Local’s Guide to 18 Best San Francisco Walking Tours in 2025

I’m Avital, a San Francisco local and the owner of Avital Experiences. We build unique food tours and other delicious dining experiences in SF. I started this company in 2011 to create food tours that locals love—not just tourists. That means we go to the best spots in the city, not just the tourist traps. So, if you’re looking for an insider’s guide to the best walking tours in San Francisco, you’re in the right place.

Walking Tours vs. Other Tours

Despite a few (okay, many) hills, San Francisco is meant to be explored on foot. Instead of whizzing by in a bus, bike, or car, you get to experience the city at a slower pace and see the nuances of daily life. You can window shop at cute boutiques, see the fishermen bringing in the fresh catch of the day, and smell the coffee beans roasting at one of SF’s fantastic cafes. 

The only downside of walking tours is that you’re limited by how much ground you can cover in a day. This is why it’s important to choose a specific neighborhood or nearby neighborhoods and focus on quality over quantity. You can’t explore the entirety of San Francisco in a day, but you can get a really good understanding of one of our incredible neighborhoods in a day. 

San Francisco Neighborhoods for Walking Tours 

The neighborhood you choose will shape your experience. Here’s a quick breakdown of San Francisco’s main walking tour areas and what they’re best for. 

• Chinatown – Best for history, culture, and hidden alleyways.
• North Beach – Italian heritage, Gold Rush history, and literary landmarks.
• Mission District – Murals, Latin culture, and incredible food.
• Haight-Ashbury – Hippie history, vintage shopping, and colorful Victorian homes.
• Fisherman’s Wharf – Great for first-time visitors and scenic bay views.
• The Castro – LGBTQ+ history and a vibrant nightlife scene.
• Downtown & FiDi – Gold Rush history, stunning architecture, and hidden gems.
• Pacific Heights – Stunning mansions, historic architecture, and breathtaking bay views.
• Japantown – Japanese culture, authentic cuisine, and unique shopping experiences.

Comparison Chart of Walking Tours in San Francisco

Here’s an overview of all of the walking tours I recommend to both locals and travelers alike. If one of them piqued your interest, click to learn more about the tour. For each walking tour I’ve included the category, neighborhood(s), duration, price, and type (private, public, or self-guided). Happy walking! 

Best General & Historical San Francisco Walking Tours

San Francisco is full of rich history, and the SF walking tours in this category are the perfect way to dive into the stories that shaped the city. Whether you’re into the Gold Rush, LGBTQ+ history, or the city’s wild beginnings, you’ll get to explore San Francisco in a whole new way.

Image Credit: sfghosts.com

1. Gold Rush & Barbary Coast Tour by San Francisco Ghosts

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If you’re looking for a truly historical SF walking tour, this one is for you. The Barbary Coast was once a wild frontier, filled with gold fever and legendary characters. This tour is a great introduction to the city’s rugged past, and you’ll get to explore the very streets where it all happened.

FiDi

1.5 Hours

$28

Public

Image Credit: cruisinthecastro.com

2. The Castro LGBTQ+ History Tour by Cruisin’ the Castro

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For an inclusive and historical perspective, this SF walking tour is a must. The Castro is known as the heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community, and this tour gives a deep dive into its rich history. From the early days of the gay rights movement to today’s vibrant culture, you’ll walk through a neighborhood that’s both iconic and full of powerful stories.

Castro

2 Hours

$30

Public, Private

Image Credit: victorianhomewalk.com

3. Victorian Home Tour by Victorian Home Walk

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San Francisco’s famous Victorian homes are a feast for the eyes. On this San Francisco walking tour, you’ll step into the past as you explore the elegant details and fascinating stories behind these historic homes. It’s a great way to appreciate the beauty and architectural charm of the city.

Pacific Heights

2 Hours

$150 Per Couple

Private

Image Credit: haightashburytour.com

4. Haight Ashbury Flower Power Tour by Haight Ashbury Tour

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If you love a good slice of counterculture history, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is the place to be. This walking tour SF takes you through the birthplace of the hippie movement. From the Summer of Love to today’s unique vibe, it’s a fascinating neighborhood to explore for anyone into history or alternative culture.

Haight-Ashbury

2.5 Hours

$25

Public, Private

Image Credit: allaboutchinatown.com

5. All About Chinatown Tour by All About Chinatown

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Chinatown is one of the oldest and most vibrant parts of San Francisco, and this San Francisco walking tour shows you its hidden gems. Whether you’re exploring its temples or trying authentic teas, this tour is a perfect introduction to the area’s rich culture and fascinating history.

Chinatown

2 Hours

$55

Public, Private

Best Walking Food Tours in San Francisco

If you’re like me, the best way to explore a neighborhood is through its food, and the San Francisco food tours in this section are some of the best ways to do it. From the Mission District’s vibrant flavors to Chinatown’s hidden culinary gems, these tours will let you savor your way through the city.

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6. Mission District Walking Food Tour by Avital Experiences

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The Mission is a can’t-miss neighborhood in San Francisco. With its iconic murals, amazing food, and fascinating history, it’s one of my favorite places in SF. I may be biased, but the best way to experience this neighborhood is through its food! Think luscious pork tamales, Mission-style burritos, crispy fried clam rolls, and so much more. For tourists and locals alike, it’s hard to beat this walking food tour. 

Mission District

3 Hours

$115

Public, Private

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7. North Beach Walking Food Tour by Avital Experiences

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North Beach is San Francisco’s Little Italy, and this SF walking tour showcases the best of Italian food in the city. From authentic woodfired pizza to seafood Cioppino, you’ll indulge in some of the finest Italian eats while exploring one of the most charming neighborhoods in SF.

North Beach

3 Hours

$115

Public, Private

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8. Self-Guided Chinatown Food Tour by Avital Experiences

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Chinatown is a foodie’s paradise, and this self-guided walking tour in San Francisco lets you explore at your own pace. From savory dumplings to crispy spring rolls, you’ll find some of the best bites while uncovering the neighborhood’s hidden spots and secrets.

Chinatown

Self-Paced (~3 Hours)

Free

Self-Guided

Image Credit: stretchy-pants.com

9. Ferry Building Food Tour by Stretchy Pants

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The Ferry Building is one of my favorite spots in San Francisco, and this SF walking tour takes you through its best food stalls. From deep dish pizza to Argentinian empanadas, it’s a great way to explore local food while learning about the building’s history.

Embarcadero

2 Hours

$99

Private

Image Credit: edibleexcursions.net

10. Japantown Food Tour by Edible Excursions

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Japantown is one of San Francisco’s hidden gems, and this food tour highlights the best traditional dishes. Whether you’re indulging in ramen or tasting mochi, this walking tour SF will leave you craving more of what this unique neighborhood has to offer.

Japantown

3 Hours

$137

Public, Private

Best Ghost Walking Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city full of history—and with history comes ghosts. The San Francisco walking tours in this category will take you through the city’s most haunted spots, sharing eerie tales of the spirits that still linger today.

Image Credit: sfghosthunt.com

11. SF Ghost Hunt Walking Tour by SF Ghost Hunt

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If you’re looking for a spooky SF walking tour, this one is perfect for you. The Ghost Hunt tour takes you through haunted locations in the city, sharing eerie stories about the spirits that still haunt these places.

Pacific Heights

1.5 Hours

$30

Public

Image Credit: alcatrazislandtickets.com

12. Alcatraz Night Tour by Alcatraz Island Tickets

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Alcatraz is one of the most famous prisons in the world, and at night, it takes on a whole new level of eerie. This ghost walking tour San Francisco takes you through the island’s darkest corners, where the shadows of former prisoners still haunt the halls. It also includes a guided boat ride out to the island for extra fun and fright! 

Alcatraz Island

2.5 Hours

$64

Public

Image Credit: realsanfranciscotours.com

13. Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour by Real San Francisco Tours

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The Notorious SF Ghost and Crime Tour combines San Francisco’s dark history of crime and hauntings, taking you through infamous locations where crime scenes and ghostly encounters still linger. They also pop into bars along the way where guests can grab a cocktail, which is a fun bonus.

Downtown

3 Hours

$55

Public, Private

Best Art & Entertainment Walking Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city of artists, creatives, and performers, and these walking tours SF give you a peek into the city’s artistic soul. Whether you’re interested in street art or theater, these tours bring the city’s creative history to life.

Image Credit: precitaeyes.org

14. Mission Mural Walk by Precita Eyes Muralist

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The Mission District is a treasure trove of street art, and this SF walking tour is the best way to see it all. The murals tell the story of the neighborhood’s history, culture, and activism, and you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how they came to be. These tours are led by artists of the community-based, inner-city mural arts organization.

Mission District

1.5 Hours

$25

Public

Image Credit: letsroam.com

15. Haight-Ashbury Hippie Hunt by Let’s Roam

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If an art walk and a scavenger hunt had a baby, it would be this hippie hunt! Through the Let’s Roam app you will face a series of trivia questions and challenges based on the art you’ll see in Haight-Ashbury. You can do it alone but with a group is a lot more fun! 

Haight-Ashbury

1.5 Hours

$12

Self-Guided

Image Credit: sftravel.com

16. Mrs. Doubtfire Tour by SF Travel

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One of San Francisco’s most famous movies is Mrs. Doutfire, an absolute classic! SF Travel put together the official tour based on the movie where you’ll visit filming sites and places that pay tribute to Robin Wiliams. Admittedly, this is more of a list of places vs. a curated tour, but still fun to check out a few of the sites, especially if you’re a big fan of the movie. 

Various

Self-Paced

Free

Self-Guided

Best SF Free City Walking Tours

For anyone who loves exploring the city on a budget, these SF free city walking tours are perfect. These tours offer a unique way to experience San Francisco’s landmarks, all for free (though donations are encouraged).

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17. So Many Free Walking Tours by SF City Guides

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I love the free walking tours SF City Guides offers—they’re a great way to explore San Francisco without breaking the bank. Whether you’re exploring the Ferry Building or discovering hidden parts of the city, these tours are a fantastic way to see the sights with an expert guide. Their Women Muralists of the Mission is my favorite free walking tour San Francisco has to offer.

Various

1.5-2 Hours

Free

Public

Image Credit: bigbustours.com

18. Free Chinatown Walking Tour by Big Bus

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If you decide to use BigBus to explore San Francisco, take advantage of their free Chinatown walking tour! You’ll explore the neighborhood with a Big Bus Guide. Tours run at 11am and 1pm and last about an hour. When you’re done you can hop back on the bus and head to another neighborhood.

Chinatown

1 Hour

Free

Public

Book a San Francisco Walking Tour with a Local

San Francisco is best explored on foot, and a great walking tour can turn an ordinary visit into something so memorable. If you want to experience SF like a local and eat some of the greatest food the city has to offer, check out our walking food tours. 

Hi, I’m Avital, a SF Native & Owner of Avital Experiences!

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