Ghost stories and drinks in old San Francisco.

I like the small group size (max 15) because you get a real conversation, not a rushed chant of facts. I also love that the tour leans hard on documented, researched haunting stories, the kind you can repeat later—guides like Ben and Taylor tend to tell them with a steady, story-first rhythm. You’re getting a night that mixes spooky atmosphere with actual city context, not just theater.

One thing to keep in mind: a couple of bars can be closed on Sundays, so the guide may adjust stops with alternates. Also, drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for at least a couple of purchased rounds during the bar breaks. That said, the structure is friendly—short stops, clear flow, and a guide who keeps the pace manageable.

Key Highlights You’ll Notice Right Away

• Four bar stops built around paranormal spots for a true pub-crawl feel without turning into chaos
• Documented haunting storytelling focused on history and reported cases, not jump-scare gimmicks
• Small group energy (up to 15) that makes it easier to ask questions mid-walk
• Real SF atmosphere at classic bars like the Old Ship Saloon and Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar
• Guide personalities that add fun including card tricks and ghost-hunting dog Oakley with some groups

A Two-Hour Crawl Through San Francisco’s Haunted Streets

This is a walking haunted pub crawl that runs about 2 hours and keeps things moving at a comfortable pace. You’re not sprinting across town; you’re hopping between short story moments and drink stops, which makes it a solid choice when you want a plan that feels like an event, not a full-day commitment.

The group stays small and that matters. In a group this size, the guide can keep eye contact, you can hear the details, and the tone stays personal—especially when guides like Mark or Mike lean into the storytelling like you’re in on the secret.

One practical point: the tour is rated as moderate physical fitness, so comfortable walking shoes help. Expect a bit of walking plus a couple short waits as you move between nearby corners.

Price and What $36 Really Buys You

At $36 per person, this tour lands in the budget-friendly zone for San Francisco night activities. What you’re paying for isn’t the bars—it’s the professional guides, the fees and taxes, and those intensely researched true stories with documented accounts.

Drinks are not included, and that’s the main cost you’ll add on your own. The bar stops are short—about 10 minutes each—so you’re typically buying one round (or at least planning to). If you’re thinking of this as a history tour that happens to include a few bar breaks, the price makes sense. If you plan to treat it like an all-drinks-included party, the math won’t be as sweet.

Booking usually happens well ahead—on average about 15 days in advance—so if you’re traveling in a busy season or on a weekend, locking it in early is the easy win.

Getting There: High Horse Start, Lion’s Den Finish

The crawl starts at High Horse, 582 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111. It ends at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar, 57 Wentworth Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108, so you’re not stuck wondering where to go after the last story lands.

You’ll also appreciate the location logic: the stops are close enough to keep the evening simple, and the tour is near public transportation. If you’re planning your night around other neighborhoods, this is the kind of route you can plug into without needing a car.

The best part for logistics: you use a mobile ticket, so you’re not hunting for paper confirmations at the last second.

How the Night Flows: Short Stories, Short Sips

The pacing is built around brief story stops and then quick bar breaks. Two of the in-between moments are paranormal history stops—places where the guide explains the area’s background and focuses on specific spirits said to linger. Those aren’t long hang-out sessions; they’re meant to set the mood and give you something concrete to think about while you walk.

Then you get the classic pub-crawl rhythm: arrive, listen, take a quick sip, move on. Each named bar stop is listed as about 10 minutes, and that keeps the tour lively without making you feel trapped in a room for an hour.

A small-group tip that helps

If you’re the type who likes asking questions, this format makes it easier. With a max of 15 people, it doesn’t feel like you’re talking over strangers who are just waiting for the next stop.

Stop-by-Stop: What You’ll Hear and Why It Matters

The tour’s structure is the secret ingredient. Each segment isn’t random spooky lore; it’s about pairing a location with a story you can picture.

The first haunting stop: history plus a ghost who lingers

Early on, you’ll get history of the area and then a focus on one particular ghost said to remain in the background of daily life. This is a good setup stop because it gives you a mental map before the night starts turning more paranormal.

What I like about this approach: it prevents the tour from feeling like a list. You’re learning what the place was, then you’re hearing how the ghost story got attached to it.

The Miner’s Ghost stop: darker events behind the legend

Next, the tour shifts toward a darker side of the neighborhood, including the story connected to the Miner’s Ghost. This is where the mood typically deepens—less lighthearted and more about the historical weight the guide connects to the legend.

Even if you’re not a hardcore ghost buff, these story stops are useful because they explain why certain places became part of local folklore in the first place. That’s what turns spooky chatter into something you can actually follow.

Old Ship Saloon: A Historic Drink Stop With Heavy Human Stories

One of the best-known stops is The Old Ship Saloon, where you enjoy a drink in a historic setting tied to human suffering. The point here isn’t shock value; it’s contrast. You’re sitting in a working bar environment while hearing about the darker human side connected to that space.

This stop is great if you like your ghosts with context—where the guide ties the legend to real-world events and the way people lived, worked, and suffered in earlier eras.

Drawback to note: since this is a quick bar break (around 10 minutes), you’ll probably only have time for one drink and a short pause. If you want a long sit-down, plan that at the end of the tour.

Hungry I: Where the Story Energy Stays on the Street

After the earlier haunting setup, you move to Hungry I, described as being amid the ghosts who haunt this street. The feel here is more street-level and immediate—less about a single building’s story and more about the atmosphere of the block.

This stop works well for groups who like the tour to feel like it’s unfolding in real time. You’re not just hearing about a legend; you’re standing in the place where the legend is said to live in the local imagination.

Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar: End the Night Without Running Into Any Trouble

The final drink stop is Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar. The night ends here, and the vibe is meant to be a relief after all the spooky history—though the guide still leaves you with those last lingering details as you wrap up.

Because the crawl finishes at this bar, it’s also practical. You can grab a final sip, take a breath, and then decide whether to stay nearby or head out for dinner.

The Guides Make It: Ben, Taylor, Mark, Mike, Silver, and Michaela

The most praised part of this tour is the guiding—especially how they pace stories and keep them fun without turning the night into pure comedy.

• Ben is noted for sharing a lot of history to city-wide context with engaging storytelling.
• Taylor often gets credit for being strong on both ghost details and San Francisco history, and some nights even run as a tight, small pairing experience.
• Mark stands out for being easygoing, patient, and mixing stories with extra playful touches like card tricks, plus a fun presence from the tour’s dog, Oakley, described as a ghost-hunting companion.
• Mike/Michael come up repeatedly for city knowledge and detailed storytelling, with Oakley getting the spotlight for being a cute crowd favorite.
• Silver is praised for storytelling that makes the era feel real, with an easy, relaxed pace.
• Michaela is specifically mentioned for stepping in and taking care of the group once they arrived, with her storytelling credited as a big part of the experience.

If you’re worried you’ll feel like you’re being lectured, don’t. This format tends to feel like you’re walking with someone who genuinely enjoys the topic—and that shows in the tone.

Drinks, Timing, and Sunday Reality Checks

Here’s the practical side that can make or break your night.

Each bar stop is short, so you should treat it as a chance to taste the vibe and have one drink, not a full happy-hour hangout. Drinks aren’t included, and some groups end up buying only at the first bar depending on timing and how the night plays out.

Also, Sunday bar closures can affect stops. One experience described shows that a few bars were closed on a Sunday, and the guide provided alternate bars so the stories kept moving. That’s usually a common-sense adjustment rather than a cancellation vibe—just be flexible in how you think about the exact bar you’ll step into.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a good match if you want:

• Scary-but-fun storytelling with a historical backbone
• A small group night out that feels social without being packed
• A simple way to see old San Francisco streets and connect them to local legends
• Guides who mix facts with personality, including card tricks and Oakley for some tours

It’s less ideal if you’re expecting literal ghost sightings. The tour is about stories and documented hauntings, and your reward is in the narrative, the locations, and the spooky atmosphere you create with your imagination.

Should You Book San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze?

I’d book it if you want a compact night plan that blends true-story haunted history with real bar stops, and you’re okay budgeting for drinks. The small-group size is a strong value driver here, because it tends to keep the experience personal and easier to enjoy.

Book with a small caution flag if you’re traveling on a Sunday or you have your heart set on stepping into a very specific bar at a very specific moment. Closures can lead to alternate stops, and while the tour is built to keep going, your exact bar sequence might shift.

If you’re the type who likes walking tours but wants yours to feel more playful than academic, this hits a nice balance. You’ll leave with a handful of stories that actually connect to the places you saw—and that’s the best kind of souvenir.

FAQ

How long is the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

What’s the price per person?

The price is $36.00 per person.

How many bar stops are included?

The tour includes stops at four bars, with paranormal spots in between.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included in the price.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at High Horse, 582 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111, and ends at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar, 57 Wentworth Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is mobile ticketing used?

Yes, it uses a mobile ticket.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.