San Francisco boasts iconic skyscrapers, cable cars and Golden Gate Bridge through its legendary fog.

Visit filming locations of famous movies, cruise around San Francisco Bay and see the city from a different perspective, and stroll around the colorful houses known as The Painted Ladies.

Book a city tour in San Francisco to see what this metropolis has in store for you.

If you are interested in sightseeing tours in San Francisco, you’ll find all the information you need to know about city tours below.

What are the most popular city tours in San Francisco?

Guided San Francisco city tours

See all of San Francisco’s highlights, including Twin Peaks, North Beach, Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf. Most tours include transportation on a coach or a smaller bus, while there are options for a walking tour that is an ideal way to discover all that the “City by the Bay” has to offer.

Movie sights tours

Get ready for a first-hand glimpse of where the movies “Princess Diaries,” “The Rock,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Vertigo,” were filmed. On a movie sights tour, your guide will be a former actor or comedian who will entertain you with information for the duration of your tour.

Private city tours in San Francisco

For a romantic outing or a fun experience with friends, book a private city tour of San Francisco. From short private tours to full-day options, you will see many of the marvels of this major city. Take a private tour in a Jeep, car or even an electric tuk-tuk.

Which places are visited?

San Francisco has many must-see attractions in all reaches of the town, so a city tour will make sure you don’t miss a thing.

At Fisherman’s Wharf, sample chocolate in Ghirardelli Square and spy sea lions napping at Pier 39. Snap photos of the “Dragon Gate” as you roll into Chinatown. Absorb views of the Bay Area from atop Twin Peaks that loom above the city.

Other landmarks you will see in San Francisco city tours:

Golden Gate Bridge and Park
The Presidio
Haight and Ashbury Streets
The “Painted Ladies” Houses of Alamo Square
Views of Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands across the bay
Lombard Street, the “Crookedest Street in the World”

Are there any combos available with city tours in San Francisco?

Alcatraz and San Francisco city tours

Roll through San Francisco’s city streets and cruise to Alcatraz, the infamous island prison, on a combo bus and boat tour. Included in the cost of these tours are bus and boat rides, entrance fees to attractions and entry to Alcatraz. Some tours also offer pickup from select hotels in the city. These tours cost US$150 per person.

Muir Woods, Sausalito and San Francisco city tours

The proximity of metropolitan San Francisco to the grandeur of the giant redwoods in Muir Woods is a contrast worth seeing. Muir Woods, Sausalito and San Francisco combo tours last from 5 to 8 hours, depending on how much time is planned for each destination.

Prices range from US$60 per person to US$150 per person depending on group size, duration of the tour and whether a meal and/or hotel pickup is included.

Bay cruise and city streets tours

Take advantage of San Francisco’s geography by touring its hills and coastline on a combo bay cruise and city streets tour. Absorb the attractions of other bus sightseeing tours as well as views of the area by water.

Combo tours lasting around 4.5 hours cost US$60 per person and include a guided bus tour of the city plus 1-hour boat ride.

How much do city tours in San Francisco cost?

Prices for tours in San Francisco range according to duration, group size, type of transportation and other inclusions such as bottled water and hotel pickup.

Shorter tours of 2 to 3 hours cost from US$60 to US$85 per person, depending on group size and if the hotel pickup is included. Smaller group tours have a maximum of 10 to 15 people and tend to cost more, as you have better attention from the guides.

Tours lasting 4 to 5 hours range from US$60 per person to US$150 per person. Less-expensive tours do not include hotel pickup or many inclusions. The higher-end tours tend to be with smaller groups of up to 15 people and feature things like cable car rides and fortune cookie tastings.

What is covered on SF city tours?

San Francisco city tours include commentary from an experienced guide and transportation (except for the walking tours), entrance tickets to some attractions and other fees. Some tours include bottled water, snacks and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where do city tours start?

Most San Francisco city tours start at or near Fisherman’s Wharf. Some tours offer pickup from select hotels in the city.

How long do city tours last?

The shortest San Francisco city tours last 2 hours, while the majority of tours last 3 to 5 hours.

Combo tours last from 5 hours to 2 days, depending on the itinerary and the types of transportation. There is a tour to fit every schedule.

When is the best time for a city tour in San Francisco?

The best time to visit San Francisco is during autumn, from September to November, when it’s warm and has fewer crowds.

The city’s climate is very moderate, with winter temperatures averaging around 10 degrees Celsius and summer temperatures of about 25 degrees Celsius. The summer months are the foggiest time of year, so other seasons may afford you the best views.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in San Francisco?

Travel tips

Dress in layers to prepare for the highly changeable weather in the bay area.
Carry water and snacks for longer tours.
Plan ahead if your trip to Alcatraz coincides with a mealtime, as there are no food services on the island.
Bring a smartphone for tours that include audio guides, as audio commentary is often accessible with your portable device.

City Tours in San Francisco