Fisherman's Wharf Hidden Gems Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Overview
This is not your typical Fisherman’s Wharf tour. Forget the souvenir shops and the barking sea lions of Pier 39, you can visit those on your own. Instead, we invite you to step away from the neon signs and "tourist traps" to discover the gritty, authentic, and hidden history of San Francisco’s northern waterfront. From military outposts to the birth of sourdough, join us for a deep dive into the stories that truly shaped the City by the Bay. Our journey spans from the industrial legacy of Ghirardelli to the historic ramparts of Fort Mason, uncovering the deep-rooted fishing heritage and immigrant stories that define the neighborhood's true soul.
What's Included
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise if Option Selected ($74 value)
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise if NOT Selected
- Guide Gratuity
Meeting Location
801 Beach Street
San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
160 Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Tour ends at Boudin Bakery.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Fisherman’s Wharf
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Ghirardelli Square
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Fort Mason
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Boudin at the Wharf
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Golden Gate Bridge
1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids ages 7+ are allowed on the bay cruise. We DO NOT allow any children ages 6 or younger on the boat.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Fisherman’s Wharf Hidden Gems Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-476004P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Enjoy two Classic Same Day San Francisco experiences in one day — a visit inside Alcatraz Island and an additional same day sightseeing Golden Gate...
$130
2.5 Hours in an eco friendly Electric Tuk Tuk. No more than 6 guests makes this a personalized experience. This is the ultimate insider tour...
$91
Step off the beaten path with Sammy’s SF Fun Tricks! Explore San Francisco and Napa like never before—with laughter, insider stories, and unforgettable photo ops....
$150
Enjoy the best of both worlds on this award-winning tour—begin your day with a peaceful stroll through the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument,...
$199
Enjoy two Classic Same Day San Francisco experiences in one day — a visit inside Alcatraz Island and an additional same day sightseeing Golden Gate...
$130
2.5 Hours in an eco friendly Electric Tuk Tuk. No more than 6 guests makes this a personalized experience. This is the ultimate insider tour...
$91
Step off the beaten path with Sammy’s SF Fun Tricks! Explore San Francisco and Napa like never before—with laughter, insider stories, and unforgettable photo ops....
$150
San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
Enjoy the best of both worlds on this award-winning tour—begin your day with a peaceful stroll through the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument,...
$199
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
San Francisco Golden Gate Bay Cruise
Experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront with the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise company, family owned and operated since 1892. Departing from Pier 43½ at...
$39
See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning...
$56
San Francisco City Lights Cruise
See San Francisco sparkle on the San Francisco City Lights Cruise, a relaxing 2-hour evening cruise on the Bay. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge,...
$58
Brave San Francisco’s dark and ghostly past on a real ghost hunt down historic alleys. You’ll use modern ghost hunting gear, including your own EMF...
$55
Experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront with the original San Francisco Bay sightseeing cruise company, family owned and operated since 1892. Departing from Pier 43½ at...
$39
See San Francisco’s top sights the easy way with Big Bus Tours. We offer the most comprehensive tour with over 17 hop-on hop-off locations spanning...
$56
See San Francisco sparkle on the San Francisco City Lights Cruise, a relaxing 2-hour evening cruise on the Bay. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge,...
$58
Brave San Francisco’s dark and ghostly past on a real ghost hunt down historic alleys. You’ll use modern ghost hunting gear, including your own EMF...
$55
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise if Option Selected ($74 value).
- English Speaking Tour Guide.
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise if NOT Selected.
- Guide Gratuity.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Fisherman's Wharf Hidden Gems Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Fisherman’s Wharf Hidden Gems Tour + Golden Gate Bay Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise if Option Selected ($74 value)
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise if NOT Selected
- Guide Gratuity
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Kids ages 7+ are allowed on the bay cruise. We DO NOT allow any children ages 6 or younger on the boat.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
