USA · TOURS IN SAN FRANCISCO

The 15 Best San Francisco Tours & Day Trips

47 tours  ·  from $37 a head

Alcatraz sells out, the bridge is free and the good wine is an hour north. The 15 below sort the island ferries, the bay cruises, Muir Woods and the Napa days by price, pickup point and how much driving you avoid.

Muir Woods and Sausalito (Return by Bus or Ferry) - Golden Gate Bridge views before the forest
Ferries & Speedboat Rides, Muir Woods Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in San Francisco

Muir Woods and Sausalito (Return by Bus or Ferry)

1.Muir Woods and Sausalito (Return by Bus or Ferry)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,098 reviews · 5 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $91Our pick

Travel from San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito with a professional driver-guide, 90 minutes among coastal redwoods, and an hour in Sausalito. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, return by bus or ferry, or upgrade to a guided bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Guides such as Don, Jerry, George, and Judith have earned praise for their stories and local insight.

“Although we were anticipating going to the Armstrong Reserve, Muir Woods was open for the first time in 20 days. We definitely lucked out. We had a wonderful trip. Don was our tour guide, and he grew up in the area and was very knowledgeable about it. He had many stories to share, so there was never a dull moment. Muir Woods was so still and peaceful. We were fortunate in that there weren’t many people there. Definitely bring a light jacket because it is very cool in the trees. Sausalito was a pretty town with several restaurants to choose from, but with only an hour, we didn’t have time…”

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Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 17 Stops and Sunset Option - Union Square, Civic Center, and Alamo Square
Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco, Trolley & Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 17 Stops and Sunset Option

2.Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 17 Stops and Sunset Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4,539 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $56

Use a 24 or 48-hour Big Bus pass to explore San Francisco by open-top double-decker bus. Ride the Red Route past Pier 39, Chinatown, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Hop off where you please, follow buses with the app, and add a sunset tour, Chinatown walk, aquarium entry, or wine tour if selected.

“It is a good experience if you want to see San Francisco and don’t have much time. We decided to do the whole route and then go back to the Golden Gate Park, but we ran out of time. Next time, we will decide ahead of time where we want to hop off . If you can, stay in San Francisco at least two days.”

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Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco - Roche Winery and its relaxed family feel
Full-Day, Napa & Sonoma Wine Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco, Wine Tours

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

3.Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,455 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $165

Spend 8 to 9 hours crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and visiting three Napa and Sonoma wineries by air-conditioned coach. Tastings are included, lunch is on your own, and the wineries may change. Guides such as Don, Debbie, Thomas, and George add local stories and practical help along the way.

“Have u tried gray line tours ..runs all the time ...bus tours ..tried all of them ..positive delightful ..hope to go again”

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Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco - Tunnel View gives you the classic Yosemite frame
1-Day Tours, National Park Tours in San Francisco, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in San Francisco

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

4.Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,671 reviews · 14 hours (approx.) · from $239Top rated

Leave San Francisco before sunrise for Yosemite with a group of no more than 15 people. Walk beneath giant sequoias, photograph Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan, then enjoy free time in Yosemite Valley. Guides such as Derek, Trevor, Kurt, and Steven are praised for strong commentary, helpful photos, and smooth pacing.

“A long day but well worth the time. Derek was punctual, knowledgeable and very professional. He took us to all of the highlights of Yosemite with a lot of interesting background information. A lot of fun.”

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San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise - From Pier 43 1/2 into the working waterfront
Alcatraz & Golden Gate Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

5.Golden Gate Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,644 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Best value

Board Red and White Fleet at Pier 43 1/2 for a one-hour cruise past the waterfront, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and around Alcatraz Island. A prerecorded audio guide is offered in 16 languages. You can sit inside or outside, buy drinks and snacks, and watch for sea lions, pelicans, dolphins, and whales.

“This was an amazing activity, especially if it is your first time in San Francisco!! I went as a solo excursion and it was absolutely amazing and exceeded my expectations!! Would highly recommend!”

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San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops - Starting at Stop 1 near Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco, Trolley & Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops

6.Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,600 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $56

This Big Bus tour gives you a broad first look at San Francisco, from Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown to Alamo Square, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge. You can ride the full loop or hop off along the way. Digital commentary comes in seven languages, and the 48-hour ticket is the better choice if you want time to explore.

“Perfect way for me to explore the most interesting places in the city with a short amount of time before going to the airport.”

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Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco - Tunnel View gives you the grand introduction
National Park Tours in San Francisco, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco

Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

7.Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,455 reviews · 14 to 15 hours (approx.) · from $219

Leave San Francisco before dawn for a full-day Yosemite trip with hotel pickup, a local English-speaking guide, Yosemite Valley free time, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, and a Tuolumne Grove hike when conditions allow. Guides such as Glenda, Gino, Rob, and Andy are known for lively park and California history commentary.

“Andy Howse was an amazing tour guide. Full of knowledge on Yosemite and the California history. Definitely got your monies worth on this full day tour”

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San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch - One quiet hour in Muir Woods
Lunch Experiences, Muir Woods Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in San Francisco, Wine Tours

San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

8.San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,352 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $179

Start with a one-hour walk beneath ancient coastal redwoods, then visit three wineries in Napa and Sonoma for guided tastings. You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge twice, stop at Sonoma Plaza for lunch, and may upgrade to a three-course food and wine pairing. Guides such as Mark, Dustin, Ben, and Alberto are known for local history and easy humor.

“Ben was a great tour guide - both informative and entertaining throughout the day. The tour was well-paced, with stops thoughtfully spaced to give us a great overview of the area. Each winery visit was timed just right, allowing the resident guide to share interesting insights about the vineyard/winery while guiding us through tastings and a brief tour. The visit to Muir Woods was especially memorable, with ample time to soak in the peaceful, awe-inspiring beauty of the forest. I highly recommend this tour.”

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San Francisco Love Tour - Haight-Ashbury and San Francisco’s music past
Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco Love Tour

9.San Francisco Love Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $85

Ride a 1970s-style VW bus from Fisherman’s Wharf through Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown, the Castro, the Mission, and more. Your driver-guide shares city history, music stories, and local tips, with photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge and Mission District. Small groups, classic rock, shag carpet, and narrow streets make this a lively introduction to San Francisco.

“Tara-iffic! Great views and excellent narration! (Even a few bad dad jokes!). Would recommend this tour to anyone visiting SF! Loved the music as well!”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App - Pier 33 and the ferry across San Francisco Bay
Alcatraz & Golden Gate Tours, Ferries & Speedboat Rides, Guided, Self-Guided Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

10.Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,460 reviews · 3 hours · from $79

Take the ferry from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island, then explore the prison at your own pace with a self-guided app and official cell house audio tour. See the cells linked to Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, learn about the island’s escape attempts, and enjoy wide views of San Francisco Bay and the skyline.

“Very interesting and informative tour. Easily accessible and the ferry ride is a great way to see the bay and bridge and San Francisco skyline. We had a beautiful day which helped. Good value for the experience. Would recommend as a must see in the Bay Area.”

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San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - Two days on the Big Bus route
Alcatraz & Golden Gate Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco, Trolley & Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

11.Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,245 reviews · 2 days · from $120

Pair Alcatraz’s ferry, cell-house audio guide, and island views with two days on Big Bus San Francisco. Add Aquarium by the Bay, a one-hour Chinatown walk, and a sunset ride past the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and Lombard Street. Exchange your voucher at 99 Jefferson Street before your Alcatraz date.

“Brilliant tour, a must do in San franscisco! I learned so much about the history of SF and got to see so many sights!”

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Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour - Golden Gate Bridge views depend on weather
Alcatraz & Golden Gate Tours, City Sightseeing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco

Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour

12.Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,228 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149

Start near Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf for a guided coach tour with stops at the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lands End, and Twin Peaks. Then continue to Alcatraz for the cellhouse audio tour and ferry ride. Guides such as Michelle are praised for clear local insight, but sightseeing stops can feel rushed.

“the staff was great. very understanding and helpful. was on schedule as promised. too bad the Golden gate park was closed.”

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Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF - Davenport offers coffee, snacks, and a useful break
Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco

Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

13.Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,187 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $125

Travel by air-conditioned coach from central San Francisco to Pigeon Point, Monterey, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. You get two hours in Monterey and one hour in Carmel, with guides such as George, Thomas, Don, and Alvin often praised for clear commentary. The day is scenic, busy, and long.

“Nice views of the coast. Monterey we had enough time in. We would recommend changing the Carmel stop sine not enough time to really eat and would have been better seeing the beach. Thomas our driver is 5 stars. He did a great job narrating and expertly driving. If you want to see the coast and don’t have a car it’s a good tour.”

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Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour - Palace of Fine Arts: A Quick Architectural Pause
City Sightseeing Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in San Francisco

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

14.Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,081 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Ride through San Francisco in a vintage Volkswagen bus with a guide such as Jim, Jack, Caio, or Dominick. In two hours, you’ll see Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, Pacific Heights, the Marina, Golden Gate Park, and famous movie houses, with photo stops at the Palace of Fine Arts, Painted Ladies, and Golden Gate Bridge. Snacks, water, and 1960s and ’70s music are included.

“Fabulous tour of San Francisco. Our tour guide Jim is a Superstar! He had great stories and history to share at a variety of city sites. I wish that I had taken this tour at the beginning of my trip. Then I would return to several places to spend more time. Definitely a must do tour. Cheers.”

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San Francisco: California Sunset Cruise (2-hours) - Meeting at Pier 43 1/2 in Fisherman’s Wharf
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dinner & Sunset Cruises, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco: California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

15.California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,949 reviews · from $58

Meet Red and White Fleet at Pier 43 1/2 for a casual two-hour cruise past Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You get indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar, light snacks for purchase, and time for sunset photos. Winter departures become city lights cruises after dark.

“The weather was perfect and the views were amazing. I liked that the boat wasn’t overcrowded. There was plenty of room to walk around and take pictures. 10/10 recommend.”

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