Pacific Heights Tours
Idyllic Pacific Heights, San Francisco’s most desirable address is famous for its historic homes—including Painted Lady Victorians—high-end shopping and dining on Fillmore Street, two hilltop parks, and billionaire residents. Everything in this neighborhood comes with postcard-worthy views across San Francisco Bay.
The Basics
Visitors head to Pacific Heights in San Francisco to take in its bay views and to admire the architecture of its historic homes, but big bus tours don’t usually drive through the neighborhood. Instead opt for a smaller-group activity, such as an open-air trolley tour, vintage VW bus tour, or architecture walking tour to get the inside scoop on the historic neighborhood. Or catch a glimpse of its mansions from air on a helicopter tour.
Highlights of the neighborhood include Lafayette Park at Washington and Octavia streets, where you can view Spreckels Mansion, owned by Danielle Steel, and a second park, Alta Plaza. Many historic homes line Broadway, and the Haas-Lilienthal House, built in 1886 in the Queen Anne style, is open for tours on select days.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pacific Heights is mainly residential, with Fillmore Street its main commercial strip.
- The neighborhood is a draw for history and architecture buffs.
- There is street parking in Pacific Heights, but pay attention to parking restrictions.
How to Get There
Pacific Heights is easily reached by cab or shared-ride vehicle, or take Muni buses 1, 3, 10, or 22. Alternatively you can drive your own vehicle or go as part of a tour.
When to Get There
The neighborhood is a pleasant place for a walk at almost any time of day—go in the early morning or evening to get the best light for photos of the bay, or head to one of the parks in the afternoon to see dog-walkers in action. July and August are usually the foggiest months while September and October bring the most sunshine.
Japantown
Just south of Pacific Heights sits Japantown, where you can get a different San Francisco experience. This tiny neighborhood is packed with Japanese restaurants, shops, and cultural sights. It especially comes alive during events such as the Cherry Blossom Festival. From Pacific Heights, walk south on Fillmore to Post Street.
Address: San Francisco, California, USA
9 Tours and Activities to Experience Pacific Heights
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The One Day in San Francisco Tour with Muir Woods and Alcatraz
See the best of San Francisco in one day on this guided tour that includes all transportation and admission to Alcatraz. Visit multiple locations in the city, including Castro, Presidio, Fisherman's Wharf, and Twin Peaks, with plenty of stops for photo ops. Spend over an hour at Muir Woods National Park, then take the ferry to Alcatraz Island where you can explore with an award-winning audio-guided tour of the former federal prison.
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From
$159.00
From
$159.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
The Ultimate Day in the Bay Including Muir Woods
Enjoy an introduction to San Francisco on this excursion that includes a trip across San Francisco Bay to Muir Woods National Monument. You are driven around the city to see its diverse neighborhoods and geography, stopping several times for photo ops. At Muir Woods, admire the towering redwood trees, and visit the waterfront town of Sausalito for lunch (own expense).
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From
$125.00
From
$125.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Small Group Tour of San Francisco
See San Francisco’s top attractions on a 3.5-hour tour by deluxe minivan. Led by a local guide, this small-group tour will take you through the famous neighborhoods of North Beach and Haight-Ashbury for a more personal sightseeing experience. You’ll also pass attractions like Golden Gate Park, Twin Peaks and Fisherman’s Wharf, stopping to admire the views along the way.
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From
$82.95
From
$82.95
San Francisco City Tour with Official Alcatraz Tour
Enjoy San Francisco’s main highlights without worrying about the logistics on this 2-for-1 tour. Start your day at one of the most notorious prisons, Alcatraz, and take a self-guided audio tour. Then enjoy a sightseeing tour of city neighborhoods including Chinatown, North Beach to see landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Painted Ladies.
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From
$129.00
From
$129.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Full-Day Guided Tour of San Francisco with Alcatraz
Explore San Francisco on a small-group full-day tour that covers top attractions including Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Get great views of the San Francisco Bay Area during the short ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where you then take a self-guided audio tour of the infamous prison. Return to shore for your bus tour of destinations such as Nob Hill, the Haight-Ashbury, the Castro, the Mission, and Golden Gate Park. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in San Francisco.
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From
$145.00
From
$145.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
San Francisco Guided City Tour
Explore San Francisco with a local insider and experience an extraordinary afternoon. This half-day tour takes you sightseeing around the city with a guide to offer commentary. Neighborhoods include Fisherman's Wharf, Presidio, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, the Castro, and North Beach plus the Golden Gate Bridge. Free Wi-Fi is available aboard the vehicle so you can post your snaps to social media en route.
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From
$69.00
Price varies by group size
From
$69.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
San Francisco City Tour
Explore San Francisco’s top sights and get an overview from your guide. Travel in a climate-controlled vehicle through the city, stopping for photo ops and to explore select locations. See Chinatown, the Castro, Fisherman’s Wharf, and other city sights. Then head towards the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, where your tour ends. Perfect for first-time visitors, short on time, who don’t want to miss the main sights.
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From
$110.00
From
$110.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
San Francisco Private Urban Hike: The Presidio
Explore San Francisco’s historic park and former military post on this 2.5- to 3-hour Presidio hiking tour for your private group of 4 or more. Led by an expert guide, you’ll see the Palace of Fine Arts from Inspiration Point, the Presidio Chapel and the San Francisco National Cemetery. Inhale the scents of eucalyptus, cypress and pine as you wander through Lover’s Lane and the Ecology Trail and spot views of Alcatraz. Your guide will provide historical commentary about the area as you enjoy the scenery and fresh air of the outdoors.
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From
$50.26
From
$50.26
San Francisco City Tour - 8 hr Private Tour
Enjoy the ability to customize your tour of San Francisco on this full-day private excursion. The city has so much to offer, it’s tough to decide what you want to see, and even tougher to squeeze it into one day. Traveling with a private guide means you can move efficiently around the city and focus on what you’d like to see; your itinerary can be completely customized according to your interests. Stops can include Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, Haight/Ashbury, a Golden Gate Bridge crossing, Sausalito, and more.
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From
$634.67
per group
From
$634.67
per group
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