Shore Excursions in San Francisco, California

Discover 404 amazing shore excursions in San Francisco, California

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About San Francisco Cruise Port

San Francisco is one of America's most beautiful and iconic cities, serving as a major cruise port on the West Coast. This stunning city offers a perfect blend of historic charm, excellent cuisine, world-class attractions, and beautiful natural setting. San Francisco's cruise port features two main terminals (Pier 27 and Pier 35), both located right on the waterfront, with easy access to major attractions. San Francisco is a dock port, meaning cruise ships dock directly at the terminals. The port is located just minutes from excellent shopping, restaurants, and major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. San Francisco offers an incredible blend of history, culture, excellent cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, making it a perfect starting point or destination for cruise passengers.

Exploring San Francisco and Nearby Areas

San Francisco City Center

A vibrant area featuring excellent shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The city center is easily accessible from the cruise port and offers a perfect introduction to San Francisco.

Fisherman's Wharf

A famous waterfront area featuring excellent seafood, shops, and attractions. Fisherman's Wharf is easily accessible from the cruise port and offers a perfect introduction to San Francisco.

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Key Facts About San Francisco Cruise Port

Port Type

Dock Port

Shore Excursions

404+ Available

Location

California

Major Landmarks

2 Must-See Attractions

Quick Facts

  • Walking Distance: Most attractions within 5-15 minutes from port
  • Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with peak season in summer months
  • Language: English widely spoken, local language also common
  • Currency: Local currency accepted, credit cards widely used

Top 2 Must-See Landmarks in San Francisco

  1. 1 Golden Gate Bridge

    One of the world's most iconic bridges, offering stunning views of San Francisco Bay. The bridge is easily accessible from the cruise port and provides excellent photo opportunities. View tours to Golden Gate Bridge →

  2. 2 Alcatraz Island

    A historic former prison located on an island in San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz is accessible via organized tours and offers fascinating insights into American history. View tours to Alcatraz Island →

Top Landmarks in San Francisco - Quick Comparison

Landmark Distance from Port Visit Time Highlights
Golden Gate Bridge Walking distance 30-60 minutes One of the world's most iconic bridges, offering stunning views of San Francisco Bay. The bridge is easily accessible from the cruise port and provides excellent photo opportunities. View tours →
Alcatraz Island Walking distance 30-60 minutes A historic former prison located on an island in San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz is accessible via organized tours and offers fascinating insights into American history. View tours →

Popular Activities in San Francisco, California

Understanding Cruise Port Terminology

Dock Port
A dock port means your cruise ship can dock directly at the terminal, allowing you to walk directly from the ship to the pier. This makes disembarkation faster and more convenient. San Francisco is a dock port, making it easy to explore independently.
Shore Excursion
A shore excursion is a tour or activity that you can book to explore the port of call during your cruise. These excursions are designed specifically for cruise passengers and typically include transportation, guides, and a guarantee to return you to your ship on time.
All Aboard Time
All aboard time is the latest time you must be back on your cruise ship before it departs. It's typically 30-60 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure time. Always plan to return to the port at least 1 hour before all aboard time to ensure you don't miss your ship.
Meeting Point
The meeting point is the specific location where your shore excursion group will gather before the tour begins. This is typically near the cruise port terminal or in the main town center. Your booking confirmation will include the exact meeting point address and directions.

Getting Around San Francisco

San Francisco's cruise port is located right on the waterfront. The city has an excellent public transportation system including cable cars, buses, and ferries. The city is very walkable. Organized shore excursions are excellent for first-time visitors.

Local Culture & Highlights of San Francisco

San Francisco offers a perfect blend of American culture, featuring excellent cuisine, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and fall (September-November).

Top-Rated Shore Excursions in San Francisco, California

San Francisco Bay Cruise in San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Cruise

You haven’t fully experienced San Francisco until you’ve taken a Bay Cruise. This popular 1-hour excursion heads underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, around…

4.4★ (310) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Love Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco Love Tour

For an unforgettable City Sightseeing tour, hitch a ride in a 1970's VW Hippie bus. This is an authentic and…

4.9★ (2813) Price varies by date
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San Francisco CityPASSÂŽ in San Francisco

San Francisco CityPASSÂŽ

Experience 4 must-see attractions and save up to 46% with San Francisco CityPASSÂŽ tickets. One simple purchase removes the stress…

4.5★ (365) Price varies by date
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Hidden Stairways of San Francisco in San Francisco

Hidden Stairways of San Francisco

Please note: this walk is not at all strenuous. Obviously there's some stairs but this is done at a leisurely…

5.0★ (241) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

On this guided food tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown, you will taste five different mouthwatering delights. Three of the tastings…

4.9★ (136) Price varies by date
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Private City Tour of San Francisco in San Francisco

Private City Tour of San Francisco

Enjoy a guided 3 hour city tour which can be customized to suit your preferred locations. Our standard tour includes…

4.9★ (107) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Bike Rental in San Francisco

San Francisco Bike Rental

Fall in love with all that San Francisco has to offer as you bike around and explore the area at…

3.8★ (31) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Private City Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco Private City Tour

San Francisco offers myriad possibilities to explore. Additionally, you can customize your itinerary on this private half-day tour. Let a personal guide lead…

4.7★ (56) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer in San Francisco

San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Arrival Private Transfer

Book your Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco hotel or address. Don't go through all…

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San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer in San Francisco

San Francisco to San Francisco Airport (SFO) - Departure Private Transfer

Book your Private Departure Transfer from San Francisco hotel or address to San Francisco Airport (SFO). Don't go through all…

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San Francisco Port to San Francisco Airport SFO -Private Transfer in San Francisco

San Francisco Port to San Francisco Airport SFO -Private Transfer

Book your Private Departure Transfer from San Francisco Cruise Terminal hotel or address to San Francisco Airport (SFO). Don't go…

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San Francisco Airport SFO to San Francisco Port -Private Transfer in San Francisco

San Francisco Airport SFO to San Francisco Port -Private Transfer

Book your Private Arrival Transfer from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco Cruise Terminal hotel or address. Don't go…

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San Francisco Airport to or from San Francisco in San Francisco

San Francisco Airport to or from San Francisco

* One-way Private transfer between San Francisco International Airport to or from your San Francisco destination. * Ride in style…

4.8★ (4) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Transfer in San Francisco

San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Book your Private Round-Trip Transfer from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco hotel or address and return. Don't go…

5.0★ (1) Price varies by date
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Classic Sidecar Tour of San Francisco in San Francisco

Classic Sidecar Tour of San Francisco

Welcome to the most side-splitting San Francisco adventure! Buckle up for a classic sidecar ride, where you'll feel like a…

5.0★ (51) Price varies by date
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San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to and from the San Francisco in San Francisco

San Francisco Airport 1-Way Transfer to and from the San Francisco

Book a reliable and punctual airport transfer in advance of your arrival at San Francisco International Airport and travel in…

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San Francisco AirportSFO to San Francisco port RoundTrip Transfer in San Francisco

San Francisco AirportSFO to San Francisco port RoundTrip Transfer

Book your Private Round-Trip Transfer from San Francisco Airport (SFO) to San Francisco Cruise Terminal hotel or address and return.…

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Private Transfer from San Francisco (SFO) Airport to San Francisco City in San Francisco

Private Transfer from San Francisco (SFO) Airport to San Francisco City

Take the worry out of your arrival to San Francisco (SFO) Airport and pre-book a private transfer to suit your…

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San Francisco city tour in San Francisco

San Francisco city tour

Enjoy the best of San Francisco and its restaurants!! A 4hs or tour visiting the most awesome places in the…

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Private Transfer from San Francisco City to San Francisco (SFO) Airport in San Francisco

Private Transfer from San Francisco City to San Francisco (SFO) Airport

Take the worry out of your departure to San Francisco Airport and pre-book a private transfer to suit your group…

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San Francisco Airport to or from San Jose in San Francisco

San Francisco Airport to or from San Jose

* One-way Private transfer between San Francisco International Airport to and from your San Jose destination. * Ride in luxury…

4.0★ (1) Price varies by date
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Private San Francisco Transfer in San Francisco

Private San Francisco Transfer

San Francisco is one of the main cultural and financial center of the western United States. It is also one…

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San Francisco Restaurant Week in San Francisco

San Francisco Restaurant Week

If you are In the City and Looking To Enjoy a Great Evening, Allow The Chiefton Group to Be Your…

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Vacation Photographer in San Francisco in San Francisco

Vacation Photographer in San Francisco

Localgrapher is the largest network of professional photographers and videographers with more than 600 destinations around the globe! Book your…

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Port Map & Terminal Information San Francisco, California

San Francisco is strategically located in California, making it an ideal cruise port for exploring the region. The port area provides easy access to San Francisco's main attractions, with most landmarks and points of interest within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the terminal. Whether you're interested in historical sites, beautiful beaches, or local culture, San Francisco offers convenient access to a wide variety of experiences.

Port Terminals

  • Pier 27

    Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.

  • Pier 35

    Most tours meet at or near this terminal. Your booking confirmation will include specific meeting point details.

Getting to Your Meeting Point

  • 📍 From Ship: Most tours meet within walking distance of the cruise terminals. Allow 5-10 minutes to walk from your ship to the meeting point.
  • 📍 Meeting Point: Your exact meeting point will be clearly indicated in your booking confirmation email.
  • 📍 Look for: Tour operators typically hold signs with the tour name or company name.
  • 📍 If Lost: Contact the tour operator using the phone number provided in your confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shore Excursions in San Francisco

What are the best shore excursions in San Francisco?

There are 404+ amazing shore excursions available in San Francisco. Popular activities include Tours & Sightseeing in San Francisco, Day Trips & Excursions in San Francisco, Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and many more in San Francisco. From guided tours and cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and water activities, San Francisco offers something for every type of cruise passenger.

How many shore excursions are available in San Francisco?

There are 404+ shore excursions available in San Francisco. These include guided tours, day trips, outdoor activities, water sports, cultural experiences, and more. Browse our complete selection of San Francisco shore excursions to find the perfect experience for your cruise stop.