Top San Francisco Unique Experiences

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 2-hour 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.

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 more than 55 productions—from blockbusters like ‘San Andreas’ to family favorites like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’—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.

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this "painted ladies" tour by vintage Volkswagen bus decorated with long gorgeous 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 the Castro, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, and more.

Brave San Francisco’s dark and ghostly past on a real ghost hunt through old Chinatown alleys. You’ll use modern ghost hunting gear, including your own EMF detector during the tour. After meeting near historic Portsmouth Square (after dark, of course), a local guide escorts you down haunted alleys, through mysterious neighborhoods, and around historic street corners. Stand atop old Gold Rush cemeteries, learn of paranormal activity following mysterious deaths, visit the site of infamous brothels, hear about Gold Rush–era hauntings, and how Chinatown’s gang wars shocked the city. Your tour ends back near Portsmouth Square. This tour is not recommended for children under 13.

Get a taste of Northern California wine country on this full-day tour of Napa and Sonoma County. Led by an expert guide, you’ll stop at three boutique wineries to sample delicious reds and whites. As you travel through the countryside, you’ll learn the history and viticulture of this world-class region. Your tour will conclude with drop-off at your hotel in San Francisco.

Take an open-air fire truck tour of San Francisco aboard a shiny red vintage fire engine. Be the talk of the town as you suit up in a firefighter jacket and hat for a fun ride with the whole family. Your professional driver narrates the tour from Fisherman's Wharf through the Presidio and across the city's world-famous Golden Gate Bridge to charming Sausalito. Fasten your seat belt for the drive of a lifetime on this small-group San Francisco fire engine tour, limited to 13 passengers.

Stroll the narrow streets and back alleys of San Francisco's Chinatown on this walking tour with a small group. Stop by shops selling authentic Chinese crafts and pottery, as well as hard-to-find herbs and produce. A variety of tastings add up to a full lunch, including tea, fortune cookies, dim sum, and other treats. Listen to guided commentary and ask plenty of questions as you explore.

Experience one of the best wine regions in the world on this day trip to Napa Valley from San Francisco. Led by an expert guide, you’ll stop at three boutique wineries to sample their blends and learn about the area’s history and viticulture. Each location promises a friendly staff, a personal experience and five to six delicious tastings. You will be returned to your hotel in San Francisco at the end of your day in wine country.

Conquer San Francisco's urban jungle on this 3-hour urban hike. Trek your way up Tank Hill and Kite Hill, spots favored by locals for great city views, and stroll through hidden forests. Visit the Seward Street Slides to play like a local kid and take spectacular photos from the top of Twin Peaks. Between the forests, lush greenery and hidden pocket parks, you'll find it hard to believe you're in the midst of one of the country's busiest cities. Learn urban legends, history and culture from your local hiking guide.

Get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today aboard a colorful 1970s-era Volkswagen bus. Enjoy the illuminated city during this night tour that takes you to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. Check out the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. So dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet and shake some beaded curtains. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

Visit the best of the San Francisco Bay Area's storied wine country and let someone else do the driving on this day-long small-group tour. Get picked up from your San Francisco hotel and get whisked out to wine country in a comfortable car. Stop at three acclaimed wineries, sample the wine (one tasting included at each winery), learn about the characteristics of each varietal and hear about the history of the area. Take in the lush scenery and enjoy the day of sipping wine and being transported across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Plan your itinerary for your private half-day San Francisco tour and travel in style in a restored vintage Volkswagen bus. Customize your tour to your interests, whether you want to cover city highlights like the Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks, or venture further afield to Muir Woods, Sausalito, or Half Moon Bay. The bus accommodates up to seven passengers, perfect for family and friends.

If you’re going to do a sightseeing tour of San Francisco by bus, make it a memorable one. Book a 1970s-era Volkswagen bus for your private party of six and wind through the city’s top attractions with a personalized guide on a 4-hour tour. Travel into streets that larger vehicles cannot pass through as you explore 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. Hotel transport included.

Explore San Francisco with your camera on a half-day photography tour led by a photographer-guide. This tour provides time for photography at scenic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach, Palace of Fine Arts, and the Painted Ladies. Your guide understands a photographer’s needs, and focuses on places that offer a visually interesting perspective on the San Francisco Bay Area’s landmarks, varied landscape, and sunset.

Explore two popular San Francisco neighborhoods and visit craft beer locations on this walking tour of Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach, adjacent districts in the northeast end of the city. With a guide, you'll stop at three bars to taste and learn about California craft brews.

Drink away the afternoon while learning all about craft beer during this 3.5-hour small-group beer crawl in San Francisco’s SOMA district. You’ll visit three local microbreweries and/or craft beer bars, guided by a professional local who will give you insider tips on each place. Light snacks will ensure you don’t drink on an empty stomach, and the small-group aspect allows for a more personalized experience. Have fun, see San Francisco, and learn something on this unique tour perfect for beer lovers.

Explore San Francisco with a local insider and experience an extraordinary afternoon. This half-day tour takes you sightseeing around the city with a guide to offer commentary. Neighborhoods include Fisherman's Wharf, Presidio, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, the Castro, and North Beach plus the Golden Gate Bridge. Free Wi-Fi is available aboard the vehicle so you can post your snaps to social media en route.

Experience San Francisco like a true local on a sunrise photography tour. Have the city and it’s iconic sights to yourself before the crowds descend and take photos of the city’s many sights and scenes bathed in early morning light. Tour San Francisco’s famous beaches and landmarks, and see hidden secrets with your photographer guide. This tour is ideal for photographers at all levels from those just starting out to seasoned pros.

Enjoy epic aerial views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, among other city highlights, on this 1-hour guided air tour. Fly from the suburb of Hayward in a Cessna with a pilot/guide at the helm, who will fill you in on the history and culture of the city through guided commentary in English or Spanish.

Join a festive 1.5-hour tour of San Francisco’s holiday lights aboard a vintage open-air Mack fire engine. Hear commentary from your enthusiastic guide and holiday music as you travel to Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, Market Street, and Union Square to see festive holiday light displays at top sightseeing attractions. Ride with a small group limited to 12 people for a more intimate family-friendly experience of San Francisco. Have the option to wear the provided firefighter gear to stay warm and look great in photo ops!

So many adventures to have in San Francisco with so few funds. If the pocketbook is feeling a touch light then consider these invigorating smartphone-guided scavenger hunts. The three-hour events force adventurers to solve clues and navigate the city streets; plus all the SF scenery you can absorb during the journey. Pricing is per individual but teams must book together to be in same adventure.

Learn the secrets of perfect homemade pizza with this cooking class in San Francisco’s historic Haight Ashbury neighborhood. Step inside a local home and try your hand at tossing dough and mixing up toppings alongside your guide, optionally sipping on a drink during the BYOB class. After cooking, sit down and enjoy your pizza accompanied by two side dishes.

Go wine tasting in Napa Valley with your own private driver for a premium experience of this famous wine region in California. Taste a variety of wines at Peju Province Winery, Sterling Vineyards, and Castello di Amorosa, and have a gourmet picnic lunch at V. Sattui. If you would like to substitute other wineries, your itinerary can be adjusted to your preference.

While standard tours reveal San Francisco’s sights, they can’t deliver the same meaningful experience that a local friend can. Step forward this private walking tour: hosted by a local passionate about their city. Tell them your travel wish-list before meeting for a walk tuned to your interests and enriched by their knowledge. Gain cultural insight, get transport, neighborhood, and restaurant tips; and find less-obvious sights—just as with a friend.