Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
On our Notorious SF: Ghost & Crime tour we visit the sites of Hollywood scandals, red light areas, opium dens, gang violence, Gold Rush era lynchings & kidnappings – & enjoy cocktails in one or two historic bars.
We start with the Fatty Arbuckle affair, the original sex scandal that changed the public's perception of celebrity forever (& lead to the 'morality clause' in contracts). Then we stroll down Maiden Lane, which is lined with designer shops now, but 100 years ago was the city's main red light district.
After that we visit Chinatown, an area of opium dens and gambling hellholes in days gone by. Next you'll learn about Gold Rush era SF. Then we dive down to the Barbary Coast, with its brothels & dance halls, often used to Shanghai unwary sailors (which is where the term originated).
We end the tour at the oldest bar in San Francisco, the Old Ship Saloon. Join our Notorious SF: Scandal & Crime tour & be haunted by these ghastly ghosts from San Francisco's past for weeks.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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.
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.
Union Square
Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.
Options
San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour
What‘s Included
We donate $1 for every guest to a non-profit, Climate Cents.
Tour Guide
Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
Drinks are not included.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun
46nelliem,Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jamie was a great tour guide full of great stories. We will definitely do more tours with Jamie! Highly recommend Jamie and can’t wait to do more tours with him
This is not a ghost tour
sammi b,Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00We got a history lesson instead of a ghost/ crime tour. The guide was a fill in. He started the tour telling everyone he doesn’t believe in ghost. We did not follow the itinerary or have any breaks at the bars. I wish I had booked a different tour.
Walking thru history
Sarebearcare,Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jamie was our guide and he did a great job pacing the walking tour. The tour started at Union Square, looped around blocks and alleys, and ended up just south of China Town. There were great crime stories with a little bit of art, architecture, and history included. We heard about the Zodiac killer, Mark Twain, Diego Rivera, and Bruce Lee. We look forward to checking out other tours with Real San Francisco Tours and Jamie.
Francisco Fun
Mary F,Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Hands down the best walking tour I’ve ever been on! I don’t ordinarily take the time to leave a review, but I’ve found myself thinking about how much I enjoyed the tour many times over the last week. Not only did I learn a lot about San Francisco’s history, see far more than I expected, but I also I had a delightful time soaking in its beauty while in great company.
Scam?
X6401BSjasminec,Jan 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Unfortunately, I’ve had a horrible experience with this company. I was excited for this tour, but no one showed up. I was within the time frame, arrived at 6:02pm. The website clearly states that they will wait 5 minutes for late comers. Another group of 3 people showed up at 6:03pm. So, I hoped maybe the guide was just running late. Waited/looked around the whole area for 15-20min and no one was there. I did try to get a refund but they just fed me lies, saying someone was waiting there for 40min. They then said they would give me 25% off my next ticket! Why would I let them scam me out of more money? They could have at least offered another day for the tour. Honor what you say and if you made a mistake then own up to it!
Great way to spend a night in San Francisco
Cfluter,Oct 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We really enjoyed the opportunity to walk the streets with a passionate local who knows so much about the history. We were a single group so Jamie was able to tailor the evening to our interests. Great way to spend our last night in San Francisco
If you're going to San Francisco...
tmdorow,Jul 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fun, kind of irreverant look at the city! Great tour for those who have been to SF several times and are just looking for something a little different. Jason was full of interesting tidbits and his stories allowed us to see things we've often seen through another lens.
Historical tour
Sherry S,May 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
3.00We learned a lot of neat things about San Francisco. While a few ghost are included, it’s mostly historical. This tour is great for history buffs!
Ghost Tour Recap
yvettemT720XP,Dec 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My boyfriend and I went on the Saturday night haunted tour. The guide had some great true crime history, which we both loved, as well as some truly scary ghost stories. The other great thing about the tour was that it stopped in a lovely bar from 1900 and ended at the oldest pub in the city. I'd never been to San Francisco before and I'd definitely recommend this tour for first-timers.
Fun SF experience
Lisa W,Oct 16, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a fun night! Learned so much about the city that I never knew. Guide was friendly and excited to share his knowledge.
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Operated by Real San Francisco Tours