San Francisco’s drinking tours showcase the best of Northern California’s beverage culture. The most worthwhile options include day trips to Napa and Sonoma valleys, where you’ll taste premium wines in family-owned vineyards. Back in the city, walking tours through historic neighborhoods connect you with characterful bars and craft breweries.
My favorite experiences include the North Beach cocktail crawl, which combines classic Italian bars with fascinating prohibition-era stories, and the craft brewery tour in SoMa, offering behind-the-scenes access to top beer makers.
Let’s explore the finest drinking tours San Francisco has to offer.
Key Points
- San Francisco offers a variety of drinking tours showcasing local spirits, including wine, beer, and cocktail experiences with historical and cultural elements.
- Napa Valley wine tours provide tastings of premium wines at world-class vineyards, with transportation and customizable options available.
- Craft beer tours highlight the city’s vibrant brewing scene, offering tastings and educational insights into local ingredients and brewing processes.
- Cocktail tours focus on historic and innovative bars, teaching participants about cocktail history and mixology techniques through 3-5 tastings.
- Themed tours incorporate interactive elements like storytelling or costumes, blending history and entertainment for a unique cultural experience.
Walk With Spirits: a Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco
Micks Bootique Tours’ “Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl” takes explorers on a captivating journey through San Francisco’s haunted history.
This small-group tour explores the city’s iconic pubs while guides share tales of ghosts, crime, and the Gold Rush era.
With 4.9/5 based on 39 reviews, the 2-hour experience showcases notable locations like Jackson Square and The Old Ship Saloon.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides for their engaging storytelling and ability to share local insights.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
For $44.50 per person, guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages and enjoy San Francisco’s dark past.
Read our full review: Walk With Spirits: a Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco Review
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SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience
Exploring San Francisco’s vibrant nightlife, the SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience offers a captivating journey through the city’s lively Nob Hill and Union Square neighborhoods.
Priced at $26.50 per person, this 3.5-hour tour takes participants to 4 of the best bars and clubs, featuring exclusive drink specials and free shots. Guests will enjoy skip-the-line access to a top nightclub with international DJs.
Led by dedicated event staff, the experience isn’t suitable for those under 21 and adheres to a club dress code.
With an overall rating of 4/5 based on 6 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable night of networking, dancing, and exploring San Francisco’s dynamic nightlife scene.
Read our full review: SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience Review
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Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa From San Francisco
The Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco allows travelers to discover the renowned wine regions in an intimate and personalized setting.
For $382 per person, the tour includes a bottle of sparkling wine, lunch, and a knowledgeable guide. It’s wheelchair accessible and can accommodate groups up to 21 people.
Travelers can customize their itinerary or choose from pre-designed options. Reservations for groups larger than 7 are recommended.
With a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, the tour is praised for its friendly guides and suggestions for improving winery logistics.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” option is available.
Read our full review: Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa From San Francisco Review
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Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour
A vibrant audio tour leads visitors on a captivating exploration of Chinatown’s dynamic bar scene in San Francisco.
The 3-hour “Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime Tour” takes participants on a journey through the neighborhood’s storied past, uncovering its illicit history while visiting local watering holes.
Along the way, the small-group tour unveils tales of Prohibition-era speakeasies, gangster hideouts, and urban legends.
Priced at $60 per person, the experience offers a unique way to discover Chinatown’s rich cultural heritage and indulge in its lively nightlife.
With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 60 reviews, this tour provides an immersive and entertaining glimpse into San Francisco’s captivating underworld.
Read our full review: Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour Review
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8-Hr Beer & Wine Tour of Sonoma/Napa From San Francisco in XL SUV
For those seeking to venture beyond the vibrant bar scene of Chinatown, the “Hr Beer & Wine Tour of Sonoma/Napa From San Francisco in XL SUV” offers a captivating opportunity to take in the renowned wine and craft beer regions of Sonoma and Napa.
This private, full-day trip allows guests to customize their itinerary, selecting from a variety of wineries and breweries. Travelers can expect a bottle of sparkling wine, bottled water, and a included lunch, along with a personal chauffeur and pickup within San Francisco.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate, subject to the minimum drinking age of 21 years. With a free cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, this tour provides a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Read our full review: 8-Hr Beer & Wine Tour of Sonoma/Napa From San Francisco in XL SUV Review
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San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour
This Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour in San Francisco offers a captivating blend of outdoor exploration, craft beverage enjoyment, and scenic transportation.
Priced at $113.25 per person, the 3-hour guided tour takes cyclists through the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito.
Travelers will enjoy a $20 restaurant voucher, a scenic ferry ride, and an all-day bike rental with maps and safety gear.
With a 4.5-star rating based on 36 reviews, this tour caters to solo travelers and groups, providing knowledgeable guides and accommodating varying cycling abilities.
Its free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance makes it a flexible and convenient option for experiencing San Francisco.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Exclusive Bike, Beer, and Boat Tour Review
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Castro Bar Crawl Review: Fun Night Out
The Castro Bar Crawl in San Francisco offers a lively and immersive experience for those seeking a fun night out in the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
This 2-3 hour tour takes a small group of up to 15 travelers on a journey through the Castro district, stopping at local bars and enjoying snacks, drinks, and camaraderie along the way.
Participants can expect a welcome cider, one alcoholic beverage, and a complimentary shot at the final stop.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s convenient to public transportation.
Flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make this an attractive option for experiencing San Francisco’s lively nightlife.
Read our full review: Castro Bar Crawl Review: Fun Night Out Review
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From San Francisco: Private Beer and Wine SUV Tour
A private SUV tour from San Francisco provides an immersive exploration of the region’s renowned beer and wine scene. Priced at $745 for up to 6 participants, the 8-hour tour offers flexibility to visit preferred wineries and breweries.
Guests can enjoy scenic drives through Northern California’s wine country, with opportunities for photography at iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour includes a private SUV with a chauffeur and bottled water, while tastings and lunch are additional costs.
With pre-travel consultation, guests can customize the itinerary to sample popular craft breweries and renowned wineries. This tour offers an intimate and personalized experience to discover the best of San Francisco’s vibrant drinking culture.
Read our full review: From San Francisco: Private Beer and Wine SUV Tour Review
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Beer Brewery San Francisco Private Tour
Explore San Francisco’s vibrant beer scene on a private brewery tour tailored to your preferences.
This 5-hour excursion takes you behind the scenes at some of the city’s top craft breweries. You’ll learn about the brewing process, sample a variety of the latest seasonal and flagship beers, and meet the passionate brewers behind the suds.
With a private driver, you’ll travel in comfort between locations, avoiding the hassle of navigating on your own.
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply curious about the local craft scene, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience.
Prices start at £453.56 for up to 4 people, making it an ideal option for small groups or families.
Read our full review: Beer Brewery San Francisco Private Tour Review
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San Francisco: Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Adventurous souls seeking a spooky yet spirited experience can embark on the San Francisco: Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl.
This 2-hour tour takes guests to 8 haunted sites, including 4 pubs, where they’ll explore eerie history and ghostly anecdotes. Priced from $35 per person, the tour lets participants sample craft beverages and local specialties at their own expense.
The meeting point is outside the High Horse Saloon, and the tour concludes at 8 PM.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 13 reviews, the tour is recommended for couples, locals, and visitors alike, offering a unique and engaging way to experience San Francisco’s haunted past.
Read our full review: San Francisco: Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl Review
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Sum Up
San Francisco offers a variety of drinking tours to suit different interests. From haunted pub crawls and clubbing experiences to custom beer and wine tours, visitors can explore the city’s vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re interested in the paranormal, craft brews, or local wines, there’s a tour that caters to your preferences. These tours provide a unique and immersive way to discover San Francisco’s vibrant drinking culture.