San Francisco’s drinking scene shines brightest through its expertly guided tours. My favorite is the historic pub crawl through North Beach, where local guides weave fascinating tales of the city’s prohibition-era haunts between craft beer stops. The Fisherman’s Wharf brewery route stands out for its combination of waterfront views and exceptional local ales. For wine enthusiasts, the day trips to Sonoma Valley offer tremendous value, combining scenic drives with carefully selected tastings at family-owned wineries.
The Castro’s evening bar tours provide an authentic slice of local nightlife, while Union Square’s happy hour crawl remains the best deal for budget-conscious travelers. Private custom tours work well for serious beer aficionados who want to dig deep into the craft brewing scene.
Let’s explore the city’s top drinking tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- Haunted Pub Crawls offer a unique experience exploring San Francisco’s haunted history and ghost stories through a 2-hour guided tour.
- Craft Beer Walking Tours provide an opportunity to sample local brews at three bars while learning about the beer history in Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach.
- Private Brewery Tours allow for a customizable itinerary and hassle-free transportation to 3-4 local breweries.
- Custom Beer and Wine Tours offer a private experience visiting wineries and breweries in Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco.
- Bar and Nightclub Crawls in Union Square and the Castro provide exclusive drink deals, entry fees, and social opportunities for a lively nightlife experience.
Walk With Spirits: a Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco
What better way to explore San Francisco’s haunted history than through the Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl?
This 2-hour tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s spooky past, visiting historic sites like Jackson Square and The Old Ship Saloon.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour regales travelers with tales of ghosts, crime, and dark history.
With a maximum group size of 12, the experience blends education and entertainment through engaging storytelling.
Travelers praise the guides’ expertise and the tour’s flexible, accommodating nature.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most visitors.
At $44.50 per person, this haunted pub crawl offers a unique glimpse into San Francisco’s supernatural side.
Read our full review: Walk With Spirits: a Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco Review
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San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour in Fishermans Wharf and North Beach
On a sunny afternoon in San Francisco, visitors can embark on the San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour in Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach.
This 2-mile walking tour allows participants to explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene, with stops at three bars to sample local brews. The small-group tour, limited to 12-14 people, also includes a tour of a craft brewery, beer tastings, and snacks.
Customers praise the knowledgeable guides, who share insights into San Francisco’s beer history and brewing techniques.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some participants have reported issues with tour confirmations and guide no-shows.
Read our full review: San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour in Fishermans Wharf and North Beach Review
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Craft Beer Walking Tour in San Franciscos SoMa District
Stepping out into the vibrant SoMa district, visitors embark on the Craft Beer Walking Tour, seeing San Francisco’s thriving craft beer scene.
Over 3.5 hours, the tour takes them to three local microbreweries or craft beer bars, where they sample the beverages and enjoy light snacks.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the group learns about the area’s history and the craft beer industry.
With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience.
While the vast majority of reviews are positive, highlighting the guides’ expertise and the enjoyable brewery visits, some guests have reported issues with communication and meeting point logistics, leading to refund requests.
Read our full review: Craft Beer Walking Tour in San Franciscos SoMa District Review
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San Francisco Private Brewery Tour
Embarking on a private brewery tour in San Francisco, visitors are treated to a tailored experience exploring the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
The tour includes visits to three or four local breweries, where participants can sample the best brews. With a customizable itinerary, guests can choose their preferred breweries or let the operator plan the tour.
Hassle-free pickup from the hotel or apartment is included, along with private transportation around the city. All taxes and fees are covered, though food, drinks, and gratuities are at the traveler’s expense.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most participants, with stroller access and service animals allowed.
Read our full review: San Francisco Private Brewery Tour Review
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Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa From San Francisco
Though based in San Francisco, visitors can venture beyond the city’s borders to explore the renowned wine regions of Sonoma and Napa on a custom beer and wine tour.
Priced from $382 per person, this private tour takes guests on a round trip through the Golden Gate Bridge area, with pickups from hotels and residences within San Francisco.
The tour includes a bottle of sparkling wine, lunch, and water, with an optional pre-travel consultation to customize the itinerary.
Suitable for groups of up to 21 people, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible and welcomes service animals.
Guests can secure their spot with a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, and a list of breweries is provided after booking.
Read our full review: Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa From San Francisco Review
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2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco
This 2 to 3 hour bar crawl in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood takes guests on a lively tour of the area’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.
Led by J.E. Marc, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and is priced at $49.40 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Guests will receive a welcome drink of cider, snacks, and one lucky participant will even get a shot of alcohol at the end of the tour.
However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco Review
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Bar and Nightclub Crawl in San Francisco
Visitors to San Francisco can enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife scene through the curated Bar and Nightclub Crawl experience.
Participants will enjoy a 3-hour tour that includes exclusive drink deals, all entry fees, and the guidance of local event staff and hosts.
The crawl starts in Union Square, with check-in at a designated location. Participants must adhere to a strict dress code, but the experience is open to most travelers.
Based on 10 reviews, the tour is 100% recommended, with praise for the exceptional guide and the opportunity to meet interesting people while learning about the city’s history and venues.
Read our full review: Bar and Nightclub Crawl in San Francisco Review
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Explore San Francisco’s rich pub history through the Half Day Shared Walking Tours in Historical San Francisco Pubs.
These local experiences offer an interesting look into the city’s past. Operated by Historically Tipsy SF, the tours take visitors to various historical pubs, providing a chance to learn about the area’s interesting history.
Priced from $39 per person, the tours accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at your discretion, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
While the tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Travelers can select a meeting point, and the tour ends back at the same location.
Read our full review: Half Day Shared Walking Tours in Historical San Francisco Pubs Review
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The Sum Up
San Francisco offers a variety of drinking tours for visitors to explore the city’s vibrant pub and brewery scene. From haunted pub crawls to craft beer walking tours, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re a history buff or a beer enthusiast, these tours provide a unique and immersive way to experience the city’s rich drinking culture.