North Beach Walking Pub Tour
San Francisco, USA





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
-
Tour snapshot
From Beatniks to Blues masters, drunken sailors, hardened fishermen, and karaoke kings, North Beach is full of colourful, local identities and fanciful folk heroes. Find out about them over an Anchor Steam ale on this San Francisco tour that will get you talking.
-
Highlights
- Discover San Francisco’s best bars with a local guide
- Rub shoulders with literary masters on of North Beach's best boho cafés
- Stroll through the colourful streets of North Beach
- Try an Anchor Steam ale or the famous local wines
- Learn about North Beach’s colourful history
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point:
In front of Vesuvio Café, 255 Columbus Avenue
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 7.00 PM
- Ending point:
Washington Square
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, one drink (choice of beer, wine, or soft drink).
Exclusions: Food, additional drinks, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Discover San Francisco’s best bars, pubs, and cafes on this laid-back walking tour of North Beach. Kick off this San Francisco pub tour at the a hip little joint famous for its literary gatherings, which inspired several Beat generation writers. Get a taste of Anchor Steam ale, which has been made in the city since 1896, or try one of California’s world-class wines from the nearby Sonoma and Napa Valley. Still a local favorite, this bohemian café has a fantastic array of photos of writers, actors and artist adorning the walls.
Hit the pavement and head off into North Beach, one of San Francisco's most vibrant neighbourhoods. A beach no more, the area was settled upon landfill, including hundreds of abandoned ships left after the 1849 gold rush. Once home to fortune seekers, local fisherman, international sailors, and writers, North Beach still maintains a distinctly bohemian and Italian flair, which means it's nothing short of fascintating to take a walk through, especially with a local!
On this San Francisco night tour, we'll explore a number of local bars and cafes, from a bar decked out with sea faring trinkets left behind by sailors, to the city’s oldest watering hole with its colourful mix of locals and its thriving big Blues music scene. Sip on an espresso while experiencing the atmosphere of a traditional Italian café, complete with red leather booths and a classic jukebox spinning 45s. Later, there’s even a chance to serenade the house at a local karaoke bar!
End your San Francisco tour at Washington Square, a local hub that’s well connected to public transport, or an ideal spot if you want to continue exploring North Beach’s wealth of cafés, bars, and restaurants independently. Your guide will be happy to provide some excellent local suggestions to continue exploring, or give you some directions back to your accommodation.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, one drink (choice of beer, wine, or soft drink).
Exclusions: Food, additional drinks, tips or gratuities for your guide.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: All participants must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid photo ID. Any traveller who cannot produce ID proof of age at the beginning of the trip will not be permitted to travel on the trip.
-
Local contact
BACK TO TOP