The Best Tours in San Francisco: Top Things to Do in SF
Planning a trip and wondering what to do in San Francisco? You’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more Golden Gate views, this list of the best tours in San Francisco has something for everyone—from foodie walks and sunset sails to day trips in wine country and Yosemite.
San Francisco is a city best experienced through its neighborhoods, stories, and natural beauty—and the right tour can bring it all to life. These handpicked options make exploring fun and stress-free, especially if you’re short on time or want a local’s perspective without doing all the planning yourself.
From iconic landmarks like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge to hidden gems in Chinatown and beyond, this guide to the top tours in San Francisco will help you make the most of your visit, one unforgettable stop at a time.
🚌1. Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
This is the easiest way to explore all the best things to do in San Francisco. The hop-on hop-off format gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace while still hitting all the major landmarks—without the hassle of planning your route or navigating steep hills on foot. Whether you're interested in historic architecture, panoramic views, or iconic neighborhoods, this tour connects you to all the highlights. It’s especially great for visitors short on time or families wanting to see a lot without wearing out little legs.
18 stops and 28 points of interest around the city
Hop on and off at your own pace
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge in an open-top double-decker bus
Onboard audio commentary included
Great for first-time visitors and families
🎥 2. San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
Movie buffs, this one’s for you! This tour is a rolling celebration of Hollywood’s love affair with San Francisco, bringing iconic scenes and legendary locations to life. You'll ride through the city in a comfortable bus, spotting real-life sets from your favorite films while hearing behind-the-scenes trivia, fun facts about the productions, and how the city became a cinematic icon. It's a fun, informative, and totally unique way to explore San Francisco—perfect for movie lovers and curious explorers alike.
Visit over 55 movie locations from films like Mrs. Doubtfire, Vertigo, and The Princess Diaries
Ride in a comfortable bus with behind-the-scenes trivia
See iconic SF spots like Alamo Square, the Painted Ladies, and Golden Gate Park
Great for all ages and fun for first-time visitors
🌟3. Chinatown & North Beach Night Walking Tour
Explore San Francisco’s most flavorful and historic neighborhoods by night. This evening walking tour gives you a deeper look into the city's Chinese and Italian roots, complete with delicious bites and rich stories along the way. You’ll visit hidden alleyways, hear local legends, and learn how immigration shaped the culture of Chinatown and North Beach. Along the way, you'll sample authentic dim sum, fortune cookies, and Italian pastries, making it the perfect way to experience San Francisco’s cultural diversity through its food and history.
Enjoy local eats and hidden gems with a foodie guide
Discover the rich cultural history of Chinatown
Stroll through Little Italy (North Beach) under the city lights
Perfect for food lovers and culture seekers
🌳 5. Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Trip
Escape the noise of the city and reconnect with nature on this serene half-day tour. You'll start with a peaceful walk through the awe-inspiring redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument, where some of the trees soar over 250 feet tall. The towering canopy, earthy scent, and hush of the forest make it feel like another world. After your forest escape, the tour continues to the postcard-perfect town of Sausalito. Nestled along the waterfront, Sausalito offers boutique shops, cozy cafes, and sweeping views of the Bay—making it a relaxing and scenic stop before heading back to the city.
Walk among ancient redwood trees in Muir Woods
Enjoy scenic views and coastal charm in Sausalito
Perfect half-day escape for nature lovers
Optional ferry return adds a beautiful end to your trip
📍 6. Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Get two iconic San Francisco experiences in one unforgettable outing. Start with a journey to Alcatraz Island, where you'll explore the infamous former prison that once held some of America’s most notorious criminals. The self-guided audio tour brings the stories to life as you walk through cell blocks and solitary confinement. Afterward, board a scenic cruise around San Francisco Bay where you’ll enjoy fresh air, unbeatable skyline views, and postcard-worthy sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Pier 39. It’s the perfect way to combine history and sightseeing in a single afternoon.
Ferry to Alcatraz Island with self-guided audio tour
Learn about the prison’s infamous history
Take a scenic 60-minute narrated cruise around San Francisco Bay
See the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and city skyline from the water
🌅 7. 2-Hour Sunset Sail on San Francisco Bay
There’s nothing quite like seeing San Francisco from the water at golden hour. This two-hour sunset sail is a romantic and relaxing way to cap off your day, complete with views you’ll never forget. As you cruise past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll be treated to panoramic skyline views, soft ocean breezes, and the glowing colors of the sunset reflecting off the water. Whether you're visiting with a partner or just want a peaceful way to unwind, this sail offers a unique, unforgettable perspective on the city.
Sail past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate Bridge
Complimentary drinks included
Bring a jacket—the Bay breeze gets cool!
Romantic, relaxing, and uniquely San Francisco
🌋 Best Full-Day Tours from San Francisco
While there’s plenty to explore within city limits, some of the most breathtaking adventures lie just beyond San Francisco. Whether you're into national parks, coastal charm, or wine tasting, these full-day tours from San Francisco offer unforgettable escapes and epic scenery—all without needing to plan a thing yourself.
Sometimes the best things to do in San Francisco are actually just outside the city. Here are three unforgettable full-day adventures worth the drive.
🌳 Yosemite in a Day Tour
Ready to check one of America’s most iconic national parks off your bucket list? This small-group Yosemite day trip gives you a full taste of the park’s towering cliffs, giant waterfalls, ancient sequoia groves, and serene wilderness—all in just one day. You'll travel through the Sierra Nevada foothills, pass through historic Gold Rush towns, and spend several hours exploring Yosemite Valley. With breathtaking views of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls, this is a day filled with natural wonder. It’s a perfect escape for nature lovers who want big rewards without the hassle of planning transportation, park entry, or directions.
Visit Yosemite National Park in one epic day
See El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls
Small group tour with plenty of photo stops
Ideal for outdoor lovers and nature photographers
🌄 Monterey, Carmel & 17-Mile Drive Day Trip
This tour takes you down the stunning California coast along Highway 1, where cliffs meet crashing waves and charming towns invite you to slow down and explore. You'll visit Monterey’s famous Cannery Row—made legendary by John Steinbeck—and enjoy free time to shop, dine, or even visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Then cruise the breathtaking 17-Mile Drive, where scenic lookouts reveal views of Pebble Beach, dramatic cliffs, and cypress trees clinging to rocky outcroppings. Finish the day in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a fairy-tale beach town known for its art galleries, quaint shops, and storybook cottages. It’s an unforgettable day filled with coastal magic and photo ops around every bend.
Travel the scenic California coast along Highway 1
Explore Monterey’s Cannery Row and Carmel-by-the-Sea
See Pebble Beach and dramatic ocean views
Relaxing and photogenic coastal day trip
🍷 Napa & Sonoma Wine Country Tour
Escape to California wine country with a full-day tasting adventure through the picturesque vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. This relaxing and delicious tour takes you deep into the heart of two of the world’s most renowned wine regions. Along the way, you'll stop at top-rated wineries for expertly guided tastings, where you’ll learn how different grapes, climates, and techniques influence each vintage. Between sips, soak up the stunning vineyard views, enjoy charming small towns, and maybe even bring a bottle or two home as a tasty souvenir. Cheers to that!
Full-day wine tasting experience in California’s top wine regions
Visit multiple wineries with tastings included
Learn about the winemaking process from local experts
Scenic vineyard views and relaxing pace
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re into food, film, nature, or history, these are truly the best tours in San Francisco to make the most of your trip. From riding cable cars to sailing at sunset, and from city streets to redwood forests and wine country, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. These tours help you see the city—and the beauty beyond it—without needing to worry about transportation, logistics, or missing key sights.
If you're wondering what to do in SF, let this list be your go-to guide for experiencing the city like a local—with zero planning stress. Whether you want a short sightseeing hop-on-hop-off adventure or a full-day escape into the wilderness, there’s a tour here that fits your interests, schedule, and travel style.
Still have questions? Want help choosing the perfect experience for your group or family? Drop me a message—I'm always happy to help you plan a trip that you'll remember forever!