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The 5 Best San Francisco Bus Tours

Visit the top attractions in this hilly city without breaking a sweat.

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A bus tour offers a convenient way to get to Muir Woods National Monument if you opted not to rent a car during your San Francisco vacation.

With so many can't-miss attractions in San Francisco , it can feel overwhelming to try and see it all. That's where organized bus tours come in. They can help you see everything in a short amount of time – without having to navigate the city's traffic and hills yourself. Consulting both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News selected the top San Francisco bus tours. Whether you're interested in a comprehensive hop-on, hop-off experience or a more intimate tour by minibus, you're likely to find an option that suits your itinerary.

Note: Some tour providers on this list may be running more limited operations due to COVID-19 or may impose testing or vaccine requirements. Check with your tour operator about availability before you book.

Gray Line San Francisco – Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour from San Francisco

Cross a few items off your San Francisco bucket list on this four-hour bus trip, which travels across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument . From there, the tour heads to the Mediterranean-style town of Sausalito, where you're given free time to explore its shops, art galleries and waterfront restaurants. Travelers have the option to board the bus back to the city or extend their time in Sausalito and hop on a return ferry to San Francisco at their leisure (note that the ferry fee is not included in the base ticket price). Throughout the journey, guides share stories and provide cultural context – a point of praise for visitors. Another highlight for reviewers? The comfortable buses and variety of photo-ops.

Tours are offered daily at 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets start at approximately $90 per adult and $70 per child ages 5 to 11. Tickets include the entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument. Gray Line offers a variety of bus tours in the Bay Area, including trips to Yosemite National Park and Napa Valley .

[ View & Book Tickets .]

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Big Bus San Francisco offers an easy way for travelers to get an overview of the city within a day. Tourgoers can hop off the bus when they want to explore and catch the next Big Bus (which comes about every 15 minutes) when they're ready to move on. The tour features nearly 20 stops at key attractions, such as Fisherman's Wharf , Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, as well as a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Without hopping off, the tour lasts a little more than two hours. The buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi, an open-air deck on top and a prerecorded commentary in 10 languages. Many reviewers say this is a great tour for first-time visitors as it hits all of the top sights. However, a few express disappointment in the lack of an onboard guide as there is little opportunity to ask questions.

Tours run daily starting at 10 a.m.; the last bus departs from the first stop at 5 p.m. If purchased online, ticket prices start at approximately $60 per adult and $50 per child ages 3 to 12. Visitors can also upgrade their ticket to include extras like a night tour and entrance to Alcatraz , among other perks.

San Francisco Love Tours – The Love Tour

With space for just six passengers, this San Francisco bus tour promises a more personal experience than the typical coach bus can provide. During the two-hour ride, you'll drive around the city in the company's vintage Volkswagen bus making two stops to snap photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Along the way, your guide will share tidbits of San Francisco history. Reviewers describe the tour as fun and informative and praise the music guides play throughout. Travelers also appreciate that the vehicle's size allows it to access areas of the city not reachable by the larger tour buses.

Tours depart daily at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets cost approximately $85 per person. Keep in mind, children 4 and younger are only permitted when booking a private tour and you must bring your own car seat. For a different perspective of the city, consider the company's nighttime tour.

Dylan's Tours – Dylan's Famous Tour with Muir Woods and Alcatraz

If you're looking for a San Francisco bus tour that promises an intimate, small-group experience, consider this full-day excursion. You'll travel around the city by minibus stopping at must-see locations like Pacific Heights and the Golden Gate Bridge for photos. Then, you'll head to Muir Woods where you'll enjoy more than an hour to explore. After a lunch break in Sausalito, you'll depart for the ferry to Alcatraz. The tour lasts about nine hours in total. Reviewers rave about the locations visited, and they also praise the guides, who travelers describe as entertaining, knowledgeable and personable.

Tours are available daily at 8 a.m. Tickets start at approximately $120 for adults and around $70 for children ages 12 and younger and include entrance to Alcatraz, but not Muir Woods. The company offers a version of this tour that does not include Alcatraz.

Painted Ladies Tour Company – San Francisco City Tour

Sightsee your way around San Francisco in style with the Painted Ladies Tour Company, which offers city tours in vintage Volkswagen buses. Because of the vehicle's size, groups are small – a highlight for reviewers. Among the sights you'll see are Lombard Street , Chinatown, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge. During the approximately two-hour tour, you'll enjoy three photo stops. Tourgoers describe the experience as fun thanks to the unique buses, and rave about the detailed, personable guides.

Tours operate daily beginning at 8:30 a.m., with multiple morning and afternoon departures from Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. Ticket prices start at $85 for adults and $65 for children ages 12 and younger. Complimentary water and snacks are provided for all tours; free wine and beer is available for afternoon tours. If you're hoping to explore outside of the city, consider the company's Wine Country Tour, which travels to Sonoma to visit three wineries.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best San Francisco Tours
• The Best San Francisco Boat Tours
• The Best San Francisco Walking Tours
• The Best San Francisco Wine Tours
• The Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

Tags: Tours , Vacations , San Francisco , Travel , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations , California Vacations

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San Francisco Grand City Tour

Home > Tours > San Francisco Grand City Tour

Experience San Francisco and beyond like you’ve never experienced it before. Embark on our Grand City Tour, a thrilling 4-hour bus expedition through San Francisco. Discover the city's soul with 4 picture-perfect stops. Your seasoned guide will share insider stories for an unforgettable adventure. Join us and be captivated by San Francisco's charm!

• Sutro Baths & the Pacific Ocean
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Golden Gate Park
• Fisherman's Wharf
• North Beach
• Haight-Ashbury neighborhood
• Awe­-inspiring views of Alcatraz and the Pacific Ocean
• Guided bus tour of San Francisco narrated by a local expert and professional guide.
• Photo stops at iconic San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Twin Peaks, and Land's End Ocean Beach (Sutro Baths).
• Transport by air-conditioned luxury coach.
• 2 departure locations in San Francisco to choose from:
• Departure #1 - 8:40 AM - Union Square (Downtown) - 478 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94102
• Departure #2 - 9:00 AM - Fisherman's Wharf - 2805 Leavenworth St., San Francisco, CA 94133
• Hotel pick up or drop-off.
• Gratuities (optional)

Restrictions

• In order to cancel the booking with no penalties you must contact us at least 24 hours in advance.

When would you like to go?

Unavailable, please select:, options selected:, optional extras, price breakdown:.

Pickup Info

Hotel pick up is not provided for this tour. Please select the meeting point that is closest to your location. Make sure to choose the departure location that is nearest to you and arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Departure #1 - 08:40 AM - Union Square (Downtown) - 478 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94102 Although there is no physical Gray Line storefront, you'll find Encore Cafe situated right next door. To board the bus, simply head across the street and our team will meet you at the designated time for the tour departure. Departure #2 - 9:00 AM - Fisherman's Wharf - 2805 Leavenworth St., San Francisco, CA 94133 Although there is no physical Gray Line storefront, you'll easily spot Pomegranate Cafe directly across the street. Wait there, and our team will meet you at the designated time for the tour departure. * If you have any questions about your booking, please contact us at [email protected] or call (415) 353-5310. Our support is available local time, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM PST only

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Mix & Save: San Francisco Grand City Tour with 4h Bike rental

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Bus Tours - San Francisco Sightseeing Tours

Hop-on hop-off bus tour, san francisco night tour.

See the most iconic sites of San Francisco – the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Civic Center, and a lot more! 

Sausalito Tour

This 60-minute Hop On Hop Off tour includes crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and a visit to the picturesque town of Sausalito.

This live narrated 90 minute tour of San Francisco shows you the most vibrant neighborhoods of the city! 

Yosemite National Park

The Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley are widely considered two of the top  American Viticultural areas in California, and all of the United States,  with a history dating back to early nineteenth century.

Enjoy a day out in the world famous Yosemite National Park. See all of  the sights in a single day from San Francisco, including half Dome,  Yosemite falls, Yosemite Valley, and Bridalveil Falls.

Monterey/Carmel Tour

This Monterey & Carmel tour from San Francisco takes you through  scenic Pacific Coast Highway 1, Santa Cruz, Monterey, 17 Mile Drive,  Carmel, & high-tech capital Silicon Valley.

More Sightseeing Tours & Attractions

Muir woods + sausalito tour, muir woods + san francisco city tour.

Visit two of Northern California's most beautiful spots - the famous Muir  Woods National Monument and the coastal town of Sausalito. 

Combine the San Francisco Grand City Tour (3.5-hour) + Muir Woods Coastal Redwoods Tour (3.5-hour) together for a full day of San Francisco sightseeing! 

San Francisco Bay Aquarium

Discover  what lies beneath the waves of San Francisco Bay. Journey through  crystal clear tunnels filled with 20,000 aquatic animals. 

San Francisco Value Pass

2-day hop-on hop-off pass.

Mega Pass is the perfect way to build your own itinerary while making  huge savings on the top tours and attractions that San Francisco has to offer.

This half-day city tour in San Francisco covers some of the most famous San Francisco sights like: Civic Center, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks. 

This pass combines four diverse tours on one incredible value ticket! It gives you the opportunity to explore all sights of San Francisco with unlimited use for 48 hours.

Half-Day City Tour

Cruise tours.

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San Francisco City Tours

San francisco City tours and Alcatraz Tours

City Tour Packages

Vantigo’s San Francisco Tour takes you through famed districts, complete with views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks and several other storied landmarks. Along the way, we’ll share tales of earthquakes that shaped the landscape, industrial shifts from the 1849 Gold Rush to the rise of Silicon Valley, 1960s counterculture, and surprising insights that only a local would know. Don’t miss one of the top things to do in San Francisco.

Vantigo’s San Francisco Tour takes you through famed districts, complete with views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks and several other storied landmarks. Along the way, we’ll share tales of earthquakes that shaped the landscape, industrial shifts from the 1849 Gold Rush to the rise of Silicon Valley, 1960s counterculture, and surprising insights that only a local would know. Don’t miss one of the top things to do in San Francisco.

What's Included

3 Hour Guided Tour

City Tour ~ 6 Photo Stops

Free bottled water

Classic VW Ride ~ Heck Yes!!!!

Restrictions

Tour duration and photo stops will depend on the size of your group, traffic, weather and city events

Ages 4 and under are only permitted when reserving the entire van for a private tour.

Sunday availability may vary based on private bookings.

We require at least 2 people [in total] for the tour to take place. We will contact you by the morning the day of your tour if we need to reschedule.

points of interest

* Tour Stop

Pickup Locations

1302 Columbus Ave

427 Post Street

San Francisco Private Tour

Our exclusive Private tours allow flexibility to take our standard and customize it to the hearts desire.

San Francisco City & Alcatraz Combo Tour

Vantigo’s San Francisco Tour takes you through famed districts, the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, The Painted Ladies and several other storied landmarks complete with tickets to Alcatraz. Along the way, we’ll share tales of earthquakes that shaped the landscape, industrial shifts from the 1849 Gold Rush to the rise of Silicon Valley, 1960s counterculture, and surprising insights that only a local would know. Don’t miss one of the top things to do in San Francisco.

NOTE: This tour includes the tickets to Alcatraz NPS. Tours on the island are lead by the National Park service and are free

Vantigo’s San Francisco Tour takes you through famed districts, the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, The Painted Ladies and several other storied landmarks complete with tickets to Alcatraz. Along the way, we’ll share tales of earthquakes that shaped the landscape, industrial shifts from the 1849 Gold Rush to the rise of Silicon Valley, 1960s counterculture, and surprising insights that only a local would know. Don’t miss one of the top things to do in San Francisco.

Alcatraz Ferry ticket to Alcatraz and back

Narrated ferry boat ride to and from Alcatraz Island

Self-guided cell house audio tour provided by the National Parks

This tour is an ALL INCLUSIVE combo (Alcatraz tickets are not sold separately). This tour is only updated 2 to 3 months in advance based on Alcatraz Cruises releasing Tickets at that pace.

The Details

Wanna know more about what the day looks like? See below

San Francisco Brew Tour

Brewers set up shop in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, and today’s local beer scene is more robust than ever. You’ll hear about that evolution while visiting three facilities on Vantigo’s San Francisco Brewery Tour. From the West Coast IPA’s to the daring Stouts this tour promises to delight the palette on this all inclusive tour visiting three local breweries.

Brewers set up shop in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, and today’s local beer scene is more robust than ever. You’ll hear about that evolution while visiting three facilities on Vantigo’s San Francisco Brewery Tour. From the West Coast IPA’s to the daring Stouts this tour promises to delight the palette on this all inclusive tour visiting three local breweries.

Brewing facility tour stop (Subject to Availablity)

Beer tastings at each stop

Special Vantigo souvenir

Looking to customize your brewery stops? Book a Private Brew Tour and we'll help you plan the perfect Brew Tour experience!

Please do not drink before our tour.

Please do not drive to our tours if possible.

We require at least 4 people [in total] for the tour to take place. We will contact you by the morning the day of your tour if we need to reschedule.

Custom Tours

For those looking to take their experience to the next level, we suggest choosing our Private Tours.

Private tours allow you to see San Francisco, Wine country and the Local SF beer scene at your own pace. Vantigo will work with you to coordinate the perfect experience. This tour is ideal for friends and family, colleague outings, and just about any celebratory occasion. The Vantigo Private Tour offers a truly unforgettable day. Allow us to pick you up and drop you off within San Francisco City Limits to make it more custom.

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Which San Francisco Bus Tour Is Best?

As tour guides, we do our best to provide a helpful and interesting experience in San Francisco, but there's a lot to see in this city, and we usually can't cover all of it by foot.

The Bay Area is perhaps one of the best in the country for bus tours, because you won't have to worry about walking up any steep hills!

There are two main types of bus tours in San Francisco:

• Hop-on Hop-off
• City Bus Tours

While hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you to jump off at various popular attractions, the basic city bus tour typically only offers stops for photo opportunities.

There are also a few city bus tours at night , allowing you to see the skyline as it is all lit up after dark.

If you're interested in getting out of the city for a while, there are also bus tour packages that include a trip to Alcatraz and other day trips you can enjoy by bus .

While we do our best to provide useful information about these tour companies, we'll also include a selection of comments from locals and travelers who use San Francisco Travel groups on Facebook.

Disclosure:  Our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

HOP ON HOP OFF SAN FRANCISCO BUS TOURS

There are currently two different hop-on hop-off bus tours in San Francisco: Big Bus Tour and Skyline Sightseeing.

These open-top bus tours make stops at all the most popular sites and attractions in the city, so you can jump off and explore at your own pace.

Once you're done looking around at one location, you can hop back onto the bus and head to your next destination.

If you're looking for a convenient way to get around town, these services are an excellent option to consider.

For more information, make sure to read our full post covering San Francisco hop on hop off bus tours .

SAN FRANCISCO CITY TOURS

Unlike hop-on-hop-off bus tours, these full-service tours take you on a guided journey of the city making some stops for photo opportunities.

Some of these tours take you to one or two destinations in and around the city, while others will have several stops. 

DYLAN'S TOURS

One of the most popular tour companies in the city, Dylan’s Tours offers several different combo tours which include an exploration of the city and surrounding areas such as Sausalito, Alcatraz, and Muir Woods.

Most of their services are offered via minibus, but they also have electric tuk-tuk tours and bike tours you can take in and around San Francisco.

Depending on which tour you choose, you can expect to see sights in North Beach, the Mission, the Castro, Pacific Heights, and more.

The local guides and small group size really set these tours apart. Hop on hop off San Francisco bus tours only include audio commentary, so the live commentary from local guides is definitely a nice touch.

San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito Tour

• $129 Adults | $69 Children 
• Additional $15 entry fee for Muir Woods for guests 16 years or older.
• Departs daily at 9:30 am
• Duration: 5 hours
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

San Francisco, Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour

• $189 Adults | $129 Children
• Departs daily at 8 am
• Duration: 9 hours

Reviews of Dylan's Tours

There’s a reason why Dylan’s Tours is ranked as the #1 Outdoor Activity in San Francisco ( read the reviews ).

Guests report back with very positive reviews, saying that the tour is an “awesome way to see the sights.” A few negative reviews can be found, but not many.

The intimacy of the tour, as well as the high quality of the guides, is repeatedly praised by visitors who traveled with Dylan’s Tours.

TOWER TOURS

Tower Tours offers a wide range of trips throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

You can take a trip through San Francisco, head up north to California Wine Country to see their wineries, take a boat to Alcatraz, or even go far inland to explore Yosemite!  

One really convenient feature bonus is that Tower Tours offers free pick-up from most San Francisco hotels.  

See their full list of San Francisco tours . We recommend that you start with their Grand City Tour .

You can expect to see sites such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, Chinatown, The Castro, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and other iconic landmarks or famous neighborhoods.

Their tours are not technically hop-on, hop-off tours since the buses don't stop at all the main attractions.

However, on some tours (such as their trips to Muir Woods or Yosemite Valley), you can get off the bus to walk around for a while, experience the outdoors, and snap some pictures.

Grand City Tour   

• $65 for Adults (Ages 12 - 59)
• $45 Child (Age 5 - 11)
• Free for kids under 5.
• Tour departures: 8:40 am (April to October) and 2 pm (November to March)
• Duration is 4 hours.
• More info and to book .

Reviews of Tower Tours

Tower Tours has received a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor for its high-quality service.

As with many other highly rated services on this list, most of the complaints from customers are too random to even be worthy of mention.

Most reviewers had a blast on this bus tour, so chances are that you’ll have a good time as well!  

Tower Tours also offers combo packages and tours outside of San Francisco.

SAN FRANCISCO LOVE TOURS

For those who didn't experience San Fran's Summer of Love in 1967, San Francisco Love Tours takes you on a ride to the past.

This 2-hour tour brings you back to the era when Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead were playing in the Bay area. 

Learn about beatniks like Alan Ginsburg and Jack Kerouac who sipped drinks at Vesuvio Cafe across the street from City Lights Bookstore.

• $85 per person (regardless of age). 
• Purchase tickets here .

Reviews of the Magic Bus Tour

The Magic Bus is one of the highest-rated tours on this list. They have received an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on both TripAdvisor and Viator.

There are very few negative reviews, and those that are negative typically complain that it simply wasn’t the kind of tour they would enjoy.

This really is an eclectic option, so make sure you’re actually interested in the concept of traveling back to the ’60s before you get your tickets.

For those of you who lived through those interesting times, this is a fantastic way to relive your experiences.

Alternatively, if you just want to take a trip back in time, sign up and enjoy the ride!

Lucky Tuk Tuk Tours

If you’re looking for a unique tour of the city, these outings are an interesting alternative to other San Francisco bus tours.

A Tuk Tuk is essentially a modified electric motorcycle that has been extended to provide seating for up to 5 people (on average). Think of it as a modern rickshaw!

These zippy vehicles can get around the city with ease, and thanks to their size you can rest assured that each Tuk Tuk tour will include more personalized attention from your guide/driver.

Each tour includes multiple opportunities to jump off and take a close look at important landmarks in the city, so they’re actually very similar to a hop-on-hop-off service.

The Lucky Tuk Tuk Tour company offers two tours either as public or private outings in San Francisco.

You can expect to see sites such as:

• Fisherman’s Wharf
• Golden Gate Park
• Haight-Ashbury
• Alamo Square
• The Painted Ladies (Victorian Homes)
• Union Square
• North Beach
• Lombard Street

Private VIP San Francisco Tuk Tuk Tour

• Per Person Average: $76
• Availability: Daily at 9 am, 1 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

SAN FRANCISCO SHUTTLE TOURS

When it comes to full-service bus tours, few are as good of a value as San Francisco Shuttle Tours.

This company prides itself on offering premium shuttles to many major landmarks and locations in the Bay Area.

Although this is not a hop-on-hop-off tour, the bus stops at various locations such as The Palace of Fine Arts, The Grace Cathedral, and Lombard Street. 

Each stop lasts for between 10 and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the area with the help of a guide.

In addition to their city shuttles, they also offer trips to Wine Country, the Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Yosemite.

This is a great option for anyone who wants an excellent guided tour of the San Francisco area.

Tickets: 

• $199 per person
• Includes a Ferry Bay Cruise
• Only private tours are available as of December 2023

Reviews of San Francisco Shuttle Tours

San Francisco Shuttle Tours has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor.

Of the negative reviews that exist, most of them take issue with scheduling problems.

Aside from these complaints, it would appear that most of the other concerns about this service are too random to represent enough of a pattern that it would be worth mentioning.

Most guests absolutely adored their Shuttle Tour, and it’s safe to say that this is one of the higher-rated bus tours in San Francisco.

NIGHT BUS TOURS OF SAN FRANCISCO

One of the best ways to experience San Francisco is by discovering the skyline at night.

In addition to the options listed below, both hop on hop off San Francisco companies offer night bus tours as well.

THE LOVE NIGHT TOUR

This 2-hour tour may be more expensive than the others, but it is sure to be an experience you won't forget. 

The tour bus is a 1970s Volkswagen Bus, decked out as it would have been in the era of hippies. 

The tour is a very small group of just 6 guests so you'll get to know one another as you get to know the city. 

You will cover all the major sights of the city: 

• Fisherman's Wharf
• Marina District
• The Presidio
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Haight & Ashbury
• The Castro District
• Mission District
• Little Italy

Best of all, because this is a small vehicle, you will get to drive down Lombard Street, the curviest street in the world!

Price: $85 per person. You must have a minimum of 2 people in your group but no more than 6.

Tours run every night at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets  here .

ALCATRAZ TOUR PACKAGES

Many of the tour companies listed above also have packages that include a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit this historic high-security prison, these combo deals are a good way to save some money while seeing as much of the Bay Area as possible.

In addition to the options below, there are also a few hop on hop off San Francisco bus tour combo deals that include admission to Alcatraz.  

Read our post covering Alcatraz tours for more details about the attraction.

These combination packages are mostly useful for convenience, especially when tickets on the Alcatraz Cruises website are sold out.

At times, these packages might even be the only way to get tickets!

If you are looking for a premium package, or are looking to avoid a hop-on-hop-off bus, this might be the package for you.

When you consider what you get in this package, it's another good deal.

Grand City 3 Hours + Alcatraz  (full duration 7 hours)

• Alcatraz Day Tour
• Grand City 3-Hour Tour 
• Cellhouse audio tour (available in 11 languages)
• Dining voucher to a San Francisco staple restaurant for breakfast or lunch 
• Price: $144 per person (3 and under free)

One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

• 9-hour full-day tour of San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and entrance to Alcatraz
• Includes a ferry ride across the San Francisco Bay
• $169 - Adult
• $109 - Child (0-11) 

Premium City Tour + Alcatraz

• 5-Hour Premium Bus Tour of San Francisco
• 2-Hour Tour of Alcatraz
• $150 per person
• Currently Inactive.

TOURS OUTSIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO

Many of the bus tour companies we have discussed also offer tours to various locations that are just outside of San Francisco.

Whether you’re interested in discovering Yosemite or want to do some wine tasting in Sonoma, these tours will take you outside of the city for a wonderful excursion.  

For more in-depth detail about particular day trips , be sure to read our posts on: 

• Muir Woods  
• Napa Valley
• Yosemite National Park
• Whale Watching Tours
• Silicon Valley

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Although we do our best to give you unbiased views of these services, the reality is that we inherently have a bias because we are tour guides.

As such, this section will include some of the more helpful advice and suggestions from both locals and travelers who use either the San Francisco Travel group or our very own San Francisco Travel Tips group on Facebook.

When it comes to city bus tours, a lot of travelers swear by the San Francisco Love Tours.

One of the best things about these groups is that members are usually willing to share their own personal thoughts and experiences with various activities and attractions in the city.

As Janene points out, the Love Tour allows you to spend some time at Haight-Ashbury, and it sounds like you can also make special requests to focus on areas of interest if you go with their private tour.

While it costs more to get the VIP treatment, it might be worth it to have a more personalized experience!

Dylan's is also quite popular, and several travelers recommend their tours for day trips to nearby locations such as Sausalito and Muir Woods.

While Dylan's Tours does offer a city bus tour with most of their packages, it is worth noting that most people who sing their praises specifically mention their day trips outside of the city.

One thing that tourists note about Dylan's Muir Woods tour is that it does give you some time to explore the woods on your own.

While that might seem daunting, especially given the size of the National Park, there are a lot of well signposted trails that aren't too complicated to walk.

For more details, make sure to read our post covering Muir Woods hiking trails .

If you're looking for even more advice about Bay Area bus tours, make sure to check either the San Francisco Travel group or our very own San Francisco Travel Tips group on Facebook.

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