SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco’s best days out.
The 15 most popular self-guided tours in San Francisco. What each one costs, how long it runs, and who you book it through.
Ferry to Alcatraz from Pier 33 with an official ticket and self-guided app tour. Skip lines and explore Al Capone’s cells.
Most Popular“the audio tour was brilliantly put together, created a great feeling and sense of timeline from being incarcerated to the Rock closing in 1963 highly recommend the trip”
Official Alcatraz admission plus round-trip ferry and a guided-by-audio companion track, with an optional night program and ranger intros.
“The whole experience was amazing. Would 100% recommend”
Prebooked ferry to Alcatraz with headset audio, plus optional bike, bus, or Bay cruise add-ons for a smooth, flexible San Francisco day.
“We arrive as requested, got in line and we’re on the first ferry to The Rock. It was easy, fun and a self-guided tour. I went with my daughter and two 10 year olds. We all had a great time, learned a lot, took tons of pictures and spent close to 3 hours on the…”
Ride San Francisco’s cable cars at your pace, hopping from Powell to Chinatown, North Beach, and the Wharf with the Pintours app for flexible sightseeing.
“Terrible customer service. You might as well just find out the schedule and ride by yourself. Even the cab car operators give you a verbal tour.”
Alcatraz ferry with admission and official Cellhouse audio, plus a night option. Plan for hills, cold air, and strict timing.
“Really neat experience. Highly recommend! Book ahead of your trip because it is very popular and sells out. Self guided audio tour around and inside Alcatraz. Definitely recommend if you’re in the area. Easy pick-up at one of the piers at fisherman’s wharf area. Took the 4:45pm tour. The time of day and the fact…”
Rent a bike in San Francisco and pedal the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and Tiburon, then return by ferry if you want.
Self-guided e-bike ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge with included helmet, lock, map, and support.
“Wonderful experience, great way to see San Francisco and cross over the Golden Gate Bridge. We loved it.”
Private 2-hour Alcatraz app guided tour from Pier 33 with ferry time and island admission, plus bay views and story stops.
“Under no circumstances should you order tickets on this site, because they do not refund money if you do not receive a QR code without which you will not receive the tickets.”
Rent a custom-fit bike for a full day in San Francisco. Ride the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, neighborhoods, plus optional ferry.
“Really good! The owner was really nice and helpful! I was the only one to book a ride that day and he kept the store open just for me! The bike was incredible as well! Thank you!”
Audio-guided cable car ride with quick stops in Union Square, Chinatown, Nob Hill, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf for about $23.
“The check out process online is simple, quick, efficient. Though if you’re anything like me, and know absolutely NOTHING about this city, this is a good way to screw you over. Purchasing on this site triples, (and still a little more the cost) of what a single trip normally costs at the booth. Overall, a…”
Self-guided Pacific Coast Highway audio from San Francisco to Santa Monica with offline GPS and hands-free stories for up to four.
“It's easy to get off the route if you aren't constantly looking at the screen as directions are minimal. Gives some good information about sites but no clear direction given to navigate to them. I ended up purchasing a competitive app that had much better navigation.”
A guided Alcatraz cruise from Pier 33 to the island prison, with entry included and audio-style storytelling in a private-group format.
“It was great to walk around the island. To feel the history and to learn something I didn't know. I definitely recommend this when you come to San Francisco!”
Walk Haight-Ashbury with an offline puzzle game. Self-paced clue stops teach history and culture in about 1–2 hours for $7.20.
“So fun and informative! Liked how it was self-paced, could start and stop as we wished, and the history was woven in well to the puzzle/story. Loved it!”
Stroll the San Francisco Embarcadero with an offline audio tour on sea level rise and storm surges, plus waterfront history and piers.
“I loved the Sand Castles tour! I learned so much about the present and the history of this area. I loved how the piece was put together -- the interesting people who spoke, the clear directions on where to walk, the warmth, humor, engagement, music, and sounds that all made me feel like I was…”
A 2-hour private app tour of downtown San Francisco from Ferry Plaza to Wells Fargo, with free navigation and flexible pacing.
“Great tour, but beware it can take upto 2 hours to walk the whole thing! Still a wonderful experience”
The city, the bay, and the day trips beyond it. Every way to see them.
