California

5 of the Best San Francisco Private Tours

by Cedric Pentonville  |  Published March 31, 2023

With so much to see and do in San Francisco, private tours are the best way to ensure you focus on the places that interest you the most.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

San Francisco is a rare kind of American city, where getting around on foot is comparatively easy. But the city of seven hills got its name for a reason. In fact, the neighborhoods rise and fall over no fewer than 48 hills. Add to this the many sights set away from downtown and the idea of taking a tour to get around starts to sound appealing. These top private, driver-led tours are a great way to personalize your journey, while ensuring you get to spend more time at the landmarks than navigating the streets.

San Francisco VIP Segway Tour of the Waterfront and Hills

West of Fisherman’s Wharf lies the pretty Aquatic Park, with its pleasant walkways and sandy beach. This uncharacteristically flat region of San Francisco is a great place to get to grips with riding a Segway while glimpsing some of California’s most iconic sights, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Then follow your private guide up the steep hills and back down the Crookedest Street in the World over this fun three-hour tour. Please note that at least two participants are required for this tour to go ahead. From $159 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

San Francisco Private 1-Hour Airplane Bay Tour

Instead of the endless ups and downs of hilly Frisco, keep your sightseeing up in the sky, peering out over the stunning natural bay and humanmade marvels such as the bridges and the city’s skyscrapers. This unique aerial experience takes place aboard a Cessna 172 Skyhawk, flying directly over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, parts of San Francisco and other towns on the bay such as Tiburon. This tour is available for small private groups of two or three people. From $289 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

San Francisco Private 2-Hour Tuk-Tuk City Tour

San Francisco being the forward-thinking, inventive city it is, there are plenty of private tours utilizing innovative methods of getting around. Take this two-hour jaunt aboard a colorful tuk-tuk with heated seats, which defies expectations by being able to climb even the steepest hills. The itinerary is tailored to your group’s preferences and preferred pace, so that you can jump out for a quick photo stop, or spend that little bit of extra time in a neighborhood that grabs your attention along the way. The group price listed is for up to five people, or six if your group includes children. From $320 per group.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Private Convertible Jeep 2-Hour Tour

Another great way to explore San Francisco in style is from the back of a custom Jeep, with its open top offering the ideal way to experience the drive over Golden Gate Bridge. Awe-filled vistas greet you at every turn throughout the city, and with a customizable, two-hour itinerary at your service, you can choose to visit the landmarks that interest you most. This tour runs twice a day. As with the tour above, the space for up to six people at this price point means that anyone travelling in a larger group will have one of the best value vehicle-based tours in the city here. From $320 per group.

Book at Getyourguide.com

San Francisco 4-Hour Sightseeing Private Tour by Car

For a more in-depth private tour of San Francisco, you’ll want a driver-led journey that allows you a little more time. This half-day option for up to six people allows you to visit every sight you wish to see, so long as it’s reachable in that time. Cram as much in as possible or take your time, savoring each sight before moving on. Landmarks you could visit on this tour include Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Pier 39 and a trip across Golden Gate Bridge. From $410 per group.

Book at Getyourguide.com