Segway Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco has loads of attractions and the city’s numerous Segway tours allow you to see much more than if you were pounding the pavement.

Explore popular places such as the Fisherman’s Wharf, bustling Pier 39 with its sea lions, North Beach and Little Italy. See San Francisco Bay’s Alcatraz Landing, Pier 45 and historic ships out in the bay.

A Segway tour in San Francisco is a fun way of discovering the city on wheels, while still enjoying the open air and great views.

Here's all you need to know about Segway tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing activities in San Francisco.

What are the best Segway tours in San Francisco?

San Francisco Wharf and Waterfront Segway tour

Go on a Segway tour of San Francisco along the waterfront to see popular attractions such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Golden Gate and Alcatraz Island. Cruise along San Francisco Bay with an experienced guide on a 2-wheel Segway and hear about the history of the landsmarks along the way.

You will first learn how to operate your Segway during an instruction session. Your waterfront tour begins with Fisherman’s Wharf and the numerous sights along San Francisco Bay. Pass through North Beach and Little Italy, stop at Washington Square Park and ride along San Francisco Bay. Pass the Embarcadero, Alcatraz Landing and popular Pier 39 and enjoy wonderful views of San Francisco Bay from various spots along the route.

Cruise past the Wharf Bakery and take a short break at the Pampanito WWII submarine at Pier 45. Stop again for a quick look inside the Musée Mécanique, housing a unique collection of old coin-operated games. You will ride past the familiar Fisherman’s Wharf chowder and crab sidewalk stands and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Admire the collection of ships, dating from 1886 to 1914, at the Hyde Street Pier.

Travel out onto the Maritime Pier into San Francisco Bay, pass Ghirardelli Square to Municipal Pier for great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. See the Art Deco Maritime Museum and Aquatic Park Bathhouse before finishing your captivating Segway tour.

Fisherman's Wharf, Waterfront and North Beach Segway tour

One of the most exciting ways to see the numerous attractions of San Francisco is a Segway tour of the city’s Fisherman's Wharf and Waterfront and North Beach. Experience a fun-filled and memorable tour as you cruise through the Waterfront on the Segway i2's Human Transporters with lean steer.

This Segway tour starts from Beach Street and the route follows along San Francisco’s colorful waterfront and Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour offers great views of the San Francisco Bay and the city’s skyline. You will have a 20-40 minute training session on operating the Segway safely and then for the next two hours explore the San Francisco waterfront.

Tour groups are limited to 10 riders for a more personal experience and your tour guide will narrate your tour through an ear-bud sound system. Along the way, you will have numerous stops so you can take those special photos of all the attractions you encounter.

Your first Segway tour landmark is the city’s cable car trolley turnaround and boarding point, also a popular spot for buskers. During the tour, you will find numerous highlights, such as the Maritime National Historical Park and the historic sailing ships at Hyde Street Pier.

Enjoy Fisherman's Wharf, the Dungeness crab stands, colorful fishing harbors, the Pampanito WWII submarine at Pier 45, and lovely views of San Francisco Bay. Towards the end of your tour, you will loop through North Beach, San Francisco's Little Italy. Take in Ghirardelli Square, the well-known home of delicious chocolates, the Municipal Pier and the Maritime Museum and Aquatic Park.

Where in San Francisco will I go on a Segway tour?

Fisherman’s Wharf

The Wharf lies on San Francisco’s northern waterfront and is one of the most popular tourist areas. You will find stalls selling crab and clam chowder, bakeries selling sourdough bread, numerous souvenir shops and much more.

Also watch the colony of sea lions at Pier 39 and the historic ships in the bay. At Ghirardelli Square there are plenty of boutiques and eateries and the famed former chocolate factory.

Maritime National Historical Park

The Historical Park is located in the Fisherman's Wharf area, and offers visitors the sights and stories of the Pacific Coast maritime history. The Park includes a magnificent fleet of historic ships, from an 1886 square rigger to a 1914 paddle-wheel tug. There is also an informative Visitor Center, a Maritime Museum and Research Center, and Aquatic Park Historic District.

Washington Square Park

The park is situated in Little Italy and is one of the oldest parks in San Francisco. It was one of three parks reserved by the City of San Francisco in 1848, and is an official historic landmark. Interestingly, the park is not square nor devoted to former president George Washington.

But there is a statue of Benjamin Franklin, originally donated in 1879 as a temperance fountain. The park has been hosting many of the district's annual festivals, including the Italian Heritage Festival in October.

How much are Segway tours in San Francisco priced?

Segway tours cost around US$80 to US$100 per person for shorter tours (2 to 2.5 hours) and around US$150 to US$160 per person for longer (3-hour) tours.

The 2.5-hour San Francisco Wharf and Waterfront Segway tour and the Fisherman's Wharf, Waterfront and North Beach Segway Tour each cost about US$80 per person.

What is included?

Segway tours of San Francisco include a tour guide and a narrated tour through a compact single ear-bud sound system. It also includes a Segway training session, provision of a safety helmet, safety vest and jackets and gloves for foggy days.

Where in the starting point?

Segway tours in San Francisco going along the Waterfront usually start from 757 Beach Street near the corner with Hyde Street. Segway tours traveling through Golden Gate Park leave from meeting points within the park.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of a Segway tour in San Francisco is 2.5 to 3 hours. None of the Segway tours on offer exceeds 3 hours.

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

The best time to visit San Francisco for a Segway tour is from September to November. Those months have some of the warmest temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is the peak time for tourism in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mornings are the best time during the day for a tour, before the town gets too busy.

Is it safe to take a Segway tour in San Francisco?

Segway tours are quite safe, but it’s not recommended for people with back problems. Participants should have a moderate level of fitness.

Are children allowed on SF Segway tours?

Riders on the Segway tours must be 12 years or older and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the tour.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your Segway tour in San Francisco in advance.
• Only carry what you need when Sedgway-ing.
• Don’t wear high heels, open-toe sandals or flip-flops for the Segway tours.
• Know when to rest, listen to your body.