A horror tour is hardly ever on top of someone’s to-do list when it comes to visiting a new city… But, in the case of San Francisco, it really should be.
But what exactly is a horror tour? What should you expect from one? And why should you definitely take one in San Francisco? Keep reading to find out!
What to Expect from a Horror Tour
A horror tour explores the dark side of the city most tourists don’t usually get to, or don’t want to, see.
From chilling stories of gruesome murders to creepy local legends of ghost sightings, this type of tour is bound to make you feel a little uneasy.
Some horror tours have even been known to stir up restless spirits… So watch out!
If you have small children (under 10 years of age), a horror tour may not be the best option.
Why Take a Horror Tour in San Francisco
Did you know that San Francisco is actually one of the most haunted cities in the United States?
It is said that for every living soul, six dead ones walk the streets of San Francisco.
It’s no surprise, really: some of history’s most infamous serial killers, cult leaders, and mass murderers have called San Francisco their home at one point or another.
The souls of their victims have not found peace, but who can blame them?
And let’s not forget the great earthquake that devastated the city in 1906.
More than 3,000 people lost their lives that day – and some of them have been unable to move on.
6 Spooky Options for Taking a Horror Tour in San Francisco
1. Alcatraz Night Tour
The Alcatraz is already pretty creepy during the day time… But the night tour is bound to make even the bravest souls feel a little uneasy.
This maximum security prison once housed some of the most infamous criminals of their time, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
Rumor has it, some of their ghosts still haunt the place to this day.
2. Nob Hill Vampire Tour
On the first Saturday of each month, you can experience the charming Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco in a different light.
This vampire-themed tour will take you back in time to show you the gruesome events that occurred in such famous locations like the Grace Cathedral and the Fairmont Hotel.
3. The Haunted Haight Walking Tour
Back in the 1960s, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood was at the heart of San Francisco’s “hippie culture” – but it wasn’t all tye-dye T-shirts and flower-power vibes.
Drug overdoses and murders were not uncommon, and many of these tragic events left behind a spiritual residue that can still be felt walking through the neighborhood.
The Haunted Haight Walking Tour will show you the dark side of the Haight-Ashbury most people don’t get to see.
4. The San Francisco Ghost Hunt
If you really want to get up close and personal with some of San Francisco’s ghostly inhabitants, the San Francisco Ghost Hunt is for you.
As you walk through the city, you will visit some of the most mysterious places in San Francisco, hear lots and lots of ghost stories, and even be able to touch some eerie historic artifacts that still carry the memories of souls long gone.
Note: The next two tours are Halloween-only, so if you want to experience them, plan ahead!
5. Ghost Walk at City Hall
A San Francisco classic, this haunted City Hall Tour will give you a different look inside the residence of San Francisco’s government.
In addition to a fascinating history lesson, you will also get to hear the stories from the night shift workers who have been spooked by the ghosts of City Hall.
And the best part? This tour is completely FREE!
6. Time Travel Segway Tour
One of the quirkiest tours in San Francisco, the Time Travel Segway Tour, runs from October 1st to October 31st.
Don’t worry – this tour includes a 45-minute lesson to get you comfortable riding a Segway before you head out exploring.
After learning the ropes, you will then venture through the back alleys of Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf, and hear many a chilling ghost story from the Gold Rush era.
The Haunt Experience
One more option?
Our very own Haunted Ghost Tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the streets of downtown San Francisco.
Led by experienced San Francisco locals – Mary, Sebastian, and Wes – our haunted tour will show you a different side of our beloved city… One that you are not likely to forget anytime soon.
We’ve had guests report feeling strange sensations and hearing inexplicable sounds – and even catching a glimpse of something otherworldly on film.
Ready to discover the dark side of San Francisco?