San Francisco in a Day: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown & Bay Cruise in San Francisco, CA

Walks LLC77 Steuart StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105
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San Francisco in a Day: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown & Bay Cruise is not currently available.

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Overview

If you ever asked what to do in San Francisco in a day, this tour is for you! Most of the city's attractions are included in this unforgettable trip, led by an informative guide with firsthand knowledge of the area. With the help of this walking tour, you will get the opportunity to see this city like never before!

up to 8 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Tour duration is approximately 8 hours.
  • This guided walking tour takes you to 15 beloved San Francisco landmarks!
  • A ride on an iconic cable car, food tastings, and a 1-hour Bay area cruise is included!
  • Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time.
  • Arrive early to be assured of nearby parking.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
  • San Francisco is a notoriously chilly city so it's best to wear/bring layers, even at the height of summer.
  • Sunscreen, hat or umbrella, and a light jacket are also recommended.
  • Bring your camera!

Description

from San Francisco in a Day: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown & Bay Cruise
This spectacularly designed day in San Francisco starts near the architecturally pristine Ferry Building, once the busiest port in the world. After wandering through and seeing San Francisco's original port with views of Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge (Yep, that bridge that fell in the 1989 earthquake!), catch an iconic San Francisco Cable Car. It's one of Walk's favorite "in-the-know" stops, and you'll skip the massive lines and board without any of the crowds. As this moving piece of history climbs one of the many hills of San Francisco, the storefronts in the Financial District fade, and the opulent homes of Nob Hill begin to appear.

Ding! Ding! At the top of Nob Hill, learn about the industrial tycoons who helped fund the early city as you wander into Grace Cathedral with its striking Gothic interior and gem of artistic artifacts, including a bevy of stained-glass windows. Heading back down the hill, it's on to bustling, culturally-soaked Chinatown. As the largest Chinese enclave outside of Asia and the oldest in North America, your personal local will weave you through the most vibrant spaces and lesser-known sites. Take in the small Tin How Temple, peek into a traditional Eastern pharmacy to see the various herbs and medicinal powders and stop by the legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory for insight into the art of fortune cookie making! Not only will you be able to try warm cookies just off the machine, but you will also take home a personalized treat just for you!

Whoa! This is great, but that fortune cookie made me hungry. It's time to eat! Luckily, you have reached the crossroads of two very different but complementary world cuisines. Take time on your own to get lunch in Chinatown or the thriving Italian district of North Beach. Reconvene with your guide at the doormat of a watering hole beloved by the revolutionary Beat Poets - it's time to get weird and talk about poetry and a bunch of Italians! Explore North Beach with all its delicacies, history, and a little bit of Marilyn Monroe.

It's time to work off a little of your lunch and climb a hill to see Lombard Street, the "Crookedest Street in the World". Then head down to Fisherman's Wharf for a full 'behind-the-scenes' tour. In the Wharf, explore the old docks by taking a local-led route through lesser-visited areas, smell the sourdough at Boudin bakery, and see the sea lions at Pier 39 from a special vantage point. Plus, don't forget your visit to Ghirardelli Square, where you'll sample some world-famous chocolate.

You've made it! But that's not it - your reward is a gorgeous bay cruise on the waters of San Francisco Bay. As your boat works its way to the Golden Gate Bridge with the sun shining on its way west, take in the beautiful surrounding views. Sail past the famed sea lions of Pier 39, under the Golden Gate Bridge (Instagrammers, get ready!), and return with a circle around Alcatraz Island, the closest you can get without having a proper ticket. A perfect end to a perfect San Francisco day.
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San Francisco in a Day: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown & Bay Cruise is located at Walks LLC77 Steuart StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105
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Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco in a Day: Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown & Bay Cruise

Where is the meeting point?

The tour will meet at 77 Steuart Street (San Francisco Railway Museum), or as confirmed in your confirmation email. Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. The tour guide(s) will hold a sign with the Walks logo and “MEET HERE” on it.

How long is this tour?

This full-day San Francisco tour is approximately 8 hours.

What if I'm late?

If you are running late, it's best to contact the tour operator at the phone number on your e-ticket so they can reach out to your guide. This is not always possible for all tours - their guides are with other clients and are already into the tour (they ask them not to use their phones during their tour). But in some cases, a few-minute delay can be remedied. Most times, guides leave the meeting point within 5 minutes of the tour start time.

What is included in this tour?

This San Francisco walking tour includes a pre-reserved ticket for a Cable Car ride, food tasting and a tour of the Fortune Cookie Factory, food tasting at the Ghirardelli Chocolate factory, a 1-hour Bay Cruise, local English-speaking guide, and an expertly guided walking tour. The tours are all given in English. They don’t offer multi-language tours.

What landmarks will we be visiting?

This tour will take you to all the must-see sights of San Francisco. Your San Francisco day itinerary will include the ferry building, cable cars (with the opportunity to ride one!), Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral, San Francisco Chinatown, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, North Beach, Coit Tower (view), Lombard Street, Diego Rivera Mural, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and (a cruise around) the Alcatraz Island.

Is transportation included?

Transportation is not included in this tour.

Is parking provided?

No, but there are multiple parking garages and street parking available near your departure point. The departure point is also near public transportation.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

There aren't any age restrictions for this tour. True to their name, most Walks Inc. tours involve walking for at least half, if not most of the tour. Except for a few of their day trips, driving tours, or boat excursions, you can expect to walk a fair amount. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. Due to San Francisco's hills as well as crowded city streets, guests with high mobility limitations or wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Carriers in lieu of strollers are highly encouraged.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There are a lot of photo opportunities on this tour.

What should I bring?

You may bring water, a sunshield (a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and/or sunscreen), gear to protect you from the rain (a coat, umbrella, or outer layers for the cooler months), and a photo ID for some of the stop oversights.

What should I wear?

Wear clothing that is appropriate for the day's weather forecast and comfortable walking shoes. San Francisco is a notoriously chilly city with micro-climates. It is best to wear/bring layers, even at the height of summer.

What is the protocol for when it rains?

The tours run rain or shine, and the guides are great at navigating various weather conditions to ensure you're as comfortable as possible. On very rare occasions, if the weather is particularly dramatic, some sites may close. If time allows and they have prior warning, they will contact you as soon as they find out.

Should I bring the confirmation email?

A physical or digital copy of this confirmation email is not required to join your tour. Your guide (or tour coordinator) will have your name in their database, so as long as you know the name on the booking, you're set!

How many people are on a tour?

The tour is ideal for small groups and will have a maximum of 20 participants.