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Ghirardelli Square

Ghirardelli Square: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

1. San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

See the best of San Francisco on an English speaking walking tour and learn the history behind each turn from your guide. Take in the views of the skyline on your ferry to Alcatraz before exploring this notorious prison. Meet your guide at the north end of Fisherman's Wharf and start your experience by taking in the amazing views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Hear how San Francisco transformed from a sleepy village to a booming port city when gold fever swept the nation in 1849. Learn about the life of the Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli at the famous former chocolate factory in Ghirardelli Square. Stroll along the fog-lined waterfront and drool over the numerous stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. Walk a portion of the historic Barbary Coast trail while your guide tells you about its colorful past. You and your group will then make your way to Pier 39 and admire historic ships in the harbor. Witness the colony of sea lions that have taken over many of its docks. Continue along the Embarcadero Promenade and learn about its evolution from a traditional maritime port to a modern urban waterfront filled with trendy restaurants and amusement piers. The walking tour concludes at Pier 33, where you will present your photo ID to receive your Alcatraz tickets. Board your ferry and enjoy a self-guided tour of Alcatraz upon the island.  Learn about the history of the cell house and its former residents with an award-winning audio tour available in multiple languages. You can expect to be done with the whole experience in the late afternoon.

San Francisco: 2.5-Hour Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour

2. San Francisco: 2.5-Hour Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour

Explore San Francisco’s historic waterfront from the back of a self-balancing, eco-friendly Segway on this 2.5-hour tour, including a 30-minute training session on how to safely operate your Segway. Your fully narrated route features spectacular views of San Francisco Bay, including Fish Alley, Fisherman's Chapel, the World War II Liberty Ship, and Submarine Pampanito. Go behind the scenes to see where the fishing industry, fleet, and seafood processing are located, and catch the scent of the Dungeness crab stands in Fisherman's Wharf. Your route also includes a loop through North Beach San Francisco's Little Italy and Telegraph Hill. See the picturesque lanes, cafes, restaurants, and other highlights of the city during the tour.

San Francisco Private Group Sunset Segway Tour

3. San Francisco Private Group Sunset Segway Tour

See 3 of San Francisco’s most enchanting neighborhoods during sunset and at night on a private group Segway tour with your own guide. Meet your guide at Fisherman’s Wharf, where you will get a 30-minute training session to familiarize yourself with the self-balancing Segways. Then, glide through North Beach, best known as San Francisco’s Little Italy. Stop at Washington Square Park and learn about the Beat Generation that used to frequent the area. Then, continue to Chinatown, a veritable city within a city. See the hidden alleys of the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. Enjoy romantic night views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Ferry Building. The tour will then loop back from the edge of the Financial District towards the Wharf. Cruise past historic piers along the Embarcadero, while San Francisco Bay glitters against the night. Your next stop is Fisherman’s Wharf, gliding past picturesque fishing harbors and hidden gems such as Fish Alley and Fisherman’s Chapel. Watch Dungeness crabs being cracked, and see the Cable Car turntable at the end of the Hyde Street Line. At Ghirardelli Square, you will learn more about the famous chocolate that bears its name. View the streamline design of the National Maritime Museum and take in breathtaking views of Alcatraz Lighthouse and the twinkling lights of the Bay Bridge. Then, return to the start point, and end with an Irish coffee at Buena Vista Café.

San Francisco: Electric Bike Rental w/ map & Optional Ferry

4. San Francisco: Electric Bike Rental w/ map & Optional Ferry

Discover the most interesting sights of San Francisco with use when you rent an e-bike. See the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and more. Choose from a 2-hour, 4-hour, or a-day rental pass and admire the iconic highlights of the city. You can bike to Union Square, North Beach, the Castro District, and Mission Dolores. Bike through the streets at your own pave and stop to take a souvenir pictures before moving to the next stop.  Explore the scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine of San Francisco with this e-bike rental.  Upgrade to a pedal assist electric bike (16+) to boost your ride! The optional ferry is a one-way ticket from Sausalito back to Fisherman's Wharf on the Blue and Gold line. This is perfect for riders who want to cross the bridge without worrying about crossing back.

San Francisco: City Highlights Walking Tour

5. San Francisco: City Highlights Walking Tour

Get an insider’s view of San Francisco’s most vibrant downtown neighborhoods on a small-group walking tour of Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Union Square. Begin your urban walking adventure by meeting your guide at the northern end of Fisherman’s Wharf. Take in views of the bay, the stunning Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.  Find yourself at the famous former chocolate factory in Ghirardelli Square and then stroll along the waterfront as you drool over numerous stalls selling Dungeness crab and the famous clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. Make your way to Pier 39 to meet the colony of sea lions and head towards San Francisco’s Little Italy neighborhood. Soak in all the aromas from the numerous bakeries and restaurants that line the streets of North Beach.  Turn the corner and take a few steps down to a very different neighborhood, Chinatown. Marvel at the colorful facades, temples, and dragon gate and find yourself at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company where you can make your own fortune cookie. Next, enjoy a short walk through the financial district and to the Ferry Building Marketplace for a nice, leisurely lunch break. Give your feet a break as your guide takes you on the subway for a brief ride to Civic Center Plaza.  Gaze at the stunning City Hall and opulent performing arts complex. Then head to Union Square, the city’s main shopping district, and enjoy the sights and sounds of this bustling neighborhood.

San Francisco Aquatic Park Mafia Job Escape Game

6. San Francisco Aquatic Park Mafia Job Escape Game

The city game starts at Hyde St. Pier. It will take you between 2 to 2.5 hours to complete and you can also explore at your own pace: pause the game and resume anytime from the location where you paused it. You will finish at The SouthEnd and Dolphin Rowing Clubs. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Play on! After your booking, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. You can play on your own, in a large group or in several smaller groups that compete against each other and meet at the final stop of the game. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

San Francisco: City Highlights Guided Bike or eBike Tour

7. San Francisco: City Highlights Guided Bike or eBike Tour

Glide through the bustling streets of San Francisco on a guided bike tour. Learn the history behind each turn from your guide and see highlights, including Alamo Square and Golden Gate Park. Start your adventure at the bike shop and meet your guide. Strap on your helmet, hop on your bike, and head into the city. Ride past highlights, such as Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park, and Hayes Valley. Pedal through vibrant streets and stop for photos at iconic landmarks as your guide provides insightful commentary about the sights. Admire top attractions as well as hidden gems. Finally, finish your tour at the departure point. Upgrade to a pedal assist electric bike (16+) to boost your ride!

Other Sightseeing Options in Ghirardelli Square

Want to discover all there is to do in Ghirardelli Square? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Ghirardelli Square

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 470 reviews

We had a great time…2 first time riders.(1 adult, 1 teen) and one 2nd time rider. Just enough training and perfect pace. Just enough time for stops and picture taking. Highly recommend!

The guide is super informative, full spectrum of local and amerikana history. Ask questions, feel the space your in, admire the history ypur walking through.

Loved all the history and knowledge about the city. Loved getting quizzed. Great culture! Would def go back!

Rob was so much fun! He was very knowledgeable and gave a great tour. We had a great time.

Easy to book. The guide was called Robert and he was very good.