Do I need to purchase my tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is strongly suggested as our San Francisco film tours often sell out quickly. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets may be purchased with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.
I’m not a big movie buff. Will I still like the San Francisco Movie Tours?
This tour is a great way to see the city, even if you are not a movie fan. This is certainly the only sightseeing tour you will need to take of San Francisco. Depending on the tour selected, the route weaves its way through many famous San Francisco neighborhoods, including Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Financial District, Nob Hill, Union Square, Civic Center, Alamo Square/Painted Ladies, The Presidio, Fort Point/Golden Gate Bridge, and Pacific Heights. Whether it’s San Francisco’s historic bridges, unique neighborhoods, beautiful homes or natural beauty, you’ll see why filmmakers continue to find the perfect backdrops for their movies in San Francisco.
Is the tour family friendly?
Our tour is the most family-friendly city tour you can take in San Francisco. Depending on the tour chosen, the route includes locations from Mrs. Doubtfire, The Princess Diaries, Full House, George of the Jungle, Dr. Doolittle, Hulk, and X-Men 3.
What will we see on the tour?
We’ve compiled a database of over 200 movie scenes from more than 100 movies filmed in San Francisco – you see locations from these movies while you watch clips from them. This is the only city tour you will need to take in San Francisco. Depending on the tour chosen, we visit all the major neighborhoods in the city, including Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Nob Hill, Union Square, Civic Center, Alamo Square, The Presidio, Fort Point/Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Heights.
Are gift cards available?
Yes, gift cards are available and make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays, or any other occasion!
Are private group tours available?
Yes! If you’re looking to do something unique for a company outing, party, or gathering, you’ve come to the right place. We can personalize a tour to fit the wishes of your group – our staff specializes in planning half and full day custom tours. We can include a delicious lunch and shopping or even a wine tasting tour in Napa Valley. We also offer ground transportation services. Please visit the Groups Page for more information.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The starting point is directly in front of the Red and White Fleet terminal on Pier 43 1/2 on Fisherman’s Wharf (details will be provided upon purchasing tickets). Note that we do not have a retail spot at this location, so our bus will pull up to this location 10-15 minutes prior to the tour start time.
What kind of vehicle is used?
We use a 13-passenger Ford Transit van with a large screen at the front designed to provide the ultimate movie tour experience and the ability to get to locations that other larger bus companies cannot.
Is there a restroom on the bus?
No, unfortunately, the bus does not have a restroom, but there are restrooms available along the tour route.
What happens if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, but we suggest you dress appropriately for the day’s weather as we do make several stops for photo opportunities.
How long is the tour?
They are two or three hours long depending on the tour chosen.
Do I have to buy a ticket for a young child?
For children ages five to 17, you should purchase a reduced price child ticket. Children four years old and younger may attend for free but will not be guaranteed their own seat and may need to sit in the lap of a parent or guardian. Please let us know if you will be bringing any young children when purchasing your tickets.
Is there an age requirement on this tour?
There is no age requirement. Please note that children under the age of five are free, but must stay in a parent’s lap if open seats are not available.
Will we stop along the way?
Yes, each of our tours includes restroom breaks, as well as numerous photo opportunities.
Do you make provisions for handicapped guests?
Yes. There is never a point in the tour where you have to walk from Point A to Point B to complete the tour. The steps into the bus are shallow and there are handrails on each side of the door entrance to assist with getting on the bus. The bus is not equipped with a lift and we ask that you notify us in advance if you need to bring a wheelchair with you so we may make arrangements for storage.
May I bring my dog?
We adore dogs, but know they will not be comfortable on our tours; however, we can work with you to make accommodations for service dogs.
Are food and drink included on the tour? Can I bring my own?
There is no food and drink included on the tour, but feel free to bring something of your own to eat/drink if it is neat and you’re sure to remove all garbage from the bus at the end of the tour. However, alcohol is prohibited on the bus.
Will I run into a movie star?
It is possible but unlikely. But, we keep our eyes open. Of course, we use professional actors and comedians as guides, so maybe you’ll recognize your guide in the next television show or movie you watch.
Is there movie trivia?
Of course! We entertain you with trivia about your favorite films, actors, and directors. Here’s an example: According to one biography, Robin Williams decided to test out the believability of his Mrs. Doubtfire character during filming by going – as Mrs. Doubtfire – into an adult bookstore and making a purchase. He was able to do so without being recognized. And one more: During the filming of The Rock, Sean Connery insisted the producers build a cabin for him on Alcatraz as he didn’t want to travel from the mainland to the island every day; he got what he asked for.
Are the tours conducted in languages other than English?
At this time, the tours are only conducted in English; however, due to the popularity of Hollywood movie culture worldwide, we are planning to offer tours in various languages soon. Stay tuned!
Can I take pictures on the tour?
Absolutely. We welcome it and provide numerous opportunities for fantastic San Francisco photos. Feel free to take along your camcorders and cameras to capture the sites of San Francisco. Keep in mind that the tour is copyrighted by Carpe Diem Ventures, LLC so the content cannot be used commercially without permission.
Is there parking available nearby?
Most street parking is limited to one hour, so we suggest using one of the nearby parking garages. There are a number of garages near the main pickup location at Fisherman’s Wharf. We also suggest the use of SpotHero.com (www.SpotHero.com) to help find parking locations. In your search, use the address of the Boudin Bakery (160 Jefferson Street, SF, CA 94133) located very close to our meeting location.