Get to know San Francisco’s dark and seedy history on this small group tour of crime and scandal. In the company of a guide, stroll through the city’s neighborhoods and hear stories about scandals of the past. Visit China Town, Maiden Lane, and more and stop in the oldest bar in San Francisco.
- Visit spots from San Francisco’s scandalous past
- Travel in the company of a small group
- Learn about San Francisco’s history from your guide
- Explore the city on foot
What To Expect
Westin St. Francis (hotel)
We begin the tour with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, Hollywood’s first ever sex scandal (here in SF). It’s not just a lurid story – it’s effects are still felt today in many ways.
If the hotel is open there’s the option of having a drink in the very nice bar in the lobby.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Maiden Lane
Learn how this lane – which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco’s red light district.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chinatown
SF’s Chinatown is the oldest in the U.S. and for many years the Chinese immigrants here were strongly discriminated against. Criminals also preyed on them – opium dens, gangs and murder were all prevalent here. Learn of some of the personalities and crimes as you walk the streets.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Portsmouth Square
Learn how the Gold Rush made SF what it is today. In those early years it was the Wild West, murder, robbery, kidnapping – and lynchings – were commonplace in this neighborhood.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Comstock Saloon
This is one of the oldest bars in San Francisco, dating back to when the neighborhood was known as the Barbary Coast. We usually take 10-15 minutes to get a drink – don’t worry, you won’t be shanghaied!
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Columbus Avenue
One of the few buildings not to burn down in the Great Fire were the Hotaling warehouses. Is that because the whiskey inside was too important to lose?
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Jackson Square
This neighborhood used to be called the Barbary Coast and there wasn’t a more dangerous place in the world. Robbery, assault, shanghaiing – it all happened here (but not anymore, don’t worry :-).
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Old Ship Saloon
This the oldest bar in San Francisco, built on top of a Gold Rush ship that was deserted by its crew back in 1849. It’s the perfect place to end the tour.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Highlight
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Aim to get to the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. If you’re late you may miss the tour.
Not recommended for children under 15 years old (adult content).
By making a booking for this tour you agree to be bound by Real San Francisco Tours terms of service.
We can go into two different bars for cocktails on this tour, each for 15 minutes. You do have to be over 21 y.o. to order an alcoholic drink – but you don’t have to be over 21 y.o. to do this tour.
Please check dates/times carefully BEFORE making a booking.
This is a walking tour and we move at a reasonable pace. Please book a private tour if you have mobility issues.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Include
Tour Guide
We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.
Exclude
Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
Drinks are not included.
Max group – 10
