San Francisco Movie Sights Tour

Meeting Location

Do I need to purchase my tickets in advance?

Advance purchase is strongly suggested as tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets may be purchased with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

What will we see on the tour?

We’ve compiled a database of over 200 movie scenes from more than 100 movies filmed in San Francisco - you'll see locations from these movies while you watch clips from them. This is the only city tour you will need to take in San Francisco. We visit all the major neighborhoods in the city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Nob Hill, Union Square, Civic Center, Alamo Square, Haight/Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Presidio, Fort Point/Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Heights.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The main starting point is Pier 43 1/2 on Fisherman's Wharf (details will be provided upon purchasing tickets). Note that for morning tours, we provide two alternate pickup locations in Union Square and Nob Hill, but all tours will end at Fisherman's Wharf, where we encourage you to enjoy a meal at the wharf. We will be happy to provide you with directions to any other place in the city.

For the morning tour, which pickup location is closest to my hotel?

The following hotels are close to our pickup point in Union Square: Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco, The Westin San Francisco Market Street, The Westin St. Francis on Union Square, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, Palace Hotel, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Grand Hyatt, Sir Francis Drake and Hotel Monaco. The following are near our pickup location in Nob Hill: InterContinental Mark Hopkins, The Fairmont San Francisco, The Stanford Court Renaissance San Francisco and The Huntington Hotel.

What happens if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine, but we suggest you dress appropriately for the day's weather as we do make several stops for photo opportunities.

How long is the tour?

The tour is about 3 hours long.

Do I have to buy a ticket for a young child?

For children ages 5 to 17, you should purchase a reduced price child ticket. Children 4 years old and younger may attend for free but will not be guaranteed their own seat and may need to sit in the lap of a parent or guardian. Please let us know if you will be bringing any young children when purchasing your tickets.

Is there an age requirement on this tour?

No. There is no age requirement but some content may be geared more towards adults. Please note that children under the age of 5 are free, but must stay in a parent’s lap if open seats are not available.

Will we stop along the way?

Your tour includes 2 breaks, each of which provides restroom facilities. Your first break is at San Francisco’s world class City Hall. Your second break takes you to the quintessential San Francisco movie location - Fort Point - where Kim Novak leaps into the water at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge and Jimmy Stewart saves her in Vertigo. We also have numerous photo stops along the way featuring famous San Francisco landmarks and movie locations, including North Beach’s Washington Square Park, Alamo Square/Painted Ladies and Inspiration Point.

Will we learn movie history?

Yes! Guests will definitely get a lesson in movie history. For example, did you know that in 1927, San Francisco was the setting for the first talking picture, the Jazz Singer? Did you know that motion pictures were actually invented in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Will there be trivia?

Of course! We will entertain you with trivia about your favorite films, actors and directors. Here's an example: According to one biography, Robin Williams decided to test out the believability of his Mrs. Doubtfire character during filming by going - as Mrs. Doubtfire - into an adult bookstore and making a purchase. He was able to do so without being recognized. And one more: During the filming of The Rock, Sean Connery insisted the producers build a cabin for him on Alcatraz as he didn't want to travel from the mainland to the island every day; he got what he asked for.

I’m not a big movie buff. Will I still like the tour?

This tour is a great way to see the city, even if you are not a movie fan. This is certainly the only city tour you will need to take of San Francisco. And, we think you may be surprised by what sites you do see and recognize from some of Hollywood’s most famous movies. The tour weaves its way through many famous San Francisco neighborhoods, including Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Financial District, Nob Hill, Union Square, Civic Center, Alamo Square/Painted Ladies, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, The Presidio, Fort Point/Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Heights. Whether it's San Francisco's historic bridges, unique neighborhoods, beautiful homes or natural beauty, you’ll see why filmmakers continue to find the perfect backdrops for their movies in San Francisco.

Is the tour family friendly?

Our tour is the most family-friendly city tour you can take in San Francisco. The route includes locations from The Princess Diaries, Full House, That’s So Raven, George of the Jungle, Dr. Doolittle, Hulk, and X-Men 3.

Are food and drink included on the tour? Can I bring my own?

There is no food and drink included on the tour, but feel free to bring something of your own to eat/drink if it is neat and you're sure to remove all garbage from the bus at the end of the tour. However, alcohol is prohibited on the bus.

Will I run into a movie star?

It is possible but unlikely. But, we’ll keep our eyes open. Of course, we use professional actors and comedians as guides, so maybe you’ll recognize your guide in the next television show or movie you watch.

Where did you get all your information?

The tour and the content came from intense research from a number of different books, pamphlets, websites and articles.

Are the tours conducted in languages other than English?

At this time, the tours are only conducted in English; however, due to the popularity of Hollywood movie culture worldwide, we are planning to offer tours in various languages soon. Stay tuned!

What kind of vehicle is used?

We use a 23-passenger bus which is our luxury theater-on-wheels with big screens and surround sound specifically designed to provide the ultimate movie tour experience.

Can I take pictures on the tour?

Absolutely. We welcome it and provide numerous opportunities for fantastic San Francisco photos. Feel free to take along your camcorders and cameras to capture the sites of San Francisco. Keep in mind that the tour is copyrighted by Carpe Diem Ventures, LLC so the content cannot be used commercially without permission.

Are we on the bus for the entire tour?

No, we do have two breaks during the tour where guests are able to get off the bus and take photos, as well as use the restroom.

Is the tour wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Unfortunately, the bus is not designed for handicapped access and there is limited storage space on board. There is usually enough space for fold-able strollers or walkers. If you or someone in your group is handicapped and would like to contact us about your specific situation please click on the "Contact SFMovieTours" link on the left side of the page.

Is there a restroom on the bus?

No, unfortunately the bus does not a have a restroom, but there are restrooms available at both stops we make.

Is there parking available nearby?

Most street parking is limited to one hour, so we suggest using one of the nearby parking garages. There are a number of garages near the main pickup location at Fisherman's Wharf.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes, gift certificates are available and make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate, please click on the "Gift Certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.

Are private group tours available?

Yes! If you're looking to do something unique for a company outing, party or gathering, you've come to the right place. We can personalize a tour to fit the wishes of your group - our staff specializes in planning half and full day custom tours. We can include a delicious lunch and shopping or even a wine tasting tour in Napa Valley. We also offer ground transportation services. Please contact us via the "Contact SFMovieTours" link to inquire.

Refund/Rescheduling Policy

Non-refundable, cannot be rescheduled.

Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event.

Weather Policy

Activity may be cancelled due to severe weather.

The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.

Other Policies

Children under 5 may need to share a seat with a parent.

Children under the age of 5 are free, but must sit in a parent or guardian's lap if open seats are not available.

San Francisco Movie Tours