San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour
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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.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Tour Guide
Not included
- Gratuities not included, because voluntary. Please allow 15-20% if you enjoy the tour.
- Drinks are not included.
Itinerary
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Stop 1
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.
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Stop 2
Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.
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Stop 3
Learn how this lane - which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco's red light district.
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Stop 4
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.
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Stop 5
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!
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Stop 6
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?
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Stop 7
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.
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Stop 8
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 :-).
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Stop 9
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.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
The guide will be checking in guests the Northwest corner of Union Square - Powell and Post Streets - opposite the St Francis Hotel, from 15 minutes before the tour is due to begin.
Be sure to allow extra time for traffic and finding parking. We CANNOT wait for latecomers, there are other guests.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day(s) before
- 0% refund if cancelled 0–1 day(s) before
- May be cancelled if there are not enough travelers
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $60.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
