By night, Frisco takes on a whole new character. See it for yourself on one of these excellent guided night tours.
(Photo: Viator.com)
Lights twinkle on the water of San Francisco Bay, coming from the Golden Gate Bridge, the sleepy settlement of Tiburon and the beguiling rock known as Alcatraz. The city itself paints an enchanting picture as neighborhoods creep up and down sheer hillsides, giving plenty of great cityscape views. But knowing the best views and safest locales is not easy for visitors who are unfamiliar with the city. A guided tour is the perfect way to show you the best of Frisco by night.
San Francisco Ghosts, Gold and Ghouls Tour
Naturally, the classic night tour in any US city with a little history is the ghost walk, pairing the art of storytelling with local lore. This hour-long experience explores all the most haunted spots of Nob Hill and Union Square. From the Gold Rush that brought prospectors to these parts, through the 1906 earthquake and up to the modern day, you’ll learn about the marks made on the city from the most tragic events, and the repercussions that have marked these streets ever since. Tours daily at 8pm. From $30 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
San Francisco Double Decker Bus Night Tour
If the idea of wandering the streets of San Francisco at night doesn’t appeal to you, then the comparative ease of a bus tour might be the perfect alternative. This narrated drive aboard an open-top double decker bus passes by many major landmarks, including Treasure Island, Pier 39 and the Embarcadero, and even crosses the Bay Bridge. Depending on the weather there may also be a photo stop along the way. Tours usually depart daily at 6.30pm from opposite Pier 41. From $49 per person.
San Francisco Bay Twilight or Sunset Cruise
You have to get away from the city to better appreciate it. Luckily, the wide expanse of San Francisco Bay means a boat tour is the best way to do it. Hop aboard this 90-minute sunset cruise to see the celebrated Frisco skyline from the water while the sun dips below the horizon. This tour passes by many major landmarks around the bay area, such as Alcatraz, as well as the famous Golden Gate and Bay bridges. Tours run daily in summer and Thu-Mon throughout the rest of the year. From $50 per person.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
San Francisco 2-Hour Private Tuk-Tuk Night Tour
As you’d expect from the world’s leading tech city, San Francisco is a great place to find a quirky ride with a twist. One great example comes from the Lucky Tuk-Tuk company, whose specially-designed rickshaws have all the mod cons, such as heated seats and enough power to tackle even the steepest of Frisco’s hills. Tours pass by all the major landmarks of the city and last around two hours. The price listed is for between one and five adults, or up or six people if your group includes children. From $320 per group.
Private Night Flight Over San Francisco Bay
Awe-inspiring views are even more abundant when seeing San Francisco from the air. Daily 40-minute flights in a private plane take in all the major landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Downtown’s skyscrapers. A range of departure times is available so that you can experience the city at sunset or fully lit up at night, in all its twinkling glory. A minimum of two people is required for this tour to run. Flights depart from Hayward Executive Airport. From $279 per person.