expedia
Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips
Communication Center icon
Member discount illustration
Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in
Sign in
Learn about Expedia Rewards
Feedback

San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour

By Real San Francisco Tours
9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,489 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 3h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

On our Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime tour we visit the sites of Hollywood scandals, red light areas, opium dens, gang violence, Gold Rush era lynchings & kidnappings – & enjoy cocktails in one or two historic bars.

We start with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, the original sex scandal that changed the public's perception of celebrity forever (& lead to the 'morality clause' in contracts). Then we stroll down Maiden Lane, which is lined with designer shops now, but 100 years ago was the city's main red light district.

After that we visit Chinatown, an area of opium dens and gambling hellholes in days gone by. Next you'll learn about Gold Rush era SF. Then we dive down to the Barbary Coast, with its brothels & dance halls, often used to Shanghai unwary sailors (which is where the term originated).

We end the tour at the oldest bar in San Francisco, the Old Ship Saloon. Join our Notorious SF: Scandal & Crime tour & be haunted by these ghastly ghosts from San Francisco's past for weeks.

Activity location

  • Westin St. Francis (hotel)
    • 335 Powell St, Union Square
    • 94102-1804, San Francisco, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • 390 Post St
    • 390 Post Street
    • 94102, San Francisco, California, United States

Check availability

San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour
  • Activity duration is 3 hours3h
    3h
  • English
Language options: English
Starting time: 18:00
Price details
P 3,488.88 x 1 AdultP 3,488.88
Total
Price is P 3,488.88
Until Fri, Oct 3

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Tour Guide
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Drinks are not included.

Know before you book

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.
  • Not recommended for children under 15 years old (adult content).
  • By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.
  • We can go into two different bars for cocktails on this tour, each for 15 minutes. You do have to be over 21 y.o. to order an alcoholic drink – but you don’t have to be over 21 y.o. to do this tour.
  • Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.
  • This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. Please book a private tour if you have mobility issues.

Activity itinerary

Westin St. Francis (hotel)
  • 20m
We begin the tour with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, Hollywood's first ever sex scandal (here in SF). It's not just a lurid story - it's effects are still felt today in many ways. If the hotel is open there's the option of having a drink in the very nice bar in the lobby.
Union Square
  • 10m
Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.
Maiden Lane
  • 15m
Learn how this lane - which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco's red light district.
Chinatown
  • 30m
SF's Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S. and for many years the Chinese immigrants here were strongly discriminated against. Criminals also preyed on them - opium dens, gangs and murder were all prevalent here. Learn of some of the personalities and crimes as you walk the streets.
Comstock Saloon
  • 15m
This is one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, dating back to when the neighborhood was known as the Barbary Coast. We usually take 10-15 minutes to get a drink - don't worry, you won't be shanghaied!
Columbus Avenue
  • 15m
One of the few buildings not to burn down in the Great Fire were the Hotaling warehouses. Is that because the whiskey inside was too important to lose?
Portsmouth Square
  • 20m
Learn how the Gold Rush made SF what it is today. In those early years it was the Wild West, murder, robbery, kidnapping - and lynchings - were commonplace in this neighborhood.
Jackson Square
  • 30m
This neighborhood used to be called the Barbary Coast and there wasn't a more dangerous place in the world. Robbery, assault, shanghaiing - it all happened here (but not anymore, don't worry :-).
The Old Ship Saloon
  • 10m
This the oldest bar in San Francisco, built on top of a Gold Rush ship that was deserted by its crew back in 1849. It's the perfect place to end the tour.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Westin St. Francis (hotel)
    • 335 Powell St, Union Square
    • 94102-1804, San Francisco, California, United States

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    390 Post St
    • 390 Post Street
    • 94102, San Francisco, California, United States

Best Deals on Things to Do

Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. Expedia offers one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore San Francisco your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food, or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.

Top Experiences in San Francisco

With so many things to do in San Francisco, planning the perfect day out may seem like a daunting task. Expedia is here to take the hassle out of finding the best attractions, tours, and activities in San Francisco. Families, couples, and business travelers can all find the perfect activity in San Francisco to create life-long memories with the help of Expedia.