This tour takes you along many of San Francisco's famous sites, such as Union Square, Civic Center, St Mary's Cathedral, Japan Town, Haight Asbury, the California Academy of Sciences, Ocean Beach, and the Cliff House!
The tour departs from Union Square, passing Civic Center with its impressive City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, the Opera House and the San Francisco Symphony. After a brief photo stop for the picturesque City Hall the tour proceeds through Hayes Valley, the aspiring home of numerous local fashion designers and many restaurants. You can also visit Alamo Square with the world famous "Painted Ladies" Victorian houses.
The bus proceeds into beautiful Golden Gate Park which is one of the world’s largest man-made havens! Within the park you find such renowned attractions as the De Young Museum, the Japanese Tea Gardens, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the California Academy of Sciences which features an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a rainforest - all under one “living” roof. Driving along the park, you will see more Golden Gate Park favourites like the Stow Lake Boathouse, Spreckles Lake, the Tulip Garden, and the Dutch Windmill.
The tour continues to the breathtaking area where "Land meets Air and Sea" with wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean! Along the Great Highway you will see Ocean Beach, part of the Golden Gate National Park area, which attracts many surfers all year round. At the northern end of the beach you can get off the bus and explore the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths and walk along the hiking trails to Lands End or relax with a glass of wine, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Seal Rock at the Cliff House. On the return, you will be taken down memory lane through the historic Haight-Ashbury, widely known for its hippie subculture and products of the "Summer of Love".
The tour continues towards Japan Town, passing St. Mary’s Cathedral and through the culturally Fillmore District before returning to Union Square.
Tour Highlights:
Union Square: Major Department Stores, San Francisco Shopping Center, Crocker Galleria, Hotels, Theatres and Cable Car
City Hall / Civic Center: San Francisco City Hall, Civic Center, Asian Art Museum, Opera House, SF Ballet, New Library, UN Plaza
Hayes Street & Alamo Square area: Hayes Street shopping and restaurants, Alamo Square with world-famous “Painted Ladies”
Golden Gate Park: California Academy of Sciences, De Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, Kezar Stadium, Windmill
Ocean Beach / Pacific Ocena: Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, Cliff House, Lands End, Seal Rocks
Haight Asbury & Japan Town: “The Haight” shopping & restaurants, the Panhandle, Buena Vista Park, Peace Pagoda, St. Mary’s Cathedral
Tour Operates: June – September: Departs daily, every hour from between approx. 10am to 4pm from Union Square (right across from Macy’s).
October - May: Departs daily, every two hours from between approx. 10am to 4pm from Union Square (right across from Macy’s).
Duration: Approx. 90 minutes.
Collecting your Tour Tickets: Vouchers can be redeemed with City Sightseeing at 1331 Columbus Avenue (between Beach St. & North Point St.), San Francisco, CA 94133 or with City Sightseeing staff at Union Square upon boarding the bus.
Once vouchers have been redeemed for tickets, you are free to hop on and off the bus at any stop as often as you like for up to 24 hours.
Please Note:
Tour Departures and timings are traffic dependent. Routes and schedules are always subject to change without notice. During special holiday days or during special events in the city Tour schedules may differ. For the most up to date information please always enquire locally.
City Sightseeing Tours do not operate on Christmas Day.