San Francisco’s drinking tours pack an incredible cultural punch, letting visitors sample the city’s diverse beer and wine scene while learning fascinating neighborhood history. The most worthwhile experiences include the atmospheric Ghost Pub Crawl through historic taverns, and expertly guided craft beer walks in bustling Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach districts. I especially love the intimate brewery tours – they get you behind the scenes with master brewers and include generous tastings of fresh, local beers.
For wine enthusiasts, customized tours through SoMa combine urban wineries with hip nightlife spots. The vibrant Castro district’s evening bar crawls showcase San Francisco’s famous nightlife energy at its best.
Check out these outstanding drinking tours that showcase the best of San Francisco’s liquid treasures…
Good To Know
Haunted Pub Crawl: Captivating 2-hour experience exploring San Francisco’s sinister past with local historians, featuring a personalized group size of up to 12 participants.
San Francisco Craft Beer Tour: Approximately 2-mile walking tour focusing on Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach, with tastings at three bars and knowledgeable guides.
SoMa Craft Beer Tour: 3.5-hour journey through the South of Market district, visiting three local microbreweries with sampling opportunities and light snacks.
Private Brewery Tour: Personalized half-day experience visiting 3-4 local breweries, with hassle-free hotel pickup and private transportation included.
Castro Bar Crawl: 2-3 hour tour of popular LGBTQ+ bars with a local guide, including a welcome drink and snacks, suitable for up to 15 participants.
Walk With Spirits: a Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco
Intrigue and mystery pervade the Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl, a captivating San Francisco tour that delves into the city’s sinister past.
Led by local historians with expertise in supernatural lore, the 2-hour experience explores historic sites, sharing tales of ghosts, crime, and dark history.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who seamlessly blend educational content with entertainment through storytelling.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour accommodates most travelers and includes alcoholic beverages.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour offers a personalized, flexible experience.
Highly recommended by 97% of travelers, the Walk with Spirits promises a unique and chilling adventure for both locals and visitors.
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
Frequently, travelers embark on the San Francisco Craft Beer Walking Tour in Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach, a captivating exploration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.
This small-group tour, limited to 12-14 participants, earns a Badge of Excellence from SF on Tap and boasts a 90% recommendation rate from previous guests.
The approximately 2-mile walking tour visits three bars, offering tastings of California craft brews, snacks, and a tour of a craft brewery.
Guests learn about the San Francisco beer landscape, brewing techniques, and beer styles from knowledgeable guides like Mike and Dylan, who receive praise for their expertise and friendliness.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some customers have reported issues with tour guides and customer service.
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
Craft beer enthusiasts in San Francisco often find themselves drawn to the SOMA (South of Market) district, where a thriving craft beer scene awaits.
The Craft Beer Walking Tour offers visitors a 3.5-hour journey through this vibrant neighborhood. Guests can expect to visit three local microbreweries or craft beer bars, sampling a variety of brews and learning about the area from a knowledgeable guide.
The tour includes light snacks and gratuities, accommodating up to 12 travelers.
While most reviews praise the tour’s content and guide, some past participants have reported issues with communication and meeting point logistics.
Read our full review: Craft Beer Walking Tour in San Franciscos SoMa District Review
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San Francisco Private Brewery Tour
For those seeking a personalized beer-tasting experience in San Francisco, the San Francisco Private Brewery Tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
This half-day tour allows visitors to visit three or four local breweries, tasting the best brews and enjoying a customizable itinerary.
Convenience is assured with hassle-free pickup from your hotel or apartment and private transportation around the city.
While food and drinks are at your own expense, all taxes, fees, and handling charges are covered.
Though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers and a great way to experience San Francisco’s vibrant beer culture.
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
If you’re eager to explore the renowned wine regions of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco, the Custom Beer and Wine Tour provides a personalized experience.
Starting at $382 per person, this private tour whisks you away from the city to visit wineries and breweries at your own pace. The tour includes a bottle of sparkling wine, lunch, bottled water, and a knowledgeable guide to customize the itinerary.
With various vehicle options for groups up to 21, the experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible. And with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, you can secure your spot with the Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
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
Enjoy the vibrant Castro district of San Francisco with this 2 to 3 hour bar crawl led by local guide J.E. Priced from $49.40 per person, this small-group tour takes you to 3-4 popular LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, starting with a welcome cider drink and tater tots or fries.
Along the way, you’ll mingle with fellow travelers and enjoy a shot of alcohol at the end. With a maximum of 15 participants, this experience offers an intimate glimpse into San Francisco’s iconic Castro neighborhood.
Just be aware it’s not suitable for those with heart conditions or pregnant travelers, and isn’t wheelchair accessible.
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
Embark on an unforgettable night in San Francisco’s vibrant nightlife scene with a carefully curated bar and nightclub crawl.
This 3-hour experience takes you to the city’s hottest spots, offering exclusive drink deals and hassle-free entry. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll visit up to 3 popular bars and clubs, meeting fellow travelers along the way.
With a maximum of 20 participants, this intimate outing ensures a personalized experience. Dress to impress, as a strict dress code is enforced.
Convenient check-in and a return to the starting point make this a fuss-free night out. Rated 5.0 by previous guests, this bar and nightclub crawl is a must for those seeking an authentic San Francisco nightlife experience.
Read our full review: Bar and Nightclub Crawl in San Francisco Review
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Discover the storied past of San Francisco’s vibrant pub scene on a half-day walking tour led by Historically Tipsy SF.
This local experience takes you on a journey through the city’s historical pubs, offering an opportunity to learn about their fascinating histories. Priced from $39 per person, the tours accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate atmosphere.
Alcoholic beverages are available at your discretion, and the tour ends back at the starting point. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a flexible and accessible way to explore the city’s drinking culture.
Whether you’re a San Francisco native or a visitor, this tour provides a unique glimpse into the city’s rich pub heritage.
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 that cater to different interests. From haunted pub crawls to craft beer and wine tours, visitors can explore the city’s vibrant drinking culture. These tours provide an engaging way to discover the local bars, pubs, and breweries, as well as the history and stories behind them. Whether you’re a fan of the paranormal, craft beer, or just want to experience the city’s nightlife, there’s a drinking tour to suit your preferences.