San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour

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.

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.

Discover a scandalous story about the statue at the center of Union Square.

Learn how this lane – which is now a beautiful pedestrian street, was once the heart of San Francisco’s red light district.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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 :-).

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.

• 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.

• San Francisco Ghost & True Crime Tour
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• 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.

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Thanks for making a booking with REAL SAN FRANCISCO TOURS.

This ticket has ALL the information that you’ll need – PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY!

PREPARATION

Allow PLENTY of time to get to the meeting point. Remember that YOU’RE responsible for getting to the meeting point on time – not us. We do NOT have a phone/email help center. There’s no point. You have ALL the information you need right here.

Be sure to wear warm clothing, nights are usually cool in SF and bring official ID, if necessary.

TRANSPORT / PARKING

There is parking in the area, but it can be hard-to-find and expensive, so please consider taking public transport, it will probably be faster than driving. The tour starts right in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

WHERE TO MEET

The guide will be checking-in guests from 15 minutes before the tour on the corner of Post and Powell Streets, in Union Square. Please bring either a paper or electronic copy of this ticket for the guide.

We normally wait 5 minutes for latecomers (if necessary) before starting the tour. We have an average of 10 guests per guide, so it’s very likely there will be other people on this tour. We CANNOT hold for latecomers – it’s not fair or professional. There are NO refunds if you miss the tour.

TIPS / GRATUITIES

It’s customary, if guests enjoy the tour, to tip the guide (this is a service industry). Obviously it’s up to you, but please bear in mind that our guides work very hard to make your experience enjoyable and a gratuity is a sign of appreciation. Guides are able to accept cashless tips via an app.

FINALLY!

Thank you again and see you on the tour.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Real San Francisco Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at America/Los_Angeles.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 8 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.