San Francisco isn’t just famous for its iconic bridges and rolling hills; it’s also a city with a lively drinking scene that’s perfect for fun and memorable tours. Whether you’re into ghost stories with a side of cocktails or eager to sample world-class wines, this city offers a variety of experiences. We’re especially fond of the Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco, which combines chilling tales with historic pubs, or the Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa, perfect for those wanting a personalized tasting adventure. These tours give you a chance to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods and learn fascinating stories—sometimes spooky, sometimes flavorful, always interesting. To see the full range, check out our list of the best drinking tours below.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include haunted pub crawls that blend ghost stories with local bars, like the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl, as well as lively pub crawls and clubbing experiences that jump straight into nightlife, such as San Francisco: Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience. For more scenic and sophisticated options, the bike, beer, and boat tour offers a fantastic way to combine exercise, sightseeing, and sampling, detailed in the Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour. Those interested in a more personalized experience can opt for private wine tours in Sonoma and Napa like the Custom Beer and Wine Tour, which can be tailored to your taste.
1. Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco
If you’re intrigued by San Francisco’s darker side, this haunted pub crawl is a fantastic way to learn about the city’s ghostly legends while enjoying historic bars. Your guide will spin tales about the Gold Rush era, the 1906 earthquake, and more, visiting sites like Jackson Square and the Old Ship Saloon. This tour is especially notable for its storytelling, with reviews praising guides like Jamie for sharing “deep knowledge of supernatural and grim lore.” The tour includes visits to pubs that are often overlooked by travelers but steeped in history, such as The Old Ship Saloon, a fixture for 170 years, and Chinatown, with its tragic stories. The 2.5-hour walk balances spooky stories with a laid-back pub experience, making it great for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Bottom Line: If you want a mix of history, ghost stories, and local pubs, this tour offers a spine-tingling yet relaxed way to explore San Francisco’s haunted history.
2. San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
For a more budget-friendly ghostly adventure, this haunted pub crawl costs just $27 and lasts about two hours. It combines stops at four bars with stops at paranormal spots, where guides share documented hauntings and eerie tales. You’ll visit the Old Ship Saloon and Hungry I, both famous for their ghostly legends, along with the Lion’s Den Lounge. What makes this tour special is its focus on well-researched stories of hauntings, including tales of the Miner’s Ghost and the infamous Gold Rush era. Reviewers appreciate the personal touch, with guides like Taylor and Silver delivering engaging narratives. It’s perfect for those wanting a brief but spooky dive into San Francisco’s supernatural side without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: If ghost stories mixed with drinks appeal to you, this tour offers a lively, lore-filled experience that’s both fun and spooky.
3. San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing Experience
Looking to experience San Francisco’s nightlife? This pub crawl takes you through Nob Hill and Union Square, with visits to four top bars and a VIP nightclub. For around $18, you get to enjoy exclusive free VIP entry, with top DJs spinning music and special pub crawl drink deals. The tour is ideal for those wanting to combine socializing, dancing, and bar-hopping in one evening. Reviewers emphasize the energetic guides and the chance to meet people from around the world, making it a lively, fun way to spend an evening out. With flexible stops and a focus on the city’s vibrant nightlife, this experience is perfect for travelers seeking a casual, fun night with a bit of a party vibe.
Bottom Line: If dancing and clubbing are your scene, this tour offers guaranteed fun, a great way to see San Francisco’s nightlife hotspots.
4. San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour
This combo bike, beer, and boat tour provides a full sensory experience of San Francisco. For $100, you’ll pedal electric bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, enjoying scenic views and stopping at local breweries along the way, like Lagunitas and Russian River. After your beer tasting, hop on a ferry for a relaxing cruise back to the city, taking in the skyline and waterfront from a different perspective. The tour includes a $20 dining voucher at a Sausalito eatery, adding a nice touch to your day. Tour guide Kelly is praised for her knowledge and friendly demeanor, making this trip suitable for active travelers who want a mix of sightseeing, tasting, and a scenic cruise.
Bottom Line: If you’re up for a moderately active day with beautiful views and some of the area’s best craft beers and wines, this tour hits the mark.
5. San Francisco: Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
This haunted pub crawl focuses on the city’s paranormal past, visiting eight haunted sites including four pubs. For just $30, you’ll explore areas like Chinatown and Pacific Avenue, uncovering stories such as the mysterious death of Jayne Mansfield. Guides like Silver and Mike are known for their vivid storytelling, making this tour both informative and chilling. The experience also involves examining the legends behind haunted Gold Rush shipwrecks and ghostly Chinatown. It’s well-suited for those wanting to combine history, mystery, and drinks in a compact, 2-hour tour.
Bottom Line: If ghost stories and ghost-hunting in historic bars appeal to you, this tour offers a lively and spooky exploration of San Francisco’s haunted sites.
6. SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience
This pub crawl and clubbing tour is perfect for those wanting to experience San Francisco’s nightlife with skip-the-line access to a top nightclub. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll visit four bars and clubs in Nob Hill and Union Square, enjoying exclusive drink deals and a lively atmosphere. The tour emphasizes meeting new people and discovering the city’s energetic scene, making it ideal for travelers eager to dance and socialize. Reviewers mention the guide’s ability to keep the energy high and navigate the city’s best spots efficiently. It’s a good pick if your goal is a memorable night out with a focus on the social scene.
Bottom Line: If you want a seamless introduction to SF’s nightlife with VIP privileges, this tour delivers.
7. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco
For those who want to tailor their tasting experience, this private full-day tour offers the chance to visit approximately five wineries and breweries in Sonoma and Napa. At $382 per person, it’s a premium option, but it includes a chauffeur and a customized itinerary based on your preferences. The tour allows you to visit specific wineries, such as Jordan or La Crema, and enjoy tastings at each. The guide’s flexibility and the option to include a scenic stop for sparkling wine at the Golden Gate Bridge make it perfect for connoisseurs or visitors celebrating a special occasion. Reviewers appreciate the personal touches and the ability to choose destinations.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a private, curated experience and are willing to pay for customization, this is one of the best ways to taste Northern California’s wine and beer scene.
8. San Francisco: Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl
This ghost-themed pub crawl is a walking experience that combines history, legends, and drinks in four haunted locations. It lasts about 2.5 hours and visits spots like the Transamerica Pyramid and North Beach, with stories told from the perspective of the city’s spirits. If you’re curious about San Francisco’s Gold Rush and Barbary Coast lore while also enjoying a cold drink, this tour offers a fantastic narrative-driven experience. It’s a more laid-back option for those who want to walk and listen, rather than party hard.
Bottom Line: For those interested in San Francisco’s ghost stories and local history, this tour offers a unique and engaging way to explore.
$44 per person
9. 8-hr Beer & Wine Tour of Sonoma/Napa in XL SUV
This private, all-day tour is designed for groups wanting a completely customized tasting experience in Sonoma and Napa. For $765 per group, up to six people, you get a chauffeur-driven day that includes visits to your chosen wineries and breweries. The tour offers a flexible itinerary, with the driver able to pick venues with the lowest tasting fees if you prefer. Highlights include a Golden Gate Bridge stop with sparkling wine and the chance to explore top destinations like Alexander Valley and Russian River. Reviewers point out the driver’s knowledge and the ease of having everything arranged, making it ideal for special occasions or private groups.
Bottom Line: If privacy and customization are your priorities for a full day of tasting, this tour delivers a seamless, luxury experience.
$765.00 per group (up to 6)
10. Half Day Shared Walking Tours in Historical San Francisco Pubs
This shared walking tour focuses on historic San Francisco pubs, visiting four iconic bars like Vesuvio Cafe and The Saloon. At around $39, it offers a relaxed, social way to learn about the city’s liquor-laden past. The tour covers local landmarks like the Transamerica Pyramid and North Beach, blending food, drink, and stories. It’s best suited for those who want a more casual, cultural experience rather than a wild night out. Reviews are limited, but the focus on local history and classic pubs makes it appealing to history buffs and pub lovers alike.
Bottom Line: If you prefer walking and storytelling over clubbing, this tour offers a charming way to explore San Francisco’s bar scene.
$39.00 per person
11. 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco
Finally, for those new to the Castro District, this short bar crawl is designed to introduce you to the neighborhood’s best spots. For $49, you’ll visit iconic bars like Hot Cookie and Twin Peaks Tavern, with insights from a local guide. It’s perfect for visitors looking for a quick, lively overview of one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The tour includes stops at Harvey Milk Plaza and some classic gay bars, making it culturally enriching as well as fun.
Bottom Line: If you’re short on time but want an authentic vibe of the Castro’s nightlife, this tour is a quick, friendly introduction.
$49.40 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour in San Francisco
Picking the best experience depends on your interests, budget, and energy level. Want spooky stories? Try the Walk with Spirits. Prefer a personalized tasting day? The Custom Beer and Wine Tour is perfect. Looking for nightlife and dancing? The San Francisco Pub Crawl + Clubbing will get your heart pounding. For scenic sipping, the bike and boat tour combines exercise, views, and tastings.
Consider your fitness level, whether you prefer walking or private transport, and your budget. Tours like the private 8-hour Sonoma/Napa offer luxury customization, while group tours are more social and budget-friendly. Book early, especially for top-rated experiences, to ensure availability.
Final thoughts
San Francisco’s variety of drinking tours means there’s something for all—from history lovers who want ghost stories to night owls craving dance floors. The haunted pub crawls are especially fun if you enjoy a spooky twist, while the wine and beer excursions are ideal for relaxing tastings with spectacular scenery. If you’re traveling with friends or family, private options like the full-day Sonoma/Napa tours provide flexibility and comfort.
No matter your style, securing your spot early helps avoid missing out on the best experiences. These tours promise a memorable way to explore San Francisco’s vibrant drinking culture—cheers to that!