Enjoy the beauty of San Francisco's waterfront plus superb vistas of Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay on this comprehensive half-day guided tour. It's the perfect introduction to the City by the Bay, providing an essential overview of San Francisco's attractions and layout. Accompanied by a knowledgeable driver-guide, you'll tour the City from the bay to the ocean, with photo stops at key locations.
You'll visit famous attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the stop at Twin Peaks will give you a breathtaking 360 degree view of the city from 1000 feet above sea level. Opt to upgrade your tour to include a bay cruise to complete your panorama of San Francisco from land and sea!
Travel through the Golden Gate Park and enjoy seasonal flower displays, bison grazing, and pass windmills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. You'll spy neighborhoods dotted with colorful Victorian homes and learn about San Francisco’s early settlements, from the Native Americans and Spanish missionaries to the frenzied days of the gold rush as you drive along the once infamous Barbary Coast. Take more than just pictures of San Francisco's most iconic landmark, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge for the complete city experience..
The tour highlights all of San Francisco's major attractions, including:
Chinatown
Fisherman's Wharf
Victorian Homes
Palace of Fine Arts
North Beach
Presidio National Park
Awe-inspiring views of Alcatraz and the Pacific Ocean
Take advantage of some great photo stops (each stop 10 to 15 minutes) at key landmarks including:
Vista Point at Golden Gate Bridge
Twin Peaks (weather permitting)
Golden Gate Park's Japanese Tea Garden
Bay Cruise Upgrade Upgrade your half-day city tour to receive a one-hour cruise of San Francisco Bay, and enjoy some of the most beautiful waterside views in the world! The cruise is fully narrated and you'll sail under the Golden Gate Bridge (weather permitting) for close-up views of Alcatraz Island, the San Francisco waterfront and the California sea lions. The perfect accompaniment to the half-day city tour.
Our San Francisco half-day tour was poor all the way around. _br/_ - We were to be picked-up at our hotel at 8:20am but our ride did not arrive until 8:50am. We were dropped off at the central office to begin our tour at 9:00am. The office was disorganized and over-crowded. Guests for multiple tours had to stand outside on a loud and busy sidewalk. Buses had to park 1 -2 blocks away to load._br/_ - Our tour did not start at 9:00, as scheduled, but instead at 9:25am due to the driver being late traffic._br/_ - The driver/tour guide was terrible. He spoke in a low monotone voice the entire time and did not appear to be one bit interested in the tour. Although he was courteous and did give some factual information, he did not meet basic expectations. _br/_ - I gave this a 1 because of the actual beauty of the area beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and a few vista points.
Review by: Gary F, October 2017
Really knowledgeable tour guide, Thomas, made this an informative and engaging tour around San Francisco. Great value for an overview of city.
Review by: Lynn, October 2017
The tour guide was knowledgeable, but we did not stop at a few of the places listed that we would stop. The tour started late, because the bus could not find a place to park, so I think the time we got to spend seeing and stopping was cut short. I was disappointed to not see the painted ladies or windmills of Ocean Beach, to merely drive-through the Golden Gate Park, not stop at the Japanese Tea Garden and our stop to look at the Golden Gate Bridge was very rushed only 10 min. Lombard Street was pointed out from about 10 blocks away as we turned a corner, see up there, that's Lombard St Again, my guess was that the late start contributed to the omissions and some things are left to the driver's discretion. It was a decent overview. The stop at Lands' End was nice, I wish I had more time there as the hike up and down took up some time, so not a lot of time to really see it all. If you take this tour, arrive early and walk the block down to Union Square to look at the artists' market. The boat cruise was ok, but just a ride out to, and under the Golden Gate Bridge, then around Alcatraz Island, very simple.
Review by: Carmen M, October 2017
My husband and I did not really enjoy this tour. We could not understand the driver who was also the tour guide and we spent a lot of time on the coach. Some of the sights were good but not much time was spent in these places. We did take some good pictures and he did drop off us at the pier for those who wanted to.
Review by: Jeannette J M, October 2017
Our bus driver and tour director Joe? was very informative and answered all our questions. We saw all the sights San Francisco had to offer. The employees were very helpful - they picked us up at our hotel and returned us to our hotel at the end of the day, even though our tour started at 9AM and finished at approx. 1PM. We were able to tour ourselves and still know we had a ride back to our hotel. Very important when you are in a strange place. I will call on Viator and Gray Bus Line for my next tour.
Review by: PATRICIA R, October 2017
Excellent
Review by: Rhonda C, October 2017
The tour provider had plenty of different tour leaving the Union Plaza area, so there is lots to choose from depending on your interest. if you want to tour Alcatraz make sure to book early as it often sells out.
Review by: Eoin K, October 2017
Tour was good but the tour company was very poorly organised. I had booked on line via Viatour. They tour company forgot to pick me up at the Hotel as requested and confirmed. Luckily the concierge called Gray Line who told them they had forgot to pick me up and to come to their office. I had to pay for the taxi. When I got their the bus had already left and they had to call another bus to come pick me up delaying the tour by about 30 minutes. The tour itself was good and the driver was an excellent guide - 5 stars for him. Please note this is not a hop on hop off you are on the bus for the trip and only get off at a few places to take photos.
Review by: Eileen G, October 2017
Quite a large group tour but interesting to see and hear history of the city
Review by: ramosthecat, September 2017
The half day tour is more than enough to see San Francisco. We got to see some sights we would have otherwise missed, namely Lands End. Then went back to explore locations we saw but wanted a little more. Driver was great and informative. Only negative was the size of the bus which was a coach.
Review by: Sue-Ellen W, September 2017
good way to see the city and a couple of photo stops, but not as good as when we did this two year ago
Review by: Boris L, September 2017
The tour was amazing and the diver was perfect
Review by: ramblinrose, September 2017
This is my second time taking this tour, this time with my Son, he loved it!!! Of course He loved it as I did. This time was a little different. we didn't see the painted ladies and a great surprise we went across the Golden Gate!!! AWESOME!!!! Being from Michigan I have a thing for bridges so do yourself a favor and visit the Upper Peninsula and cross the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge and take the ferry to Mackinaw Island! This tour was wonderful as is the Bay Area!!!
Review by: Michael O, September 2017
The tour was excellent. The tour guide knew and loved her city. She tried to ensure we saw the sights before the fog moved in.
Review by: Sumeet M, September 2017
The Half Day City tour was fine._br/_ The tour had an additional option of Bay Cruise which we paid for and was mentioned in the voucher as well._br/_ However, the tour guide refused us Bay Cruise stating we had not paid for,_br/_ Once I returned home, I wrote an email to Viator Customer Support and it has been a week with no response/resolution except for an acknowledgement of the email. _br/_ One would expect a better customer service from Viator and their handling of their contracted agencies..
Review by: Gary C, September 2017
Great tour , we saw and learnt so much about the city , very strongly recommend
Review by: Alexandrina B, August 2017
Tour guide spoke in a low monitone voice not expressing any enthusiasm for the city's history. I couldn't see out of the front window making the scene only visible from the left side of the coach where I was sitting.
Review by: Richard B, August 2017
Another tour we would recommend, informative driver who showed us an insight to life and history in San Francisco.We would recommend this tour. Dianne and Bruce Bate Australia
Review by: Lorraine Z, August 2017
We were disappointed in the tour. The bus was delayed about an hour, then everything was very rushed, and we ended up back early by almost an hour! I understand they were having difficulties with the bus but to end early and not get even half of what we paid for was a disappointment
Review by: Paul H, August 2017
How could a trip to Alcatraz not be interesting? _br/_ This place has lots of history behind it and the jail echoes the past. _br/_ The setting for the Clint Eastwood film of the same name. _br/_ A must if you are in San Francisco but be prepared to book in advance.
Review by: JENNIFER T, August 2017
This was a good tour to get a good lay of the land. The guide was okay, and the bus was comfortable. However we went on another tour that was much more informative.
Review by: Lloyd N, August 2017
Best way to get acquainted or reacquainted with the city and it doesn't take forever. As always, a good tour guide makes it or breaks it. We had a very good one who was a native of SF.
Review by: michelle s, August 2017
The driver shared too much personal history. He should have had a script to follow. I would not recommend this tour unless there was a different driver.
Review by: terry g, August 2017
Wilfredo was super nice and good driver. Our out of state cousins had a hard time understanding him because of his accent. The air on the bus was not working and it was hot. There were only 13 in our group so we thought a big company like Gray line should be able to pair us up with another group or find a small bus with air. Our cousin said we should ask for refund. But the driver did take us to Haight-Ashberry by request and did his best to accommodate us.
Review by: martahoffman1, August 2017
Não recomendo mesmo! Vc vai pagar caro por um serviço ruim. Nosso guia/motorista foi muuuuito chato e ruim. Parecia que estava falando consigo mesmo, foi um monólogo interminável. Sem contar com a desorganização para retirar o ticket . Totalmente dispensável
Review by: Elisabeth H, April 2017
Good experience, tour guide is very knowledgeable. enjoyed!
Review by: Maritza S, April 2017
This tour was very well organized, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Enough time was allotted at each stop for refreshments, photos, and a comfort break if needed. Great tour, would take it again.
Review by: Maritza S, April 2017
This tour was very well organized, the tour guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Enough time was allotted at each stop for refreshments, photos, and a comfort break if needed. Great tour, would take it again.
Review by: MRS SC G, March 2017
Not bad at all. Bring protection when going on that bridge!
Review by: Bretto S, February 2017
This was a great tour, kicked off by a hotel pickup. The Golden Gate Bridge was a great sight and we crossed it and stopped to get views and picture from the other side. The to Lands End where I had great clam chowder. A wonderful tour through Golden Gate through some neighborhoods to Twin Peaks for the best photo spot of the city._br/_ Our coach driver was very entertaining passing on so much information in his casually entertaining way._br/_ I didn't have a car in San Francisco so this was a great way to see the sights and I'd easily recommend this tour.
Review by: chickenpierobertson, February 2017
Viator need to make it more prominent that you are picked up an hour before the tour starts. I missed that information and called the office, was told to make my way by taxi, which i did to find the tour had left. I was offered hop on/off tour as replacement.
Review by: Sue, February 2017
Was OK but did not get off the bus much....seemed like he talked about some nursing home forever. We did stop on the other side of the GGBridge that was nice and went up to the lookout point to see the city and bridges. The Lookout point was absolutely disgusting, litter, cans, bottles all thrown into the bushes. Cigarette buts all over, for a City that is so big on Environmental issues it was a disgrace. Didn't get off in Chinatown. I have been on lots of half day tours so I know this was a bit slack. Would probably not go with them again.
Review by: Laura M, January 2017
This was a brilliant tour! Got to see parts of San Francisco which I would never have had a chance to see otherwise. The tour guide was really knowledgeable and funny, and I couldn't rate it highly enough. A great way to start your trip to this beautiful city.
Review by: Eleonore C, January 2017
I really enjoyed this tour! It was really interesting and efficient in terms of things to see, and especially because some places are complicated to access if you don't have a car Golden Gate, Golden gate park. I would recommand it! Do it in the morning and then see what you liked the most to continue your trip in the city!
Review by: Roger D, January 2017
It was raining HARD in San Francisco that day so we missed out bus but took another 2-hour tour and even tho it was windy and cold, Derek and Victor made it fun!! Thanks so much!! I want to come back and see more!!
Review by: Philip C, January 2017
We covered a lot of territory and landmarks were highlighted. I was hoping for more information on the history of the city to include events and people who were instrumental in the city's development.
Review by: Mark J, January 2017
The tour was very good. The guide driver was very nice and engaging. We saw so much of the city in a relatively short period of time. Our recommendation is to take this tour at the beginning of your stay. That way, you can go back to see the spots your most interested in. That you for the tour! It was well worth it.
Review by: Jasveen, December 2016
Enjoyed this tour. Got to see the neighbourhoods that I would not have seen on my own. The victorian homes are very pretty!
Review by: RS, December 2016
.
Review by: Adrienne H, December 2016
Well worth it - saw all areas in San Francisco. Aaron, the driver and guide was very interesting and fun
Review by: Jamie, December 2016
Our tour guide Danny was very knowledgeable and outgoing. He went out of his way to make sure we had a fantastic time! We had great weather and were able to do all the stops listed with plenty of time for photos at each location. Definitely a great way to see the city if you haven't been before!
Review by: Randall A B, November 2016
The tour stops itself were OK. The tour bus had a non glass front, making it impossible to see out the front of the bus. No one on the bus could see out the front. Missed a lot of what the driver was talking about as he could see things that were not visible to the passengers. This made the trip very disappointing.
Review by: jrolier, November 2016
Covered a lot in short while
Review by: Kathleen H, November 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed the half-day city tour and we took the bay tour after. Excellent.
Review by: Edward Andy H, November 2016
OK
Review by: becminett, November 2016
A great tour to get your bearings and see what there is to see in San Francisco.
Review by: Howard C, November 2016
Very informational. Great history lesson!
Review by: Thant A, November 2016
Our guide Joe is so knowledgeable and professional, within the limited weather, the trip was worthy.
Review by: Sandra F, October 2016
Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I was impressed with his driving abilities to get the bus through the crowded streets too. :
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