How to See Alcatraz Island When You Visit San Francisco
A prison isn’t usually a tourist destination, but Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is a major exception. Touring the historic former penitentiary is…
North Beach Walking Tour With Optional SkyStar or Bay Cruise
The iconic sights and hidden corners of SF’s “Little Italy”
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Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
$0
€0
£0
C$0
A$0
$0
€0
£0
C$0
A$0
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Local experts
Personal stories and insider travel tips -
Top-rated
Thousands of reviews averaging 4.9 stars -
Worry-free booking
Flexible scheduling and refunds
Highlights
- Discover the history and charm of North Beach with a local who knows its secrets.
- Step inside Saints Peter and Paul Church and hear tales of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
- Snap photos of Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge from scenic viewpoints.
- Meet the sea lions basking on the floating docks at Pier 39.
- Upgrade to soar 150 feet in the air on the new SkyStar with panoramic views of the harbor.
- Add on a bay cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge and more from the water.
What you'll do
It’s hard to imagine the vibrant city of San Francisco as the sleepy village it once was before the Gold Rush of 1849, but our North Beach Walking Tour will paint a picture of the history behind the area’s transformation and help you understand what’s wonderful about this ...
It’s hard to imagine the vibrant city of San Francisco as the sleepy village it once was before the Gold Rush of 1849, but our North Beach Walking Tour will paint a picture of the history behind the area’s transformation and help you understand what’s wonderful about this neighborhood today.
We’ll begin in Washington Square Park, the heart of North Beach and the city’s first public park, where you’ll learn the surprising role it played after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Enjoy views of the vintage lampposts and Coit Tower in the distance. Step inside Saints Peter and Paul Church to see its Italian marble altar and hear about its celebrity connection to Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
Along the way, you’ll learn how this area became SF’s “Little Italy” as you stroll past colorful shops and bakeries. Your guide will show you unexpected viewpoints of the famously crooked Lombard Street and beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. At Pier 39, meet the sea lions lounging on floating docks amid the bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.
We’ll finish the guided portion of our tour at the pier, soaking up panoramic views of the bay. Upgrade to add on a SkyStar ticket, and ride the observation wheel three times for amazing views of the city from 150 feet up. Or opt to see the city from the water on a one-hour bay cruise (audio guide included) for spectacular photo ops of the waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.
Itinerary
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Washington Square Park
San Francisco’s first public park, which played a pivotal role following the 1906 earthquake and fire
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Saints Peter and Paul Church
A Roman Catholic church with a celebrity connection
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Liguria Bakery
A North Beach institution baking up exceptional focaccia bread since 1911
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Lombard Street
An unexpected view of the famous Crooked Street, an engineering marvel when built in 1922
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Alcatraz viewpoint
Where trees frame an elevated view of the infamous island prison
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Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint
A scenic view to capture a photo of the iconic bridge, framed by bay and skyline
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Pier 39
Where sea lions bask in the sun on floating docks
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Optional upgrade: SkyStar Wheel
A ride in your own glass-enclosed gondola, 150 feet in the air
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Optional upgrade: Bay Cruise
Featuring skyline views, history, and a scenic cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
Meeting point
Where we meet
Volunteer Firemen Memorial, Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA
Open map
We’ll meet at Washington Square, beside the Volunteer Firemen Memorial located at 600 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. Your guide will be holding an orange sign with ExperienceFirst on it.
End point
Pier 39
FAQs
How much walking is there?
Our tour of Fisherman’s Wharf includes a mile of walking at a moderate pace. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.
Is this tour accessible?
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. If mobility is an issue, please contact us for a private tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours prior to your tour start time. Within 24 hours of your tour, we would have incurred hard costs and therefore cannot allow rescheduling or cancellation without costs.
When should I get there?
Plan to show up 15 minutes early. The tour starts promptly, and you may not be able to catch up if you arrive late.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If there’s extreme weather and we have to cancel, you’ll get a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips aren’t included but are always appreciated by our guides. If you think your guide did an outstanding job, a tip is a great way to show that.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes! If you want to give the gift of San Francisco (or any of our destinations) to someone else, you can purchase a tour gift card. Our gift cards are good for any of our tours, and they never expire.
SF travel guides
How to See Alcatraz Island When You Visit San Francisco
How Fisherman’s Wharf Became Famous — And What To See Today
Every major city has a designated “tourist zone” that visitors love but locals tend to avoid, and in San Francisco, it’s Fisherman’s Wharf…
