18 Best San Francisco Private Tours You Want to Take in 2023 [w/ Local Guides]

Are you looking for the best San Francisco private tours for your upcoming trip?

Well, we did the work for you by creating this amazing list so that you can have the best San Francisco experience possible on your trip to the city by the bay.

This guide will help you pick the best private tour guide for San Francisco for a memorable trip.

You can choose between a San Francisco city tour, Muir Woods tours, and trips to the California wine country. 

With so many options available, this Private Tour in a Vintage VW Van is one of the highest rated tours in San Francisco with solid 5 star reviews.

Now, select the tour of your dreams and start packing for your trip to San Francisco.

18 Best San Francisco Private Tours

1. 4-Hour Private Tour in Vintage VW Van

• ❤️ Best For: An epic tour of S.F. in a classic VW van
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 4 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 7 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

This 4-Hour Private Tour in a Vintage VW Van will take you on a whirlwind tour of 14 districts in San Francisco. 

You will see all the biggest tourist highlights, including the Coit Tower, Chinatown, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and many more incredible attractions.

There will be plenty of photo opportunities, and you will also learn about San Francisco and its interesting history along the way.

We had a blast on our private tour with Chad and Lily, the little red VW bus. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the city, and we learned so much about the landmarks and neighborhoods.

– Christopher (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Riding along in the immaculately restored VW bus will give you the feel of what it was like to cruise the city during the 60s when hippies were flocking to San Francisco for the “Summer of Love.”

On this highly-rated tour, you will enjoy the sites through the VW’s big windows in areas of the city where the big buses cannot go.

If you only have a limited time to explore San Francisco, this tour will ensure you will experience the best of the city.

HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the top sights in 14 districts of SF | Snacks, water, and alcoholic beverages included | Professional private tour guide in a VW van 

What’s NOT Included: Stop at Muir Woods National Monument, gratuity

2. San Francisco Private Food Walking Tour

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want to see and taste the best of San Francisco
• ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 8 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

With this San Francisco Private Food Walking Tour, you will be able to taste an amazing cross-section of the cuisine in this epic culinary destination. 

The best part is that you will give them your preferences in advance so they can tailor your experience to your tastes.

You will meet up in the Mission District and taste eight different dishes and two alcoholic beverages, with some sightseeing along the way. 

I had a great time touring the Mission district with Michael – we tasted a wide variety of delicious foods and enjoyed it a lot.

– Chantelle (READ MORE REVIEWS)

With the tour taking place mostly in the Mission District, you will get to see and taste a different part of the city that many tourists never see. 

This area is culturally diverse, which is a big reason why the food is so delicious in the Mission District.

This San Francisco private tour is led by local food experts passionate about sharing their city and its delicious food with people hungry to taste their way through the city.

If you appreciate that the cuisine of a city is as important as the tourist attractions, this is the tour for you. 

HIGHLIGHTS: Tour led by local food experts | Eight dishes and two alcoholic beverages included | Easy meetup via BART

What’s NOT Included: Hotel pickup and drop off, gratuity, extra food or drinks

3. 3-Hour Private Segway Tour – Wharf & Hills of San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Anyone that wants to learn to ride a Segway while seeing the sites in S.F.
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

Prepare to feel the wind on your face as you maneuver your way around the streets of San Francisco with this 3-Hour Private Segway Tour.

You know you have always wanted to ride a segway, and now it’s your chance to get a personally guided tour to some of the top destinations in San Francisco. 

This private tour of San Francisco offers unparalleled access to some of the city’s top attractions that are unavailable on other segway tours. 

This tour was the best tour we took in San Francisco! From our guide to the scenery, A++++!! You can’t visit SF and not take this tour – if you don’t, you are definitely missing out.

– Shelly (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This tour includes a chance to ride down the windy Lombard Street with its epic views and eight hairpin turns.

You and your guide will explore the waterfront and other popular destinations, where you will get to check out Fishermans Wharf, Chinatown, and the Italian district in North Beach.

This is a great tour option for adventurous travelers who want to try something new while visiting the sites.

HIGHLIGHTS: Private tour of the waterfront | Segway ride down Lombard Street | Knowledgeable guides

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, food and drinks

4. Private Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Couples and friends that love wine tasting
• ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 8 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 6 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

If you are looking to visit the wine country, this Private Napa and Sonoma Tour from San Francisco will whisk you away to see some of the most spectacular wineries in the region.

Before starting your tour, you will have a consultation to help you select the perfect combination of wineries based on your tastes. 

You can select from a list of pre-selected options, or they can take you to your favorite wineries. 

Beautiful wineries and scenery. The people working at the wineries were so friendly and knew so much about their product and the region. Fantastic outing when in San Francisco.

– Cindy (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Although the drivers are often very knowledgeable about the region and the wine country, they are not tour guides. 

A trained wine expert will give you a tour once you arrive at each winery.

This Napa wine tour is a great option for anyone that wants a special day with their loved one or best friends without having to drive.

HIGHLIGHTS: Guided tours at the wineries | Professional driver | Flexible planning options

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, lunch, private guide, tasting fees

Private San Francisco Tours with Local Tour Guides

5. 2 Hour Private Jeep Tour of San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: A fun day cruising the city with the top down
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 6 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes for an added cost

This 2 Hour Private Jeep Tour of San Francisco will let you experience the city’s sites while taking in the aromas of the ocean breeze as it runs through your hair.

Don’t worry about getting cold; they provide warm blankets to cuddle up with as you ride around, checking out the city’s best attractions. 

The open-top jeep allows for spectacular views of the highrises and offers an opportunity to take in San Francisco’s best views without leaving your seat.

Our tour with TK was amazing! We saw so many sights that blew us away, and TK was such a great tour guide the whole time! The views from and of the Golden Gate Bridge were awesome.

– Verified Traveler (READ MORE REVIEWS)

During the tour, you will make 11 stops at top destinations and drive through 10 of the city’s most important and historically significant neighborhoods.

The pinnacle of the trip is a stop at Fort Point, where you will get an up-close view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can arrange for them to pick you up from your hotel in San Francisco for an added fee.

Instead of taking a full day San Francisco tour, you can book this jeep tour and see the best of the city in only three hours. 

HIGHLIGHTS: Open top jeep ride | Warm cuddly blankets | Knowledgeable and fun guide

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, hotel pick up

6. Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour

• ❤️ Best For: A tour of San Francisco and Alcatraz on the same day
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 4 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 14 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

If you only have one day in San Francisco to see the best of the city, then this Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour is the perfect solution.

This tour offers one of the top luxury experiences in San Francisco with first-class SUV pick-up at your hotel. 

You will then head off to see many of the city’s top highlights, including Fishermans Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Chinatown.

Highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting a good overview of San Fran. The fact that all Alcatraz arrangements were made as part of this tour was an added bonus. Wonderful day!

– Tammy (READ MORE REVIEWS)

After checking out the sites, you will board a ferry to Alcatraz Island, where you will take a self-guided tour of this historic part of San Francisco.

The best part is that they organize and book the trip to Alcatraz as part of the tour so that you are not stressed about making the connection or booking a trip before it sells out.

Book this amazing half day tour of SF if you want more time to explore the city or are only in San Francisco for a short layover.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pre-arranged Alcatraz booking | You get two tours in one package | Hotel pick up in a luxury SUV

What’s NOT Included: Drop off back at your hotel

7. Private San Francisco Tour in a Tuk Tuk

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want a thrilling ride in an open-air three-wheeler.
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 6 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

Take advantage of this Private San Francisco Tour in a Tuk Tuk, where you will zip around to the top sites in the city.

The three-wheeled open-air vehicle is just like the ones you will find in Thailand or Sri Lanka, but this one seats up to six people.

The tour will take you on a ride starting from Fishermans Wharf before heading to seven stops, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Haight-Ashbury.

Great tour, awesome people. Highly recommended. Management was very responsive, tour vehicle was clean and well-maintained. The tour guide was knowledgeable and personable.

– Diana (READ MORE REVIEWS)

On this private tour, you will also get to take in the beautiful grounds of Golden Gate Park with its picturesque botanical garden.

San Francisco can get pretty chilly even during the summer months, but the Tuk Tuk has heated seating, and the tour guide will provide warm blankets. 

This is a great option for those who want to experience a city with all their senses while riding down the hilly San Francisco streets.

HIGHLIGHTS: Open-air ride in a Tuk Tuk | Stop in Golden Gate Park | Heated seats and blankets

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, food And drinks, no entry into museums or attractions

8. Custom Private Tour in a Mini Cooper

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want a customized local tour
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 4 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 3 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

This Custom Private Tour in a Mini Cooper is perfect for travelers who want to see all the attractions and sites they have been dreaming of for their trip to San Francisco.

You can pick all the destinations on the top of your S.F. bucket list, and they will design a route to maximize the fun and ensure that it’s a great day by the bay.

Your personal tour guide is really knowledgeable about the history of the touristy sites in the city, and they are also great at sharing the local spots that most tourists never see.

Best day!! Reed was a fantastic and great host. Took us round his wonderful city of which he was so knowledgeable and Passionate. Brought San Francisco to Life. This is an absolute MUST MUST do.  

– Eileen (READ MORE REVIEWS)

One of the best parts of this customized tour is that you are driven around in a convertible Mini Cooper. 

This means you will get to smell the wafting aromas of sourdough baking and feel the breezes coming off the ocean.

If you’re looking for a tour guide for San Francisco, book this tour for a quick ride through the best of the city.

HIGHLIGHTS: Pick-up anywhere in the city | Ride in a convertible Mini Cooper | Custom-designed tour

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, Golden Gate bridge tolls, food or snacks

9. Classic Sidecar Tour of San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Anyone up for a thrilling ride in a sidecar motorcycle
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 to 8 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 2 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

Have you ever wanted to ride a motorcycle through the streets of San Francisco, but you don’t have a license? 

Now you can with this Classic Sidecar Tour of San Francisco.

Prepare to ride down narrow alleyways to the city’s top attractions that the tour buses can’t get through. You will then ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Of all of these private guided tours of San Francisco, this tour is the only one that will treat you to unparalleled views of Chinatown and the Painted Ladies from the sidecar of the motorcycle. 

I really enjoyed this trip which gave a great overview of SF city. The side-car tour has several advantages compared to “classical” tours: easy to look in all directions, easy to get around and enjoy the Californian weather.

– Sebastian (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This adventurous way to see the city adds a lot of excitement that will keep the fun rolling through the entire trip.

The guide will pick you up anywhere in San Francisco, and they have all the details covered, from phone chargers to blankets to keep you warm.

This is the perfect tour for anyone that wants to experience the thrill of riding a motorcycle while seeing San Francisco’s top attractions and historical landmarks.

HIGHLIGHTS: Sidecar motorcycle ride | Expert local guide  | Warm blankets

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity

San Francisco Luxury Tours

10. Elite Flight Tour over San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want fly to the highest viewpoints above the city
• ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 1 hour | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 3 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

See San Francisco from a birds-eye view with this Elite Flight Tour over San Francisco.

This one-hour flight takes off from Hayward before doing a flyby of downtown Oakland and the Bay Bridge. 

It then heads across the bay to see the highlights of San Francisco, including Alcatraz Island, Crissy Field, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so much more.

The flight was awesome, and our pilot Matt was very professional and hospitable. I had never been on an airplane before, but the pilot made our first time very enjoyable.

– Sandra (READ MORE REVIEWS)

You will get the opportunity to see the city in a way that very few ever will on this exhilarating ride in a small Cessna airplane.

Who needs a drone when you can be in the air to take in the views and capture lots of photos?

If you want a bucket list-worthy experience on your trip to San Francisco, this airplane tour should be on the top of your list.

HIGHLIGHTS: Bird’s eye view of S.F. | Safe and skilled pilots | Bucket list worthy experience

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity

11. San Francisco Private Boat Tour

• ❤️ Best For: Those that love being out on the water on a sailboat
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 2 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 6 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

Why sit on a busy tour boat when you can take this San Francisco Private Boat Tour?

Instead of jockeying for a position to see the sights, you can relax on the deck of this sailboat and enjoy the cruise around Alcatraz Island and the rest of the bay.

This sailboat trip will also take you and your group around the bay to see Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, and a cruise along the Marina District. 

Amazing ride! A lot of birds and dolphins. Definitely recommend! Cool for small friend and family gatherings.

– Ella (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Along the way, you will be treated to unparalleled views of the San Francisco Skyline. 

You can also request to sail the boat under the Golden Gate Bridge for an epic photo opportunity.

Instead of staring at the sailboats out on the bay, you can be on one on the sailboat enjoying the ocean breeze and taking in the views of the city.

HIGHLIGHTS: Uncrowded boat ride | Epic city views from the water | Sail by the Golden Gate

What’s NOT Included: Food or snacks

12. Private Limo Wine Tour of Napa Valley from San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Touring the wine country in style in a Limousine
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 8 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 8 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

If you are looking to have a good time in the wine country, this Private Limo Wine Tour of Napa Valley is the perfect solution. 

The limo will scoop you up from your accommodation anywhere in the San Francisco Bay area and take you across the bridge to the stunning wineries in Napa Valley.

With room for eight people in the Limousine, your entire group of friends can join you for a day of tasting wine on this Napa Valley tour.

We just spent 2 amazing days with Peter in Napa Valley! He made our experience better than we could have imagined. Peter went above and beyond to make sure our trip to Napa was epic!

– Verified Traveller (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The limousine driver will consult with you in advance to create a custom itinerary based on your preferences for wineries and other stops along the way.

Guides are knowledgeable about the region and will offer some delicious options for lunch and dinner in Napa.

This custom private tour is also a great option for groups that want to have some fun but don’t want to designate a driver. 

HIGHLIGHTS: Private limousine in Napa | Custom itinerary | Hotel-to-winery service

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, wine tasting fees

Other Private San Francisco Tours

13. 3-Hour Private Muir Woods (Giant Redwoods) and Sausalito Tour

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want a touch of nature on their trip to S.F.
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 6 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

Skip all the hassle of booking reservations and finding parking with this Private Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour.

Leave the planning and the driving to the professionals so you can relax and take in the majestic Coastal Redwoods that tower over the forest floor.

You will get to walk the trails under these giant trees, where you can take in the wildlife, ferns,  and gentle streams in this beautiful park. 

The tour was very nice. We saw the other side of California. The guide was very cool and told us a lot about nature and the area. Also, the Jeep was amazing.

– Verified Traveller (READ MORE REVIEWS)

On the way to the park, you will ride over the Golden Gate Bridge in an open-top Jeep. 

This private San Francisco tour also includes a stop to grab a few selfies and photos of this iconic bridge.

Unlike most Muir Woods tours, this trip includes a stop to see the charming waterfront town of Sausalito, which offers plenty of cute shops and stunning views of San Francisco.

This is an amazing way to see and experience California’s natural side without driving too far outside San Francisco.

HIGHLIGHTS: No stress of getting Muir Woods reservations | Extra stop for Golden Gate Bridge photos | Ride in a convertible jeep

What’s NOT Included: Muir woods entry ticket, ferry ride back to San Francisco (optional)

14. Silicon Valley Private Tour

• ❤️ Best For: People fascinated with the tech industry and the Silicon Valley
• ⭐ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 4 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 4 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: Yes

Take this Silicon Valley Private Tour to get an inside look at the tech capital of the world. 

This custom tour will take you to the campus of some of the biggest players in social media and the tech sector, including Facebook and Apple. 

This Silicon Valley tour offers the chance of a lifetime to learn about the story of these fabled companies and the secrets behind what led to their powerful rise.

Excellent experience. Absolutely fantastic tour! Fred is a magnificent guide: he made us enjoy a perfect family day, and we also learned a lot. 200% recommended!

– Verified Traveler (READ MORE REVIEWS)

They can even custom-tailor your tour to visit the places you are interested in, or you can go with their top recommendations. 

Imagine what it will be like to visit these titans of tech along with a chance to walk the storied halls of Stanford University.

Book this tour if you want to see and experience a touch of the daily existence of these tech giants.

HIGHLIGHTS: Tour of Google, Apple, and Facebook | Insider access to the campuses | Custom Itinerary 

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, food and drinks, visits to the company office buildings

15. Private Walking Tour of San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: A super affordable local tour of the S.F. by foot
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 2.5 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 6 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

This Private Walking Tour of San Francisco offers a chance to see the sites while being led by a local expert that is highly knowledgeable about the city. 

The super affordable tour will take you and up to five other guests to three important and interesting neighborhoods, including Chinatown, the Embarcadero, and the Financial District. 

Along the way, the guide will keep you captivated with lots of historical facts about the destination and other stories about what makes San Francisco unique and special.

What a tour! AMAAAZING!! I always love free walking tours, and over the years, they have become my must-do on my first trip day.

– Verified Traveler (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This guided walk through the city also offers a chance to experience San Francisco using your senses as you will take in the sights, sounds, and aromas wafting from local restaurants and bakeries. 

There is no better way to get to know San Francisco than to do a small group walking tour with a local guide that knows and loves the city.

HIGHLIGHTS: Private small group tour | Local knowledgeable guide | visits three important and interesting neighborhoods

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, hotel pick up

San Francisco Adventure Tours

16. Private GoCar San Francisco Tour

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want to do it themselves but don’t want to plan a tour
• ⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 5 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 2 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

This amazing DIY Private GoCar San Francisco Tour is the perfect way to see the sights without having to follow a guide.

You will cruise the city using the GoCar’s onboard navigation as the car tells interesting facts and stories about the history of San Francisco.

This sightseeing tour offers the chance to see the city in an open-top two-seater vehicle that will leave the tour buses in your dust.

The narrated tour was so helpful in navigating the streets of San Francisco. What an easy way to see the sights!

– Mike (READ MORE REVIEWS)

You will also be able to look up at the stunning highrises and feel the sun on your face as you cruise along the coast.

The San Francisco day tour package will take you to top sites, including the Coit Tower, Chinatown, the Presidio, and down Lombard Street before returning to Fishermans Wharf.

The top stop of the trip is a visit to Battery Point to take in the stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The best part is that you will not feel rushed as you control your pace and how much time you spend at each stop.

HIGHLIGHTS: Narrated stories and history of SF | Self-Guided Tour at your own pace | Fun ride across the city

What’s NOT Included: Stop at Muir woods, gratuity

17. 3-Hour Private Segway Tour through Golden Gate Park

• ❤️ Best For: A leisurely stroll through the park without having to walk
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

This 3-Hour Private Segway Tour through Golden Gate Park is the ultimate way to see this fantastic San Francisco park, all in one day.

Golden Gate Park is huge, and the best way to see all the sites is to ride a segway led by a guide that knows the best route. 

The guides know about the history and fun facts of each location within the park, including the Japanese Tea Garden and the Conservatory of flowers. 

Johannes was excellent. He made me feel very safe during the instructions and training. And he was a great tour guide. He made it fun. This was the best way to see Golden Gate Park.

– Verified Traveler (READ MORE REVIEWS)

You will even get to stop at several destinations in the park, where you will get to pick out the activities you want to partake in, like renting a rowboat.

All group members will get a 20 to 30-minute training on how to ride a Segway to feel safe and in control as you zip through the park.

HIGHLIGHTS: 20 to 30-minute training session | Visits to the top attractions in the park | See the whole park in one day

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, food and drinks

18. Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

• ❤️ Best For: Those that want to explore San Francisco by bicycle
• ⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
• ✅ BOOK NOW

⏰ Duration: 3 hours | 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Capacity: Up to 15 guests | 🏨 Hotel Pick-up: No

This Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour is an incredible opportunity to ride through the city and across this iconic bridge.

You will be led by an expert guide, starting in Fishermans Wharf that will take you through the Marina District, past the Palace of Fine Arts, into the Presidio, and to Fort Mason. 

You will then start your ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, where you will get to take in the stunning views of the city and feel the mighty winds off the Pacific. 

Our guide Liam was very informative, he stopped several times to explain important landmarks and tell us what was upcoming on the ride. He was very patient with the entire group, no matter what your skill level was.

– Verified Traveler (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The tour ends in Sausalito, where you can explore the waterfront and eat at one of the nearby restaurants before heading back on the ferry. 

Along the way, you will be treated to a wealth of information about the sites and history of the city.

This private tour of SF offers a special opportunity to pedal your way through some of the most beautiful destinations in the city, including the best viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge.

HIGHLIGHTS:  Bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge | See the houseboats in Sausalito | Ferry ride back to the city

What’s NOT Included: Gratuity, assisted return of bikes from Sausalito.

Tips for Booking a Private Tour in San Francisco

1. BE CLEAR ON WHAT IS INCLUDED AND WHAT IS NOT

It’s important to know what isn’t included in a tour before you book, or you may be shocked by the extra costs like meals, wine tasting fees, and park entrance passes. 

These extra costs add up quickly and need to be considered in the cost of booking a tour. 

The tour usually does not include gratuity for the guide, driver, restaurant servers, and tasting room staff which should be factored into what you will spend.

Make sure to check if they’re picking you up from your hotel in San Francisco so you can plan accordingly.

It’s equally important to know what’s included so that you dress appropriately and show up prepared for any physical requirements like riding a bike for six miles.

2. CHECK THE WEATHER

If you are going to book a special tour for your trip to San Francisco, check the weather first. 

There is no point in taking a tour to see the Golden Gate Bridge if you won’t be able to see it because it is socked in with fog. 

The same applies to riding in an open-top vehicle on a rainy day. 

As most people like to book in advance, you can also look at the seasonal weather for the time of year you plan to visit to determine the chance of getting good weather.

• Summer – Foggy Season, and it can be chilly.
• Fall – Dry and sunny to start, followed by colder days and rain
• Winter – On and off rain and cold weather
• Spring – Less rain and the days begin to warm up

3. DRESS APPROPRIATELY

If you come to San Francisco expecting lots of California sunshine, you may be very surprised by how cold it is. 

Summers can be shockingly cold as the fog blows off the ocean with its cold breezes. 

Make sure you dress in layers and are prepared for your tour of the city or a visit to the wine country. 

This is especially important if your itinerary includes bike riding or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.

Many tours offer open-top vehicles that make it easier to see the sights but also leave you exposed to the elements.

If you are cold and unprepared for the weather on your tour, it’s your fault, and the companies will not refund the cost if you return to your hotel to warm up.

4. DON’T FORGET TO TIP YOUR DRIVER

The cost of the tour does not include a tip for the driver or guide. 

These individuals are usually employed by the tour company and rely on the tips they make from travelers to make a decent living. 

They pour their hearts into learning everything they can about the destinations to make the tour interesting and work hard to keep you safe simultaneously. 

Although cash is used less than ever, ensure you have some on hand to tip at the end of the tour if they do a good job.

A tip of about $10 to $15 is appropriate in most cases unless the tour is an all-day trip, and you should increase this by double. 

5. BOOK MULTIPLE TOURS

Most tours only visit a section of the city, so you will still have so much more to see. 

Booking multiple tours is not only a great way to experience more of San Francisco, but it will also maximize your stay if your trip is short.

You could book a 2-Hour Private Jeep Tour of San Francisco, then follow it up with a San Francisco Private Food Walking Tour in the Mission District the next day. 

If you are on a budget, you can book a Private Walking Tour of San Francisco and then take a Private Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour for less money than many individual tours. 

FAQs on Private Tours of San Francisco

What is the best way to tour San Francisco?

The best way to tour the city is in an open-top vehicle like a jeep or a classic sidecar, which allows you to feel the ocean breezes off the Pacific Ocean and take in all the delicious aromas from the city’s bakeries and restaurants. 

Touring in one of these vehicles provides the opportunity to zip around the city and see more sights quickly.

How many days do you need to tour San Francisco?

If you are just looking to pass by and take photos at many of San Francisco’s main attractions, you will only need one day to see the sights. 

It is best to spend at least 3 to 4 days for those that want to really experience San Francisco so that you have time to explore the best neighborhoods.

Take a few tours that cover different sections of the city and leave some time to discover more in the areas that intrigued you most during the tours. 

San Francisco Tours with Hotel Pick-up

In order to help you choose your San Francisco private tour, here is a list of the tours that provide hotel pick-up:

• 4 Hour Private Tour in Vintage VW Van
• Private Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco
• 2 Hour Private Jeep Tour of San Francisco (additional cost)
• Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour
• Custom Private Tour in a Mini Cooper
• Classic Sidecar Tour of San Francisco
• Private Limo Wine Tour of Napa Valley from San Francisco
• Silicon Valley Private Tour

Wrap-Up: San Francisco Private Tours

• ❤️ Best San Francisco Private Tour (Editor’s Pick): 4-Hour Private Tour in Vintage VW Van
• 🏆 Private SF Tour with Local Tour Guide: Custom Private Tour in a Mini Cooper
• 💎 Best San Franciso Luxury Tour: Elite Flight Tour over San Francisco
• 🍷 Best Private Napa Wine Tour from SF: Private Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco
• 💰 Best Value: Alcatraz & San Francisco Combo Tour

Hopefully, you have selected the perfect San Francisco private tour for your trip.

Get ready to take off to one of the most exciting and beautiful cities in the world that you will get to experience with the help of your own private tour guide in San Franciso. 

To get the most out of your stay, book an amazing room at one of these San Francisco hotels with a view. 

Enjoy taking in the stunning view of the Golden Gate and the downtown skyline right from your hotel room.

Related:

• Black Sand Beach in San Francisco
• San Francisco to Napa Valley
• San Francisco to Sonoma
• San Francisco Hotels with Jacuzzi in Room