
San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 329 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour worth booking?
San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $26 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 329 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (329)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $26 per person
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through San Francisco's shadowy streets with our captivating walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine! Guided by an expert local storyteller, this tour takes you to some of the city's most iconic and eerie locations in the historic district. As you stroll through fog-laden streets, hear chilling tales of spirits lingering in places like the Sutter Building and the Fairmont Hotel, where echoes of the past resonate. This mile-long trek reveals San Francisco's tumultuous history, from the Gold Rush's promise to the tragedies that scarred the city. Encounter stories of the California Street Wandering Bride and the Pacific-Union Club, once the opulent Flood mansion. While entry into private buildings isn't allowed, standing on haunted ground will send shivers down your spine. Each tale uncovers the darker side of San Francisco, offering ghostly encounters and historical insights that will both entertain and enlighten you!
What you get
About this experience
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through San Francisco's shadowy streets with our captivating walking ghost tour, where history and hauntings intertwine! Guided by an expert local storyteller, this tour takes you to some of the city's most iconic and eerie locations in the historic district. As you stroll through fog-laden streets, hear chilling tales of spirits lingering in places like the Sutter Building and the Fairmont Hotel, where echoes of the past resonate. This mile-long trek reveals San Francisco's tumultuous history, from the Gold Rush's promise to the tragedies that scarred the city. Encounter stories of the California Street Wandering Bride and the Pacific-Union Club, once the opulent Flood mansion. While entry into private buildings isn't allowed, standing on haunted ground will send shivers down your spine. Each tale uncovers the darker side of San Francisco, offering ghostly encounters and historical insights that will both entertain and enlighten you!
What's included
Included
- Documented accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity
- Professional and Courteous Guides
- Intensely researched true stories of history
Not included
- Dinner
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
450 Sutter Building
The Sutter Building in San Francisco, a striking office structure adorned with elaborate Neo-Mayan carvings, was erected in 1929 as a medical building and once earned the nickname "The Temple of Doom." Despite its architectural grandeur, the building is notorious for reports of dark, unsettling presences, with visitors and staff alike feeling an eerie and oppressive atmosphere that lingers within its walls.
7 minutes here
California Street
On California Street, the legend of the Wandering Bride haunts the area with a tragic tale. This ghostly bride is said to roam the streets in her wedding gown searching for her lost groom and leaving behind a chilling presence that still unsettles those who encounter her spectral form.
8 minutes here
The Fairmont Hotel, a historic and esteemed landmark in San Francisco’s prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood, is celebrated for its elegance and exceptional service. However, after the devastating 1906 earthquake, the hotel gained a reputation for being cursed, with numerous accidents and reported apparitions adding a haunting dimension to its storied past.
8 minutes here
Pacific Union Club
Though a men's-only secret society holds meetings behind closed doors in this old mansion, they can't keep out the ghost of the original owner. Hear the testimony of a custodian who shared his insider information.
7 minutes here
Huntington Park
Huntington Park in San Francisco, once the site of the grand Huntington Mansion owned by the renowned Collis P. Huntington, now offers a different kind of intrigue. After the mansion was lost to the 1906 earthquake, the park that replaced it has become known for its nighttime paranormal activities, with ghostly presences and eerie phenomena reported by those who visit after dark.
8 minutes here
Nob Hill
Explore this historic neighborhood, shaped by centuries of interesting personalities and unexpected disasters. Listen as even more stories unfold as spirits of the past make their presence known.
Pass by without stopping
The Dennis T. Sullivan Memorial in San Francisco honors the bravery and sacrifice of the Fire Chief who, despite severe injuries from the 1906 earthquake, emerged from the rubble to help save lives. The memorial, dedicated to this heroic figure, is also known for its haunting legacy, with many visitors reporting eerie sensations and ghostly presences linked to the chief's tragic and selfless act.
7 minutes here
The Sir Francis Drake Hotel, an opulent landmark built in 1928, has long been a symbol of historic grandeur in San Francisco. Its reputation for elegance is shadowed by the tragic fall of James Davidson from the 8th floor, a tragedy that has since given rise to numerous paranormal encounters and ghostly phenomena reported by guests and staff alike.
7 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
San Francisco
All tours meet at Union Square, 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108, on the corner of Powell Street and Post Street, across from the giant lit sign that says "Saks Fifth Avenue". Please look for your guide wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our tour will end at Sir Francis Drake Hotel, where your guide will recount eerie tales before sending you on your way.
Options you can book
Extended Walking Ghost Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Join us for the standard tour plus 4 more terrifying tales.
San Francisco Ghosts: Gold and
Duration: 1 hour
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- San Francisco Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 328 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
328 verified traveler reviews for San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good balance of spookiness and history
Eric was a very enthusiastic guide with excellent stories that showed a great deal of research. Even as someone with generations of San Francisco history in my heritage, I learned many things I didn’t previously know.
via Viator
San Francisco ghost tour (Union Square)
Last minute ghost tour to fill an evening in SF. My wife and I went to one years ago and it was fun. Scary history, ghost sightings etc. This Union Square tour wasn’t good. Our guide was really nice and he tried but all four of us in our party felt the tour lacked specifics. Most of the tour was about history and missed the mark for scary ghost tales. Not scary at all. Topics were vague and lacked details. For example, “ so there was this guy and I’ll call him John says he may have seen “. I wouldn’t recommend this tour.
via Viator
Fun way to see sf at night
It was fun and bit corny. Enjoyed Eric narrating the stories. I wish we could have gone into more buildings, but the one we got into was super cool.
via Viator
Ghost tour in hills
Eric is a fantastic story teller. We had a great time. There is a lot of history that we learned about San Francisco.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent haunts and history
What a wonderful tour. Our guide Eric was energetic and experienced. He expertly guided us around the SF haunted hotspots, giving us the perfect mix of history and spooky stories. A wonderful tour and would absolutely recommend. Thanks Eric!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $26 to $36
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 115
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by San Francisco Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.1.
See everything San Francisco Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.
How much does San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour cost?
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Prices start at $26 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 San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 329 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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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 San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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Around 115 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?
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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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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Included: Documented accounts of hauntings and paranormal activity; Professional and Courteous Guides; and Intensely researched true stories of history. Not included: Dinner; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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All tours meet at Union Square, 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108, on the corner of Powell Street and Post Street, across from the giant lit sign that says "Saks Fifth Avenue". Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour offered in?
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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 San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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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.
Is San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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Across 329 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for San Francisco Ghost Tours: Gold and Ghouls Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Extended Walking Ghost Tour, San Francisco Ghosts: Gold and. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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