include Artesa Winery and Madonna Estate. Enjoy guided commentary, round-trip transport, and tastings, making this tour a relaxing and memorable one.

One of San Francisco’s most storied neighborhoods, the Mission District is home to off-beat sights not always apparent to independent travelers. With this small-group walking tour, visit the district’s top sights and hidden gems, including the oldest church in San Francisco, the famous “golden” fire hydrant, Victorian homes, and the Balmy Alley murals. Don’t fret about finding a meal—stop at bakeries, taquerias, and cafes, and enjoy lunch at an Oaxacan restaurant (included).

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.