Top San Francisco Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Save time and money with the San Francisco CityPASS®, which gives you admission to your choice of four top attractions: the California Academy of Sciences and Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise, de Young Museum + Legion of honor, Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — SFMOMA, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, or The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the skyline as it begins to light up for the night, and enjoy a perspective on the skyline that few other visitors get to see. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. As you go, you can also enjoy one complimentary beverage to accompany your sightseeing, or purchase additional drinks from the onboard bar.

Experience some of the Bay Area’s top attractions all in one day on this combo Alcatraz and Muir Woods tour with a stop in Sausalito. At Muir Woods National Monument, stare in wonder at the coastal redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth. Soak up the charm of seaside Sausalito, and experience Alcatraz with a ferry ride to the former island prison and a cell house audio tour.

See San Francisco with your own personal guide and customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. Explore one of California’s most exciting cities, known for its gorgeous location, Victorian architecture and diverse neighborhoods. Take a drive through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach and the cliffs at Lands End; stroll around Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39; check out the shops at Union Square or Embarcadero; and myriad other possibilities.

Without renting a car, it’s nearly impossible to drive the California coast from San Francisco to Big Sur in one day. This private tour provides a great solution—not only do you travel in the comfort of a private vehicle, but you also have the flexibility to visit each stop at your own pace. Create your own itinerary, or follow the recommendations of a guide as you explore Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, and more.

Visit some of the top wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties on this private wine tour from San Francisco. Traveling by private vehicle with your own chauffeur, you'll discover the best of California wine country as you enjoy wine tastings at select wineries. When booking, select the option that suits your group size. Because this is a private tour, your itinerary can be customized.

This is a great pick for first-time visitors to San Francisco or travelers with limited time. Ride a double-decker bus with Wi-Fi and hop off at any of 20 stops including Union Square, North Beach, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, the Civic Center, and Golden Gate Park. Buses operate daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last departure at 4:00 PM.

Enjoy the wind on your face as you're whisked through San Francisco on this motorcycle tour with a twist: you get to ride in the sidecar. From Chinatown to the Golden Gate Bridge, your guide drives you through the city and helps to showcase its charm. Highlights include passing the famed Painted Ladies, cruising through the countercultural hub of Haight-Ashbury, and admiring the greenery in Golden Gate Park—all with your personal guide.

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.

Experience Yosemite National Park without the challenge of a long drive from San Francisco or the hassle of planning a day’s sightseeing on your own. Travel by coach to some of the park’s most iconic viewpoints, including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Valley, with time to explore independently. It’s an easy way to combine guided sightseeing with the freedom to experience Yosemite at your own pace.

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.

Guarantee your visit to Alcatraz when you book in advance. Relax aboard your ferry transportation and return at a time of your choosing. Afterward, use your food voucher at a preselected restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf.

Save time and money and explore both San Francisco and Alcatraz on this 2-in-1 tour. Enjoy a coach tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Learn about the City by the Bay through visits to top attractions such as Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine Arts. Then, hop aboard a ferry for a scenic ride to Alcatraz and explore with the award-winning audio walking tour.

Active travelers who want to explore Yosemite National Park without the risk of getting lost or missing the best bits will enjoy this small-group guided tour. After reaching the park in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle you'll be taken on a guided tour of Yosemite Valley and the giant sequoia trees of Tuolumne Grove. Then, hike to the lesser-visited Sequoia Grove for great views with your exercise, followed by free time.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium (own expense). Then enjoy free time to explore Carmel-by-the-Sea before returning to San Francisco.

For wine enthusiasts, Sonoma and Napa Valleys are the pinnacle of the North American wine experience. However, for the uninitiated, choosing where and when to go can be a little daunting. This tour shuttles you in style from San Francisco to three top-rated wineries, where you can enjoy tours and tasting. Upgrade to include a hop-on hop-off bus tour of San Francisco as well.

Get two classic San Francisco experiences—a bike ride starting at Fisherman’s Wharf and a visit to the notorious prison island of Alcatraz—in one combined tour package. Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour. Use the flexible 1-day bike rental on the day of your choosing and enjoy a safe ride with a helmet included.

Boats that usually take groups out on the San Francisco Bay can be super crowded and it can even be hard to see the views. This San Francisco Bay Private Sailboat Cruise takes just you and your group out on the water, so you never have to worry about missing out on seeing something. See popular spots like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge or customize your time on the bay.

Cover more ground in less time thanks to this deluxe, hop-on, hop-off bus tour. A great choice for first-time visitors to San Francisco, this 2-day pass allows you to see as much of the city as you want to, with a route covering locations such as North Beach, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Downtown, and more.

Of all the baseball stadiums in MLB, San Francisco's Oracle Park has perhaps the best location—a waterfront perch right on San Francisco Bay. This private behind-the-scenes tour provides access to places only VIPs and players are usually allowed, including the dugouts and press box, with gratuities included.

Discover many of San Francisco’s top landmarks and neighborhoods—and explore by foot and by cable car—on this small-group, half-day tour. In the morning, meet your guide near the Embarcadero: you’ll set off to see areas like Nob Hill, Haight-Ashbury, the Mission District, and more, plus highlights like Mission Dolores Park and San Francisco City Hall. As you go, your guide will share the stories behind the sights.

See San Francisco’s top sights without dealing with traffic, parking, or crowded tours. This private open-top Jeep experience offers a flexible, personalized way to explore the city, with unobstructed views and the freedom to focus on what interests you most. Travel comfortably between iconic landmarks while enjoying a more intimate, hassle-free sightseeing experience.

An interactive adventure, this tour is time-efficient and takes you on a sailing adventure on the San Francisco Bay. Hop aboard a private yacht with a USCG licensed captain. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise along the San Francisco waterfront, and marvel at Alcatraz and Angel Islands up close. Take the helm for a hands-on sailing experience and capture scenic views, encounter local wildlife, and create memories.

California’s Highway 1—also known as the Pacific Coast Highway—stretches along the Pacific Ocean, and is known for its spectacular scenery. This private, self-led smartphone audio guide accompanies you from San Francisco to Los Angeles, sharing facts and stories about the cities and landmarks you pass. The app’s GPS functionality works offline, letting you explore independently at your own pace with lifetime access and no expiry.