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
- Tour Guide
- Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
- Drinks are not included.
Meeting Location
390 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
298 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
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
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 (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-276425P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.33 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by Cool San Francisco and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool San Francisco customers.
Filter by:
- 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 (PST).
- 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.
- Tour Guide.
- Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
- Drinks are not included.
The minimum age to participate is 15..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool San Francisco. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Tour Guide
- Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
- Drinks are not included.
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
