San Francisco: Ghost & True Crime Tour

Discover San Francisco’s Dark Side on the Ghost & True Crime Tour

The San Francisco: Ghost & True Crime Tour offers a captivating 3-hour journey through the city’s most notorious stories from its wilder days. Priced at $60 per person and operated by Real San Francisco Tours, this experience combines haunted tales with real crimes from the Gold Rush era to Hollywood scandals. With a rating of 4.6, it stands out as a popular choice for those interested in the city’s shadowy history.

This tour departs every Saturday at 6 pm from the corner of Post and Powell Streets in UNION SQUARE. The walking pace is reasonable, but the tour involves some hill climbing and steps, making it less suitable for visitors with mobility issues. It’s ideal for adults and older teenagers who love stories of crime, ghost lore, and historical intrigue.

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Key Points

• Price: $60 per person for a 3-hour walking experience
• Highlights: Hollywood scandals, red light districts, Chinatown opium dens, Gold Rush lynchings, Barbary Coast shanghai stories, haunted locations
• Includes: Donation to Climate Cents, stops at historic bars
• Excludes: Drinks, no 24-hour helpline, bring passport or ID
• Group Size: Small groups limited to 10 participants for personalized attention

The Tour Starts in UNION SQUARE with a Nod to Hollywood Scandal

The tour begins at the corner of Post and Powell Streets in Union Square, a central and accessible meeting point. The first story centers on Fatty Arbuckle, the Hollywood star involved in the first celebrity sex scandal, which led to the creation of the “morality clause.” The guide explains how this scandal forever changed the perception of fame and morality clauses in Hollywood contracts.

Following this, the tour takes a stroll down Maiden Lane, a street now lined with designer shops and cafes. Historically, this was the city’s main red light district over a hundred years ago, filled with vice establishments. Visitors get a vivid picture of how different the area was during San Francisco’s early days.

Exploring Chinatown’s Opium Dens and Gambling Halls

Next, the tour leads into Chinatown, which was once infamous for opium dens, parlor houses, and gambling. The guide shares stories about these illicit activities from more than a century ago, contrasting the neighborhood’s current lively scene with its darker past. Visitors learn about Chinatown’s transformation from a hub of vice to a vibrant, cultural neighborhood.

Gold Rush Era Crime and Lynchings on Portsmouth Square

The next stop is Portsmouth Square, where public lynchings and other Gold Rush era crimes took place. The guide recounts how San Francisco was considered the Wild West, with lawlessness and violence common. The history paints a picture of a city that had a reputation for chaos and danger during the late 19th century.

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The Barbary Coast and Sailor Shenanigans

The tour then visits the Barbary Coast, a notorious district filled with brothels, dance halls, and shanghaiing operations. The practice of shanghaiing sailors—using trickery to abduct and force sailors into service—originates from this lively yet lawless part of town. The guide details the area’s reputation for vice and violence, emphasizing how it was a magnet for outlaws and gamblers.

Haunted Sites and Ghost Stories from San Francisco’s Past

Throughout the tour, visitors hear some of the city’s most chilling ghost stories from the same period. These tales involve haunted locations linked to the Gold Rush, the Barbary Coast, and Chinatown, making the experience eerily atmospheric. The stories are designed to thrill and send shivers down the spine, especially when told in the historic locations.

Historic Bars and the Final Stop at the Old Ship Saloon

The tour concludes at the Old Ship Saloon, the oldest continuously operating bar in San Francisco, dating back to the 1850s. Guests can enjoy a drink in this historic venue, which has hosted many sailors, outlaws, and adventurers over the years. The guide leaves visitors with a sense of the enduring legacy of the city’s lawless and haunted past.

Practicalities and Group Experience

This tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate experience with the guide. The live English-speaking guide shares detailed stories and historical insights, making the experience engaging and educational. To participate, visitors should arrive 10-15 minutes early at the meeting point, bringing passport or ID. The tour does not include drinks, and there is no 24-hour helpline, so planning ahead is recommended.

Why Choose This Tour?

The San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour offers a balanced mix of history, ghost stories, and crime tales. It is especially appealing for those interested in the city’s more notorious stories from the Gold Rush, Hollywood scandals, and vice districts. Its small group setting and detailed storytelling provide an immersive experience that combines education with a touch of the supernatural.

Considerations and Limitations

While the tour covers many ground, it involves walking on hills and stairs, which might not suit everyone. It’s not recommended for children under 15 years old or anyone with mobility concerns. The tour’s emphasis on dark stories and ghost tales might be too intense for sensitive visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Ghost & True Crime Tour

This tour offers a compelling look into San Francisco’s lawless and haunted history. It delivers engaging stories in historic locations, with a knowledgeable guide providing context and atmosphere. The $60 price point includes visits to iconic sites and a historic bar, making it a worthwhile choice for fans of crime history and ghost lore.

The combination of scary stories, historical insights, and a small-group experience makes this tour particularly suited for those seeking an offbeat, entertaining evening exploring the city’s darker side. If you enjoy tales of vice, scandal, and hauntings, this tour will haunt you long after it ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 15 years due to the dark themes and ghost stories.

What should I bring?
Visitors should bring a passport or ID card for identification purposes.

Does the tour include drinks?
No, drinks are not included, but the tour ends at a historic bar where guests can purchase beverages.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on hills and stairs, so it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is on the corner of Post and Powell Streets in UNION SQUARE in San Francisco.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby