Top Rated Travel Agency San Francisco | 10 Best Local Tours 

Overview

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time or if you want to get a taste of real local culture; having an authentic local tour guide will give you a unique insider’s perspective on the city.

Unlike other sites, when NanoWhat picks the Top 10 Travel Agencies in San Francisco, we mainly focus on tour niche, local flavor, potential of discovering hidden gems, and, of course, customer feedback.

Different from traditional tourist attractions, these authentic local tours provide a more personalized and intimate experience.

All the travel agencies in this guide tend to organize smaller group sizes, allowing for more interaction and opportunities to ask questions. Expect local tips, hidden gems, and interesting stories about San Francisco’s most intriguing neighborhoods. 

There are many sponsored blogs and advertisements when you search Google for Travel Agency San Francisco, but we focus on real visitors’ feedback and have checked hundreds of websites to list out the Top 10 Rated Travel Agencies in San Francisco based on reviews.

**Note: All the platforms mentioned in this blog are based on our research and customer feedback; there are no ads or sponsored content!

Best Bay Area Tours

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (539)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source: Best Bay Area Tours

Best Bay Area Tours is a San-Francisco based company that picks you up at most San Francisco hotels and whisks you away to some of the most magical places on the planet. They provide an unforgettable experience with guides who have a passion for their city.

This travel agency in San Francisco has developed many of their itineraries to go to places that are less travelled and more spectacular. They give individual attention to all of their guests. And, with a smaller group, they can go to stops that are off-the-beaten-track where large busses are not allowed.

Source: Best Bay Area Tours

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

An absolutely amazing day from start to finish. Although a fair drive from San Francisco – it took us around four hours each way – Phil, our guide, kept us entertained with local history and themed music until we arrived. We expected Yosemite to be quite nice. We were wrong. It is without doubt the most stunning place either of us have ever been. Tunnel view is the especial highlight of the day, but Yosemite Falls is hardly far behind it. Phil was very knowledgeable about the park. The only downside of was that we didn’t see a bear – a good excuse to return one day!

 

Dylan’s Tours

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (644)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source: Dylan’s Tours

The slogan of Dylan’s Tours is Experience San Francisco and Beyond. They provide small group tours by local experts to help you experience the beauty, history, and vibrancy of San Francisco, Muir Woods, Alcatraz, Wine Country, Yosemite, and more! 

There are three major tours they offer:

• SAN FRANCISCO MINIBUS TOURS

It provides off-the-beaten-track experiences through San Francisco’s most authentic neighborhoods. These minibus tours are designed to ensure you enjoy the city as a true local: meeting new friends, facing exciting new adventures, and frequently stopping to take in the most unique viewpoints and iconic sites—both in and outside the city—all in one day!

• E-BIKE TOURS

Their Rad Power Electric Bikes are one of the best ways to get around San Francisco and can take you where the tour buses can’t! The best part is that no pedaling is required. You will navigate through San Francisco’s infamous hills with electric ease.

• TOURS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

Explore all the beauty of California on full-day tours from San Francisco. Travel through the rolling hills of Wine Country, tasting locally-crafted wines in Napa and escape the city with one-day trips to the most scenic destinations!

Source: Dylan’s Tours

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

Highly recommend booking with Dylan’s Tours. My wife and I absolutely loved the tour. We specifically went with Dylan’s because we can book the bikes to keep longer in the afternoon and go and see the sites by ourselves. We spent all day on them.  We even did the Golden Gate Bridge by ourselves (even though it was a foggy day in May) as it wasn’t part of this particular tour. The guide was very knowledgable & funny on our tour. We’ve told our friends and family about Dylan’s. It was our 1st time on an Ebikes and are ‘hooked’ on them. We are saving $$ to bye our own one day.

No time to keep reading? No problem. Get a FREE DOWNLOAD of all the Top Rated Travel Agency San Francisco as a Google Maps and easily find your favorite local tour “near me”>> Top Rating Travel Agency San Francisco | 10 Best Local Tours 

SF Excursions

Google Reviews: 5.0 stars (117)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source: SF Excursions

SF Excursions is a 100% local, family-owned and operated tour company based in San Francisco. Owner and founder, Brendan David, has worked alongside his brother, Dylan, at Dylan’s Tours for the past 10 years. Brendan has a passion for traveling and seeing the world, which is why he wants to share hidden gems, hole in the wall favorites, obscure historical facts, and the untold stories of San Francisco with those who come and visit.

They guarantee refund and offer to refund most tours with 24 hours notice. If you are traveling with small children, unimpressed teenagers AND the grandparents, they can be a good choice as their 14-passenger minibus is perfect for groups of any age.

Source: SF Excursions

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

We had the best day with Brendan exploring the diverse neighborhoods of SF and beyond! He was so knowledgeable and had many personal experiences from growing up here to draw upon, which made for a super interesting and funny tour.

 

Brendan couldn’t have been more accommodating – taking photos for everyone in the group at key opportunities, providing drinks and snacks, as well as recommendations for restaurants and other areas to visit. His sense of humor and extensive knowledge came across every minute. The best tour and value for money we could have hoped for, especially with just a few days to explore this beautiful city. Don’t hesitate to book!

San Francisco Love Tours

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (762)

Tour operator

Source: San Francisco Love Tours

San Francisco Love Tours provides a unique San Francisco City Tours experience in uniquely hand painted VW busses. They are passionate about our belief in the principles of Peace, Love, Freedom, and Adventure! Their aim is to provide an enthusiastic and authentic way to discover the City of San Francisco. That’s why they choose to infuse in all their tours with the spirit of the 60’s…to remind us all to appreciate every new experience of each new day!

In addition to helpful information on how to best experience the wonders of the city, Their San Francisco City Tours offer beautiful views of iconic testaments to the human industry, as well as the unsurpassed works of art of nature. This is one of the only cities in the United States that has such a striking juxtaposition between the best of both. 

 Source: Kyle Fake

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

The San Francisco Love Tour is fantastic. This was our third day in the city, and I wish we did it the first day.  It is just the best way to get into the spirit of the city! We rode in “Sunshine,” an absolutely gorgeous VW bus painted in a beautiful, vibrant mural covered in iconic SF imagery and history.  Our driver Johnny, knew a ton about the city and clearly loves his home.  He shared so many fun facts and made really great recommendations for food and cool shops to check out.  While in the bus, you feel like a celebrity with tourists and residents waving, throwing peace signs, and taking pictures of the bus and Johnny.  They light up when he slows down and gives them a grin. He plays amazing music! This was part of a high school graduation present to our daughter who loves all things retro and she absolutely loved it.  Cannot recommend this tour enough and love the joy that this business is spreading with every tour!

Get right to the point with this FREE DOWNLOAD of all the 10 Top Rated Travel Agencies in San Francisco as a Google Map. Easily find your favorite local tour near me >> Top Rated Travel Agency San Francisco | 10 Best Local Tours 

Edge of the World Tours Inc

Google Reviews: 5.0 stars (233)

Tour operator

Source: Edge of the World Tours Inc

Edge of the World Tours specializes in crafting unique and unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of what these iconic destinations have to offer. From the bustling streets of San Francisco to the rolling vineyards of Sonoma, they offer a variety of tours that cater to all interests and preferences. 

Their guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for these regions with you, ensuring that you leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture, history, and natural beauty of Northern California. 

Source: Edge of the World Tours

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

What a great experience! Our group was only 13 people, we were brought to local small business wineries and even got to meet a few owners themselves. Marc was a great tour guide and very funny. My fiancé and I learned so much about the wine and local history. I would recommend this tour to anyone!

Painted Ladies Tour Company

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (271)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source: Painted Ladies Tour Company

Painted Ladies Tour Company is a small family business, so Josh and his team take great pride in making sure guests feel well taken care of and have an awesome experience. Josh’s wife, Virgine, runs their front office to answer any questions or emails you might have prior to booking.

Their vintage buses have been thoroughly restored and updated with modern amenities to provide a safe and unique opportunity to see the sights of San Francisco. Because of their smaller group sizes, their buses can go places like Alamo Square (Painted Ladies), Lombard Street, and even those narrow alleys with beautiful murals in the Mission!

Source: Painted Ladies Tour Company

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

This tour was highly recommend by a friend that lives in the San Fran area. Myself and my friend from Edmonton, AB, Canada had the pleasure of taking this great tour. All sites visited were great to see. Our tour guide Jim provided a lot of great information at each site. Jim was very knowledgeable of this amazing city. Until next time Jim 😀

 

Our trip around in the little yellow VW was perfect! It was fun to have people stop and take photos of us! But the most fun came from an informative journey around the city that was more personal than hearing a prerecorded version of a tour. 100% recommend this way of travelling and exploring the city!

San Francisco Segway Tours – Electric Tour Company

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (350)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source: San Francisco Segway Tours – Electric Tour Company

Laugh, Learn, and Ride with the original Bay Area Segway tour company – San Francisco Segway Tours & E-Scooter Rentals

The San Francisco Electric Tour Company offers fun-filled tours of one of the world’s most beautiful cities on the world’s most unique transportation device: the Segway!

In October 2004, they became the first company in San Francisco to offer eco-friendly Segway Tours.

Evening Tours were added in October 2005 and in 2011 they became the exclusive Golden Gate Park Segway tour company. They are the only Segway company authorized and permitted to operate in Golden Gate Park. If you want to explore Golden Gate Park book with them!

Scavenger Hunts on Segways were added to our team building lineup in 2016. 

In 2023 they added a fleet of GoRide GPS guided E-Scooter rentals- both Fat Tire and E-trikes are available with a storytelling gps narration on board.

Source:  Edgar M

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

This was the most fun activity we had during our brief stay in San Francisco. We had never done Segway rides before. My wife and I are in our 60s. The training to ride a Segway was easy to understand and within about 20 minutes we were on our way. Our guide, Jack, was excellent. He was very personable and humorous. It was a great way to get an up close look at the city while having fun riding Segways.  I highly recommend this as a great way to spend a couple hours in San Francisco.

Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (155)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source:  Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco

Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco is a culinary experience company offering delicious, informative, and fun walking food tours in three distinctly different neighborhoods. They tell the story of the neighborhood through its food. Join them to eat your way through the Mission District, North Beach, and Chinatown. In addition to all the delectable foods you get to savor, your food tour guide discusses the history, culture, architecture, and food scene of the neighborhood. They showcase the best restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and ethnic eateries.

Their tours are about more than just the food. They offer you a side dish of the interesting history and culture of three amazing San Francisco neighborhoods. Their guides are the best darn storytellers in the business. Their goal is to provide an exceptional food and culture experience so our guests can revisit the neighborhoods with confidence and take advantage of the array of food and cultural options they have to offer. 

Source:  Sidewalk Food Tours of San Francisco

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

We had an amazing time discovering the Mission. Who would have known. Our awesome Tour Guide, Spud is a local to the area and travel writer. His unique perspective and stories enhanced the experience. The stops had unique qualities and I tried new dishes. It was an easy walking tour, weather was perfect, it was safe, and the other guests were a blast. Highly recommend for local or visitor!!   🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

San Francisco Ghosts

Google Reviews: 4.9 stars (162)

Tour operator

Source:San Francisco Ghosts

You don’t have to believe in ghosts, but you probably will after San Francisco’s premier ghost tour. 

San Francisco Ghosts provides an unforgettably eerie journey into San Francisco’s hidden past as they reveal today’s frightening and persistent hauntings often experienced by Golden Gate City’s locals – and the guests on tour. Their unique collection of captivating, tragic, and true stories reveals what makes San Francisco the most haunted city in California.

From the Gold Rush to the Golden Gate Bridge, these nightly ghost tours will keep you on your toes and show you the ghostly bizarre side of San Francisco. Their expert local guides will tell you about the terrible night that led to Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle’s blacklisting from the film industry.

Source:San Francisco Ghosts

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

this tour was amazing! I did an 8:00 walking tour with two of my friends last minute as visitors of San Francisco for the first time,  and it was super fun walking around, but also really informative and the sights were beautiful. Jamie was the best tour guide, super approachable, passionate, and has the best storytelling voice and ability!!! the hills are as steep as they say tho so wear sneakers!

Free SF Tour

Google Reviews: 5.0 stars (757)

Sightseeing tour agency

Source: Free SF Tour

Free SF Tour provides walking tours are voted the Top Free Walking Tours in the USA and North America for 3 years straight. Their guided walking tours are in English and Spanish run every day, rain or shine.

Free SF Tour is a member of the Free Tour Community, a global network of independent local initiatives operating in the pay-what-you-wish model. They are committed to support each other in delivering top-quality cultural experiences and promote the free tour concept throughout the world.

Get a perfectly friendly introduction to San Francisco – the city of gold-diggers, influential women, tech revolution, buried ships, earthquakes, amazing people and events. With passionate real people, no-nonsense, friendly guides; started 7 years ago by Filip Todd, a local guide who wants you to fall in love with San Francisco – The City by the Bay.

Source: Free SF Tour

What travelers say about their experience with this Travel Agency San Francisco

Absolutely brilliant tour with Filip on our first full day in San Francisco, and it was SO much better than we could have imagined. Filip’s immense passion for the city and the great depth of his knowledge are apparent from the outset, and his enthusiasm in sharing his knowledge and his storytelling abilities are a joy to experience. The 2.5 hours seem to pass by in a flash, with not a boring moment. There are plenty of places to stop and listen, and also a toilet break for those who need it, so put on some comfortable shoes, bring water, sunnies, a cap/hat, possibly a jacket and an umbrella (this is SF, after all!) and prepare to immerse yourself in an utterly absorbing introduction to this fascinating city. Filip delves into marvellous detail about how the city came into being, the gold rush, the French connection, the origins of Chinatown, politics, earthquakes, the impact of the bay, all the way to the present cost of living, recessions, Silicon Valley, diversity and thoughts for the future. I cannot recommend this enough! Thanks Filip, this is probably the best walking tour we have ever done.

Get a FREE DOWNLOAD of all the Top Rating Travel Agencies in San Francisco as a Google Maps and easily find a local guide to match your style >> Top Rated Travel Agency San Francisco | 10 Best Local Tours 

Conclusion

Skipping the crowded tourist spots and opting for an authentic local tour is not a bad idea if you’re seeking an exceptional experience in San Francisco. Choose a tour niche you like and follow the local guide to delve deeper into the city’s unique culture and uncover hidden gems that often go unnoticed by tourists. 

Many tours in San Francisco provide an opportunity to interact with knowledgeable local guides who can share fascinating stories and anecdotes about the city’s history, architecture, and local traditions.

By venturing off the beaten path, travelers can truly immerse themselves in the diverse neighborhoods, local cuisine, and vibrant arts scene that make San Francisco one of a kind.

If you want more travel agency San Francisco information, You can search and find over 400 Travel Agencies in San Francisco on North America’s first agent network.

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