If you happen to’re planning a day journey to San Francisco—and even when you stay there and assume you’ve carried out all of it—these excursions will completely shock you (in one of the best ways!). Certain, the town’s well-known for its big-ticket sights just like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, however these distinctive experiences go approach past the postcard model. I’m speaking retro VW rides, ghost hunts, hidden stairways, and meals excursions that’ll have you ever dreaming about dumplings for days.
Don’t desire a tour? See my picks for the Finest Issues to do In San Francisco by yourself.
High San Francisco Excursions
San Francisco Love Tour
Climb aboard a fab little Nineteen Seventies VW bus—full with shag carpet and traditional rock tunes—and discover the town prefer it’s 1969. This small group tour (simply 6 individuals max!) cruises by way of iconic neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, and the Mission, all whereas your information shares quirky tales and native historical past. You’ll roll previous former properties of legends like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, snap pictures at Dolores Park, and soak in a few of the finest Golden Gate views round. It’s the proper mixture of retro vibes and metropolis sightseeing—and critically, it’s simply enjoyable.
➞ Ebook tour right here
San Francisco Film Sights Metropolis Tour
Calling all film buffs! This tour is like watching a movie reel of San Francisco’s best hits—besides you’re in it. You’ll go to 50+ filming areas from films like Vertigo, Mrs. Doubtfire (facet word: my husband was an additional on this film!), and Full Home, all whereas cruising round in a comfortable bus. Clips from the flicks play as you go every website, and your information (a neighborhood actor!) spills enjoyable behind-the-scenes particulars. It’s such a playful, cinematic method to see the town—even when you’ve been right here a dozen occasions.
➞ Ebook tour right here
Tea & Dim Sum in Chinatown Meals Tour
This 3-hour Chinatown Tea & Dim Sum Tour was such a enjoyable method to expertise certainly one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods by way of its meals and tradition. Though I stay close by, I hadn’t explored Chinatown like this earlier than—and I’m so glad I did.
We began with a tasty dim sum unfold at Home of Dim Sum (assume Chinese language-style tapas!), adopted by recent, heat cookies straight from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Manufacturing facility. After grabbing brown sugar pearl lattes, we wandered by way of historic alleyways whereas listening to tales about Chinatown’s previous—hidden playing dens, sailors, and even 10-cent barbershops.
The spotlight for me? Cantonese roasted duck at Grant Place Restaurant, served with fluffy bao and spicy inexperienced beans. We ended with a tea tasting that includes ginseng oolong and natural blends—and a heat custard tart to complete.
➞ Ebook tour right here
San Francisco Bay Sundown Catamaran Cruise
There’s no higher method to finish a day in San Francisco than out on the water throughout golden hour. This sundown catamaran cruise from Pier 39 was such a peaceable, lovely method to wind down. We sailed previous Alcatraz, proper underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and watched the town skyline mild up because the solar set—pure magic.
You possibly can calm down inside or really feel the breeze on the open deck. A complimentary drink is included, and there’s a full bar when you’re within the temper for one thing further. You possibly can even noticed a couple of sea lions alongside the way in which!
➞ Ebook tour right here
Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
This strolling tour by way of the Inside Sundown is a peaceable 2-mile stroll by way of certainly one of San Francisco’s most inventive (and infrequently ignored) neighborhoods, stuffed with colourful staircases, tucked-away gardens, and charming little streets that the majority guests miss.
You’ll climb the well-known mosaic steps, wander quiet hills with gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park, and listen to some actually cool tales in regards to the space’s historical past and native artwork scene. The small group dimension (simply 10 individuals max) retains it relaxed and private, with loads of time to snap pictures and soak all of it in.
And the cutest half? You may even go dwelling with a tiny succulent as a memento.
➞ Ebook tour right here
North Seashore & Little Italy Strolling Tour
If carbs are your love language (similar), this North Seashore strolling tour is asking your title. You’ll sip robust espresso, munch on recent focaccia and Italian pastries, and pop into family-run delis for meats and tales handed down by way of generations. It’s half foodie journey, half historical past tour, and completely scrumptious.
➞ Ebook tour right here
Final Electrical SF Bike Tour
Need to see so much of the town with out breaking a sweat? This electrical bike tour is the way in which to go. You’ll zip up and down San Francisco’s well-known hills, cross the Golden Gate Bridge (sure, on a motorcycle), and roll by way of neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury and the Presidio. Your information shares fascinating tales as you experience, and there are many stops for snacks, pictures, and wow-worthy views. It’s energetic however straightforward—and such a enjoyable method to cowl floor quick.
➞ Ebook tour right here
Ghost Hunt in SF Chinatown
Right here’s one thing completely totally different: a ghost-hunting night time tour by way of San Francisco’s spookiest spots. You’ll discover haunted alleys in Chinatown, go to historic websites, and use your very personal EMF detector (yep, similar to the professionals). The information dives into creepy tales from the Gold Rush days and past—some will provide you with goosebumps, some will make you chuckle. It’s eerie, slightly instructional, and 100% memorable.
➞ Ebook tour right here
Quick Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Quick on time however need the complete San Francisco bay expertise? This one-hour cruise has you coated. You’ll sail previous Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge—aka, prime photograph ops each couple of minutes. The narration shares cool info and native tales, and you’ll sit inside or benefit from the breeze up prime. It’s straightforward, scenic, and tremendous versatile with open tickets that allow you to go when it really works for you.
➞ Ebook tour right here
San Francisco Strolling Meals Tour
Let’s simply say… don’t eat earlier than this one. This strolling tour by way of the Mission District dives into one of many metropolis’s tastiest, most numerous meals scenes. You’ll attempt all the pieces from Mexican avenue meals to Italian sandwiches and even a secret shock dish (I received’t spoil it!). Your information provides the lowdown on the neighborhood’s wealthy cultural historical past, and the group stays small so it seems like exploring with associates. If you happen to love meals with a facet of storytelling, this one’s a should.
➞ Ebook tour right here
Touring Quickly? Use my Favourite Sources for Reserving Your Journey!
Ebook Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favourite flight search engine, as a result of it checks dozens of airways so you possibly can simply discover one of the best fare offers. You may also choose ‘least expensive month’ to seek out the bottom fares in your vacation spot (I exploit this on a regular basis!).
Ebook Your Lodging
I exploit each Reserving.com and Expedia for inns, as a result of every gives a pair totally different lodge selections and I like to check the opinions on each. In case you have a bunch or are in search of extra of a house ambiance, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each value vary.
Ebook Your Rental Automotive
If love the liberty to discover like I do, driving from place to put is the best choice! I at all times e book with Uncover Vehicles for one of the best costs and prime model choices.
Ebook Some Enjoyable Excursions!
Viator and Get Your Information are my go-to serps for cool bucket listing experiences! Each can have totally different excursions, so verify each—why restrict your self, proper?
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey could be unpredictable. Whether or not it’s a last-minute cancellation, an damage, or (ugh) theft, issues occur. That’s why I like to recommend by no means leaving the nation with out journey insurance coverage. Listed below are my faves: Security Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Journey Necessities Prepared
Take a look at the Bucket Record Journey Amazon Retailer to seek out all my favourite journey necessities. The whole lot from Packing cubes, to journey adapters and toiletry containers to strolling sneakers.
*Lastly, verify journey.state.gov for visa necessities and security info.
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