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Cultural & Theme Tours in San Francisco

Live prices, traveller ratings and availability. San Francisco guide

359 tours & activities

Silicon Valley Tour from San Francisco Private (opens in a new tab)

5 8 h – 10 h

You will learn the history of San Francisco and the Bay Area, why Silicon Valley is here, and how it started. We will pick you up from your hotel or residence and take to Silicon Valley. We will take pictures of Oracle Campus and the Trimaran of Larry Ellison, as well as both Facebook campuses. You will have an opportunity to visit the Computer History Museum (Closed Mon-Tue). We will pass by NASA Ames Visitor Center and visit the NASA Gift Shop (Closed Sun-Mon). You will visit GooglePlex Gradient Canopy Building and take pictures inside the campus. You will shop in the new Visitor's Center. You will visit Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino. We will show you the Home of Steve Jobs and the Garage where Hewlett and Packard created the first product of Silicon Valley After lunch, you will take a 2-hour walking tour of the Stanford University Campus. You will see the Hoover Tower, Church of All Religions, Rodin Museum, IT Buildings, Souvenir Shop, Main Quad, and Athletic Facilities.

from$1,099

Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise (opens in a new tab)

336 2 h – 5 h

This is a unique tour package to visit both the Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge! For the Alcatraz tour, you will first take a short ferry ride from Pier 33 to the Alcatraz Island, where you can walk around the Island freely at your own pace and follow a 45-minutes award-winning audio tour in multiple languages of the Alcatraz Prison Cellhouse. You can hop on to any returning ferry when you are finish touring the Alcatraz Island. For the San Francisco Bay Cruise Tour, it will start near Pier 39 where just a short walk from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. During this 60-minute Bay Cruise Tour, you will tour around the Alcatraz Island and under the famous Golden Gate Bridge, where you will enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco and its bay! Tips: You can do the Bay Cruise Tour before the Alcatraz Tour, or on a different date! There are multiple departures daily and your Bay Cruise voucher is valid for any date, any departure time

from$148

San Francisco: Major Landmarks Private Sightseeing Tour (opens in a new tab)

69 4 h

Enjoy a private tour of San Francisco by car for up to 6 people Decide what popular sites you’d like to see, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown, and others Choose your departure time and location within San Francisco

from$455

San Francisco in One Day: Small Group Cable Car and Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

117 4 h 30 min

I’m excited to show you why this walking tour is unlike any other in San Francisco! We’ll trace the city’s history from its wild Gold Rush days in Jackson Square to the wealth and elegance of Nob Hill’s railroad barons, and we'll ride an iconic cable car along the way. We'll go beyond the normal touristy sites and see the back streets and hidden alleyways that even San Franciscans don't know about! This is a fun, immersive adventure with plenty of interesting stories, local insights, and a chance to see the real San Francisco. When we finish the tour at the Ferry Building, you’ll have seen all the best the city has to offer and you'll feel like a local.

from$129

Alcatraz Plus San Francisco City Combo Tour (opens in a new tab)

22 7 h – 8 h

Get a comprehensive look at San Francisco and learn a bit of city history along the way. This tour consists of 2 parts and each lasts 3.5 to 4 hours. During the city tour, we will make multiple stops. You will see Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, Financial District, Embarcadero, North Beach, Telegraph Hill, Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Mason, Marina, Palac of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight Ashbury, Civic Center, Painted Ladies. After the city tour, our guide will drop you at Alcatraz landing at least 30 minutes before your boat departure. You will visit one of the most famous landmarks in the US and enjoy the views of the city, the bay, and the bridges. You will learn the history of Alcatraz. After the visit to Alcatraz, the boat will bring you back to Pier 33. You have to return to your hotel on your own. ALCATRAZ TICKETS BOOKED AT THE LAST MINUTE ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.

from$123

Escape from the Rock! Cruise around Alcatraz (opens in a new tab)

164 1 h 30 min

Embark on a 90-minute cruise along the San Francisco waterfront, under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Angel Island State Park before circling Alcatraz Island for an in-depth view of the prison. Take in the sights and sounds of the island as you listen to ex-guards and former inmates tell their stories of murder, mayhem, and mobsters on an audio tour with historical photos via your smartphone, tablet or other WiFi-enabled device. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.

from$48

San Francisco 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: See All the Top Sights (opens in a new tab)

1 8 h

Discover the vibrant City by the Bay in the best way with a convenient hop-on hop-off bus tour. This flexible sightseeing experience lets you explore at your own pace, stopping at San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and attractions. The bus route includes all major highlights like the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Lombard Street, and the historic cable car lines. Frequent stops at these top destinations give you the freedom to hop off and explore, take photos, shop, or enjoy local dining. When you're ready, just hop back on the next bus to continue your journey.

from$50

Alcatraz Day Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise (opens in a new tab)

33 2 h – 4 h

To make your stay complete in San Francisco, this package includes two essential activities in a single pack. A visit of the most famous prison in the world, discovering its history and walking into the footsteps of Al Capone. Don’t miss the 45-minute audio tour that will immerse you in the atmosphere of the federal penitentiary which brought together the most dangerous criminals of the time. You can then enjoy a one-hour boat cruise in San Francisco Bay which will offer you an exceptional view of the city and its hills, but also other sightseeings such as going underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Please note, free for children 4 years old and younger and don't need to have a ticket.

from$139

A Magical Night with the San Francisco Mentalist: Jay Alexander (opens in a new tab)

439 2 h

You deserve an unforgettable night out. One where you're not just entertained, but amazed. Jay Alexander, San Francisco’s premier mentalist and magician, invites you to an exclusive performance inside a stunning, hidden theater. From the moment the lights dim, you’ll be pulled into a world of mind-reading, illusion, and joy. This isn’t just another theater show, it’s an experience. And while your seat may be plush and comfortable, you won’t be sitting back. You’ll be on the edge of your seats. More info at https://www.SanFranciscoMagicTheater.com

from$65

Filoli House & Garden (opens in a new tab)

32 1 h 30 min – 2 h

Filoli is an unforgettable estate experience just outside San Francisco. Wander through 16 acres of vibrant formal gardens, explore a grand 54,000-sqft Georgian mansion, and discover miles of scenic nature trails where Dambo's giant Troll, Rose Wonders will be nestled in Filoli's Natural Lands. Originally built in 1917, Filoli offers a rare blend of cultivated beauty and wild landscape, now amplified by this incredible outdoor exhibition. It’s a perfect day out for all ages—where families can reconnect, kids can explore, and friends can roam. Enjoy a Garden Pop™ or sip a curated cocktail from one of Filoli’s seasonal pop-up bars. This historical California landscape bridges art, nature, and sustainability.

from$39

Blue Painted Lady House Tour - Interior Guided Tour by Owner (opens in a new tab)

56 1 h 30 min

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.

from$35

San Francisco Private Car Tour: Instagram's Most Famous Spots (opens in a new tab)

5 8 h – 10 h

If you are looking for some culture, delicious food and a ton of great photos, then this is the tour for you! The morning will start with a private pickup from your hotel by one of our friendly, local guides. From there your tour will begin as you start your drive in one of our comfortable and spacious vehicles. This full-day tour will be fully packed with famous landmarks, vintage architecture, secretly located spots and much much more! ==== Full schedule 10:00 AM – Pick up from Hotel 10:30 AM – Check out the legendary Painted Ladies 11:00 AM – Explore Union Square 11:45 AM – Catch of view of Alcatraz from Pier 39 12:00 PM – Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf 12:30 PM – Lunch time 1:00 PM – Explore Ghirardelli Square 2:00 PM – Awe at the view from the Golden Gate Bridge 2:40 PM – Stop by Golden Gate Park 3:10 PM – Get a picture at one of SF’s Hidden Gems (16th Avenue Tiled Steps) 3:30 PM – Overlook the whole city at Twin Peaks Viewpoint 3:45 PM – Return to hotel 4:00 PM – Arrive at hotel

from$583

Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco (opens in a new tab)

60 2 h 30 min

This bar hop plus ghost tour takes you through the most historic haunts of Gold Rush era San Francisco. We start in the only part of downtown to survive the 1906 Earthquake and Fire - Jackson Square, then cross the infamous “Devil’s Acre,” and end in the legendary Chinatown. There you'll meet the ghosts of desperate miners, forlorn women, and shanghaied sailors... plus a serial killer or two. And unlike a standard ghost tour, we’ll actually enter into four haunted locations where, if you choose, you might sip on that other kind of spirit.  Don't see a date that suits you? Message us for info on private groups. 21+ Drinks not included

from$44

San Francisco City Tour in EV Volkswagen Van (opens in a new tab)

50 3 h

A specially crafted, luxury tour developed to ensure guests experience as much of San Francisco as 3 short hours will allow. Local, expert guides will drive you through the city in all-electric VW ID Buzz Vans, sharing relevant historical facts and personal anecdotes along the way. This tour is purpose-built to provide a comfortable and comprehensive deep dive into as much of San Francisco as possible during your short visit to our city.

from$95

SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium After Dark Thursdays (18+) Admission (opens in a new tab)

54 2 h – 4 h

Escape to reality on Thursday nights at the Exploratorium After Dark. Get a little weird at Pier 15 for evenings worth talking about: explore science, art, and culture, then play like no one's watching with more than 650 hands-on exhibits spread across six indoor and outdoor galleries. Disappear into artist Fujiko Nakaya's living cloud on Fog Bridge #72494, or head into Gallery 2: Prototyping, where the museum's own exhibit builders test their newest ideas and invite you to get hands-on with the prototypes yourself. Journey through total darkness in the twisting, turning, world-famous Tactile Dome. Talk to strangers at trivia nights and dance parties, or get pulled into surprising experiments, performances, demos, and talks. Grab a drink at the full bar, try something new, and go home different. Adults-only (18+), no kids allowed. The Exploratorium is located at Pier 15 on San Francisco's Embarcadero, just minutes from the Embarcadero BART Station, Pier 39, and the Ferry Building.

from$22.95

San Francisco Golden Gate To Sausalito Bike Tour (opens in a new tab)

787 1 h – 3 h

Starting in one of the only true Fisherman’s Wharfs left in America you will be lead on a journey along the coast to see sea lions, dolphins, military forts, & more.  As you cycle your way over The Golden Gate Bridge, take in the unique topography and skylines that will lead you from one waterfront to the next.  Once over the “International Orange” Golden Gate Bridge, coast downhill into sunny Sausalito where this tour concludes. Riders can enjoy the town of Sausalito. Post tour, folks can return back to San Francisco by riding the bike back at your own pace. Also, you can optionally take a ferry back to the city (Ferry ticket not included), and in high season we offer a Sausalito bike drop for those who wish to leave their bike in Sausalito for an extra fee.

from$85

San Francisco Half-Day Tour by Cable Car & Foot (opens in a new tab)

23 4 h

Spend a morning getting to know the real SF. We meet you near the Embarcadero, in downtown, before taking the cable car to Nob Hill, with its Gold Rush era mansions. From there we take another cable car to San Francisco City Hall (or, on the weekend, the Cable Car Museum). After going inside this magnificent building, we take the historic streetcar to Castro, which is famous for its place in LGBTQ+ history. From there it's only a short walk to Mission Dolores Park, one of the nicest open spaces in San Francisco. The Mission is really the birthplace of SF - and you'll learn about it all, as well as experiencing a lovely corner of the city. Next we take the bus to Haight-Ashbury, a name that's forever associated with the hippie generation and the Summer of Love. We'll give you a tour of the neighborhood, with its beautiful murals, before your tour ends at the perfect time, and in the perfect place, for lunch.

from$100

Guided E Bike Tour in San Francisco (opens in a new tab)

3 2 h

Come Ride San Francisco's Best Guided eBike Tour. This is an extra special tour on brand new, well maintained ebikes. We offer the only tour focusing on SF's rich music and cultural history of Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. We take you on a safe and memorable ride through the 60's Summer of Love past the Grateful Dead & Janis Joplin houses, along the Panhandle where Jimi Hendrix played his 2nd show in the US and then through the world famous Golden Gate park.

from$120

San Francisco City Highlights Day Tour (opens in a new tab)

8 8 h – 10 h

See San Francisco's best-known landmarks on a full-day city tour covering the waterfront, famous hills, and architectural highlights. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, Fisherman's Wharf, Civic Center, and Twin Peaks, with an optional San Francisco Bay cruise. The route offers a broad introduction to the city with scenic viewpoints and time at its most recognizable attractions.

from$169

Haight Ashbury Walking Tour – SF's Bohemian Past (opens in a new tab)

45 2 h

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*

from$37

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