San Francisco Private Tour Specialist

Experience fun activities and custom city tours,epic outdoors adventures and unique gateways from San Francisco

San Francisco 4-hour private guided tour combined with a sightseeing Bay Cruise excursion in the San Francisco Bay

Highlights

Tour Highlights

Are you looking for classic, fun outing ideas while staying in San Francisco? No trip to the “City by the Bay” is complete without a bay cruise adventure. Choose this San Francisco 4-hour private tour plus ferry outing in the San Francisco Bay with ferry tickets and taxes included.
You’ll sail around the iconic Alcatraz Island “The Rock” and learn about the mystique surrounding the famous Escape from Alcatraz maximum-security prison. The Bay Cruise tour will also sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, so you’ll get an intimate view of this legendary Suspension Bridge – when it was completed in 1937, this a marvel of engineering was the first and largest suspension bridge in history!

San Francisco & Bay Cruise Combo Tour Highlights:

  • Visit or skip any sites you want! Start, stop, and end the tour anytime – 100% customizable
  • Access sites where van and bus tours are prohibited including but not limited to: Alamo Square “The Painted Ladies,”The Full House tv show locations, Lombard Street, Telegraph Hill, Sea Cliff, and The Presidio​​
  • Enjoy a private guided tour through San Francisco’s most iconic monuments, historic sites, and world-class attractions
  • Gain insider access to San Francisco’s best-kept secrets, hidden gems, and fun adventures unknown to most visitors
  • Experience a private, tailor-made guided tour with a local expert tour guide in a luxury vehicle
  • Complimentary pickup at your hotel and a drop off at the Bay Cruise ferry terminal at Pier 39 on Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Enjoy a 1-hour sightseeing Bay Cruise tour with ferry fees included
  • Take in the beautiful scenery of the city shorelines and skyline
  • Includes professional sightseeing narration
  • Explore Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy waterside dining
  • Drive down Lombard Street, the crookedest street in California
  • Visit beautiful attractions, parks, beaches, iconic monuments, and the amazing world-class sites
  • Enjoy the Presidio, Sea Cliff, Pacific Heights, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks, and Alamo Square
  • Check out Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and the Golden Gate Park
  • See Chinatown, Union Square, Nob Hill, the Marina, and the Palace of Fine Arts
  • Visit the most scenic overlooks in San Francisco with awe-inspiring views

Tips of the day

  • The weather in San Francisco Bay is often cool or foggy and changes drastically in minutes, so wear layers
  • Don’t waste your day climbing the steep hills of just one neighborhood in San Francisco! With SF Tours, you can visit over a dozen of neighborhoods on this 4-hour private guided tour.

Description

Tour Description

Are you looking for classic, fun outing ideas while staying in San Francisco? No trip to the “City by the Bay” is complete without a bay cruise adventure. Choose this San Francisco 4-hour private tour plus ferry outing in the San Francisco Bay with ferry tickets and taxes included.

On the first leg of this combo trip: You will enjoy a 4-hour private custom city tour of San Francisco’s best sights, attractions, monuments, parks, and the very top things to see in “The City by the Bay.”

Your tour guide will meet and greet you at your hotel at 9 or 10 am and offer you 4-hour private guided tour of San Francisco in a luxury vehicle. Your tour guide is also your driver, and they will offer you many stops along the way to learn more about each place, landmark, and monument you will be visiting or driving by on the tour.

Book this combo tour and explore the metropolis of San Francisco in style and comfort, all at your own pace. Our private tours take place in luxury vehicles and are led by local, fun, passionate, and highly trained guides, many of whom are bilingual or multilingual. Our guides have earned hundreds of five-star reviews on Trip Advisor, BBB, Yelp, and Google. Our private city tours can be tailor made to suit every need: Solo travelers, couples, families, friends, and leisure, corporate, and incentive groups. We visit and cover more places and sights than any other tour company!

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat customer, your itinerary will be matched to your expectations and needs. Your personal tour guide will provide ample photo stops, as well as the option to hike, walk, or simply be driven around to check out most of the places you see listed in our trip itinerary. No prior planning is required; your tour guide will take it from here. Just meet and greet them at your hotel on the day of your tour. If you have any special requests regarding a particular place or restaurant you wish to go to, please simply let the tour guide know and they will plan your trip itinerary accordingly.

Even when you 4-hour private tour is complete – the fun won’t to stop there! Your tour guide will drive you to the ferry terminal in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood near Pier 39 and will walk with you to the Bay Cruise ferry office to redeem your vouchers and check you in to sail on the next cruise tour. Your ferry tour tickets are also included in the tour price and will be handed over to you by your personal tour guide – no stress! Plus, you will have the option to either go for lunch before or after your 1-hour ferry sightseeing tour in the San Francisco Bay. Your tour guide will fill you in with useful information about this ferry ride, places to see, and the very best restaurants to try in the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf area before or after your voyage.
Please note that we do not pick you up at the end of the ferry tour — this keeps costs down and saves you the overtime fees. Fisherman’s Wharf is walking distance to all hotels and attractions in the area. More information is also provided in the next section regarding the second leg of the combo tour.

On the second leg of this combo excursion: You’ll go on a 1-hour sightseeing Bay Cruise in the San Francisco Bay.

Are you looking for the perfect outing idea while staying in San Francisco? You simply can’t visit the “City by the Bay” without going on a bay cruise adventure! This ferry boat 1-hour sightseeing bay cruise trip is heaps of fun, plus you might learn something on the way. Best of all, it will impress all ages and tastes.
This new bay cruise boat excursion is the best way to enjoy scenic and panoramic views of the amazing scenery of the San Francisco shorelines and skyline.

As the bay cruise starts pulling out, you will get a close-up look at a huge herd of sea lions hauling out and hanging out on Pier 39 dock on San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Checking out the sea lions and the bird life around the dock has become a very popular attraction, drawing thousands of tourists each year for a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter in the heart of a bustling city.

Aboard the ferry, you can either opt to sit inside the heated lower deck or experience the upper deck scenic views. The first option is great for those cool San Francisco days, but with some luck you’ll get the chance to admire the skyline of San Francisco from the upper deck on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Either way, you’ll get to listen to live commentary in the form of a professional sightseeing narration. In English, the commentary highlights the major landmarks and points out top monuments as well as providing historical and cultural facts about San Francisco. You’ll sail around the iconic Alcatraz Island “The Rock” and learn about the mystique surrounding the famous Escape from Alcatraz maximum-security prison.

The Bay Cruise tour will also sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, so you’ll get an intimate view of this legendary Suspension Bridge – when it was completed in 1937, this a marvel of engineering was the first and largest suspension bridge in history!Purchase your San Francisco and bay cruise combo tour today to have the most awesome adventure ever. And get in fast, before it sells out. The ferry boat tour is also a good alternative when Alcatraz tickets sell out, as you’re guaranteed to have a fun experience.

What to do after the bay cruise tour and where to eat?

Pier 39 is situated along the historic San Francisco waterfront of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s the first-choice place to enjoy dining and fun activities after your ferry boat tour. Our ferry tour starts and ends, at this location, a 45-acre waterfront complex that is a hub for locals and visitors alike. It’s renowned for its spectacular views of San Francisco skyline and islands. Pier 39 is also associated with a thriving culinary scene. You can’t leave without partaking in some waterfront dining and indulging in the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes. With 11 full-service restaurants and other cafes, you can enjoy everything from clam chowder, Italian, and burgers to shrimp, salads, pizza, beer, or wine tastings. While you’re there, visit other boutiques, candy stores, and much more. There are other dining options nearby including the Franciscan Crab Restaurant and Steak House. This long-standing seafood specialist boasts huge windows and nautical decor that complements the waterside setting. It’s located near Boudin Bakery, the famed bakery that has been making sourdough bread since the gold rush era. Check it out to enjoy the local flavor and history baked into every single loaf.
For more information about dining and fun places to see at Fisherman’s Wharf, here’s their official website: https://www.fishermanswharf.org/eat-drink/

What makes Fisherman’s Wharf special and where to stay?
If you have no particular interest or business need for staying in San Francisco’s downtown (Union Square or in the Financial District), Fisherman’s Wharf is a great option. Spend a couple of days or a week away from the busy Union Square and all the construction going on in the downtown area. There is a wide variety of hotels to select from around Fisherman’s Wharf, plus it’s a super convenient place to stay because it’s walking distance to countless attractions. Best of all, this delightful neighborhood includes the ferry terminal for Alcatraz and bay cruise boats. Many of the best things to see and do in the city are located near Fisherman’s Wharf, including a cable car ride, the San Francisco Maritime Museum, the Cannery Shopping Center, Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum, the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Ghirardelli Square shops, too many restaurants to count, and the famous Ghirardelli chocolate factory. You can also visit art galleries or have an Irish coffee at Buena Vista café near the Cable Car terminal. The possibilities are endless!

Where to stay? Among the top Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, you might consider the Argonaut Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf, Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Caza, Riu, Hotel Zephyr, Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf, or Kimpton Alton Hotel. For more information about San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, head to their website:https://www.fishermanswharf.org/hotels/

Itinerary

Detailed Trip Itinerary

This new and exclusive tour itinerary covers the four corners of the “City by the Bay,” and is presented by the best tour guides in San Francisco. The schedule and itinerary may vary based on the season, traffic, weather conditions, and road/street closures, as well as your preferences. At the beginning of your tour, your guide will review the schedule and itinerary with you. Then you can sit back, enjoy your tour, and leave the driving to us!

9.00: Complimentary pick-up & drop-off you may start at any time you want: at 8, 9, or even at 10 am)

Complimentary pick-up/drop off in downtown San Francisco, North Beach, in the Fisherman’s Wharf, in the Marina District and in the Presidio area.This full-day San Francisco guided tour is totally private and will be tailor-made to suit your preferences, pace, and interests. You can visit most of the famous monuments and iconic places listed in this new and detailed trip itinerary, all at your pace. You’ll also see and explore hidden gems unknown to most visitors and gain access to unique places and neighborhoods where large vehicles are banned.
Your private local and expert tour guide will customize your trip itinerary to suit your preference and needs. You can add any place or attraction you want to see in San Francisco or skip any of those listed. You can stop anywhere and at any time to visit a monument or site, to take a walk, go on a hike or simply stop to photographs your favorite places. There is nothing to print out and no prior arrangement is required. Simply let your personal tour guide know what you wish to see or skip, and they will take it from there! You may also choose your favorite restaurant or café where you wish to enjoy your lunch break. Or, if you don’t want to worry about any of that, you can leave the itinerary, the driving, and the meal planning to us. You’ll be in good hands, and you won’t be disappointed.

Drive down on Lombard Street – San Francisco’s Crookedest Street

Visit the picturesque Russian Hill and drive through the world-famous Lombard Street that winds down eight hairpin turns among picturesque flower beds and gorgeous homes adorned with bougainvillea, hydrangeas, and other beautiful flowers and trees. As you go, keep an eye out for the wild red and green parrots that hang out among the greenery. Lombard is one of the most crooked streets in the world and large vehicles such as buses and vans are banned. The good news is our SUV tour will allow you to drive right through it! You’ll also enjoy a guided tour and photo stop there. Plus, your knowledgeable tour guide won’t just provide the top fun facts about this landmark – they’re also your personal photographer and will assist you with taking some classic happy snaps !

Visit Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower

Telegraph Hill is famous for its iconic Coit Tower and historic murals. Ascend all the way up to discover a spectacular vantage point on one of the city’s highest open-air observation decks.
Telegraph Hill and its Pioneer Park offer visitors superb views of Alcatraz Island, the Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Coit Tower is an Art Deco-style and an iconic monument on the “City by the Bay” – locally, it’s perceived as reminiscent of a fire hose nozzle, built in honor of San Francisco firefighters.

Let your tour guide show you the historic murals inside Coit Tower, with scenes depicting California residents from the Gold Rush era to The Great Depression. You may choose to climb the around 400 steep stairs all the way up to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. The neighborhood prohibits large vehicles, but our SUV tour means we can take you as close as a vehicle can get.

Visit Alamo Square Park and picture the ‘Painted Ladies

Alamo Square is a beautiful hilltop park with views of the city and the famous Painted Ladies, a line of beautiful Victorian homes facing Alamo Square. This scene has been immortalized in guidebooks, postcards, and even in movie and TV series including the opening scene of Full House, where the family is seen picnicking in Alamo Square Park.
*** The streets surrounding Alamos Square have been ruled off-limits to large vehicles and are now banned to van and tour buses. However, our private tours by SUV will take you right through the Square and around this iconic neighborhood without walking or hiking.

Pacific Heights – Elegance and Extravagance

Let your passionate local tour leader guide you through the famous Pacific Heights, locally known as the “Billionaire’s Row”. Pacific Heights is prestigious neighborhood and is defined by San Francisco’s most expensive and luxurious mansions. These are the homes of celebrities, entrepreneurs, senators, politicians, and artists. Pacific Heights is one of the nation’s most expensive listings for reals estate, with some mansions going for over 50 million dollars!
This affluent neighborhood also offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and the Presidio. First developed in the 1870s, with the construction of small Victorian homes, after the 1906 earthquake, many were replaced with larger period homes in a variety of architectural styles such as Mission Revival, Edwardian, and French Château. Some of San Francisco’s wealthiest notables live in the gorgeous mansions that grace Pacific Avenue and Broadway in particular, and you can catch an exclusive glimpse of their homes on your drive through this refined area.

Another highlight of this tour are the many international consulates located on the tour route. Plus, Pacific Heights’ scenic hills and gorgeous views make it the perfect setting for famous movies, including Mrs. Doubtfire among others, so you might catch some familiar locations.

Grace Cathedral – Nob Hill

“I Left My Heart in San Francisco— those little cable cars that climb halfway to the stars…” sang Tony Bennett for the first time in 1962 at the Fairmont Hotel at Nob Hill in San Francisco. It quickly became an emblem of the city and perhaps Bennett’s most popular song. Today, there is an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of Bennett outside the Fairmont Hotel that to commemorate this tune that is so much a part of the city.

Once home to the mansions of the notorious railroad barons, Nob Hill still retains its character as a wealthy and upscale neighborhood. This luxurious plaza is home to the charming Huntington Park, which is surrounded by famous historic landmarks. It is also a luxury destination in San Francisco, and as such is surrounded by upscale hotels including The Scarlet Huntington Hotel, The Fairmont, Mark Hopkins, and the Ritz Carlton.Grace Cathedral, which borders Huntington Park, is the focal point of Nob Hill where the cable car line runs. Completed in 1964, this Neo-Gothic Style cathedral is known for its 44-bell carillon and labyrinth, modeled after that of France’s The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres.

Union Square – The Heart of San Francisco’s Shopping District

San Francisco Union Square Plaza was once used for rallies to support the Union Army during the Civil War. Union Square is surrounded by numerous popular attractions, upscale department stores and boutiques, theaters, restaurants, and San Francisco’s best hotels. It serves as the center of the main cable car line, plus it’s just a short stroll to the Moscone Center, Nob Hill, and Chinatown.
Right in the middle of Union Square stands column an 85-foot column. This memorable landmark is decorated with a 9-foot statue of Nike, Goddess of Victory holding a trident. The work of sculpturist Robert Ingersoll Aitken, the monument was completed in 1903 and commemorates Admiral George Dewey’s victory in the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish American War.

Chinatown – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia

This tour gives you the inside word on San Francisco Chinatown’s hidden secretes. As the oldest Chinatown in America – and the largest in the world outside Asia – it offers an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.There’s just so much to see and do, from shopping and dining to checking out monuments or a temple.
Even simply driving in and around Chinatown or walking through this historic neighborhood will be a thrill. Your private tour guide will guide through Chinatown’s famous sites and many treasures, such as The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where you can learn how they’ve baked fortune-stuffed cookies since way back in 1962!Explore memorable landmarks as we drive you through Chinatown, including The Dragon Gate, a 1969 gift from the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the style of a traditional Chinese pailou. You’ll also spot beautiful murals and replica statues of the famous terracotta Chinese warriors.

Early “Hoisanese” and “Zhongshanese” Chinese immigrants from the Guangdong province of Southern China used Chinatown as their port of entry after their arduous journey across the Pacific Ocean in the Gold Rush era. In addition to being the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, San Francisco’s was the first Chinatown in North America. Visitors from all around the globe come daily to check out its colorful stores, delicious dim sum, magnificent temples, and authentic tea houses – and you should, too!

San Francisco Financial District

San Francisco’s Financial District is the city’s business hub. Many Fortune 500 companies such as law firms, insurance companies, banks, real estate firms, and other financial institutions and corporations have made this area the location for their headquarters. It’s no surprise, therefore, that San Francisco’s Montgomery Street block is now known as ‘the Wall Street West”.

The area hasn’t always been about corporate high-flyers, though. During the Gold Rush, a large area around Montgomery Street was referred to as “The Barbary Coast.” This was a red-light neighborhood where gambling, looting, sex work, and vigilante groups abounded. The 1906 earthquake left much of this area in ruins and rising from the rubble came a modern entertainment district, Jackson Square. Today, this historic district is home to high-end art galleries and design firms.If you look at a photo of the City’s skyline, you can’t miss the striking, spire-topped Transamerica Pyramid building and Salesforce Tower, once known as the Transbay Tower. This 1,070-foot office skyscraper is situated in the South of Market district of downtown San Francisco and is the city’s highest skyscraper. Another feature of the Financial District are the top elegant hotels and restaurants that line the streets. There are too many happy-hour hot spots to count, plus plenty of options for the perfect romantic dinner, including the classic Tadich Grill, which is the city’s oldest restaurant.

North Beach and Washington Square ‘Little Italy’

San Francisco’s “Little Italy” is located in North Beach and is a well-known destination for both visitors and locals due to the fascinating heritage on offer there.Italian immigrants settled in the neighborhood as it recovered from the 1906 earthquake, creating a community that still thrives today. You’ve probably heard of baseball legend Joe DiMaggio who grew up in the neighborhood – in fact, he even went back to his roots and resided there with his wife Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s. Other prominent residents have included former San Francisco mayor and politician Joseph Alioto and numerous other members of that famous family.

A cosmopolitan and lively neighborhood, North Beach boasts a great nightlife, an ever-growing art scene, plus an array of artisan food markets and record stores. Given its cultural heritage, you might have guessed that “Little Italy” is also a major culinary destination for authentic Italian cuisines. Its unique atmosphere and bohemian independent coffee houses draw people from across the city and beyond. At night, the music bars, night clubs and breweries come to life, some of which have been around for more than a century!Located on Washington Square, you’ll find the St. Peter and Paul Church. If the sight looks familiar, you might remember it from photos taken of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio after their civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall in 1954.

The neighborhood’s charming Italian character comes to the forefront during Columbus Day celebrations, when the Italian restaurants, cafes, and bakeries along Columbus Avenue and Washington Square take part in San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade annually. It’s the best time to hang out in North Beach!
“Little Italy” was once a cultural giant within the nation, and it retains this special element today. There’s no other place in California like it and it has become an icon, particularly of the literary movement known as the Beat Generation. That 1950s subculture was flourished in the neighborhood’s cafes and bars, and today the area is with San Francisco’s own cultural Renaissance. The writers and personalities of the Beat Generation – including Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Neal Cassady and Gregory Corso – resided in North Beach at one time or another. Poet and activist Jack Hirschman, as well as Beath poet and performance artist Bob Kaufman, plus writer and publisher A. D. Winans were also key parts of this famed literary scene.


So, want to get a taste of Italian culture and cuisine? Let your tour guide take you to the many highlights of this historic neighborhood. Best of all, you don’t need to hike around the city all day to enjoy its unique neighborhoods. Instead, join our full-day, private custom and guided tour and get best of each district of San Francisco, including Chinatown and North Beach, in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, the Fisherman’s Wharf area is surely on your list. It’s the city’s most popular tourist destination, attracting millions of domestic and international tourists each year. They love to experience its famous attractions, museums, aquarium, and especially see the most popular sight of all — the sea lions! The wharf hosts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops plus an enjoyable variety of street entertainers. Other beloved attractions include the Musée Mécanique (featured in the movie The Princess Diaries), the Wax Museum and, of course, Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not. If you’re considering a bay cruise, this will be your departure point, and we’ll happily organize a San Francisco and Bay Cruise combo tour for your convenience.

Palace of Fine Arts in the Marina District

The Palace of Fine Arts is a stunning masterpiece that mirrors Roman and Greek classic architecture. Bernard Maybeck, its designer, was a well-known architect in the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century. Construction was completed in 1915 in time for the Panama-Pacific Exposition. Due to the theatrical and striking it creates, the Palace of Fine Arts has been used as a backdrop in numerous movies including The Rock, Vertigo, and The Bachelor. Take a stroll by the lagoon, and you may catch couples taking their vows or taking some snaps of their big day at this stunning San Francisco attraction.

San Francisco Historic Presidio

Situated at the entry to San Francisco Bay, the Presidio was established as a Spanish military outpost in 1776. As such, that makes this historic sight the birthplace of the city of San Francisco! Just 10 minutes from downtown San Francisco, this amazing urban national park is home to many wonders of nature, plus an alluring sense of history in its museums. It also features public parks, some of California’s best beaches (and that’s saying something!), and too many restaurants, boutiques, art and former military installations and coffee shops to mention.

To name just a few of the many sights and attractions on offer, you can check out: Inspiration Point Lookout, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, Baker Beach and Marshall’s Beach, Walt Disney Family Museum and Café (plus the Yoda Fountain at LucasFilm), the San Francisco National Cemetery, Fort Point, Battery Spencer and its scenic overlook, Civil War Parade Ground Main Post, Crissy Field, Inspiration Point Overlook near the Presidio Heights, and Presidio Golf Course.

In addition to all of that, simply wandering around the Presidio will allow you to stumble across unexpected springs in miles of hiking trail, all while taking in astonishing scenic overlooks. Plus, you may even get to see some wildlife, including coyotes!
*The Inn at the Presidio Main Post is a great option if you desire a peaceful hotel, away from the commotion of the city.

The Golden Gate Bridge – Gateway to the Golden State

When you think of California, an image that quickly springs to mind will be the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The thin, 1.7-mile-long bridge is the number one attraction in the Golden State. As the most photographed bridge in the world, it simply can’t be missed. Beyond the photo opportunities, you’ll be astonished by the wonderful and variable views from the many overlooks and vista points that surround this one-of-a-kind structure.

When it was finished in May 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge span in the world. It goes all the way from the mouth of San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. Sure, the name is a bit misleading, as it is by no means “gold.” Instead, it sports an instantly-recognizable ‘international orange’ color, selected deliberately to work with the bridge’s natural environment – not to mention to help it stand out in San Francisco’s famous fog! Our tour will bring you to Fort Point, Crissy Field, or Baker Beach, for the very best views of the bridge. (Due to time restraints, we don’t drive across the Golden Gate Bridge on the half-day tour, but this is included in our full-day San Francisco custom tour).

Your passionate tour guide will drive you to Marin County to admire one of the most specular overlooks of Northern California. You will be able to stop and take in the breathtaking sweeping views from Marin Headlands lookout. Marin Headlands is a hilly peninsula with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Ocean.

The Beautiful Homes of Sea Cliff

Sea Cliff is an exclusive neighborhood located between the Presidio and Lands’ End. in 1913, it features parks and overlooks with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach, and Marin headlands.Due to these attractive drawcards, it has become one of San Francisco’s most elite residential neighborhoods. Large, luxury mansions of a very high value fill the area, such as Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s $30 million oceanside mansion. Dorsey’s purchase places him alongside other prominent current and past residents including Jefferson Airplane guitarist Paul Kantner, actor Cheech Marin, actor Robin Williams, actress Sharon Stone, Gap founder Donald Fisher, and Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. This Mediterranean-style neighborhood has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, China Beach and Baker Beach. As part of our tour, a short walk on the beach is optional. To maintain the exclusive standards of this neighborhood, tour buses and vans are prohibited, but you’re in luck, because our SUVs are permitted!Baker Beach is located between Sea Cliff and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Baker Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area and California. This golden beach is an awesome spot for sunbathing , playing , swimming, and picnicking. Many visitors bring food to eat and spread a blanket on the sandy golden beach to relax. Baker Beach also has a nice picnic area in a cypress and eucalyptus grove behind the beach. You’ll enjoy amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge – it never gets old! – along with stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean scenic views, Bonita Light House, Sea Cliff fancy mansions, Marin Headlands, and Lands’ End Forest.

The Legion of Honor and Land’s End

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is one of San Francisco’s fine arts museums. In its classic French style, the museum is located attractively on the cliffs at Land’s End. Interestingly, the building is a replica of the French Pavilion built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Expo. Completed in 1924, it acts as a memorial to the Californian soldiers who died in WWI.The museum houses a representative range of European art and sculpture, most of which is French. Highlights include Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ and ‘Joan of Arc.’ Land’s End, on which the Legion of Honor is built, is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area located on San Francisco’s rocky coastline. This wild stretch of water is the final resting place of many shipwrecks from bygone eras and the coast itself has been victim to many landslides.

Next, drive through Lincoln Park and the golf course on the way to Ocean Beach. The 18-hole Lincoln Park Golf Course was established in San Francisco in 1902.  You’ll drive by the San Francisco VA Medical Center, also called the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the SFVAMC, is a Veterans Affairs medical center.
Next, you’ll visit  Fort Miley perched on the edge of the Lands’ End  of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond District, just up the hill from the Sutro Bath ruins and L. From the lookout at Fort Miles, you can enjoy sweeping views of San Francisco Beaches, the Golden Gate Bridge , Marin Hidden Lands and Point Bonita Lighthouse! (a secret jewel of the Bay Area).
In addition to the fabulous ocean views,  Fort Miley Military Reservation offers visitors historical information. There is a  shipwreck  near the overlook  telling the story  of the USS San Francisco and its contribution to the South Pacific front. You can see the USS San Francisco shipwreck and learn more about  its story in WWII.

Lands End Lookout Visitor Center

Lands’ End is a park in San Francisco within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is a rocky and windswept shoreline at the mouth of the Golden Gate, situated between the Sutro District and Lincoln Park and abutting Fort Miley Military Reservation.  There are beautiful trails at Lands’ End near the visitor center which offer a cliff-top walk through a thick forest  of cypress  trees and open grass field with wildflowers and spectacular views of the ocean. You  can take a short walk or hike  to enjoy  beautiful views of the historic Sutro Baths  and the heart shaped rock way out in the distance,  on this wild and rocky northwestern corner of San Francisco. This is a popular place for hikers, nature flowers and an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

Ocean Beach and the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant.

Ocean Beach is a long beach spanning the entire Sunset District of San Francisco from Lands’ End to the Golden Gate Park. While Baker Beach and China Beach offer the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ocean Beach boosts awesome views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Park and its beautiful windmills.

There is an iconic restaurant on Ocean Beach called, the Beach Chalet which provides a sweeping view across the sandy beach, dunes, and the Pacific Ocean. The Beach Chalet brewery and restaurant offers quality seafood, modern American cuisine, and handcrafted ales, served with a panoramic view of Ocean Beach and the Golden Gate Park. This newly remodeled 1925 Spanish Revival Building is an ideal option for your lunch break.

The Golden Gate Park Attractions and Things to See

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Golden Gate Park is the place to be.This natural setting is a haven for recreation and nature lovers and those just looking for some peace of mind. It’s filled with world-class attractions, such as California’s finest museums, gardens, concert space, playgrounds, lakes, picnic spaces, a carousel, windmill, waterfalls, and wildlife – and that’s just getting started!

It all began in 1870 when California’s first state engineer, William H. Hall, assisted by a Scottish landscape gardener named John McLaren, began planning the Golden Gate Park project. Inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted, creator of the famous Central Park in New York, the pair set about the epic task of converting large sand dunes into a green parkland. Covering 1,013 acres, the Park has a rectangle shape similar to that of Central Park, but remarkably, it’s larger. Around 13 million visitors enjoy Golden Gate Park each year, making it the third-most visited city park in the United States behind Ney York City’s Central Park and Chicago’s Lincoln Park.

Some of the key attractions in Golden Gate Park include the Conservatory of Flowers, the De Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Garden, Queen Wilhelmina Garden and Dutch Windmill, Buffalo Paddock, the Rose Garden, California Academy of Sciences, the Arboretum, Golden Gate Archery Range, Stow Lake with its waterfalls, pagodas, and boat house, the Polo Fields, and the Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant. Walking and biking trails abound, surrounded by ponds and manmade lakes and waterfalls situated along JFK Drive.

The Japanese Tea GardenThe Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco is “temple of peace.” This enchanting and tranquil setting is a welcome escape for visitors after the chaos and noise of the city center. The calm atmosphere makes it a place to find peace and enjoy quiet moments away from today’s digital world.

Take in the amazing pagodas, beautiful architecture and astounding landscape and art, all carefully designed and crafter for maximum effect.

This Japanese Tea Garden is found in the heart of the Golden Gate Park between San Francisco Botanical Garden and California Academy of Sciences. Constructed as part of a massive World’s Fair at the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894, it is the oldest Japanese garden in the United States. When the World’s Fair was over, Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant and gardener, suggested to the Park’s creator John McLaren (who created the Golden Gate Park) that the exhibit be made into a permanent park.
Take a lovely stroll through a wide array trees and flowers, traversing green paths connected by charming wooden bridges over the water. In need of refreshment? You can also enjoy a Japanese herbal tea at the old teahouse.
*Entrance fees apply and are not included in the tour price.

Twin Peaks and Sutro Tower

Want a spectacular 360-degree unobstructed scenic view of San Francisco? The top of Twin Peaks summit is where you need to go, and your personal tour guide can drive you there!
The Twin Peaks comprise two prominent hills (peaks) with an elevation of about 925 feet. On clear days, thus spectacular overlook offers 360° far-reaching views of San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean. In fact, on such days you can enjoy those same views throughout the drive up, overlooking the entire San Francisco Bay.
While there, you can check out Sutro Tower, a three-legged 977 ft (298 m) tall TV and radio lattice tower that’s located on top of the mountain.

Haight-Ashbury – The Hippie Capital of America

Have you heard this catchy tune by the California singer Scott McKenzie: “If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair…”? This popular 1967 song was one of the main anthems of the Summer of Love era, which centered on the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco.
A city within the city, named after the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, Haight-Ashbury is conveniently located close to the famous Golden Gate Park. Renowned as the birthplace of America’s counter-culture, its fame reached its peak as a bohemian enclave during the infamous Summer of Love.Let us show you all the hidden stories and secrets of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood – a diverse, unique blend of hippie culture. Check out all the big Summer of Love landmarks including Jimi Hendrix’s house, Janis Joplin’s and Jerry Garcia’s / The Grateful Dead’s house, which is the most famous residence of the ’60s.
Other sights on the tour include the old Amoeba Music Record Store, plus some of the finest Victorian Houses in the city near Buena Vista Park. Ask your tour guide about The Red Victorian, Psychedelic History Museum, the Panhandle, and other landmarks in Haight-Ashbury.

Looking for suggestions on where to shop in the Haight-Ashbury? We’ve got you covered with all the tips on what to look for while you’re browsing and where to stop for a quick bite or a drink. Let your private tour guide fill you in on the best retro and vintage boutiques and clothing shops featuring an scarves, jewelry, trendy t-shirts, and an epic collection of rock and roll tees, including everything from Grateful Dead to Led Zeppelin.
For some the Summer of Love never truly ended, and the area is still a gathering place for many present-day hippies. The neighborhood has retained its reputation as the place to be go for vintage clothing, fun costumes, smoke shops, chill cafés and restaurants, tattoos, and body piercing, as well as murals reflecting the glorious days of the counter-culture era.

City Hall – The Civic Center

The City Hall of San Francisco is the focal point of the Civic Center District. Situated between Market Street, Van Ness, and Larkin, this dynamic neighborhood’s key attraction is City Hall. With your personal tour guide, check out the building’s European baroque dome, which is the fifth largest in the world. In fact, it’s 14 inches higher than the dome in Washington, D.C.! The city hall rotunda makes the perfect venue for special civic and public events – you’ll see why when you visit.On the second floor is the mayor’s office, where bronze busts of former Mayor George Moscone and his successor Dianne Feinstein can be found, a poignant reminder of the assassinations of mayor Moscone and Harvey Milk in 1978.

You may have spotted this landmark in classic movies such as The Rock, Dirty Harry, and James Bond 007. On January 14, 1954, Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe were married there. While in the Civic Center area, make sure you check out the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco Public Library, Davies Symphony Hall, the Opera House, the Veteran’s War Memorial Building (where the United Nations Peace Treaty was signed in 1945), and the California State Building.

Oakland Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building

Once the gateway to City by the Bay, the Ferry Building on San Francisco’s Embarcadero is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay. It has now become a must-see destination for foodies due to its marketplace of food stalls, wine bars, breweries, and high-end restaurants found on the Embarcadero where Market Street and the financial district meets the bay.

The area around the Ferry Building Marketplace is home to some of San Francisco’s best attractions, such as the cable car line on California street, the Exploratorium – a science museum like none you’ve ever visited before, Pier 31 where you can hop on a ferry to Alcatraz Island, and a little further on, the bustling PIER 39, which is where you’ll find the Aquarium of the Bay, a carousel, plus some of the city’s most beloved residents: the sea lions in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.


As an optional side trip, you can take a drive across the double-decker Bay Bridge to the Treasure Island, site of the 1937 World’s Fair and a previous headquarters for the U.S. Navy. This manmade island is one of the most popular photo stops in our tour, especially at night, due to its glorious sweeping views of San Francisco’s downtown skyline.*The Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island are currently closed to visitors due to development and contractions, but in their place, we will take you to other overlooks and beautiful visit points.
Note: It’s very hard to cover all above places and neighborhoods in one day trip, we will squeeze in as many places as possible. This private tour is this about the quality tour experience.

On the second leg of this combo excursion: You’ll go on a 1-hour sightseeing Bay Cruise in the San Francisco Bay.

Are you looking for the perfect outing idea while staying in San Francisco? You simply can’t visit the “City by the Bay” without going on a bay cruise adventure! This ferry boat 1-hour sightseeing bay cruise trip is heaps of fun, plus you might learn something on the way. Best of all, it will impress all ages and tastes.
This new bay cruise boat excursion is the best way to enjoy scenic and panoramic views of the amazing scenery of the San Francisco shorelines and skyline.

As the bay cruise starts pulling out, you will get a close-up look at a huge herd of sea lions hauling out and hanging out on Pier 39 dock on San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Checking out the sea lions and the bird life around the dock has become a very popular attraction, drawing thousands of tourists each year for a one-of-a-kind wildlife encounter in the heart of a bustling city.

Aboard the ferry, you can either opt to sit inside the heated lower deck or experience the upper deck scenic views. The first option is great for those cool San Francisco days, but with some luck you’ll get the chance to admire the skyline of San Francisco from the upper deck on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Either way, you’ll get to listen to live commentary in the form of a professional sightseeing narration. In English, the commentary highlights the major landmarks and points out top monuments as well as providing historical and cultural facts about San Francisco. You’ll sail around the iconic Alcatraz Island “The Rock” and learn about the mystique surrounding the famous Escape from Alcatraz maximum-security prison.

The Bay Cruise tour will also sail under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, so you’ll get an intimate view of this legendary Suspension Bridge – when it was completed in 1937, this a marvel of engineering was the first and largest suspension bridge in history!Purchase your San Francisco and bay cruise combo tour today to have the most awesome adventure ever. And get in fast, before it sells out. The ferry boat tour is also a good alternative when Alcatraz tickets sell out, as you’re guaranteed to have a fun experience.

What to do after the bay cruise tour and where to eat?

Pier 39 is situated along the historic San Francisco waterfront of Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s the first-choice place to enjoy dining and fun activities after your ferry boat tour. Our ferry tour starts and ends, at this location, a 45-acre waterfront complex that is a hub for locals and visitors alike. It’s renowned for its spectacular views of San Francisco skyline and islands. Pier 39 is also associated with a thriving culinary scene. You can’t leave without partaking in some waterfront dining and indulging in the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes. With 11 full-service restaurants and other cafes, you can enjoy everything from clam chowder, Italian, and burgers to shrimp, salads, pizza, beer, or wine tastings. While you’re there, visit other boutiques, candy stores, and much more. There are other dining options nearby including the Franciscan Crab Restaurant and Steak House. This long-standing seafood specialist boasts huge windows and nautical decor that complements the waterside setting. It’s located near Boudin Bakery, the famed bakery that has been making sourdough bread since the gold rush era. Check it out to enjoy the local flavor and history baked into every single loaf.
For more information about dining and fun places to see at Fisherman’s Wharf, here’s their official website: https://www.fishermanswharf.org/eat-drink/

What makes Fisherman’s Wharf special and where to stay?
If you have no particular interest or business need for staying in San Francisco’s downtown (Union Square or in the Financial District), Fisherman’s Wharf is a great option. Spend a couple of days or a week away from the busy Union Square and all the construction going on in the downtown area. There is a wide variety of hotels to select from around Fisherman’s Wharf, plus it’s a super convenient place to stay because it’s walking distance to countless attractions. Best of all, this delightful neighborhood includes the ferry terminal for Alcatraz and bay cruise boats. Many of the best things to see and do in the city are located near Fisherman’s Wharf, including a cable car ride, the San Francisco Maritime Museum, the Cannery Shopping Center, Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum, the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, Ghirardelli Square shops, too many restaurants to count, and the famous Ghirardelli chocolate factory. You can also visit art galleries or have an Irish coffee at Buena Vista café near the Cable Car terminal. The possibilities are endless!

Where to stay? Among the top Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, you might consider the Argonaut Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf, Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square, Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Caza, Riu, Hotel Zephyr, Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf, or Kimpton Alton Hotel. For more information about San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, head to their website:https://www.fishermanswharf.org/hotels/

Rates

Our Private Tour Prices

We offer high quality private custom tours and competitive prices. Our main goal is customer satisfaction. Our services and fees are detailed below.

Private Tour by SUV

This custom tour by SUV is totally private and not available for public or individual reservations. The price is per person. 

1 Guest 2 Guests 3 Guests 4 Guests 5 Guests 6 Guests 7 Guests
$518 $279 $209 $189 $179 $159 $149
1 Guest $518
2 Guests $279
3 Guests $209
4 Guests $189
5 Guests $179
6 Guests $159
7 Guests $149

Private Tour by Minibus (Van)

This custom tour by large van is totally private and not available for public or individual reservations. The price is per party and not per person.

1 to 5 Guests 6 to 7 Guests 8 to 10 Guests 11 to 12 Guests 13 to 14 Guests
$1199 $1299 $1479 $1629 $1799
1 to 5 Guests $1199
6 to 7 Guests $1299
8 to 10 Guests $1479
11 to 12 Guests $1629
13 to 14 Guests $1799

Included: Complimentary, pick-up and drop off in San Francisco (Downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf, Haights-Ashbury, Bernal Heights, China Basin, Castro, Mission District, Presidio and Marin District), 4-hour private city guided tour by SUV or van based on your choice of vehicle, with many stops along the way and tour narration by a local passionate tour guide, all applicable taxes, parking, and bridge toll fees. We also provide bottled water, hand sanitizer and masks on all tours. This custom tour package includes your bay cruise 1-hour non-stop scenic bay cruise sightseeing excursion that will take you along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, Pier 39 sea lions, under the Golden Gate Bridge and around the legendary Alcatraz Island with narration in English.

Not included: Meals, driver’s gratuity, overtime and optional activities or features (gardens, museums etc) . The drop off at the hotel after your ferry tour is not included as stated above, and in the description.

Notes: For time considerations, we don’t drive across the Golden Gate Bridge or to Treasure Island on the half-day tour but we do include it on our full-day San Francisco city tour

  • The itinerary may change based on your time, road or weather conditions, pick-up location and preference. When it is rainy or foggy, we have to skip some areas /places for safety considerations or due to the lack of visibility.
  • Please note that many sites, attractions, landmarks and neighborhoods are restricted and prohibited to large vehicles and vans with more than 7 persons, including places like Lombard Street, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill, Sea Cliff, Marina, Alamo Square (Painted Ladies), and all other areas restricted by law to van or bus tours. The SUV tour option is the perfect choice as you can go anywhere in the city where larges vehicles are prohibited.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Booking Terms, Payments, Refund and Cancellation Policy:

Booking, Terms & Refund Policy

To cancel your booking or make another request, email us using the same email address to which we confirmed your booking. All cancellations must be made in writing not via telephone. If you are unable to locate your confirmation email or are unsure of the address you used, please contact us through the live chat function on our website.

– If you cancel your reservation at least 15 business days (weekends and holidays not included) before your reserved trip or service, you will receive a refund of 91% of the total transaction to the payment method you used to make the payment originally. used when you made the payment. The 9% of the transaction that remains is for the relevant bank and merchant transaction fees. This is 4.5% per transaction, with the booking one transaction and the refund as a second one. Note we get charged for every transaction by the merchant and bank as well as paying other fees, so we appreciate your understanding in this matter.

– If you cancel your reservation at least 7 business days before the date of your service or tour (weekends and holidays not included), 50% of the total transaction value will be returned back to you via your original transaction method.

– If you cancel at least 5 business days before the date of your tour (weekends and holidays not included), 15% of the total transaction will be returned to you via your original transaction method.

– If you cancel your tour within 4 business days before the date of your trip (weekends and holidays not included), 0% of the total amount will be returned to you via your original transaction method. This also applies if you don’t show up at the scheduled time and pickup location.

NOTE: All refunds attract credit card and merchant’s fees charged to our small business by credit cards companies and merchant providers. Transaction fees vary between 3.9% to 9.8% of your total purchase value depending on the type of credit card and the relevant bank’s extra fees, the country in which the bank is located, and the necessary conversion fees applied to the transaction. International transactions are often subject to extra origination and conversions fees.

PLEASE CONSIDER: When you make a reservation with us on our website, we schedule that book for the relevant time/date of your tour. This means we reserve that tour slot for your booking and do not take other booking for that tour date/time. As such, when you book, we keep a tour guide and SUV on hold so that we can fulfill your tour on your booked date. In addition, once you have made your booking, we begin making all relevant bookings and organization required for your tour to ensure that you have the best experience and don’t miss out on the top sites and attractions. For this reason, we ask you to avoid cancelling or changing your booking date and recommend holding off booking until your travel plans are set. A last-minute cancellation means we have a gap in our schedule that will be difficult to fill, so please respect our business by showing up for your booking so we can fulfil the plans of our other customers.

Due to its extra fraud protection systems, American Express commonly rejects the first transaction made on our website.We have no control over this, but recommend you try again or use another credit card or PayPal to make your payment.

General Terms

– Trip Reservation and Email Confirmation: Once you have finalized your booking on our website, an email will automatically be sent upon approval of your payment, containing a merchant receipt for your order. A second email will arrivewith confirmation of your tour from SF Tours, including a tour voucher if required. This email confirmation is evidence of your tour booking and will include your tour date and pick-up time. It is only valid for the date(s) listed, which reflect your booking on our website, and only apply to the customers listed via the booking system on our website. Tours are not transferrable to other persons or parties.There is no guarantee that you can switch the date of your tour after booking, as we have other tours to fulfill. Tour date changes are not offered within 15 days from your scheduled tour date, and no other dates will be available afterward.

So that we can satisfy all of our tour customers, SF Tours reserves the right to partner with other tour operators, freelancers, and/or our sister companies. After we receive your confirmed transaction, you will be provided the exact name and contact information of your tour operator, which will be included on your tour voucher.

Because we may receive numerous tour bookings at the same time, all tours are subject to availability. Even if you have received an approved payment transaction, this does not guarantee that your tour has been booked. A booking is only ensured once you have received confirmation from us via email. All Alcatraz tours, Muir Woods, hot air balloon and horseback rides can only be confirmed when we receive confirmation from these third-party companies. Each of these attractions require booking in advance. If your preferred tour is unavailable, you will receive a full refund minus the transaction fees.

Declined Transactions:

NOTE: If your transaction is rejected, we will not receive notification of this. As such,  your reservation is not confirmed unless you have received written confirmation via email. If you are having problems making a payment, contact us immediately. However, we cannot honor your tour without an email confirmation and tour voucher.

If your bank rejected the booking transaction, check your bank information (such as the names on the credit card, zip/postal code, or billing address) to ensure it is the same as what you provided on our website when making your booking. Insufficient funds may be another cause of a failed transactions. We cannot confirm your tour via a confirmation email until your bank clears the transaction. We acknowledge this can be inconvenient, but is a necessary safeguard on your bank’s part to prevent fraud and other issues.

Even after your transaction has gone through, our tours are still subject to availability. We will endeavor to confirm your booking via email ASAP, as well as the reserved tour(s) and date(s). Unless otherwise stated, all our tours are given in English. If your tour will be in a language other than English, this will be stated in the email or tour voucher confirmation we will send you after your transaction is approved.

Special events, weather conditions, road closures, vehicle problems, unforeseen circumstances, unavailability and/or last-minute reservations may mean that we have to offer you substitutes to your original tour itinerary. All other circumstances beyond our control are included and we reserve the right to make the necessary adjustments. We are unable to promise any particular arrival or departure times, or that any stop on the tour will occur at a specified time, due to the reasons just listed. However, we will strive to fulfill your tour itinerary and schedule to the best of our ability.

Hot-Air Balloon Special Cancellation and Refund Policy: On this tour, your safety is our #1 priority. Your balloon ride will occur before sunrise according to the weather conditions on the day. This guided tour takes 8 hours, door to door when leaving from San Francisco, or 6 hours when departing from Napa or Sonoma Valley. Other sites like Yolo County or Pope Valley may be utilized when the weather conditions in Napa make us unable to fly safely. Rainy conditions or winds higher than 12 mph will always lead to cancellation of the balloon ride.
Please note: Alternative launching sites are available if the Napa Valley weather conditions prevent safe take off from the valley. This allows us to give you the best chance possible to enjoy this experience.

Non-refundable for No-Show or last-minute changes: You can expect to receive communication from our office staff by 5 pm on the day before your hot-air balloon tour. This timing is necessary since we collect you from your hotel in San Francisco or Napa at 4 and 5 am on the day of the tour, so it is necessary to confirm arrangements prior. If we cannot reach you before 5 pm via your email or cell phone, or you do not return our calls, your driver will still arrive at 4 am as planned. If you do not show up for collection, this will be regarded as a no-show and consequently, the total cost of your tour will be non-refundable, in accordance with our refund terms and cancellation policy. As such, we recommend making every effort to confirm your pick-up the day prior and ensure you are prompt for collection.

Balloon Ride Refundable Amount: If you choose to cancel your balloon ride, you must do so at least 4 days prior to the tour. Rest assured that if the pilot cancels the balloon ride due to bad weather or other safety concerns on the day of the tour, you will receive refund of $190. If you decide not to participate in the balloon ride and cancel 4 days prior to the tour; the tour guide will collect, you at 9 am rather than 4 am and you can enjoy the wine tour as planned.
Regardless of weather conditions, the wine tour itself is not refundable. If you wish to take your chances with the weather regarding the balloon ride going ahead, your tour guide will pick you up as planned at 4 am. NOTE: We have scheduled this tour just for you and rejected other reservations to secure your tour date. If you cancel last-minute, all wages and business expenses still need to be paid by us. As such, the hot-air balloon ride part of this tour package is not refundable IF YOU CANCEL IT BEFORE THE DATE PRIOR TO YOUR TOUR
If the balloon is cancelled due to weather conditions, you will get a $190 refund per person, which will be returned via your original transaction method within 7 business days. Bookings made directly with Viator are subject to their terms and policy.

Please note: No changes or modifications can be accepted within 4 days of your tour. Our office closes at 5 pm and your driver will need to wake up at 2 am to collect the required vehicle in time to greet you at 4 am at your hotel.

 

Our policies regarding unforeseen weather conditions, our cancellation policy and terms are all provided with the utmost transparency for your benefit and to avoid misunderstanding and blame. It is your responsibility to read these terms carefully. Remember, our drivers are people too! They go to bed very early to ensure they arrive at your hotel at 4 am. As such, do not make last-minute changes after 5 pm on the day before your tour. Our offices are closed after 5pm, so we will not even receive your cancellation until the next day, by which time your driver will have already gone to collect you!

Gratuity: 15% to 20% gratuity is required and customary in the USA. Generally, a tip may vary between 15% to 20% of the total purchase amount, or it can be a flat amount that is near the appropriate percent. It really depends upon the situation, and your generosity because without gratuity tour guides can’t thrive in this expensive state of California, and without tour guides, we can’t run this business. Thank you for your generosity and understanding.

Other terms and information

Wheelchair and Handicap Accessibility issues: Unfortunately, our vehicles do not have wheelchair access. Only very small, foldable wheelchairs fit into our vehicles. Further, the height of our vehicles makes it extremely difficult for customers with a disability get it in and out of our vehicles, and there are liability issues involved. Tours involving kids, seniors, and wheelchairs naturally take longer than average, meaning we have to pay overtime. For this reason, $179 will be charged to your credit card for every additional hour in excess of 12 hours by van or $129 per hour by SUV.

Pets: No pets are permitted in our vehicles. Please respect our other guests who have pet allergies.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in our vehicles.

Clothing: This day-long tour is full of adventure so please dress appropriately for cold weather, and wet and uneven roads and hiking trails. Wear comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, especially for snow in winter and spring. An overnight tour package is recommended for groups with kids and seniors, as the full-day tour can be taxing for them.

Parks, Attractions and Site’s Closures: We will not be held responsible for weather and travel conditions. Nor will we be held liable for these factors. State and national parks can close at any time without notice, for reasons such as the weather or unsafe road conditions. In such situations, no refund will be issued, regardless of the reasons provided for the trip being cancelled. In addition, if you need to cancel or stop the tour for personal or health reasons, no refund is available, nor can you change your tour to a future date.

Guided tours in foreign languages: Additional fees are applied to all tours in foreign languages. This is necessary to account for the expertise of tour guides or freelancers we may employ to fulfill your tour needs.

Travel Agents: When a customer does not tip their driver or tour guide, their travel agent will be liable for a 20% gratuity. Travel agents must supply their customers’ full name and contact information, or the tour will not proceed. Further, travel agents must cover all overtime unpaid by their clients, and a credit card for this purpose will be kept on file. We barely cover our business expenses and wages because of the high cost of conducting business in California. As such, all our tours are at non-commissionable rates.

Gratuity:As is customary in the USA, a 15 to 20% gratuity is expected. Typically, a tip should be ​​15% to 20% of the total purchase amount, or a flat amount that close to the relevant percentage. Tipping is subjective, and your generosity is appreciated. Gratuities form an important part of tour guides earnings, and they can’t survive in this expensive state without them. Plus, without tour guides, we can’t run our business! So thank you for your understanding and for tipping appropriately.

Muir Woods National Monument new regulations: You will enjoy a more tranquil setting in Muir Woods National Monument compared to what previous tourists encountered. That’s because Muir Woods has become the first national park to require advance reservations for entry. No one can visit or access Muir Woods anymore without prior reservations and permits. Dedicated commercial and parking permits are provided as well to preserve the attraction’s peaceful environment. This extra cost and the inconvenience of the reservations process will likely put off numerous visitors​​ and tour companies. Luckily for you, included in our private tours and small group custom trips are all the necessary arrangements for entry into this attraction – you don’t have to do a thing! We’ll make the reservation for you and pay for the parking and permits. Please note: Your Muir Woods tickets are not included in the tour price (the cost is currently $15 per person at time of writing but please check updated prices).

NOTE: Tour guides are not permitted to run guided tours to Alcatraz or Muir Woods. As such, your experiences of these attractions will be self-guided tours (including the excellent self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz prison), as we communicate on our website. To keep costs at a minimum, drop-off at your hotel after you visit Alcatraz is not included. This means you won’t pay overtime or for your driver to wait for you while you’re exploring Alcatraz Island. The Fisherman’s Wharf hotels are a short walk from Alcatraz landing, plus public transportation is very affordable and accessible in that area.

Alcatraz tours and tickets and the use of our online calendar: Our website’s calendar receives a lot of traffic, as it is used for all our tours and is offered in over 10 different languages – that means ten times the number of tour options! For this reason, when Alcatraz tickets are sold out (as they often are due to the popularity of this attraction), we are unable to block out our calendar for these specific date(s) as that would prevent all other clients from making bookings for other tours and according to their language needs. As Alcatraz makes up only 1% of our tours, we prioritize access to our many other tours that are the foundation of our business. As such, we have changed the terms and conditions on our website regarding Alcatraz tour and tickets, stating clearly and plainly these terms:

-All our tours including Alcatraz are subject to availability. This is the case even if the payment transaction has been approved. If it turns out that Alcatraz tickets are already sold out for the date you booked, we reserve the right to void or refund your transaction. Please understand this is totally out of our control since the U.S. National Park Service is the only provider of Alcatraz tickets and tours.

-During the peak season, holidays and week-ends, 8 business weeks in advance is required when booking our Alcatraz tour. The peak season runs from April to the end of October.

-When Alcatraz is sold out, we’ll offer you alternative tour options. If you decline, we’ll fully refund your transaction. This will take about 10 business days as per the “voided and refunded transactions” clause.

Common mistakes to avoid: When people see that Alcatraz tickets are sold out through other venues, some customers hurry to book our Alcatraz tour on our website. They ignore our terms and conditions, not realizing that, if the tickets are sold out, they’re sold out everywhere. We take no responsibility for this, as we have taken every measure to ensure transparency about the fact that we have no control over Alcatraz ticketing! This is why we require at least 8 business weeks in advance for Alcatraz bookings.

The misconception about private tours: Yes, public group tours are more cost-efficient for the tour operator than private tours. The input cost of private tours and public tours are approximately the same, as both provide one driver or tour guide, one vehicle, the same trip length, and both assume the same business expenses and commercial insurance liability. However, private tour operators (like ours) make 95% less profit than public group tours. The reason is that all our resources are dedicated to a party or family tour (and solo travelers), while the sheer volume of customers in a public tour means those operators make 10 times more profits! It’s extremely costly to operate private tours in California due to increasing taxes and business expenses, but we believe the customized experience and better quality is worth it for our customers.

Additional Terms & Tips for visitors and hikers

– If you suffer car or motion sickness, please consider acquiring medication from your doctor. We don’t want you to miss out on the best parts of our tour due to feeling unwell. Also consider altitude sickness, as we do reach some great heights on some of our tours. An excessive number of stops due to these problems don’t make for a great tour experience, so please consult your doctor in advance for preventative measures.

– Travel light and have more room for the journey. Consider leaving unnecessary luggage at your hotel.

– Our tours involve walking and hiking so wear appropriate footwear, such as snowshoes in winter. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool and hot tub.

– Other necessities, depending on the season, include sunscreen, bug spray, extra memory cards for photos, and batteries for your camera (if applicable).

– Warm layers are the way to go for San Francisco’s cooler weather. Bring a raincoat in case of summer showers.

– The high altitude means it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water. Don’t risk hiking alone; we offer fully-guided tours.

– We are not responsible for injuries or accidents on our tours, inside or outside of Yosemite National Park. Please read our terms and conditions carefully for more information.

– When visiting the sequoias, you’ll be in rocky terrain with narrow, uphill, and winding hiking trails. You’ll need to hike downhill and then return uphill to the parking lot. At the beginning of the trail, the route is very steep, but rest assured it flattens out as you get closer to the parking lot. All groves require some hiking to access, but the nature of the hike depends on the one your driver selects for you. For both top groves, the elevation at the trail head is about 6,200 feet (1,860 meters). The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is a favorite of many, at a distance of about a 2.5-mile (4 km) round trip. You’ll need to do about 1.5 – 2 hours of hiking, but it’s appropriate for everybody who can hike including kids.

-California Gold Country: Located between Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra where a major highway leads to Tahoe, Tioga Pass is sometimes closed due to heavy snow. This may occur as early as October until about June or July. In this instance, day 2 and 3 of your tour will take you through the notorious, yet celebrated, California Gold Country instead.

-Please note that the order of your journey may vary. We may start in Lake Tahoe and then go to Yosemite National Park or the reverse. It all depends on the hotels’ availability, the season, the weather, and road conditions. We do not work on commission, so please book your own hotel if you’d prefer. However, if you want to avoid that hassle, we can organize that for you. Simply select ‘hotel included’ from our shopping cart.

Hotel Reservation: Each guest is charged only around $100 per night, for a three-star hotel situated in and around the Yosemite Valley area. This is determined by availability. Of course, if you’re looking for a certain quality of hotel accommodation, and would like to upgrade, you can book directly with your proffered resort or hotel. The Ahwahnee is the only 4-star hotel in the Yosemite Valley. A suite at tis lodging may cost from $600 to $1200 per night depending on the season and availability. NOTE: Within Yosemite itself, there is limited accommodation available. As such, it is typically sold out 6 to 12 months in advance. If you want to stay inside the park, we therefore recommend booking ASAP. If you need to make your reservation closer to the tour date, we are often able to find availability at one of the small resort or motel-style hotels in the Yosemite area, fairly close to the park.

More Terms and Miscellaneous

Foreign Languages: Unless your tour voucher states otherwise, your tour will be given in English. Note that some other languages attract additional fees. To have your tour in another language, book a Private Tour and not a semi-private one. This is subject to availability. If you require more than one language other than English, further additional fees may apply. All semi-private tours can be shared with other clients and are conducted in English. Please be aware that semi-private tours are no longer available for booking on our website. Our bilingual tour guides book up months in advance, so get in early to avoid disappointment.

Miscellaneous:  Meals and tour guide/driver gratuities are not included in our tour price unless indicated on your tour voucher or email confirmation.

Tour prices do not include additional fees including wine tasting, accommodations, and entry fees to see attractions and sites, winery tours, unless otherwise indicated on your tour voucher or email confirmation.

-All vehicles operated by San Francisco Tours are non-smoking according to state and federal laws.

-San Francisco Tours reserves the right to hire independent tour guide/drivers, subcontractors and/or contractors to facilitate our tours, shuttle services and travel packages.

-In the event that we are unable to facilitate your tour due to weather and/or road conditions, we will attempt to reach each location, site and destination using alternative routes, but we are not liable nor responsible for these unforeseen weather/traffic conditions. No refunds will be available.

-All photos or videos taken by our staff of our customers or passengers, during the capacity of the tour, trip or transfer, may be included on our website. Customers hereby agree to the use of these photos and videos and under no circumstances can customers dispute.

-No substitution or refunds for any unused part of the tour(s) will be issued. All sales are final.

-No refunds will be issued for a no-show or unused portion of the tour.

-All refund and/or voided transactions paid on our website by credit or debit cards or via PayPal may take up to 2 weeks before you receive the funds (refunds) back into your account.

Our hot-air balloon rides are no guaranteed to depart and arrive back in Napa Valley and subject to last-minute cancelation for weather considerations. San Francisco Tours reserves the right to fly anywhere within 80-mile radius of Napa Valley dependent on the weather conditions.

-We reserve the right to refuse service to any person or business who fails to comply with our safety instructions or scheduled tour itinerary. Further, anyone who poses any harm or threat to our customers and/or our tour guide-drivers will also be denied service. Under any circumstances, screaming at or insulting tour guide-drivers or fellow passengers or third-party businesses and subcontractors will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in immediate termination and cancellation of your tour without any refund. Under any circumstances, discrimination against a customer or a tour guide–driver for any reason will not be tolerated.

Cancellation due to unforeseen weather conditions: Fires, landslides, road closures, vehicle problems, medical emergencies involving our drivers or tour guides, or any other weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances may occur before or during your tour. In these situations, where possible, we reserve the right to offer you substitute tours or alternative destinations for the scheduled duration of your tour.

Modifications of these terms and conditions:San Francisco Tours and our affiliated websites or contractors reserve the right to change any of the terms and conditions listed on this website. We reserve the right to alter our web contents, make amendments to our terms and privacy policy at any time. Such changes will occur at our discretion without prior warning. Find out more about our privacy policy and complete terms and conditions.

Photos

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Videos

The Best of San Francisco City’s Top attractions  video

Reviews

Testimonials from real customers

“Everybody should visit Alcatraz Prison”

Definitely, plan your Alcatraz Island tour ahead of time! Be sure to get the audio guide before you enter the cell blocks as this will help you to create a real sense of what Alcatraz was like when it was a maximum high-security federal prison. The audio of the jail is authentic, and the narration is well done by real inmates and former security guards. The sounds of clanking iron bars as you walk through the cell blocks make it so eerie and real at the same time. I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.We also enjoyed our city tour with Adam by van.He is a fun, knowledgeable, and an amazing tour guide, plus he really went the extra mile to make us happy and comfortable. Our favorite stop was at the Palace of Fine Arts near the Presidio.We highly recommend Adam and San Francisco Tours.

“Awesome ferry tour in the SF Bay “

Taking a ferry boat tour is a must-do when visiting San Francisco. We took a bay cruise trip in the San Francisco Bay, sailing around Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge. The views of San Francisco from the bay are amazing! A blanket of fog covered the upper part of the Golden Gate Bridge, which was spectacular. SF bay can be sunny but cool at the same time, so dress in layers and always bring a jacket!

“The best day combo tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods “

Nothing is more refreshing than being in nature. The road to Muir Woods is scenic and beautiful and winds around the tree-covered sea cliffs. Last year, we drove on our own, but we couldn’t get into Muir Woods as they now require advance booking and parking reservation. This day combo tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods was the perfect getaway for my family. We didn’t have to worry about parking or tickets. San Francisco Tours is highly recommended!

“The perfect full day San Francisco Tour”

My family wanted to make efficient use of our short stay in San Francisco, and Jonathan provided the perfect city guided tour. He drove us into every corner of the city and entertained us with narration that was lively and full of intriguing historical and cultural details. He was thoroughly professional and considerate (stopping at just the right times for photos, walking , visiting places, or restroom breaks) and engaging; we whole-heartedly recommend the San Francisco full day tour – a must do!

“Muir Woods & Alcatraz tickets were sold out”

We wanted to squeeze in Alcatraz and Muir Woods in a half-day trip, but we couldn’t find any tickets available. San Francisco Tours accommodated us despite this last-minute booking. The tour guide was amazing and both attractions are a must-see for first time visitors. We didn’t care much for Sausalito, but we loved the houseboats tour.

“San Francisco, Sausalito & Muir Woods full experience”

We spent a superb day together with Patricia. Everybody enjoyed Patricia’s broad knowledge on historical as well as socio-cultural backgrounds of the Bay area. We highly appreciated Patricia’s sensitivity towards the interest point of our three teenagers. And finally, Patricia understood that touring SF and Muir Woods was for us as important as some chasing up of some old family roots in Ross, Marin County. Thus, thanks to Patricia’s personal effort, San Francisco Tours lived up to our expectations completely!

“This SF Night Tour was the highlight of our girls trip!”

Mary was our guide-driver and we were SO HAPPY we got her! She took us around to some great night-time neighborhoods we wouldn’t have ever thought of going to otherwise, but it was essential to our experience to see these authentic areas of San Francisco. The views were breathtaking all over the city, so amazing! She was our photographer, our storyteller, and even took us on our crazy In-And-Out burger request (we don’t have one where we live). So thank you so much Mary and to San Francisco Tours for matching us up with such a FAB lady!

“A fun Safari and Redwoods adventrue”

Fun and lots to see, enjoyable for both adults and young kids. I highly recommend this combo tour of Sonoma Safari and Armstrong Redwoods. We enjoyed the trip and the stops the driver made along the way. This trip was fantastic and fun, a bit expensive, but it was worth every penny we spent on this combo tour. Thumbs up!

“A fun horseback riding experience near San Francisco”

Great company to work with and a very helpful staff! It has become our tradition every year to visit San Francisco, but we never thought about going horseback riding in the San Francisco Bay area. We finally did it, and we felt safe riding the horses down on the beach near the Half-Moon Bay area. It was fun and exciting. Thank you, San Francisco Tours!

“The Best Napa Valley and Redwoods combo tour”

Our day trip to Muir Woods Forest and Napa Valley was fun and relaxing. We first visited Muir Woods National Monument, as it’s less crowded in the morning, and then stopped for lunch at Sonoma Plaza. In the afternoon, we visited two elegant wineries in Napa Valley that were booked for us in advance. The choice of wineries was perfect, and the wines were excellent.

“Reyes National Seashore is awesome”

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Point Reyes national seashore is the perfect getaway without driving for too long. The Point Reyes parks, wildlife, and beaches are beautiful even when it’s foggy.We liked the walk to the lighthouse, but the highlight of our trip to Marin County was wildlife watching at Point Reyes. Getting there would have been a challenge, and I’m glad we didn’t have to drive.

“Must See once in a Lifetime – Spectacular!!”

Redwood National Park is a national treasure and exceeded our expectations. This temple of nature and towering redwoods is a must-see place for a once in a lifetime expereince when visiting Northern California. Don’t skip Del Norte and Prairie Creek – they are home to some of the largest redwood trees we have ever seen. I recommend the three-day tour package with accommodation.

Epic Getaways & Outdoor Adventures

GOT Questions? WE’VE GOT answers?

Alcatraz Island and Prison Tour
Yosemite National Park Tour
Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lake
  • Unconditionally committed to excellence in all we do
  • Gain access to sites where large vehicles are prohibited
  • Family-friendly tour company and à la carte private tours
  • Complimentary meet-and-greet at your hotel and drop-off
  • Local, passionate, and fun-loving multilingual tour guides
  • All applicable taxes and Alcatraz tickets included


Redwood National Park is a national treasure and exceeded our expectations. This temple of nature and towering redwoods is a must-see place for a once in a lifetime expereince.
Learn More

Must See once in a Lifetime – Spectacular!!

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Point Reyes national seashore is the perfect getaway without driving for too long.
Learn More

Reyes National Seashore is awesome

Our day trip to Muir Woods Forest and Napa Valley was fun and relaxing. We first visited Muir Woods National Monument, as it’s less crowded in the morning.
Learn More

The Best Napa Valley and Redwoods combo tour

Great company to work with and a very helpful staff! It has become our tradition every year to visit San Francisco, but we never thought about going horseback riding in the San Francisco Bay area.
Learn More

A fun horseback riding experience near San Francisco

Fun and lots to see, enjoyable for both adults and young kids. I highly recommend this combo tour of Sonoma Safari and ​Armstrong Redwoods.
Learn More

A fun Safari and Redwoods adventrue

Mary was our guide-driver and we were SO HAPPY we got her! She took us around to some great night-time neighborhoods we wouldn’t have ever thought of going to otherwise.
Learn More

This SF Night Tour was the highlight of our girls trip!

We spent a superb day together with Patricia. Everybody enjoyed Patricia’s broad knowledge on historical as well as socio-cultural backgrounds of the Bay area. We highly appreciated Patricia’s sensitivity.
Learn More

San Francisco, Sausalito & Muir Woods full experience

We wanted to squeeze in Alcatraz and Muir Woods in a half-day trip, but we couldn’t find any ticket​​s available. San Francisco Tours accommodated us despite this last-minute booking.
Learn More

Muir Woods & Alcatraz tickets were sold out

My family wanted to make efficient use of our short stay in San Francisco, and Jonathan provided the perfect city guided tour. He drove us into every corner of the city and entertained us

Learn More

The perfect full day San Francisco Tour

Nothing is more refreshing than being in nature. The road to Muir Woods is scenic and beautiful and winds around the tree-covered sea cliffs. Last year, we drove on our own
Learn More

The best day combo tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods

Taking a ferry boat tour is a must-do when visiting San Francisco. We took a bay cruise trip in the San Francisco Bay, sailing around Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Learn More

Awesome ferry tour in the SF Bay

Definitely plan your Alcatraz Island tour ahead of time! Be sure to get the audio guide before you enter the cell blocks as this will help you to create a real sense of what Alcatraz

Learn More

Everybody should visit Alcatraz Prison