San Francisco’s haunting past comes alive on the Notorious Ghost & Crime Tour. Visitors embark on a captivating one-mile journey through the city’s iconic landmarks, delving into its dark history as an expert guide brings chilling tales to life. From the bustling Union Square to the atmospheric Old Ship Saloon, this immersive evening experience offers a unique glimpse into the shadowy side of San Francisco. With cocktails and haunting ambiance rounding out the tour, it’s a thrilling way to uncover the city’s most notorious secrets.
Key Points
- Evening walking tour exploring San Francisco’s dark history, crime, and paranormal tales, covering iconic Union Square and Chinatown.
- Guided one-mile route highlighting notable landmarks, including the oldest continuously operating bar, Old Ship Saloon.
- Immersive experience not suitable for children under 15 due to adult content.
- Tour concludes at Old Ship Saloon with optional cocktails, allowing guests to soak in the historic ambiance.
- Includes a $1 donation per guest to the Climate Cents organization, with gratuities for the guide recommended at 15-20%.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Location and Time
- Meeting and End Points
- Tour Highlights
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Accessibility and Transport
- Guest Feedback
- Additional Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Any Food or Snacks Provided During the Tour?
- Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
- What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?
- Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in San Francisco
- More Tours in San Francisco
- More Tour Reviews in San Francisco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in San Francisco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
The Notorious San Francisco: Ghost & Crime Tour immerses visitors in the dark history and haunting tales of the city, offering an evening exploration of its notorious past.
This 4.5-star rated tour takes guests through the iconic Union Square area and Chinatown, visiting locations associated with crime, scandal, and ghostly activity.
Over the course of approximately one mile, the tour highlights notable landmarks while providing historical insights.
The tour concludes at the oldest continuously operating bar in San Francisco, where guests have the option to extend their experience with cocktails.
With a maximum group size of 15, this tour offers an intimate and immersive look into the shadowy side of the City by the Bay.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in San Francisco.
Location and Time
This Notorious San Francisco tour takes place in the evening, starting at 6:00 PM. The meeting point is located at the northwest corner of Union Square, at 390 Post Street, where guests gather before embarking on the approximately one-mile walking route through the city.
The tour winds through notable locations, including Chinatown and Maiden Lane, before ending at the Old Ship Saloon, the oldest continuously operating bar in San Francisco.
Along the way, guests have the opportunity to visit two different bars for cocktails, though these drinks aren’t included in the tour price.
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 15 due to the adult content.
Meeting and End Points
Guests meet at the northwest corner of Union Square, at 390 Post Street, to begin their Notorious San Francisco tour.
From there, they’ll embark on the approximately one-mile walking route through the city, eventually reaching the tour’s end point at the Old Ship Saloon, the oldest continuously operating bar in San Francisco.
Along the way, guests will explore notable locations such as Chinatown and Maiden Lane, learning about the city’s dark history of crime and scandal.
The tour’s finale at the Old Ship Saloon provides an opportunity for guests to enjoy a cocktail and soak in the atmosphere of this historic hotel before the experience concludes.
Tour Highlights
Explore San Francisco’s dark history, including crime and scandal, during the Notorious San Francisco: Ghost & Crime Tour. Visit notable locations such as Chinatown and Maiden Lane, which offer a glimpse into the city’s past misdeeds.
Stop at the oldest continuously operating bar, the Old Ship Saloon, for the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail and soak in the atmosphere of this historic hotel.
The tour also includes stops at two different bars where you can indulge in additional cocktails, though this portion of the experience is limited to 15 minutes at each location.
Not recommended for children under 15 due to the adult content, this tour provides a unique and immersive look at San Francisco’s notorious past.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes a knowledgeable guide and a $1 donation to Climate Cents per guest. Gratuities of 15-20% are recommended if guests enjoy the experience, though drinks are not included in the tour price.
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Tour guide | Gratuities (15-20% recommended) |
| $1 donation to Climate Cents per guest | Drinks not included |
| Wheelchair accessibility (service animals allowed) | |
| Private tour recommended for mobility issues |
The tour focuses on the darker side of San Francisco’s history, blending ghost stories and true crime. While the experience may not be suitable for children under 15, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s notorious past.
Accessibility and Transport
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed.
Public transportation options are available nearby the meeting and end points. The tour begins at the northwest corner of Union Square, which is well-served by the Powell Street BART station and several Muni bus lines.
The tour concludes at The Old Ship Saloon, located just a short walk from the Embarcadero BART station.
While the walking distance is only about a mile, the uneven terrain and historic nature of the neighborhoods visited may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
For guests with concerns, a private tour is recommended to ensure a more comfortable experience.
Guest Feedback
Guests report gaining significant historical insights about San Francisco, with some mentioning a blend of ghost stories and true crime narratives.
Reviewers praised the guide’s expertise and enthusiasm, noting they felt immersed in the city’s shadowy past.
Many guests found the tour engaging and informative, with several recommending it to others.
One reviewer highlighted how the experience provided a unique perspective on the city, blending haunting tales with real-life scandals.
Overall, visitors seem to appreciate the tour’s ability to uncover San Francisco’s lesser-known history in a captivating manner.
The positive feedback suggests the Notorious San Francisco: Ghost & Crime Tour offers an enriching and memorable experience for those interested in the city’s darker legacy.
Additional Details
The tour includes a $1 donation per guest to the Climate Cents organization, supporting local sustainability efforts.
Gratuities for the knowledgeable guide are recommended at 15-20% if guests enjoyed the experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted. Conveniently, public transportation options are available near the starting and ending locations. For those with mobility issues, a private tour may be the best option.
The evening tour explores San Francisco’s dark past, blending ghost stories and true crime narratives. Guests can look forward to stops at notable locations like Chinatown and Maiden Lane, as well as the opportunity to visit two different historic bars for cocktails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Any Food or Snacks Provided During the Tour?
No, food and snacks are not included in the tour. The description states the tour only includes a $1 donation to Climate Cents per guest, and any drinks or food are excluded from the experience.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during tours, though some venues or locations may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to understand any guidelines or limitations on taking photos during the experience.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for the Tour?
According to the tour overview, the Notorious San Francisco: Ghost & Crime Tour accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards. The tour price starts at $60.00 per person and has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on the Tour?
The tour is not recommended for children under 15 years old due to the adult content covered during the experience. Children under 15 may not fully appreciate or enjoy the historical crime and ghost stories presented.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. The tour operator offers private tours, which allow groups to tailor the experience to their specific interests and needs. This option is ideal for families, corporate outings, or specialized groups.
Notorious San Francisco: Ghost & Crime Tour
“We got a history lesson instead of a ghost/ crime tour. The guide was a fill in. He started the tour telling everyone he doesn’t believe in ghos…”
Recap
The Notorious San Francisco: Ghost & Crime Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s dark history.
Guests embark on a guided journey through iconic districts, seeing chilling tales that come alive.
The tour concludes at the historic Old Ship Saloon, where visitors can enjoy cocktails while soaking in the haunting ambiance of San Francisco’s storied past.
