San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour
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.
What's Included
- We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.
- Tour Guide
- Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
- Drinks are not included.
Meeting Location
Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Pacific Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94111, USA
Tour ends outside this historic bar (the oldest continuously operating one in San Francisco). It's a 15 minute walk from the meeting point (around one mile distance).
What To Expect
Westin St. Francis (hotel)
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Union Square
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Maiden Lane
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chinatown
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Comstock Saloon
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Columbus Avenue
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Portsmouth Square
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Jackson Square
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Old Ship Saloon
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. Please book a private tour if you have mobility issues.
- 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-276425P3
Traveler Photos





Reviews
Average 4.50 out of 5 stars based on 10 traveler reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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