San Francisco’s reputation as a city of quirky neighborhoods, historic pubs, and lively nightlife makes it a perfect place for drinking tours. Whether you’re into ghost stories, craft beer, or elegant wine tastings, the city offers options that go beyond just knocking back drinks.
One of our favorites is the Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco—a tour that combines chilling tales of ghosts with visits to some of the city’s oldest pubs. It’s perfect for history buffs who love a spooky story with their pint.
We also appreciate the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl, which delves into documented hauntings and paranormal lore, blending history with a fun night out.
If clubbing is more your scene, then the San Francisco: Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience offers a lively night with exclusive VIP access and international DJs. For a daytime adventure, the Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour takes you across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge for scenic views and stops at Sausalito’s best spots.
For wine lovers, the Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa provides a luxurious, personalized tasting experience. Whether you prefer ghostly tales, craft brews, or fine wines, San Francisco has a drinking tour that fits your style.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we cover a variety of drinking tours in San Francisco. Some tours focus on haunted pubs and ghost stories, like Walk with Spirits, while others blend pub crawls with clubbing, such as SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience.
For daytime fun, there’s a guided bike, beer, and boat tour that combines city sights with craft beverages (details here). Wine enthusiasts should consider the private Sonoma and Napa tour, which offers a fully customized tasting experience.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top-rated tour, highlighting what makes them special, their unique features, and what kind of traveler they’re best suited for.
- Quick Overview
- 1. Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco
- 2. San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
- 3. San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience
- 4. San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour
- 5. San Francisco: Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
- 6. SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience
- 7. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco
- 8. San Francisco: Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
- 9. 8-hr Beer & Wine Tour of Sonoma/Napa from San Francisco in XL SUV
- 10. Half Day Shared Walking Tours in Historical San Francisco Pubs
- 11. 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco
- How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
- Final Thoughts
1. Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco
At number one, this haunted pub crawl offers a chance to explore San Francisco’s darker side, combining ghost stories with visits to historic watering holes. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, with a small group setting that ensures personal interaction.
Your guide shares tales of ghosts, crime, and dark history as you walk through Jackson Square—home to surviving 1906 earthquake buildings—and visit iconic spots like The Old Ship Saloon, a 170-year-old institution with a cellar reputed to be haunted.
The tour also ventures into North Beach, Chinatown, and the Lion’s Den Lounge, exposing the city’s ghostly legends along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its storytelling focus—your guide is a local historian who brings the legends alive with vivid narration. The tour is inexpensive at $45.50 per person, and reviews praise the engaging guides and off-the-beaten-path pubs that you might miss on your own. It’s perfect for those interested in history, ghost stories, and a night of atmospheric exploration.
Bottom Line: A fascinating blend of history, hauntings, and authentic pubs, ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a spooky twist on their night out.
2. San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Coming in at number two, this haunted pub crawl combines documented paranormal stories with visits to four bars around the city, including historic sites like The Old Ship Saloon and Hungry I. The tour lasts about two hours and is priced at just $27—offering great value for those interested in San Francisco’s ghostly legends.
Your guide shares well-researched stories of hauntings, including tales of the Miner’s Ghost and the mysterious spirits lurking in the city’s oldest pubs.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on documented hauntings and the inclusion of paranormal lore, making it perfect for ghost aficionados. Participants get to enjoy drinks at their own expense, adding flexibility to the experience. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides and the fun, intimate atmosphere. It’s especially well-suited for travelers on a budget who want a spooky, authentic night out.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for ghost lovers looking for an inexpensive yet engaging night exploring San Francisco’s haunted bars.
3. San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience
At number three, this pub crawl combined with a clubbing experience is perfect for party travelers. Over 3 to 4 hours, you’ll visit four top bars and end the night in a VIP nightclub with world-class DJs. The tour costs about $18.55 per person, which is remarkably affordable considering the VIP entry and exclusive drink deals included.
This tour is hosted by lively staff who create a fun, energetic environment—ideal for those wanting to experience San Francisco’s nightlife scene in style. The itinerary focuses on Nob Hill and Union Square, two of the city’s most vibrant districts.
Many reviews mention the guide’s ability to keep the energy high and ensure everyone has a great time. If you’re after a lively, social night with a taste of SF’s club scene, this tour delivers.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, lively option for travelers who want to hit multiple bars and dance clubs in one night.
4. San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour
Number four on our list offers a daytime adventure combining cycling, sightseeing, and relaxing with local brews. The tour involves a guided electric bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a scenic ferry to Sausalito. Once there, you enjoy a $20 dining voucher and explore the town’s charming shops and vistas. The 3-hour tour costs $100 per person, which reflects its all-in-one appeal.
What makes this experience unique is the blend of active exploration with leisurely tastings and stunning views. The electric bikes make the ride accessible, even for those who aren’t avid cyclists.
Guests love the picturesque ferry ride back to San Francisco, offering a different perspective of the city skyline. It’s well-suited for active travelers who want more than just drinking, with the added bonus of unparalleled scenery.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day trip perfect for those who want to combine outdoor activity, sightseeing, and relaxed tasting.
5. San Francisco: Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
This ghost-themed pub crawl visits 8 haunted sites, including historic Gold Rush ships and Chinatown alleys. With a focus on the darker stories of San Francisco’s past, the tour lasts around 2 hours and costs $30 per person. It features stops at four pubs, where you can purchase drinks, and explores legends like Jayne Mansfield’s death and spirits lurking in the city’s oldest venues.
What makes this tour special is its immersive storytelling about untold, chilling histories—perfect for those who want to learn about SF’s shadowy past while enjoying a drink or two. The group size keeps the experience intimate, and the reviews praise the engaging guides and the spooky atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers interested in ghost stories and historic pubs, with an emphasis on storytelling and haunted legends.
6. SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience
Number six offers a night of lively pub hopping and VIP clubbing in Nob Hill and Union Square. Over about 3.5 hours and $17 per person, you visit four bars or clubs, with skip-the-line entry at a top nightclub featuring international DJs. The tour is ideal for those who want a full night of drinks, dancing, and meeting new people.
The emphasis on the nightlife scene makes this perfect for party travelers eager to dance the night away in some of San Francisco’s most popular districts. Reviewers highlight the fun atmosphere and the guide’s ability to create an inclusive environment. It’s a good choice for travelers who prioritize dance clubs and energetic evenings.
Bottom Line: A fun, budget-friendly option for those wanting to combine pub hopping with exclusive nightclub access.
7. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco
Number seven offers a luxury, personalized day trip for wine and beer lovers. For about $382, you’re picked up in a luxury SUV and taken to up to five wineries and breweries, with options to tailor your itinerary. Highlights include visits to Lagunitas Brewing Company, Russian River Brewing, and multiple wineries in Sonoma Valley, such as Jordan and La Crema.
What makes this tour stand out is its customization—you can choose your destinations and skip the more commercialized spots. The experience is ideal for those seeking a private, relaxed day with expert chauffeur service and the chance to sample some of California’s finest brews and wines. Reviewers call it “an amazing and super knowledgeable” trip, emphasizing its flexibility.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine and beer enthusiasts seeking a private, tailored experience with premium transport.
8. San Francisco: Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
This walking tour focuses entirely on the haunted side of the city’s bars and pubs, offering an atmospheric 2.5-hour experience. Starting at the iconic Transamerica Pyramid, you explore North Beach, Chinatown, and the legendary Devil’s Acre, ending in Chinatown’s historic streets.
The tour’s strength is its storytelling about SF’s haunted past, making it ideal for those intrigued by the supernatural. The tour is priced at $44 and is suitable for anyone interested in a mix of history, ghost tales, and local bar culture. The reviewer praises how it’s an engaging way to learn about the city’s darker stories on foot.
Bottom Line: A great choice for ghost enthusiasts who want an immersive walking experience through SF’s haunted bars.
9. 8-hr Beer & Wine Tour of Sonoma/Napa from San Francisco in XL SUV
For those seeking a full private day exploring California’s top wineries and breweries, this luxury SUV private tour accommodates up to six people for around $765. The itinerary is fully customizable, with stops at places like Alexander Valley, Jack London State Park, and other renowned spots in Sonoma and Napa.
The highlight is the ability to design your day, with the driver handling all logistics—allowing you to focus on tasting and enjoying the scenery. Reviewers mention the excellent knowledge of the driver and the flexibility of the itinerary. It’s best suited for groups who want a tailored experience with comfort and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for private groups or couples who want a curated day of wine, beer, and scenic views.
10. Half Day Shared Walking Tours in Historical San Francisco Pubs
At number ten, this shared walking tour explores four historic pubs in San Francisco, focusing on their stories and local flavor. Lasting between 2 and 4 hours and costing $39 per person, it’s a relaxed way to discover the city’s drinking history.
The tour emphasizes legacy bars like Vesuvio Cafe and the Saloon, with storytelling about SF’s gold rush, literary scene, and cultural evolution. It’s perfect for those who prefer a slower-paced, educational experience that combines walking, drinking, and local tales.
Bottom Line: Great for history lovers who want to combine sightseeing with authentic pub visits.
11. 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco
Finally, the Castro bar crawl is a short, lively tour designed to introduce newcomers to the neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife. Lasting 2 to 3 hours at $49.40 per person, it includes visits to The Detour, Hi Tops, Lookout, and Twin Peaks Tavern.
This tour is perfect for visitors new to SF or those wanting a quick, fun overview of the Castro’s best bars. The guide shares insider tips on when and where to go, ensuring you get the most out of your night. It’s a good pick for daytime planners or those short on time.
Bottom Line: An efficient, fun introduction to the Castro’s vibrant bar scene for newcomers.
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When selecting a drinking tour in San Francisco, consider your interests first: are you after ghost stories (Walk with Spirits), craft beers (Beer & Wine Tour), or luxurious wine tastings (Private Sonoma and Napa)? Budget and time also matter—many tours are affordable, but private options like the full-day Napa tour are more costly.
Think about your activity level: active types might prefer biking (Bike, Beer & Boat), while those seeking a relaxing day will enjoy the private wine tours. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular nights or private excursions, to secure your spot and customize your experience.
Final Thoughts
San Francisco offers a diverse array of drinking tours that cater to every traveler’s taste—from haunted pubs and ghost stories to sophisticated wine tastings and energetic club nights. If you’re interested in history and legends, the haunted pub crawls (Walk with Spirits) and ghost tours are excellent choices.
For a luxury daytime experience, the private wine and beer tours provide a personalized touch, while the lively pub and clubbing tours suit those who want a fun, social night out.
Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on experiencing San Francisco’s vibrant, spirited nightlife. Cheers to discovering the city’s best drinks—safely and with a good story to tell!