San Francisco tours

Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is a place that challenges you to look beyond the fog and find the real view. The hills may be steep, but they offer perspectives you won't find on flat ground. The sound of cable cars isn't just a noise, it's the city's heartbeat, and the scent of sourdough is a welcome embrace. With a local guide, the postcard-perfect Golden Gate is just the beginning. Walk through the Mission District's murals, each with a story more vivid than the last, or taste the rich offerings of Napa Valley, where wine is only part of the experience. San Francisco tours are about uncovering the hidden and celebrating the known, all while weaving through a city that's as enigmatic as it is inviting. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in San Francisco. Explore San Francisco your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every San Francisco tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in San Francisco for every interest, including: Layover tours: Get picked up at SFO, head to Crissy Field for Golden Gate Bridge views, swing by Lombard Street, and grab a quick bite at the Ferry Building before returning with a time buffer. Your guide times the route around traffic so your tour stays stress‑free. Nature and Wildlife tours: Walk the Lands End trail to the Sutro Baths and watch for pelicans and harbour porpoises, then check out sea lions at Pier 39 and herons at Crissy Marsh. In winter, your guide can time an Ocean Beach lookout for whale spouts. History tours: Trace the Barbary Coast Trail through Portsmouth Square and Jackson Square for Gold Rush stories, then see the powerhouse at the Cable Car Museum. Add Mission Dolores and Chinatown’s family associations for layered neighbourhood history. Transit and getting around: Neighbourhoods are walkable and you’ve got Muni, historic streetcars, cable cars, and BART for longer hops. Hills and distances can be steep, so you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows San Francisco inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour through San Francisco and uncover its distinct neighborhoods by teaming up with a local guide. Experience the city through the eyes of someone who lives there. - Chinatown: Dive into the vibrant culture and history, with its bustling markets and authentic eateries. Ideal for families and those interested in cultural immersion. - Mission District: Known for its colorful murals and trendy eateries, this area is a haven for art enthusiasts and food lovers eager to explore diverse flavors. - Fisherman’s Wharf: A family-friendly spot with waterfront attractions, this neighborhood is perfect for those looking to enjoy seafood and scenic views. - Haight-Ashbury: Famous for its 1960s counterculture, this area appeals to those interested in music history and eclectic shopping experiences. - Golden Gate Park: Offering vast green spaces and cultural institutions, this neighborhood is a must-visit for families and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Day trip ideas from San Francisco From San Francisco, it’s easy to hop to coastal towns, redwood groves, and wine country; these day trips work well as private tours when you want control over pace, scenic stops, and timing. Muir Woods and Sausalito: Walk under coast redwoods, then roll over to a small bayside town with waterfront views and local art; simple trails and cafe stops keep the day easy, and your tour can lean toward quiet nature time or gallery browsing. Napa and Sonoma wine country: Rolling vines, tasting rooms, and food-friendly small towns like Healdsburg or Sonoma Plaza; choose a route focused on boutique wineries or big names, and build your tour around scenery, tastings, or a laid-back lunch. Monterey and Carmel: Drive Highway 1 for ocean views, watch sea otters from shore lookouts, and explore Carmel’s lanes and sandy beach; photo stops break up the drive, and your tour can add more coast time or a quick stroll on Cannery Row. Point Reyes: Wide headlands, lighthouse viewpoints, and herds of tule elk on open hills; mix short hikes with cheese or oyster stops in West Marin, and shape your tour to balance nature, local food, and quiet beaches. Santa Cruz and Capitola: Surf history, a long wharf with sea lions, and a colourful seaside village; it’s an easygoing day with beach walks and coffee stops, and your tour can focus on pier views, coastal trails, or time in small shops. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of San Francisco most travellers miss.