San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

1. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar. Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years. With 8-14 departures daily from Fisherman's Wharf, you will sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and close to the notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's fascinating history, brought to life through audio commentary broadcast in 16 languages via personal headphones. Look out for wildlife along the way, including pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins and whales. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park, before heading west towards Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio, before cruising under Golden Gate Bridge. Steam back into the Bay, traveling past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, cruise around the infamous Alcatraz. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 1/2. A full bar with drinks, snacks, and merchandise, including logo wear, is available at reasonable prices on board the iconic red and blue sea vessels.

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 VIP Segway Tour: Waterfront and Hills

3. San Francisco VIP Segway Tour: Waterfront and Hills

Get VIP views of San Francisco’s waterfront, wharf, and hills on a private Segway tour that includes a cruise through Aquatic Park and ends at Municipal Pier. En route, you will pass myriad attractions, such as the Maritime National Historical Park for panoramic views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. After your brief training session to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on your self-balancing, eco-friendly mode of transport, climb the slopes of Russian Hill, the affluent residential neighborhood that takes its name from the Gold Rush era when settlers discovered a small Russian cemetery at the top of the hill. Peek down paths to see some of San Francisco’s 350 secret stairways. Climb past the cable cars to reach the summit of Lombard Street, the “Crookedest Street in the World.” Continue down the world’s most famous twisting street toward North Beach, heading down the slopes of Telegraph Hill. Experience the European (predominantly Italian) flavor of North Beach. Stop to admire the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Washington Square Park at the heart of Little Italy. Next, you will go to Pier 39, home to San Francisco’s famous sea lions. Glide past the historic fishing fleet of the wharf, and smell the Pacific Ocean before scooting back to the start point. The hills portion of the route may be adjusted or canceled based on rider ability and guest safety. Route changes are at the discretion of the tour guide. Please note: Bring an extra layer of warm, wind resistant clothing. Rain ponchos, knit gloves and warm jackets are available for guest use. Please leave bulky backpacks at home.

San Francisco: Design in the Financial District Audio Tour

4. San Francisco: Design in the Financial District Audio Tour

Explore San Francisco’s historic Financial District with this self-guided audio walking tour created by John King, the San Francisco Chronicle's urban design critic. See the area's most impressive architecture and delve into the history of some of its most iconic buildings. Find out about this area inhabited by gargoyles and walruses, where redwood trees hug an 850-foot pyramid. Learn how the past collides with the present and find the hidden clues that show how the district has evolved. Go at your own pace with plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way. Some of the highlights from the tour: • The identity of shrouded sculptures that look down on San Francisco's famous cable cars • An ornate office building that's only 20 feet wide • A 20-story metal high-rise perched atop two classical banks • Stunning art deco lobbies • Why everybody was wrong about the Transamerica Pyramid • The office of fictional detective Sam Spade

San Francisco: 2-Hour Private Group Tuk Tuk Night Tour

5. San Francisco: 2-Hour Private Group Tuk Tuk Night Tour

Experience San Francisco by night in a tuk-tuk, a modern-day rickshaw that puts nothing between you and the sparkling City by the Bay. Have a blast on a 2-hour private group tour, enjoy panoramic views, and listen to live commentary from your guides. During your tour, marvel at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and ominous Alcatraz Island from bustling Fisherman's Wharf. Cruise through the back alleys of Chinatown, breathe in the delicious aromas of dinners in North Beach, and feed your Instagram with glittering shots of the most gorgeous city in the world. Tours start at Fisherman’s Wharf at Umbrella Alley. Private tours are limited to 5 adult riders per tuk-tuk (or 6 riders if the group includes children and adults). Tour highlights include: • Fisherman's Wharf, Dungeness crab stands, and picturesque fishing harbors • Maritime Park and historic ships at Hyde Street Pier • Marina Green with views of Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Bay • Views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field • The Palace of Fine Arts • Marina district • City Hall, Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House, Asian Art Museum • Union Square • Dragon’s Gate and Chinatown • Jackson Square historic district • Transamerica Pyramid, Embarcadero Center, and Financial District • Ferry Building and Embarcadero • Exploratorium and cruise ship terminal • Broadway Street and tunnel • Lombard Street – the most crooked street (depending on traffic conditions) • North Beach Little Italy and Washington Square Park • Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill • Pier 39 and Ferry Arch at Pier 41

San Francisco: U.S. Roaming Internet eSIM Mobile Data Plan

6. San Francisco: U.S. Roaming Internet eSIM Mobile Data Plan

Enjoy your data plan with eSIM access to the web throughout the USA. Avoid expensive data roaming charges or connecting to unsecured public internet points. Save yourself the time and hassle of looking for free Wi-Fi every time you need an internet connection. Benefit from a service where you won’t have to change your sim card or buy a new one during your vacation. Enjoy the peace of mind of an unlimited package at truly 4G/LTE speed which is secure and works everywhere in the USA. Keep in touch with family and friends back home with no speed limitations at any level of data usage. Watch movies, play games, make online calls, stream your playlists, share your memories, use live navigation, and more. The following devices support the eSIM product: Apple iPhone 11 iPhone 11 Pro iPhone 11 Pro Max iPhone 12 mini iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Max iPhone 12 Max Pro iPhone 13 mini iPhone 13 iPhone 13 Pro iPhone 13 Pro Max iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max iPhone XS iPhone XS Max iPhone XR iPhone SE (2020) iPad Air (3rd Generation) iPad Pro (3rd Generation) iPad Mini (5th Generation) Samsung Samsung Galaxy Fold Samsung Galaxy S20 Samsung Galaxy S20+ Samsung Galaxy S20 ultra Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Samsung Note 20+ Samsung Galaxy S21 Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Samsung Galaxy S21+ Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Google devices that support eSIM Google Pixel 3 & 3 XL Google Pixel 3a & 3a XL Google Pixel 4 & 4 XL Google Pixel 4A 5G Google Pixel 2 & 2 XL Google Pixel 5 Google Pixel 5a Google Pixel 6 Google Pixel 6 Pro Motorola Motorola Razr 2019 Huawei Huawei P40 Huawei P40 Pro Huawei P50 Pro Huawei Mate 40 Pro

Other Sightseeing Options in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Want to discover all there is to do in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,807 reviews

Rain and other commitments cut into my time doing this, but it was an excellent device to do a self tour and see buildings I otherwise would not have noted. The system did lock up a couple of times (no reason why - but I figured how to get around it), and otherwise it was a fun walk. Voice clear & concise.

Amazing experience, views were amazing going along San Francisco Bay towards golden state and around Alcatraz and more

great experience! the staff were very friendly and the tour was informative, bring a jacket though!

The people were really nice. The boat trip was fantastic. Beautiful views and beautiful weather.

Great experience after all the years waiting to get there We loved it