San Francisco is a city that is always alive, no matter what time of day or night it is. There are always things to do and places to go, regardless of your mood or interests. If you’re looking for some fun night activities in San Francisco, look no further.

We’ve put together a list of the best things to do after dark in the City by the Bay. From night tours to cruises, there’s something for everyone. So put on your party pants and get ready for a night you’ll never forget!

Night Tours in San Francisco 

One of the best ways to see San Francisco is by night! There are a variety of different tours you can take, all of which offer a unique perspective on the city.

You’ll discover excursions ranging from eerie ghost walks to our famed sunset bay cruises, as well as activities that include food, beverages, or both.

Here are 7 of our favorite tours in San Francisco you can try:

1. Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz tour is the most popular San Francisco night excursion. This, in my opinion, is the finest way to get a true sense of Alcatraz. The number of visitors on the Alcatraz night excursions is limited. This permits them to open up numerous more jail places for you to visit.

The Alcatraz night tour begins with a brief summary of what to anticipate from a park ranger after you exit the ferry at Pier 33. This is the same as the daytime version, but it also offers information on extra activities for that evening. After the ranger’s talk, you are free to explore the island at your own pace. The best way to see everything is with a self-guided audio tour (which is included in your ticket price). Make sure to visit the cell block, which is only open during the night tours. This is where Al Capone was once incarcerated.

Keep in mind though that getting tickets for the night trips is a challenge. They only run a few of evenings a week, with one or two ferries every night. They not only have a limited timetable, but they also only take about 300 passengers every trip. This makes for a more intimate visitor experience, but it also means that these tickets are in high demand. 

The limited availability of these tickets and this tour add to the uniqueness of the trip. It is an experience that you cannot have anywhere else. So, make sure to book your tickets in advance. 

2. Night Segway Tour 

This fun guided segway tour takes you around the streets of San Francisco at night. They also provide a 40 to 45-minute training session to kick off your adventure. This will guarantee that you are completely at ease with your segway before hitting the streets. 

The tour starts in Union Square and takes you through Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District. You will also get to see the Ferry Building, Coit Tower, and Transamerica Pyramid lit up at night. The tour ends with a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss.

3. The Love Night Tour 

This 2-hour trip is more expensive than the others, but it is certain to be an unforgettable experience. 

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The vehicle that will take you to the sites is a 1970s Volkswagen Bus that has been restored to its hippie-era appearance. The trip is limited to only 6 people, so you’ll get to know one another while learning about the city. 

The tour starts with dinner at one of San Francisco’s best restaurants.  After dinner, you will be chauffeured around the city to see some of San Francisco’s most popular sights. Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina District, the Presidio, the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Haight & Ashbury, the Castro District, Mission District, Chinatown, Little Italy, North Beach, and more will be covered. 

Most importantly, because this is a little car, you will get the opportunity to drive along Lombard Street, the world’s curviest street!

4. Sunset Photography Tour 

San Francisco is a beautiful city, and there is no better time to see it than at sunset. This tour will take you to some of the best spots in the city to get that perfect sunset shot.

At sunset, you’ll travel out to numerous locations surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge to capture the ideal shot. You will learn about composition, lighting, and other photography tips from your professional photographer guide. They will also help you with any camera settings if you are unsure. So don’t forget to bring your camera, and your professional photographer will assist you in capturing the occasion. 

The trip lasts roughly 3 hours and is available most nights of the week.

5. Double Decker San Francisco Night Tour 

This next night tour is for you if you want to kick back and relax while taking in the sights of San Francisco.

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This unique tour takes place on an open-air, double-decker bus. The tour lasts for two hours, you’ll get to see all of the landmarks and attractions that San Francisco is famous for from the top of a double-decker bus.

You’ll view the Bay Bridge Lights as you ride through North Beach and past Chinatown. A journey through Union Square, up California Street, and past the Palace of Fine Arts is included in this tour.  You will also get to see the Golden Gate Bridge from a different perspective, as you’ll be on top of it.

6. San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour 

This walking tour is for those who are interested in the supernatural side of San Francisco. The tour starts in Union Square and takes you to some of the most haunted places in the city.

You’ll hear stories about ghosts, murders, and other macabre tales as you walk through Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District. Some of the stops on the tour include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Haight-Ashbury district.

The tour lasts for two hours, and it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

7. San Francisco Downtown Craft Cocktails 

San Francisco’s cocktail industry is thriving, and this tour is a great opportunity to learn more about it. Your trip begins at Pacific Cocktail Haven in Union Square, where you will receive a briefing on bitters. 

After that, you’ll sip a beverage before heading off to try cocktails at two more places. Along the route, you’ll make a few stops to learn more about the Union Square District and discover some of its hidden beauties. 

Your tour guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about the city’s cocktail scene. The tour lasts for two and a half hours, and it includes three cocktails and light snacks.

Fun Activities to do at night in San Francisco 

Aside from tours,  there are many other fun activities to do at night in San Francisco. Here are a few more activities you can do: 

1. Go on a Dinner Cruise 

A dinner cruise around the Bay is one of the nicest ways to spend an evening in San Francisco.  You’ll get to see the city skyline as you dine on a delicious meal. There are several different dinner cruises to choose from, so you can find one that fits your budget and taste.

One of the famous cruises that offers dinner trips is Hornblower Cruises. Hornblower Cruises delivers excellent service at a reasonable price, whether eating with a personal friend or a business acquaintance. Private charters for business gatherings and weddings are also available through this dinner cruise company.

2. Visit the Bay Bridge 

The Bay Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks, and there’s no better time to see it than at night.  The bridge is lit up with 25,000 LED lights that change colors, creating a beautiful light show.

You can walk or drive across the bridge to get a closer look at the lights. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even bike across the bridge. Just be sure to wear reflective clothing and use caution when crossing the busy highway.

3. Walk around Chinatown 

Chinatown is one of the most atmospheric neighborhoods in San Francisco. It’s also one of the safest places to walk around at night.

When you’re exploring Chinatown, be sure to stop by some of the shops and restaurants. You’ll find everything from souvenirs to authentic Chinese cuisine. If you want to experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, you can visit the Chinatown Tea House. The teahouse offers a variety of different teas, as well as light snacks.

4. Go Museum hopping 

If you’re looking for something to do at night, why not visit one of these museums?

The Museum of Modern Art is one of the most popular museums in San Francisco. It’s known for its contemporary art collection, which includes works by Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.

If you’re interested in history, you can visit the Museum of the City of San Francisco. Themuseum has exhibits on the city’s Gold Rush days, as well as its more recent past. For a truly unique experience, you can visit the Musee Mecanique. This museum is home to over 200 antique arcade games and mechanical musical instruments.

Conclusion 

As you can see, there are plenty of fun activities to do at night in San Francisco. Whether you’re interested in tours, museums, or just walking around the city, you’re sure to find something to do that suits your interests. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore San Francisco.

Featured Image: Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash