San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour
San Francisco, US
66% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore Hollywood scandals and true crime stories
- Experience the history of San Francisco's red light district
- Discover the secrets and crimes of SF's Chinatown
- Learn about the Wild West era and Gold Rush history
- Enjoy a drink at one of San Francisco's oldest bars
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Duration 3 hours
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Tour Guide included
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Visit 2 historic bars
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$1 donation per guest
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Adult content, 15+ only
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Public transport nearby
Experience the dark and scandalous side of San Francisco on the Notorious SF: Scandal & Crime Tour. Delve into the juicy secrets and sordid tales of Hollywood scandals, red light areas, opium dens, and gang violence. Explore the city's gritty past as you walk through the historic sites of Gold Rush era lynchings and kidnappings. Immerse yourself in the notorious Barbary Coast, once filled with brothels and dance halls where unwary sailors were often Shanghaied. And to top it off, enjoy a cocktail at one or two of the city's oldest and most iconic bars. From the Fatty Arbuckle affair to the haunts of San Francisco's seedy underbelly, this tour will leave you captivated, intrigued, and haunted by the ghastly ghosts of the city's scandalous past. Join the Notorious SF: Scandal & Crime tour and let yourself be transported to a bygone era of scandal and mystery.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Adults only
Featured Reviews
Explore San Francisco's scandalous past on a thrilling ghost and true crime tour, uncovering chilling stories and historic bars.
Included
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We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, climate cents. -
Tour guide
Excluded
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Gratuities not included, because voluntary. please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour. -
Drinks are not included.
Meeting Point
The guide will be checking in guests the Northwest corner of Union Square - Powell and Post Streets - opposite the St Francis Hotel, from 15 minutes before the tour is due to begin. Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.
390 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102 , United States
End Point
Tour ends outside this historic bar (the oldest continuously operating one in San Francisco). It's a 15 minute walk from the meeting point (around one mile distance).
298 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94111 , United States
What to expect
Westin St. Francis (hotel)
We begin the tour with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, Hollywood's first ever sex scandal (here in SF). It's not just a lurid story - it's effects are still felt today in many ways. If the hotel is open there's the option of having a drink in the very nice bar in the lobby.
20 minutes
Union Square
Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.
10 minutes
Maiden Lane
Learn how this lane - which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco's red light district.
15 minutes
Chinatown
SF's Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S. and for many years the Chinese immigrants here were strongly discriminated against. Criminals also preyed on them - opium dens, gangs and murder were all prevalent here. Learn of some of the personalities and crimes as you walk the streets.
30 minutes
Comstock Saloon
This is one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, dating back to when the neighborhood was known as the Barbary Coast. We usually take 10-15 minutes to get a drink - don't worry, you won't be shanghaied!
15 minutes
Columbus Avenue
One of the few buildings not to burn down in the Great Fire were the Hotaling warehouses. Is that because the whiskey inside was too important to lose?
15 minutes
Portsmouth Square
Learn how the Gold Rush made SF what it is today. In those early years it was the Wild West, murder, robbery, kidnapping - and lynchings - were commonplace in this neighborhood.
20 minutes
Jackson Square
This neighborhood used to be called the Barbary Coast and there wasn't a more dangerous place in the world. Robbery, assault, shanghaiing - it all happened here (but not anymore, don't worry :-).
30 minutes
The Old Ship Saloon
This the oldest bar in San Francisco, built on top of a Gold Rush ship that was deserted by its crew back in 1849. It's the perfect place to end the tour.
10 minutes
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
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Service animals allowed -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.
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Not recommended for children under 15 years old (adult content).
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By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.
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We can go into two different bars for cocktails on this tour, each for 15 minutes. You do have to be over 21 y.o. to order an alcoholic drink – but you don’t have to be over 21 y.o. to do this tour.
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Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.
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This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. Please book a private tour if you have mobility issues.
What our experts say
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Arrive 10-15 mins early. -
Check out the Old Ship Saloon.
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Try the cocktails at Comstock Saloon.
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Don't miss the scandalous statue story.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Step into the dark and mysterious side of San Francisco with the Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour. This thrilling tour takes you on a journey through the city's scandalous past, exploring the sites of Hollywood scandals, red light areas, opium dens, gang violence, Gold Rush era lynchings, and kidnappings. Get ready to delve into the underworld and experience the chilling tales that haunt the streets of San Francisco.What to expect?
Prepare yourself for a captivating exploration of San Francisco's notorious history. On this tour, you can anticipate a spine-tingling experience filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Learn about the Fatty Arbuckle affair, a scandal that forever changed the perception of celebrities. Walk through Maiden Lane, once the city's main red light district, and uncover the secrets it holds. Marvel at the opium dens and gambling hellholes of Chinatown, and discover the dark side of the Gold Rush era. Immerse yourself in the history of the Barbary Coast, known for its brothels and dance halls where unsuspecting sailors were often tricked.Who is this for?
The Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour is perfect for adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity for the darker side of San Francisco. Whether you're a local looking to uncover hidden stories or a visitor wanting to experience the city's rich history, this tour is suitable for all. Embrace the thrill of exploring haunted locations and hearing chilling tales that will leave you captivated.Why book this?
This tour offers a unique opportunity to dive deep into the scandalous and ghostly history of San Francisco. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll step back in time and witness the city's dark past come to life. The tour's unique selling points include the exploration of Hollywood scandals, the chance to visit historic bars and enjoy a cocktail or two, and the opportunity to support a non-profit organization, Climate Cents, with every guest's participation. The Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city's haunting secrets.Good to know
During the Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour, drinks are not included. However, you'll have the chance to enjoy cocktails in one or two historic bars along the way. It's important to note that gratuities are not included, as they are voluntary. If you enjoy the tour, please consider a gratuity of 15-20%. The tour ends outside the Old Ship Saloon, the oldest continuously operating bar in San Francisco. It's a 15-minute walk from the meeting point, so be prepared for a leisurely stroll to round off your unforgettable experience.Reviews
Guests who have taken the Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour have raved about their experiences. They praised the knowledgeable tour guides who brought the city's dark history to life, leaving them captivated and intrigued. Visitors loved the opportunity to explore hidden gems and learn about Hollywood scandals, red light areas, and opium dens. Many reviewers also appreciated the chance to support the non-profit organization, Climate Cents, through their participation. Overall, feedback suggests that this tour is a must-do for those seeking a thrilling and immersive experience in San Francisco. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be haunted by the ghastly ghosts of San Francisco's past!
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