Best San Francisco Walking Tours in 2026

San Francisco , California

From $ 32.00

Embark on a spine-tingling journey through San Francisco's shadowy streets with our captivating walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine! Guided by an expert local storyteller, this tour takes you to some of the city's most iconic and eerie locations in the historic district. As you stroll through fog-laden streets, hear chilling tales of spirits lingering in places like the Sutter Building and the Fairmont Hotel, where echoes of the past resonate. This mile-long trek reveals San Francisco's tumultuous history, from the Gold Rush's promise to the tragedies that scarred the city. Encounter stories of the California Street Wandering Bride and the Pacific-Union Club, once the opulent Flood mansion. While entry into private buildings isn't allowed, standing on haunted ground will send shivers down your spine. Each tale uncovers the darker side of San Francisco, offering ghostly encounters and historical insights that will both entertain and enlighten you!

San Francisco , California

From $ 37.00

Please note: this walk is not at all strenuous. Obviously there's some stairs but this is done at a leisurely pace and suitable for almost everyone. This breathtaking 2 mile walking tour of San Francisco's hidden stairways is the #1 rated Airbnb Experience in the Bay Area. See gorgeous mosaic tiled steps and hear the stories behind them, then take in stunning 360° views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and downtown San Francisco. You'll also discover beautiful neighborhoods and gardens that tourists rarely see...you might even go home with a succulent! I'll provide commentary, context and some history along the way. Generally SF is dry May-October. There can be fog in the summertime, mostly in the morning. Temps rarely above 70F (21C) or below 50F (10C). Rain may cancel. Instagram account to see more photos: @hiddenstairssf #hiddenstairssf Message me if you have questions!

San Francisco , California

From $ 25.99

Established in 1998, this is San Francisco's first and original haunted history walking tour, led by international performer and local favorite – Christian Cagigal. You will thrill to this lantern-lit adventure through San Francisco's ghostly past and see its most notorious haunted places. You will walk one mile on tree-lined streets in a safe residential area with fine Victorian architecture. There is one moderate hill, the pace is easy, and the views are spectacular. You'll enjoy 90 minutes of history and fun!  Highlights include: Poltergeists at the Chambers Mansion, the corpse in a barrel of rum at the Atherton Mansion, the ghost bride of California Street, the powerful woman who supported the Underground Railroad in San Francisco, and more. Your guide: Christian Cagigal is a Bay Area native and a lecturer of haunted history. He's performed across the globe as a magician and storyteller, and is a featured performer at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

San Francisco , California

From $ 32.00

- Explore the city with San Francisco's most hilarious, imaginative and EXCITING storyteller! - Enjoy original FOLKLORE and FAIRYTALES told by Clyde Always: a professional storyteller, published poet and decade-long resident of the City by the Bay. Hear about witches & wisemen, hobos & hipster-emperors. Bring your imagination! - Get to know these three famous neighborhoods: the Mission, the Castro and the Duboce Triangle. - Get insider knowledge of the best eateries, parks, shops and more. See beautiful street-art, landmarks and architecture. Experience the City like a local. - BEWARE! Some of the information presented will be highly UNBELIEVABLE. Have fun sorting the fact from the fiction. -A 2.2 mile (3.5 km) walk with no hills. One public restroom along the way. - Please note: this tour is NOT for the whole family. Script includes profanity and you might see a nudist or two. - Guaranteed to entertain, enliven and uplift. An experience you'll always remember.

San Francisco , California

From $ 39.00

It’s hard to imagine San Francisco as the sleepy village it was before the Gold Rush, but our North Beach Walking Tour takes you back in time as you discover SF through the ages. We’ll visit Washington Square Park, the city’s first public park, where you’ll learn the surprising role it played after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Admire the vintage lampposts and Coit Tower in the distance. Step inside Saints Peter and Paul Church to see its Italian marble altar and hear about its celebrity connection to Joe DiMaggio. Along the way, you’ll learn how this area became SF’s “Little Italy” as you stroll past colorful shops and bakeries. Your guide will show you unexpected viewpoints of the famously windy Lombard Street and beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. We’ll end at the picturesque Pier 39, adorably overrun with sea lions enjoying the sun. But arguably the best view is from 150 feet above the city with your included ticket to a private gondola in the SkyStar observation wheel.

San Francisco , California

From $ 30.00

Be informed and entertained on this one-of-a-kind 3-hour walking tour of downtown San Francisco, led by an impersonator of the late Emperor Norton. Self-proclaimed as the Emperor of the US, this 19th-century character comes to life as your guide leads you back to the past. Step into a time machine of sorts and learn about the Barbary Coast, the 1906 earthquake, and historic landmarks surrounding Union Square.

San Francisco , California

From $ 35.00

The Painted Ladies are known worldwide from photos, guidebooks, film and TV shows such as "Full House". For locals, they are a cherished symbol of our city and our history. These are all private homes and are rarely open for viewing. The blue painted lady is one of the most original and preserved of the seven homes in this row. The interior reflects almost 174 years of this family's history in the city. It is not a recreation of an 1890s home, nor is it the tour meant as an inspiration for home décor or design. We hope guests find the period furnishings and paintings harmonious and the stories engaging.

San Francisco , California

From $ 36.00

Come on our Haunted Pub Crawl tour presented by US Ghost Adventures! On select nights, come have a few sips of local spirits while hearing about the city's local haunted Spirits and wandering the haunted streets of San Francisco. Join us on the new Spirits of the Barbary Coast Haunted Pub Crawl and visit the Golden Gate City's historic haunts and ghostly pubs to enjoy booze and boo's at some of its most infamous paranormal and tipsy hotspots. This tour will hit 4 of San Francisco's best bars and pubs, and some of its most haunted location between bar stops. *Drinks not included in price

San Francisco , California

From $ 37.00

The Haight-Ashbury neighborhood was the center of the counter-culture movement and the Summer of Love. I'll bring its bohemian history to life and even share some dark secrets from its distant past. I'll bring you to the homes of the musicians that lived here and you'll marvel at the colorful murals and beautiful Victorian houses along the way. Oh, I'll also introduce you to the world's greatest record store! *PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TOUR DISCUSSES DRUG USE AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER GUESTS*

San Francisco , California

From $ 6.97

Play a city game where you will follow clues around Haight Ashbury, the iconic San Francisco neighborhood, and the epicenter of the 1967 “Summer of Love” cultural phenomenon. Visit the locations in which music legends like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead performed free concerts. Ready to discover a city of peace and love? + See the homes of music legends Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Grateful Dead + Visit the Panhandle and Golden Gate Park, the location of many peaceful demonstrations like the revolutionary Human Be-In + Discover the impact that hippie subculture had on the art, music and social landscape of America Discover San Francisco’s fascinating history and attractions while you solve clues around the Haight Ashbury, the neighborhood famous for the hippie movement in the United States. Are you ready to be immersed in the world of peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll?

San Francisco , California

From $ 9.99

Take in San Francisco's historic waterfront with a tale of its creation, and looming demise with this walking tour along the Embarcadero. • Find out how rising seas and increasing storm surges are predicted to flood streets, and the infrastructure above and below, and what the future might look like • Hear from producer Claire Schoen who creates award-winning stories in sound for radio and podcasts • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

San Francisco , California

From $ 34.00

Visit iconic landmarks with a local guide as you discover hidden gems along the waterfront. Hear captivating stories about San Francisco's dramatic boom and bust history. Learn about the Gold Rush and how Cable Cars were invented. See our playful colony of sea lions and famous rolling fog. Along the way you'll sample delicious treats like Ghirardelli Chocolate and Boudin's Sourdough, all while your guide shares fascinating tales of the city's colorful past. You can enjoy this walking tour on its own, or choose to upgrade with a Golden Gate Bay Cruise for even more adventure! Our Golden Gate Bay Cruise is truly like none other. Let Captain Sal Alioto regale you with stories only a 3rd-generation local could share as you take in stunning views of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges on his historic Monterey Clipper. Bay Cruise only available for ages 7 and older. Walking tour is open to all ages. Come join us!

San Francisco , California

From $ 5.00

Come and discover all the secrets that San Francisco has to offer. We will walk all over the beautiful city, and see some beautiful sites like Union Square, Chinatown, and the Financial District. We are very excited to take you on this journey! Don't worry about other people, this tour is completely tailored to you with the Pintours App! With our app, you can pause the tour, and check out the locations as long as you want! You can skip a stop you don't like, and you have all the best information about each stop at your fingertips.

San Francisco , California

From $ 11.99

Explore San Francisco's historic Japantown at your own pace on this self-guided audio tour. Japanese-American local Kristin Eriko Posner will guide you through the neighborhood, sharing little-known stories on how history shaped the food, culture, and landscape of the oldest Japantown in the U.S. This geo-tagged audio tour is best between 10:30am - 3:30pm on Wednesday-Saturdays, when all of the businesses on the tour are open. However, it can be taken at any time, on any day. Most stops are open until 6pm. The tour is ready whenever you are and the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

San Francisco , California

From $ 25.00

There's truly no better way to explore the many highlights and hidden gems of Golden Gate Park than with your own personal local meteorologist and guide. We'll visit some of the park's most iconic spots but also uncover hidden gems like the Monarch Bear Grove, candelabra redwood trees and Summer of Love sights that will be new discoveries for even the most experienced local. From some of the park's most quiet and peaceful corners to it's energetic and bustling heart, this is a truly unique San Francisco experience!