Nearly Private San Francisco Tour Including Sausalito

San Francisco, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (151 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Snacks
  • inclusion
    Bottled water

Meeting Point

Pickup is directly across the street from the Marriot Courtyard at 580 Beach St. This is 1.5 blocks from the historic Beach & Hyde cablecar turnaround. Parking available at the Anchorage Parking Lot, at 500 Beach St.

Meeting point

580 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133 , United States

End point

End Point

Pickup is directly across the street from the Marriot Courtyard at 580 Beach St. This is 1.5 blocks from the historic Beach & Hyde cablecar turnaround. Parking available at the Anchorage Parking Lot, at 500 Beach St.

Meeting point

580 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Fisherman's Wharf

The tour begins and ends at Fisherman's Wharf, an iconic and vastly entertaining neighborhood, with a rich history, and a great spot to grab lunch after the tour!

2
Pier 39

Almost immediately, we take a turn around Pier 39, the second most popular attraction in California, and home to the City's loudest residents - the sea lions!

3

Ghirardelli Square

Almost immediately, we take a turn around Pier 39, the second most popular attraction in California, and home to the City's loudest residents - the sea lions!

4

Lombard Street

This point of interest is one of the City's most popular: the famous "Crookedest Street in the World". In addition to being generally very crowded, Lombard is closed to most tour vehicles, but we will take a quick spin down the 8 hairpin turns (though maybe not at "Bullitt" speed).

Duration 5 minutes
5

Pacific Heights

As we make our way towards the Golden Gate Bridge, we take a quick swing through Pacific Heights via "Billionaire's Row", a showplace for some of the biggest mansions, the best views, and a home made famous by a nanny named Mrs.Doubtfire.

6

Lucasfilm Lobby

Upon entering the Presidio, we are treated to a brief photo stop at the statue of legendary Jedi Master Yoda, which is located at the Letterman Digital Arts Center (Lucasfilm): your guide has a lot to say about this - he worked there for years! On weekdays, the company lobby is open for a brief visit as well!

Duration 5 minutes
7

Palace of Fine Arts

Our last point of interest before the bridge is a drive-by viewing of a majestic relic of the 1915 World's Fair, the Palace of Fine Arts. Featured in countless movies and TV shows, this icon is truly a breathtaking feature of the SF landscape.

8

Golden Gate Bridge

Once we cross the most-photographed bridge in the world, guests will have the opportunity to stretch their legs, and take some photos of the world class views!

Duration 15 minutes
9

Sausalito

From the Golden Gate Bridge, we drop into the quiet beauty of Sausalito, the Bay's own Mediterranean-type enclave of houseboats, hillsides and some of the most scenic views of the Bay, generally sunny, even on the foggiest of days!

Duration 10 minutes
10

Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor Museum (formally known as "The California Palace of the Legion of Honor") was a gift given to San Francisco by a legendary "Only in SF " character, Alma Sperckels (along with a great deal of the artwork inside, A lake, another museum , and the most iconic statue in SF!) . As we roll by, have a look through the pillars, and you'll spot one of the original "Thinkers" by the artist, Rodin. We do a brief photo stop just outside the museum at what is possibly the most stunning vista of the Golden Gate Bridge, literally between holes at the Presidio Golf Course.

11
Lands End

After our trip back across the Bridge, we'll end up at Land's End Lookout - the most north-western point of SF, affording a spectacular view of the Pacific ocean, as well as the Golden Gate bridge - also, possibly, Snacks!

Duration 10 minutes
12
Golden Gate Park

Running literally, half the length of San Francisco, Golden Gate Park is a world unto itself. Completely man-made, the Park is home to literally dozens of points of interest!

13

California Academy of Sciences

Originally built in the 1890's, the renovated building featuring a living roof, and recycled denim insulation is the world's first "Double Platinum" winner for environmentally friendly structures. The interior of the museum, however, is what really sets it apart: it is among the largest museums of natural history in the world, housing over 46 million specimens, and would require a separate tour to really do it justice.

14
de Young Museum

Sitting directly across the way from the Academy of Sciences, is the copper-clad de Young Museum, renowned both for its collections, and visiting shows. This museum is also a great way to spend an afternoon in the City.

15
Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is holdover from the 1894 Midwinter Exposition, and has a unique history, well worth the retelling. History also locates it the most likely birthplace of that uniquely American contribution to world cuisine: The Fortune Cookie (yes, you read that correctly!).

16

Haight-Ashbury

Following a trip through Golden Gate Park, we step back in time to the Summer of Love, as we roll down Haight St. Famous for it's time as 'birthplace of the Hippies" in 1967 -The Haight is still a vibrant and thriving community, with coffee shops, boutiques, live music and more, to entertain both visitors and locals alike.

Duration 15 minutes
17
Painted Ladies

First introduced to a generation who grew up watching the tv show, "Full House", these iconic houses, also known as the "seven Sisters", are perhaps San Francisco's most well known buildings - they have been photographed more than any other structures in the City (The Bridge excepted) and really convey the colorful spirit that says "San Francisco".

Duration 5 minutes
18

Japantown

As we head to Nob Hill, we swing past Japantown, (one of only 3 in the US). Nihonmachi, as it is also called, is a slice of tokyo in the middle of SF, and well worth an afternoon's exploration - it's attractions range from traditional Japanese cuisine, and Japanese markets, to handmade stationary and multiple Japanese pop culture shops,

19

Nob Hill

From City Hall, we go "Where Little Cable cars Climb Halfway to the Stars" and visit the statue of Tony Bennet in front of the Fairmont Hotel, where he first sang "I left My Heart in San Francisco" in 1961. Among other things to see, from atop Nob Hill are the City's own faux medieval masterpiece, Grace Cathedral, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel (the view from the penthouse lounge, The Top of The Mark, is likely the single best dinner view in the entire city).

Duration 5 minutes
20
Chinatown

This attraction is a personal favorite, and is truly worthy of an entire day's exploration :San Francisco's Chinatown. In addition to being the oldest, and most densely populated neighborhood in the City, is also the very *first* Chinatown in the world. Following the destruction of the original in 1906, the community decide to rebuild, but in a manner that would draw visitors into the area - they added "pagoda" style roofs, and incorporated traditional designs, and suddenly San Francisco had it's very first visitor attraction, and Chinese communities in cities around the world followed suit. As we drive through the area, we will see both the "public" side of Chinatown, as well as the more intimate "local side" Truly a highlight of the City.

21
North Beach

San Francisco's colorful Italian neighborhood is sometimes referred to as "Little Italy" which is incorrect - the locals all know it simply as North Beach: home to cafes, trattorias, and ristorantes. It's a great place for a fantastic dinner on a Friday or Saturday night.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by SF Expeditions

What our experts say

  • icon
    Visit the Ferry Building Marketplace nearby.
  • icon
    Try the famous Dungeness crab in Fisherman's Wharf.
  • icon
    Check out the art scene in the Mission District.
  • icon
    Grab coffee at Blue Bottle in Haight-Ashbury.
  • icon
    Plan for some time at Lands End Lookout.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Discover the vibrant and diverse city of San Francisco like a local with the Nearly Private San Francisco Tour Including Sausalito. This unique tour is designed to provide you with an intimate and flexible experience, allowing you to truly connect with the culture, history, and recommended spots of the city. Led by an SF native guide, Paul, who has a deep passion and knowledge of the city, you can expect a personalized and engaging tour.

What to expect?

During this 2-3 hour tour, you will embark on a journey through San Francisco's iconic landmarks and must-see attractions. From Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 to the famous Lombard Street and Golden Gate Bridge, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the city's most famous sites. As you make your way to Sausalito, a picturesque enclave known for its stunning bay views and charming houseboats, you'll be treated to scenic vistas and hidden gems along the way.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to truly immerse themselves in the essence of San Francisco. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour offers a unique and insider's perspective of the city. It is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends of all ages who are eager to explore San Francisco's culture, history, and hidden treasures.

Why book this?

This tour stands out from the rest due to its nearly-private nature. With a maximum group size of eight, you'll have a more personalized and intimate experience. The knowledgeable guide, Paul, will share intriguing stories, local insights, and recommendations, making your tour informative and engaging. The itinerary is also flexible, allowing you to customize the route to suit your preferences. Additionally, the tour includes complimentary hotel pick-up/drop-off, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free experience.

Good to know

Parking is available near the meeting point at the Anchorage Parking Lot. While same-day requests may not always be possible, pre-arranged pick-ups can be accommodated. The tour duration is approximately 2-3 hours, allowing you to make the most of your time in San Francisco. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the breathtaking landscapes of Sausalito. Wear comfortable shoes as there will be various opportunities to explore and take short walks.

Reviews

Previous tour participants have praised the Nearly Private San Francisco Tour for its knowledgeable and friendly guide, Paul. Travelers have shared positive feedback on the immersive and informative nature of the tour, highlighting the opportunity to explore hidden gems and capture stunning photographs. Overall, customers have expressed high satisfaction with their experience, describing it as a must-do activity for anyone visiting San Francisco.

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