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San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour

10 Reviews 4.50 out of 5 stars Based on 10 reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and TripAdvisor | San Francisco, USA

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3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
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.

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.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

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)

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Union Square

Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Maiden Lane

Learn how this lane - which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco's red light district.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Chinatown

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Comstock Saloon

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!
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Columbus Avenue

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?
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Portsmouth Square

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Jackson Square

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 :-).
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Old Ship Saloon

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.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-276425P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.50
10 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

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7
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
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1 star
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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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.

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • 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

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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