Hidden Stairways of San Francisco
San Francisco, United States

Hidden Stairways of San Francisco

Outty Ranking 89 5.0 · 270 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $37
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Outty Ranking

89/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 270 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hidden Stairways of San Francisco worth booking?

Hidden Stairways of San Francisco is a 2-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $37 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 270 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
89 / 100
Rating
5/5 (270)
Duration
2 hours
From
$37 per person

Please note: this walk is not at all strenuous. Obviously there's some stairs but this is done at a leisurely pace and suitable for almost everyone. This breathtaking 2 mile walking tour of San Francisco's hidden stairways is the #1 rated Airbnb Experience in the Bay Area. See gorgeous mosaic tiled steps and hear the stories behind them, then take in stunning 360° views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and downtown San Francisco. You'll also discover beautiful neighborhoods and gardens that tourists rarely see...you might even go home with a succulent! I'll provide commentary, context and some history along the way. Generally SF is dry May-October. There can be fog in the summertime, mostly in the morning. Temps rarely above 70F (21C) or below 50F (10C). Rain may cancel. Instagram account to see more photos: @hiddenstairssf #hiddenstairssf Message me if you have questions!

What you get

    About this experience

    Please note: this walk is not at all strenuous. Obviously there's some stairs but this is done at a leisurely pace and suitable for almost everyone. This breathtaking 2 mile walking tour of San Francisco's hidden stairways is the #1 rated Airbnb Experience in the Bay Area. See gorgeous mosaic tiled steps and hear the stories behind them, then take in stunning 360° views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and downtown San Francisco. You'll also discover beautiful neighborhoods and gardens that tourists rarely see...you might even go home with a succulent! I'll provide commentary, context and some history along the way. Generally SF is dry May-October. There can be fog in the summertime, mostly in the morning. Temps rarely above 70F (21C) or below 50F (10C). Rain may cancel. Instagram account to see more photos: @hiddenstairssf #hiddenstairssf Message me if you have questions!

    What's included

    Included

    • Certified guide

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    Meet Greg on the steps of St Anne of the Sunset Church 850 Judah St. San Francisco, CA 94122.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet Greg on the steps of St Anne of the Sunset Church 850 Judah St. San Francisco, CA 94122.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Gregory McQuaid

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Hidden Stairways of San Francisco, photo 2Hidden Stairways of San Francisco, photo 3Hidden Stairways of San Francisco, photo 4Hidden Stairways of San Francisco, photo 5Hidden Stairways of San Francisco, photo 6Hidden Stairways of San Francisco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 270 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    270 verified traveler reviews for Hidden Stairways of San Francisco. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    269
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    annemO2738BD · September 2026

    Fun two hours

    This was a fun outing and a nice leisurely walk through parts of SF that’s off the common tourist path. The guide was amazing and the views were spectacular.

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much Anne!

    via Tripadvisor

    Cheri_D · September 2026

    Beautiful Scenic Tour

    Greg is a wonderful, knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. A people person! The walk was enjoyably easy.

    Response from the operator: Very much appreciated Cheri!

    via Viator

    paulinebR6770DY · September 2026

    "A Colorful Escape in the Sunset District"

    A fantastic tour led by Greg, very knowledgeable person talking about the mosaic staircase along with the history of the area round about us. Most enjoyable afternoon and would definitely recommend this tour.

    Response from the operator: Thanks so much Pauline, delighted you enjoyed!

    via Tripadvisor

    w0rldtraveller0429 · September 2026

    Highly recommended

    I really recommend this walking tour with Greg! Very informative and you'll hear some really interesting historical facts!

    Response from the operator: Thank you 🙏

    via Tripadvisor

    lindamC7114CU · August 2026

    Wonderful Afternoon

    I'm a local and loved it like a tourist. Greg is smart, silly, friendly...and a plant guy who fed us nasturtiums along the route. Got some sun too! A perfect afternoon adventure with somebody who truly appreciates our locale. Thanks Greg!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    95
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 89

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)98
    Review evidence (18% weight)73
    Booking momentum (14% weight)69
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)100
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hidden Stairways of San Francisco: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.

    How much does Hidden Stairways of San Francisco cost?

    +

    Prices start at $37 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hidden Stairways of San Francisco take?

    +

    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.

    Is Hidden Stairways of San Francisco worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 270 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hidden Stairways of San Francisco?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hidden Stairways of San Francisco suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hidden Stairways of San Francisco?

    +

    Around 95 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hidden Stairways of San Francisco start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

    +

    San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

    +

    September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Francisco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hidden Stairways of San Francisco?

    +

    Included: Certified guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Hidden Stairways of San Francisco?

    +

    Meet Greg on the steps of St Anne of the Sunset Church 850 Judah St. San Francisco, CA 94122. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Hidden Stairways of San Francisco offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hidden Stairways of San Francisco?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Hidden Stairways of San Francisco if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Hidden Stairways of San Francisco?

    +

    Across 270 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hidden Stairways of San Francisco.

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