SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco’s best, in one place.
The 15 standout tours and day trips around San Francisco. The ones first-timers always remember and locals still send their visitors on.
For a booked day in San Francisco, this ranked guide to San Francisco tours. SF Travel and Visit California keep the official visiting details.
Half-day Muir Woods and Sausalito from San Francisco with a timed redwood walk, Golden Gate photos, and an optional ferry return.
Most Popular“Funny guide. Great way to see everything, especially if you have limited time on your trip. Would recommend!”
Big Bus SF Red Route is a flexible hop-on hop-off bus with 17 stops, open-top views, earbuds audio, and optional sunset and Pier 39 upgrades.
“There is a lot to see and explore. Make sure to have a coat ready when passing over the Golden Gate if you want to sit on the open deck!”
Napa and Sonoma wine country full-day tour from San Francisco with Golden Gate photo stops, 3 boutique tastings, and Sonoma Plaza free time.
“Our tour guide was phenomenal! Very engaging and knowledgeable. Jacuzzi and Artesa were incredible. We finished with Madonna and it was a disappointment compared to the other two stops. All around an unforgettable experience!”
Small-group Yosemite and giant sequoias day trip from San Francisco with hotel pickup, classic viewpoints, and time in the valley for lunch.
“Was such a great trip. Very long day but was well organised with great communication throughout. Saw some beautiful sights, something we wouldn’t have been able to do normally as we don’t drive. Derek was incredible too. Happy to take photos and was very patient with everyone.”
Early-entry Yosemite day trip from San Francisco with Tunnel View, Yosemite Valley, and a giant sequoia hike plus expert guide commentary.
“Rob was both passionate and knowledgable about Yosemite . Entertaining and informative with the anecdotes. A real pleasure to have done this tour.”
Muir Woods redwoods and a Golden Gate Bridge photo stop, then 3 Napa/Sonoma wineries with tastings plus optional gourmet lunch.
“Muir Woods was great! Wine tours were nice except you don't pick what wine you want to try. I like a sweeter wine only given one time. Enjoyed our stop at Golden Gate Bridge even though it was a little quick.”
A 1-hour Golden Gate Bay cruise from Pier 43 1/2 with audio in 16 languages, up-close Golden Gate Bridge views, and passes by Alcatraz.
“Overcast but enjoyable and great educational info about the city!”
Hop on and off a Big Bus open-top loop for panoramic San Francisco views, recorded commentary, and easy waterfront and bridge access.
“Closer to points of interest and slowing down for picture opportunities”
Ride a vintage VW bus through San Francisco’s hippie and hipster neighborhoods, with small-group stories and great Golden Gate Bridge photos.
“Cyrus took us on the BEST journey!!! So informative and funny.. I would definitely do the Love Tour again and will tell anyone going to San Francisco to do it as well!!”
Alcatraz ticket, fast ferry from Pier 33, and a self-guided app tour for a powerful, scenic 3-hour visit to the infamous cells.
“Transport was very fast and efficient. Arriving at Alcatraz you can catch a little tram if you’re not too good on your feet. I’m not, but managed the walk ok even if it was quite warm (September). The guided tour was fascinating. You can spend as long as you like there, ferries leave frequently. Absolutely…”
San Francisco coach tour plus audio-guided Alcatraz with ferry from Pier 33. Golden Gate, Chinatown, then Cell Block audio.
“Everything about Alkatraz was good n the Golden Gate though the rain.Also the tour guide did a great job n was very friendly n accommodative.”
Full-day Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive tour from San Francisco with lighthouse photos, 2 hours in Monterey, and iconic coastal stops.
“The tour guide is great and knowledgeable. The scenery is wonderful but the weather is foggy in the late morning. It’s better to take the 17 mile tour in late afternoon.”
Ride a vintage VW bus for a retro SF highlights tour with quick photo stops at Painted Ladies, Palace of Fine Arts, and Golden Gate Bridge.
“A great two hours in the city. Jack is a fun and knowledgeable guide who loves his city and you’ll likely fall in love with San Francisco too.”
Ride San Francisco’s Bay at night for skyline glow, bridge views, and close passes by Alcatraz, with a comfy heated boat.
“Dress warm if you are taking the tour in winter and you plan to stay on the top deck. It was 11 degrees C on the evening of our tour.”
Early-access Muir Woods and Sausalito in one 5-hour loop, with Golden Gate photo stops, guided narration, and free time to wander.
“Being amongst those tall trees was impressive. Customs protection officers x-ray the luggage of a female passenger”
From Alcatraz and the Golden Gate to the redwoods, wine country and the coast. Every way to spend a day in and around the city.
