Best San Francisco Ghost Tours [A Local’s Pick]

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Looking for the best San Francisco ghost tours? You’re in the right place — and I should know.
I lived in San Francisco for years, long enough to feel the city’s haunted heartbeat beneath the fog. Between the creaking Victorian homes, abandoned tunnels, and that constant, bone-deep chill from the Bay, San Francisco practically dares you to believe in ghosts.

This city is brimming with eerie legends — from the haunted halls of the Queen Anne Hotel, still said to echo with the footsteps of Miss Mary Lake, to the ghostly vaults of the Old Mint. And let’s not forget Alcatraz, visible from many corners of the city like a ghost story looming on the horizon.

It’s no wonder San Francisco has inspired stories like Tales of the City. There’s just something… off-kilter here. In the best, most spine-tingling way.

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the most chilling, most entertaining, and best-reviewed San Francisco ghost tours. All you have to do? Pick your favorite and prepare for a night of haunted history.

With a surprisingly good number of ghost tours in San Francisco, it’s hard to know which are worth the money. That’s why I’m here to help!

Below, you’ll find the top-rated haunted tours in San Francisco so you know you’re making the right choice when booking your tour.

Our Top 3 Picks: Best San Francisco Ghost Tours

Best San Francisco Ghost Tours

If you’re looking for ghost adventures in San Francisco, pick one of these ghost-hunting tours to find out if San Francisco is haunted.

Experience one of these ghost-hunting tours in October, close to Halloween, for an extra fright. Boo! 👻

 1. San Francisco Ghosts Gold and Ghouls Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours |  Check Rates and Availability

Ready to enjoy spooky fun and SF history simultaneously while walking through foggy San Francisco at night? This San Francisco Ghosts Gold and Ghouls Tour is our number one pick.

The San Francisco Ghosts Gold and Ghouls Tour wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆

Walk through San Francisco’s haunted streets — the tour starts at the corner of Post St. and Powell St.

Then head to 450 Sutter Street downtown to a mysterious office building decorated with intricate Neo-Mayan carvings.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rating: 4.5/5 for 143+ reviews

Next, pass by the Pacific Union Club, where your local guide will regale you with ghost stories about the original owner.

End in Nob Hill (where I used to live) and explore this beautiful historic neighborhood where the big four railroad tycoons of the Golden Era built their mansions, which are now the grand hotels of Nob Hill, including the Fairmont and the Mark Hopkins Hotel.

Had a great time! Jamie was our guide and kept us very engaged. Very knowledgeable as well. Took my 15 year old son and he said “Jamie was great at telling the stories and keeping me interested

— michael (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Get details about San Francisco’s fascinating past
• Listen to scary stories while walking downtown and through Nob Hill, one of the prettiest areas of San Francisco
• This tour gets a Badge of Excellence

2. The Haunt: Ghost Hunting Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hour | Check Rates and Availability

Ready to hunt ghosts on this haunted SF ghost tour?

Walk down spooky San Francisco Gold Rush alleyways after dark with paranormal tools to uncover and contact the spirits of San Francisco on The Haunt Ghost Walking Tour.

The Haunt is San Francisco’s real ghost-hunting excursion, with storyteller guides sharing dark tales of the city’s haunted past.

‼️The Haunt Ghost Hunting Walking Tour is likely to sell out, buy tickets in advance‼️

Meet by nightfall in the Jackson Square Historic District, a Gold Rush-era neighborhood of eerie Victorian architecture.

Your tour guide will outfit everyone with an EMF meter (Electromagnetic Field Meter) that you’ll use throughout the paranormal investigation to find San Francisco’s ghosts! 👻

EMF meters are commonly used in ghost hunting because paranormal entities are believed to emit electromagnetic energy.

When you carry an EMF meter during your tour, it can detect fluctuations in the surrounding electromagnetic energy.

A sudden spike or drop in the readings can indicate the presence of a spirit. Spooky!

I took my teen daughter for a unique tour of San Francisco. She loved it (which is a rare experience with a teen)! Great historical information and fun to try to communicate with the paranormal.

— rachelle (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Walk around Chinatown at night
• The local guide gets rave reviews
• Use an EMF meter to hunt ghosts while hearing San Francisco ghost stories. 🙀

3. Vampire Tour of San Francisco

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | Check Rates and Availability

Enhance your knowledge of vampire legends and local history during a 1.5-hour guided walking tour through San Francisco’s enchanting Nob Hill District (it is exquisite; I lived on Nob Hill for five years).

An expert vampire guide will lead this family-friendly excursion.

Very informative, funny, and a great way to learn about the history of San Francisco during the 1800’s.

— gayle (more reviews)

It includes captivating stops at notable locations like Grace Cathedral, the Nob Hill Café, the Fairmont Hotel, and the Mark Hopkins.

The Vampire Tour of San Francisco wins the Badge of Excellence for best tours. 🏆

As you stroll through the charming neighborhood, you’ll uncover its hidden secrets and delve into intriguing vampire folklore.

This tour is designed to accommodate wheelchair users and offers yummy snacks to keep you energized throughout the journey.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Walk around the top of Nob Hill where there is a lot to see
• The Vampire Tour wins a Badge of Excellence
• Snacks are included!

4. Exquisite Ghost Hunting Tour in San Francisco

⭐️ Rating: not reviewed yet | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 hours | Check Rates and Availability

What I like about the Exquisite Ghost Hunting Tour is the option to choose between a private tour and a small group tour.

However, when hunting ghosts in San Francisco, the more, the better.

Track supernatural sightings with an EMF meter, which your experienced local guide regales you with stories of San Francisco’s interesting people and past.

This tour meets in Chinatown, the country’s second-largest.

Then, head to the Jackson Square neighborhood to explore its haunted places.

Walk through, hear stories of crime scenes, hear about the history behind the place, and see everything considered unnatural here.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Discover some of the city’s most gruesome murders, unsolved crimes, and strange mysteries.
• Revisit events like the 1906 earthquake
• Use an EMF meter to find the exquisite ghosts of San Francisco

5. San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Craw

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hour |  Check Rates and Availability

The San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl is a lot of fun according to the fantastic reviews.

This tour is even more fun with libations. And less scary. Or more.

Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure by blending a haunted ghost tour with a lively pub crawl on the Spirits of Barbary Coast Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco.

It was all about the tour guide Michaela, as she was great to spend an evening exploring hauted building and streets.

— allan (read more reviews)

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a journey to some of the city’s most notorious haunted locations.

Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to enjoy drinks (at your own expense) at select pubs while immersing yourself in the chilling tales of documented hauntings and ghostly encounters.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Visit spooky bars for some liquid courage to listen to SF horror stories
• Small group tour
• Learn about the Miner’s Ghost and some of the darker history of the area

6. Vintage Murder Mystery Guided Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating: not reviewed | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Ready to hear about SF’s grisly history?

Join an expert guide to delve into the intriguing and darker aspects of San Francisco’s past during this Vintage Murder Mystery Guided Walking Tour.

Embark on a gripping journey through San Francisco’s history, tracing the paths of serial killers, bandits, and activists on this captivating tour of the city’s most renowned crime scenes.

Oh my!

Explore the most significant crimes in San Francisco history on this thrilling walking tour. 🗡️

Learn more about the Zodiac Killer who sent dozens of letters to the San Francisco Chronicle, the woman who tried to shoot President Gerald Ford at the Saint Francis Hotel and follow in the footsteps of the Night Stalker.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Learn about SF’s dark past through guided commentary from a local guide
• Hear stories about the Zodiac Killer
• Follow in the footsteps of the Night Stalker

7. The Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1.5 Hours | Check Rates and Availability

Hear the city’s spookiest ghost stories narrated by a British storyteller on this self-guided Ghosts of San Francisco Haunted Audio App Walking Tour.

With a smartphone, this is a great way to explore the city on your own or with friends, and it’s the least expensive tour on this list.

Upon booking, download the tour, then make your way to the start point whenever you like.

As you stroll through Nob Hill, Chinatown, Union Square, and the Barbary Coast, you’ll hear about the city’s scariest hauntings and unexplained happenings.

It was a fantastic experience to get to know the history and feel of San Francisco! I love getting to walk around and seeing the area! I highly recommend this tour!

— megan (read more reviews)

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• This self-led smartphone walking tour is perfect for independent travelers
• Hear the city’s spookiest ghost stories narrated by a British storyteller
• Economical 💸

8. San Francisco Ghost Hunt: San Francisco Ghost Rush

⭐️ Rating: no reviews | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | Check Rates and Availability

Discover San Francisco at your own pace while engaging in a self-guided scavenger hunt app game on this San Francisco Ghost Hunt and Ghost Rush Tour.

You and your friends will venture off on a San Francisco walking tour to different landmarks to learn about the history, culture, and art San Francisco offers.

Select an interactive role and embark on an adventure with your companions as you navigate the city by solving puzzles and trivia while learning about San Francisco’s history.

After your quest, you’ll receive digital copies of your scavenger hunt photos, making it a memorable and fun experience.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Participate with your friends
• Explore on your own schedule with a self-guided game
• Get digital copies of your photos

Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City

Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City” is a literary gem that masterfully captures the vibrant energy of San Francisco. It was then turned into a TV series in 1993.

Through the lives and adventures of its diverse characters, the series delves into the heart of the city, reflecting its openness, acceptance, and unique blend of cultures and lifestyles.

Maupin’s storytelling skillfully intertwines the personal with the political, making the city a central character as it navigates through the social changes of the 1970s.

From the iconic Barbary Lane to the diverse neighborhoods and the ever-evolving LGBTQ+ community, “Tales of the City” paints a vivid portrait of San Francisco’s dynamic spirit, embracing its eccentricities, progressiveness, and resilience, all while celebrating the essence of this iconic city by the Bay.

Historical Context and Ghosts

The rich history of San Francisco has led to a significant number of ghost stories and haunted locations throughout the city.

As you learn about these tales, you’ll discover how the Gold Rush era has played a vital role in shaping these ghostly tales.

These stories bring alive the tragedies and mysteries of San Francisco’s past while you explore some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

During the Gold Rush era, San Francisco was a bustling city, with people arriving worldwide to seek their fortune.

The city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Nob Hill, still witness this bustling time.

Walking through these gold rush-era neighborhoods, you’ll notice the beautifully preserved architecture that transports you back in time.

However, these charming streets hold more than just history; they are also home to some of the city’s most intriguing ghost stories.

Best San Francisco Ghost Tours: FAQs

Some common questions answered about ghost tours of San Francisco.

What are some popular haunted locations to visit on ghost tours?

San Francisco has a rich history filled with eerie tales and locations.

On a San Francisco ghost tour, you may visit popular haunted spots such as Alcatraz Island, historical hotels, dark alleyways, and old city landmarks where spirits are said to linger.

Can you recommend a family-friendly ghost tour?

Yes! The Ghosts Gold and Ghouls Tour, the first on this list, is suitable for families with children aged eight and above.

This tour combines history, paranormal activity (using an EMF meter), and storytelling to create an engaging and memorable experience for all ages.

How long do most ghost tours in the city last?

Most ghost tours in San Francisco last about 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the tour company and locations covered.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as you walk through various haunted spots around the city. San Francisco is known for its hills, so comfortable walking shoes are essential.

San Francisco is almost always chilly at night, even in the summer, especially in August.

When the wind comes off the Bay, it can get very cold at night, making these ghoulish tours even more spooky! 😱

Are there any nighttime ghost tours available?

Yes, most ghost tours in San Francisco occur during the evening or nighttime hours to enhance the spooky atmosphere.

Evening tours start around dusk to fully immerse you in the city’s eerie stories and alleged paranormal activity.

What is the typical cost for a ghost tour in San Francisco?

Ghost tours in San Francisco can range between $20 and $105 per person. Always check with the tour company for the most up-to-date pricing and discounts.

Do guides share historical context during these tours?

Definitely! During a ghost tour, your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into San Francisco’s history, culture, and notable events that may have led to the city’s spirited tales.

Expect a blend of fact and folklore as your guides weave together a tapestry of stories to entertain and engage you throughout your spooky adventure.

Final Thoughts: Best San Francisco Ghost Tours

Taking a ghost-hunting tour in San Francisco is an intriguing and haunting experience that offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich history and lore.

As you walk through the shadowed streets and visit haunted locations, you not only hear captivating tales of the supernatural but also gain a deeper appreciation for the layers of history that make San Francisco such a compelling destination.

Whether you’re a firm believer in the paranormal or a skeptic, these tours provide an unforgettable blend of entertainment, history, and mystery that will leave you with lasting memories and perhaps a newfound curiosity about the unexplained. Happy ghost hunting!

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