Nearly Private San Francisco Tour Including Sausalito
Overview
How do you get to really know a city? Have an SF native, show you the way in this nearly-private tour!
This well-crafted, intimate, & flexible, tour is designed to provide the you with the greatest exposure to SF's culture, history, and recommended spots in the least amount of time.
After nearly a decade of giving other people's tours, Paul, the owner/ guide, started SF Expeditions in order to give *his* tours of the City he grew up in.
We know that there's more to a good tour than relaying dates and facts. A good tour allows us the chance to really connect with the flavor of the city and to explore opportunities as they arise.
We're also happy to customize the route to suit requests, whenever possible ("Full House" location, anyone?).
Complimentary hotel pick-up/drop-offs can be pre-arranged.*
*Same-day requests may not be possible due to prior tours, so please text/email for fastest response.
This well-crafted, intimate, & flexible, tour is designed to provide the you with the greatest exposure to SF's culture, history, and recommended spots in the least amount of time.
After nearly a decade of giving other people's tours, Paul, the owner/ guide, started SF Expeditions in order to give *his* tours of the City he grew up in.
We know that there's more to a good tour than relaying dates and facts. A good tour allows us the chance to really connect with the flavor of the city and to explore opportunities as they arise.
We're also happy to customize the route to suit requests, whenever possible ("Full House" location, anyone?).
Complimentary hotel pick-up/drop-offs can be pre-arranged.*
*Same-day requests may not be possible due to prior tours, so please text/email for fastest response.
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Fisherman's Wharf, Jefferson Street Between Hyde and Powell Streets, San Francisco, CA 94133
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!
Pass By: Pier 39, Beach Street & The Embarcadero Parking area, San Francisco, CA 94133
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!
Pass By: Ghirardelli Square, 900 N Point St At Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109-1192
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!
Stop At: 1070 Lombard Street between Jones St and Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
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
Pass By: Pacific Heights, 2356 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94115-2715
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.
Stop At: Lucasfilm Lobby, 1 Letterman Dr Building B, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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
Pass By: Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
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.
Stop At: Golden Gate Bridge, US-101, San Francisco, CA 94129
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
Stop At: Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
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
Pass By: Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave Lincoln Park, San Francisco, CA 94121-1677
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.
Stop At: Lands End, Point Lobos Avenue and El Camino del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121
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
Pass By: Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
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!
Pass By: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4503
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.
Pass By: de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4502
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.
Pass By: Japanese Tea Garden, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4502
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!).
Stop At: Haight-Ashbury, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
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
Stop At: Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, Steiner and Hayes Sts., San Francisco, CA
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
Pass By: Japantown, Japantown, San Francisco, California
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,
Stop At: Nob Hill, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California
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
Pass By: Chinatown, Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108
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.
Pass By: North Beach, Broadway at Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94111
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.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Fisherman's Wharf, Jefferson Street Between Hyde and Powell Streets, San Francisco, CA 94133
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!
Pass By: Pier 39, Beach Street & The Embarcadero Parking area, San Francisco, CA 94133
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!
Pass By: Ghirardelli Square, 900 N Point St At Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109-1192
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!
Stop At: 1070 Lombard Street between Jones St and Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
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
Pass By: Pacific Heights, 2356 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94115-2715
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.
Stop At: Lucasfilm Lobby, 1 Letterman Dr Building B, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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
Pass By: Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
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.
Stop At: Golden Gate Bridge, US-101, San Francisco, CA 94129
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
Stop At: Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
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
Pass By: Legion of Honor, 100 34th Ave Lincoln Park, San Francisco, CA 94121-1677
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.
Stop At: Lands End, Point Lobos Avenue and El Camino del Mar, San Francisco, CA 94121
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
Pass By: Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California
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!
Pass By: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4503
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.
Pass By: de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4502
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.
Pass By: Japanese Tea Garden, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA 94118-4502
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!).
Stop At: Haight-Ashbury, Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California
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
Stop At: Painted Ladies, Alamo Square, Steiner and Hayes Sts., San Francisco, CA
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
Pass By: Japantown, Japantown, San Francisco, California
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,
Stop At: Nob Hill, Nob Hill, San Francisco, California
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
Pass By: Chinatown, Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94108
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.
Pass By: North Beach, Broadway at Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94111
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.
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
paulaj929
September 2023
Awesome tour. Paul has amazing knowledge of the city and really does an amazing job !! Highly recomended
Awesome tour. Paul has amazing knowledge of the city and really does an amazing job !! Highly recomendedH4474WPcindyp
October 2023
Amazing tour! This was definitely the highlight of my trip to San Francisco. I do not think I could have asked for a more knowledgeable person as a guide. I had so much fun and can now leave feeling I basically got to see the entire city. The views you will see on this tour will definitely make y...
Amazing tour! This was definitely the highlight of my trip to San Francisco. I do not think I could have asked for a more knowledgeable person as a guide. I had so much fun and can now leave feeling I basically got to see the entire city. The views you will see on this tour will definitely make you happy to booked this tour!788fainaf
October 2023
It was the best experience ever! Paul is the absolute joy and an Amauri g tour guide. I’ve been in San Francisco many times over, but never knew the spirit of the city until now. I could not imagine such memorable experience.
It was the best experience ever! Paul is the absolute joy and an Amauri g tour guide. I’ve been in San Francisco many times over, but never knew the spirit of the city until now. I could not imagine such memorable experience.Kathryn_P
September 2023
This tour was amazing! Paul was friendly and as a native of San Francisco was very knowledgeable. He knew a lot about the history of the city which he shared with us without being boring. The ride was comfortable. Paul was accommodating, responsive and easy to reach. We saw so much of the cit...
This tour was amazing! Paul was friendly and as a native of San Francisco was very knowledgeable. He knew a lot about the history of the city which he shared with us without being boring. The ride was comfortable. Paul was accommodating, responsive and easy to reach. We saw so much of the city we would have never been able to see on our own. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour.sean1604
September 2023
This tour was amazing!! the tour guide paul, is a san francisco native and he is so knowledgeable of the area. he tells you so much of the history of the city and has such a pleasant manner about him. nothing was too much trouble and the tour was very relaxed and so imformative. you just won't ge...
This tour was amazing!! the tour guide paul, is a san francisco native and he is so knowledgeable of the area. he tells you so much of the history of the city and has such a pleasant manner about him. nothing was too much trouble and the tour was very relaxed and so imformative. you just won't get this level of detail and personalised service with the 'bigger' tour companys. Thankyou so much Paul. 100% recommend your fantastic tour. Sean and Janice698connork
September 2023
Paul took us on a custom tour throughout San Francisco as only a native would. It felt like every street corner he had some new piece of culture or trivia to share with us. Even growing up in California I was constantly learning about what made the city what it is today, and Paul really made me f...
Paul took us on a custom tour throughout San Francisco as only a native would. It felt like every street corner he had some new piece of culture or trivia to share with us. Even growing up in California I was constantly learning about what made the city what it is today, and Paul really made me feel like the city I knew only exists because it can stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before. I strongly recommend the tour for both locals and tourists, as I can't think of a better way to learn about (almost) every nook and cranny the city has.