USA · SAN FRANCISCO TOURS

The 15 Best San Francisco Tours & Day Trips

49 tours  ·  from $37

The city is seven miles square and the best half-days are outside it. The 15 below cover the bay cruises, the bridge, Muir Woods and the wine country, with prices and how the fog changes the timing.

Muir Woods and Sausalito (Return by Bus or Ferry) - Entering Muir Woods’ Coastal Redwood Forest
Ferry Trips, Muir Woods Tours, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Leave San Francisco by coach for a Golden Gate viewpoint, 90 minutes among Muir Woods’ coastal redwoods, and an hour in Sausalito. Choose a bus or ferry return, or upgrade to a guided bike ride across the bridge. Guides such as Don, Jerry, George, and Judith provide local stories along the way.

“Muir Woods was closed on the day of the tour, something the company knew beforehand but we didn't. Because of this, the tour went to another place called Armstrong Redwoods that was further away. This meant that the tour would end a lot later than the advertised time. We had the option to cancel and get a refund or accept the new schedule. The problem was that this information was given moments before the tour bus was going to leave, so we had JUST A FEW SECONDS to decide what option to take. It was very unprofessional of the company to not let us know about this as soon as…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Big Bus SF: Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 17 Stops and Sunset Option - Stops 2 and 3: Ghirardelli Square and North Beach
Evening Experiences, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, 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 from an open-top double-decker. The Red Route links Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Chinatown, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Recorded commentary, earbuds, live bus tracking, and optional sunset, Chinatown, aquarium, or wine tours are included with selected tickets.

“These buses are always great in major cities throughout the U.S. I use them o get around when I first get to city to get the lay of the land. They are perfect.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco - Artesa Winery brings the best views
Full-Day, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tastings 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

Ride from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge to three Napa and Sonoma wineries. Taste at Roche, Artesa, Madonna Estate, or scheduled substitutes, enjoy Sonoma Plaza, and hear local history from guides such as Don, Thomas, or George.

“This wine tour was phenomenal from start to finish! We went as a group to celebrate a friend’s birthday, and it exceeded every expectation. The three wineries were excellent, with generous tastings and beautiful experiences at each stop. Our tour guide, Thomas, was outstanding—professional, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable about the wineries and their history. Everything was perfectly organized. This tour is an absolute must-do and worth every minute. Highly recommend! 🍷✨”

Check availability →Read our full review

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco - Tuolumne Grove and the walk among giant sequoias
1-Day Tours, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews

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 dawn for Tuolumne Grove, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. A minibus carries up to 15 people, with guides such as Derek, Trevor, Kurt, and Steven sharing park stories, films, photo tips, and practical help.

“Great experience. Wonderful guide. Easy way to see a lot of great spots in the valley. By far a great tour”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Starting at Pier 43 1/2
Boat Tours in San Francisco, Cruises & Boat Tours, San Francisco Tours, Sightseeing Cruises, Sightseeing Cruises in San Francisco, Tour Reviews

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

5.Golden Gate Bay Cruise

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

Cruise from Fisherman’s Wharf beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz Island aboard the Red and White Fleet. You’ll get recorded commentary in 16 languages, skyline and Sausalito views, an onboard bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and a chance to spot sea lions, pelicans, dolphins, or whales.

“The scenery was nice. The audio was a bit faulty with the limited amount they had. The bar was nice and the staff was very friendly and easy to talk too while waiting for my drinks.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops - Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 35, and Pier 39
San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, 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

Ride an open-top Big Bus through San Francisco’s best-known districts, from Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown to Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Digital commentary is offered in seven languages, with optional sunset, Chinatown, aquarium, and wine-tour extras.

“very interesting fun trip great driver well worth it”

Check availability →Read our full review

Yosemite Highlights & Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco - Tunnel View gives you Yosemite’s big reveal
San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 sunrise for Yosemite with guides such as Glenda, Gino, Andy, or Rob. See Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Tuolumne Grove, with free time to walk and eat. The sequoia hike depends on seasonal trail conditions.

“Yosemite is gorgeous and Gino is great, but the ride is long. It was worth it, but again. Very long time on the bus. 3 hours there and 4 hours back”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

Travel from San Francisco to Muir Woods, then visit three Napa and Sonoma wineries with tastings included. Guides such as Mark, Dustin, Ben, and Alberto add local history and humor. Choose a three-course wine-paired lunch, or eat independently at Sonoma Plaza.

“This was a great first-time experience! At first, the idea of an 11-hour tour felt daunting, but honestly, it still didn’t feel like enough time for everything we explored. Muir Woods was magical, and the wineries selected were wonderful stops. Our driver was friendly and professional, which made the day enjoyable. That said, a few areas could be improved. I would have loved more stories or facts shared during the drive to spark curiosity and conversation. The company only specified the restaurant in one piece of correspondence, which caused some confusion when we arrived in town since even our guide wasn’t sure where to direct us. We lost a little…”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco Love Tour - Haight-Ashbury and the city’s musical past
San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

San Francisco Love Tour

9.San Francisco Love Tour

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

Travel in a psychedelic 1970s VW bus with guides such as Cyrus, Tara, Ky, and Kyle. In about two hours, you’ll see Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown, the Castro, the Mission, Golden Gate Park, and the Golden Gate Bridge, with music, stories, and photo stops along the way.

“Great tour, very knowledgeable guide, dood conversation. Highly recommend to all. Thank you again👍👍👍👍”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App - Reaching the island and climbing toward the prison
Ferry Trips, Guided, San Francisco Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

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, then explore the former prison at your own pace with a self-guided app and the cell house audio tour. See the cells linked to Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly, learn why escape was so difficult, and enjoy clear views of San Francisco Bay.

“The whole experience was great. Awesome how it’s been kept as it was.”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour - Start at 99 Jefferson Street, and plan the voucher exchange
San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, 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

You get Alcatraz entry, ferry passage, the excellent Cell House audio guide, a 48-hour Big Bus pass, Aquarium by the Bay, a Chinatown walk, and a sunset ride. Exchange your voucher at 99 Jefferson Street before the cruise date, then use the buses to cover San Francisco at your own pace.

“Only in San Francisco for a sort time so using the Hop on Hop off tour seemed the perfect way to see everything, the tour didn't disappoint, got to go all over San Francisco and Alcatraz, absolutely amazing”

Check availability →Read our full review

Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour - The morning coach tour sets the pace
City Tours, City Tours in San Francisco, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Spend about six and a half hours seeing San Francisco by coach, from Twin Peaks and Lands End to Chinatown and North Beach, then take the ferry to Alcatraz. The city tour is led in English, while the Cellhouse audio tour is available in several languages. Guides such as Michelle have earned praise for their local knowledge.

“All .. nice experience recommended friend / family and employer the my company .. cold but is nice time”

Check availability →Read our full review

Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF - The early ride to Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Full-Day, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

Ride south from San Francisco with an English-speaking guide to Pigeon Point, Monterey, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. You get two hours in Monterey and one hour in Carmel, plus quick photo stops. Guides such as George, Thomas, Don, and Alvin are often praised for their storytelling.

“Our tour guide went out of their way to take us to additional stops or spent a little more time at the stops that were planned. We really got our money’s worth. It was absolutely beautiful. We chose to go to the aquarium in Monterey which was great. The food and shopping were also top notch. We loved everything about this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour - Palace of Fine Arts: a graceful first stop
City Tours, City Tours in San Francisco, San Francisco Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

14.Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

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

See San Francisco in a small vintage Volkswagen bus with a local guide such as Jim, Jack, Caio, or Dominick. In two hours, you pass Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, Pacific Heights, and more, with photo stops at the Painted Ladies, Palace of Fine Arts, and Golden Gate Bridge.

“Great experience. The guide is very sweet and personable. I lived being able to drive around and see the sights. The bus is also super cute!”

Check availability →Read our full review

San Francisco: California Sunset Cruise (2-hours) - Angel Island, Tiburon, and the Marin side
Boat Tours in San Francisco, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, San Francisco Tours, Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

San Francisco: California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

15.California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)

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

Spend two hours on Red and White Fleet’s casual San Francisco Bay cruise, with indoor and outdoor seating, a cash bar, snacks, and views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Sausalito, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In winter, the trip becomes a city-lights cruise after sunset.

“Excellent service and staff friendly. Really enjoyed the cruise - got some lovely photos. Perfect evening for the cruise. Little stop offs with information provided about the area. Thoroughly enjoyed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scroll to Top

Explore America

Pick a skyline, a canyon or a coastline.