Experience San Francisco with a friendly personal guide from ToursByLocals. Your professional private guide knows San Francisco and the Bay area as only a local can, and gives you a unique private tour of the real San Francisco that suits your own interests.

Enjoy the must-see famous places, from Fisherman's Wharf to Golden Gate Park, but your private tour can go much further and give you a more authentic experience of all that makes San Francisco such a glorious place to live. For example, your knowledgeable personal guide can walk you through an exclusive private tour of the Union Square area, showing you places that reveal the true character of San Francisco, as it is known and loved by locals.

Your personal guide from ToursByLocals invites you to choose from the private San Francisco shore excursions offered, but feel free to suggest alternatives for your San Francisco experience. Your own private tour can be customized by your personal guide to include exactly what you want to

San-Francisco

San Francisco's Beauty and Charm - 1/2 day minivan tour

The biggest problem giving a San Francisco tour is that there is too much to see. This is a good problem.

Let me dazzle you with an amazing 4 hour tour. You will see some of the most beautiful sites the city and this area has to offer, the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, Lombard Street, Fishermans Wharf, Chinatown and much more.

As your tour guide, I can adjust the schedule, duration and activities to meet your needs. Please let me know what you would like to see so we don't miss anything.

Bon voyage . . .

Leave your heart in San Francisco

With 30+ years experience driving/guiding with tour buses and limousines, you will know that you have received the best possible tour and service. I've witnessed many changes here since 1982, but wish I could have experienced The City in the days when Vertigo was filmed here. This tour is customized for you, based on your interests, plus the best highlights. See our charming neighborhoods, landmarks, and architecture. Relax in a large luxury Sport Utility Vehicle with a professional driver/professional tour guide. Learn about our colorful history, and I will take the best pictures of you for a memorable tour. I know our history and the best routes, where there is always something to see and discuss on my tours. I am very good with the pace of the tour, where you should not feel rushed, yet you will be amazed at how much we see. We pass through several neighborhoods and streets where tour buses are not allowed. Honestly, a proper, quality SF Tour cannot be done in less than 4 hours.

See, learn, and experience much more of San Francisco than in a tour bus.

San Francisco Private Half Day City Tour

Flexible Custom Tour of San Francisco with Private Transportation

See the beautiful City by the Bay in the comfort of a private vehicle with a tour guide and driver. Join me as we see some of the most famous destinations in San Francisco and share a few of the lesser known ones.
See the charming Victorian Homes called the "Painted Ladies" at Alamo Square. Hear the clang of the cable cars as they climb our city streets. Taste your own sample of Ghirardelli chocolate from the former factory. Smell delicious sourdough bread baking at Boudin on Fisherman's Wharf. And touch the cool steel of the cable of the Golden Gate Bridge.
CUSTOMIZE: I can create a customized tour for you in case you have special requests or if you want more hours included in the tour. For larger groups, I have contacts with local transportation.

Navigate the city with your own private guide and driver

This 4. 0 hour tour of San Francisco is perfect for first time visitors, and it is a fun and exciting way to get a personalized overview of the city.

Enjoy the must-see famous places, from Fisherman's Wharf to Golden Gate Park, but your private tour can go much further and give you a more authentic experience of all that makes San Francisco such a glorious place to visit. For example, I can guide you through an exclusive private tour of Nob Hill, Marina District, Union Square, Pacific Heights, Haight/Ashbury, Chinatown, Park Presidio, North Beach, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street and much more. . . I'll show you places that reveal the true character of San Francisco, as it is known and loved by locals.

Tour can begin at 9:00 AM or 2:00 PM, depending on availability.

"Ideal if you have just a few hours to spare..."

Quick San Francisco City Tour - 4.5 hrs

Essential San Francisco Half Day Private City Tour

This private half-day tour will take you on a guided excursion of the most famous San Francisco landmarks.

I will be delighted to show you world-famous sites like Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks, and Chinatown. I truly enjoy the diversity of these places, that will make you fell like you are visiting different cities on the same day.

In addition, we will be able to access areas of the City restricted to common bus tours: Lombard street "the most crooked street in the world", Nob Hill, the luxurious mansions of Marina boulevard, Alamo Square with its "Painted Ladies".

Whether you are a first time visitor or San Francisco expert, we will experience together this constantly evolving city, learning about its engaging and thought-inspiring history.

This tour can be customized to meet your personal preferences.

Sunset from the top of Lombard street at Russian Hill

Unique observation point under the Bridge

A Must See Exploration of San Francisco, "The City By The Bay", With a Private Guide

This tour offers a chance to see the California coast south of San Jose including the first state park featuring the Coastal Redwoods and the nearby Surfing and Beach town of Santa Cruz

A Custom Private Tour from San Jose to Santa Cruz with private transportation

San Jose, Santa Cruz and the Redwoods

Tour of Alcatraz & the Historic Ferry Building - Half-Day Tour

Are you ready for a thrilling adventure in the most infamous prison in the world full of blood thirsty criminals? Think Al Capone. Think Escape from Alcatraz. Well that is what you are in for and a beautiful ferry ride with incredible views of the GG Bridge & Pier 39!

So let's set sail and tour the ROCK with me. I remember how spine-chilling it was to get to the cell house, see the main prison block and feel its bars of steel. Maybe even get locked in a cell! But don't worry I will help you escape. And if that's not enough to blow your mind, we'll explore the much-dreaded inky dark holes of solitary confinement & the torture room!
Luckily, the ferry ride back will wash away all the dark energy and return us to SF

But wait. It's not over. . . We'll then explore the historic Ferry Building, a foodie's delight with Cow Girl Creamery cheese, the celebrated Blue Bottle coffee with Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge and Coit Tower keeping you company.
Embark in this tour with me for an unforgettable experience!

A Spine-Chilling Experience

Half Day Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, and Sausalito House Boat Tour

This incredible tour features a visit to Muir Woods National Park, featuring giant historic old-growth coastal Redwoods; spectacular panoramic photo opportunities in the Marin Headlands above The Golden Gate Bridge; an up-close look at the famous houseboats of Sausalito; finally, a stroll through download Sausalito for lunch and shopping.

Muir Woods features some of the most stunning historic Redwoods that have survived to this day. They are thousands of years old and over 280 feet tall. The park receives over 1 million visitors a year.

We will have fantastic photo opportunities above the Golden Gate Bridge. The first features the iconic bridge in the background, as well as downtown photos of sausalito along the water and photos among the houseboats. 

At Fort Cronkite/Rodeo Beach, you may catch surfers enjoying the ocean waves.

Enjoy your tour in a comfortable and stylish 8 seater Chevrolet Suburban

This is the best tour to get the most out of your one day experience to Yosemite Valley. It's a bit of a drive but worth every mile. We'll get on the road early in the morning and make our way east. Before reaching Yosemite we make a brief pit stop to grab breakfast and possible lunch to go. We arrive at Yosemite NP around 10. 30. We start off with a peaceful stroll down to Tuolumne Grove to see the Giant Sequoias, the biggest living thing on the planet. We make our way to the Valley after the hike. Before arriving in Yosemite Village we'll make several scenic stops e. i. Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls. Once at the village, we'll have time to explore, hike, relax near the Merced river, check out the visitor center, or do whatever with at least 2 hours of free time. Yosemite Falls, Vernal Falls, Half Dome are all within minutes of the Village. On our way out of the Valley, we'll stop to see the crazy climbers on El Capitan and wave farewell at Valley View. We arrive back in SF in time for dinner.

Hike up to Columbia Rock with Half Dome in the distance

Yosemite Valley and Giant Sequoias with a private tour guide

Yosemite Private Day Tour

Join me on an unforgettable journey through San Francisco's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. As your knowledgeable guide, I'll help you capture breathtaking views at the Golden Gate Bridge and guide you through the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Experience the twists of Lombard Street and unwind in Alamo Square Park, home to the picturesque Painted Ladies. Marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of Fine Arts and explore the historic Presidio. We'll complete our adventure with a classic cable car ride and a visit to the fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Let's discover the beauty and history of San Francisco together!

Uncover the Stories Behind the Landmarks and Local Favorites

San Francisco Uncovered: Hidden Treasures and Highlights

Chinatown, Russian Hill and North Beach Tour

This four mile loop weaves through the oldest Chinatown in the U. S. , climbs from the Cable Car Museum to the peak of Russian Hill, and cruises along the Italian enclave of North Beach to the Mecca of Beatnik culture. Beginning at the Friendship Gate, we'll travel through the colorful alleys of Chinatown, browse its exotic markets, pop over to the legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory & visit the first Chinese temple in America, the Tin How Temple. At the Powerhouse we'll see what makes the cable cars tick, then ascend Russian Hill, winding through the whimsical, verdant Macondray Lane--one of the City's most beautiful hidden streets & the basis for Barbary Lane in Armistead Maupin's colorful fiction series Tales of the City. Coast through North Beach and enjoy the traditional trattoria patios, old-school bars, and handmade cuisine that bring the historic Italian charm to life. We'll check out City Lights Bookstore, Vesuvio Cafe, and other Beatnik landmarks before ending our loop back at the gate.

A private tour of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods.

The Judgement of Paris is turning 40 — no, we are not talking about the Greek Mythology. In California, the Judgement of Paris can only be referred in the history of wines. Just 30 miles long and 5 miles wide with over 500 wineries dotting the picturesque valley, Napa Valley is the ultimate wine country. Beyond wine, Napa Valley is a transformative utopia with gourmet dining, deluxe lodging, and modern culture. Welcome to wine country paradise!

From mountain reds to buttery chardonnays, as well as bold and unique blends, we are proud to create new and in-depth wine tasting experiences that encompass the spirit and life style of Napa. Visiting exclusive, and well regarded boutique and artisan wineries, some only produce only between 200 - 10, 000 cases each year. Each tour and tasting is private. And if you would like to make the day extra special, we can arrange a lunch with wine makers, meeting those who stay true and passionate to their craft, and is responsible to the delivery of beauty in each bottle.

That is NOT the question - A Private and Customizable Tour from San Francisco

To Wine or Not To Wine . . .

Classic San Francisco Day in a Tesla Model X

On this full-day (up to 6hr) driving tour, you'll experience a rich day of San Francisco highlights. This "panoramic" full day tour is ideal if you are a first-time guest (or repeat business traveler) who would like to see much more than just downtown and the Wharf. We'll see and learn about a curated selection of the most memorable neighborhoods, at a more leisurely pace, with more immersive stops.

The "City by the Bay" is one of the most eclectic and diverse cities in the US. Each neighborhood has a distinct flavor and personality, which we'll explore together. As someone who grew up here, I'm excited to share my favorite bucket list highlights, local insights AND secret spots. Come see, smell, taste, and snap photos of the Best of our City!

You'll be traveling in style in a new fully-loaded all-electric Tesla Model X SUV.
This stunning luxury vehicle offers state of the art features, best in class safety ratings and statement-making falcon doors

Panoramic City Experience in a TESLA Model X

Early SF City: Gold Rush to Earthquake - Walking Tour

This walking tour covers the downest of downtown starting with the American epoch (before the Gold Rush in 1849).
This is not because there is little to see that preceded the American occupation in 1846, but because the traces of Spanish and Mexican occupation are too far away from the original village that became San Francisco.

The stories of early-to-post-earthquake San Francisco range from glorious and heroic to appalling and, er, "colorful". We shall not shy away from any of it (but we will try to avoid being too, too frankly spoken).

Hotaling's Warehouse and the TransAmerica Pyramid

San Francisco: History and Culture

San Francisco Highlights, Alcatraz, Chinatown, Crooked Street & More

You will visit some of San Francisco's most iconic gems and little-known jewels on this half or full-day adventure.

Come with me to experience the twists and turns of the crookedest street. Sample chocolates straight from the Ghirardelli factory, savor the sensational San Francisco sourdough bread in all shapes and sizes, including sourdough crabs. Take a thrilling ride on a cable car, stroll through North Beach (little Italy) and picturesque Chinatown dotted with some of the most exciting street art found in the city.

Everyone comes to San Francisco with a different bucket list. With this in mind, I am happy to add to or modify this list to ensure you have an unforgettable, share-worthy visit to the City by the Bay.

Half-day tour only the best bits!

San Francisco Express Adventure Mini Tour

Come and see the beautiful City by the Bay, and why Tony Bennett has left his heart in San Francisco in the comfort of 2 types of vehicles to choose from with a maximum of 6 people, with me as a tour guide and as your driver. I will take you on a one of a kind tour that you are not going to forget! This is a mini 2 hour tour. This tour is for guests that are already in SF. I would recommend a Half Day tour for guests outside of SF.

Palo alto tours

Explore with 132 tours and 15 guides.

Gary L.

$ 450 (USD)

Roger W.

$ 400 (USD)

Sharon T.

$ 1,000 (USD)

Caesar C.

$ 495 (USD)

Roberto N.

$ 450 (USD)

Sharon T.

$ 1,200 (USD)

Ader G.

$ 500 (USD)

Joseph S.

$ 495 (USD)

Eric

$ 1,300 (USD)

Jonathan S.

$ 400 (USD)

Ryan C.

$ 300 (USD)

Sean G.

$ 1,750 (USD)

Heather W.

$ 1,249 (USD)

Fred D.

$ 249 (USD)

Stacy A.

$ 600 (USD)

Joe B.

$ 700 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Palo alto

Customize your tour