Favorite San Francisco Excursions
Below, you’ll find links to tried and true experience providers, but this is just a taste. We have contacts for helicopter rides, seaplanes, sailboats... whatever you fancy.
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Hop on, Hop off to Explore the City!
If you’ve never taken a Big Bus tour, you are missing out! In a City like San Francisco, with limited parking and heart pumping hills, you’ll appreciate the flexibility of the Hop On - Hop Off ticket. Learn about the City’s history from the on-board commentary, then hop off and explore.
Book the tickets through our Big Bus Portal to get your 10% discount.
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San Francisco is beautiful by day… but at night? Exquisite! The Big Bus Night Tour takes you past all the City’s landmarks and across our famous bridges for spectacular views of the City lights. The audio commentary is a terrific introduction to our historic city. Book your tickets on our Big Bus Portal.
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New park rules limit require advance permits for very limited parking. Skip the hassle, and take the Big Bus tour instead! Begin your journey with a 45 minute fully narrated, scenic drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Arrive at Muir Woods National Forest with 1.5 hours to stroll the gentle walking trails through one of California’s oldest redwood groves.
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The hop on and hop off map is in red, and the night tour is in blue. See map.
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Eight-hour tour stops at renowned Napa Valley and Sonoma Wineries for wine tasting, learning about winemaking techniques, and shopping for wines and souvenirs in local shops in Yountville or Sonoma Square Plaza. Stops at 3 wineries; includes free time for lunch in Napa or Sonoma Square. See more information at Grayline Tours.
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Enjoy a whole day with a small group in a 15 passenger Sprinter van. Start with a 90-minute stroll through the majestic Armstrong Redwood grove (even older, bigger trees than Muir Woods) then visit two wineries for a picnic lunch and wine tasting.
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This 8 hour day starts with a stroll through the coastal sequoias in the Armstrong Grove. Then visit Kendall Jackson gardens and winery for a 4-course lunch and wine pairing.
Wine & Dine with Best Bay Area Tours
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Dylan takes you on a full day excursion to Napa and Sonoma valleys. Enjoy a stop in Napa, experience vineyards in both regions, and explore the historic Sonoma Plaza.
Saturdays only is a late start wine tour with complimentary mimosas.
ARG10 for 10% off at Dylan’s Famous Tours.
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This premium service is for the well seasoned Wine Country visitor and those looking to fill a wine cellar. A private driver will take you on a 6-8 hour tasting journey to wineries of your choice.
Contact us to make private arrangements. Or book it yourself here!
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Unwind and soak up the stunning scenery as you journey north into the world-famous Napa Valley, one of the most prized wine regions of Northern California. During your venture, enjoy wine tasting and exclusive estate tours of our most favored wineries!
Book your tickets on our Big Bus Portal.
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Escape the city on this full-day Muir Woods + Wine Country Tour to discover some of Northern California's most beautiful destinations.
Book your tickets on our Big Bus Portal.
Wine Tasting Tours
Our Private Tours
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Our super secret tour features homes and spaces that were important in the lives of San Francisco's most notorious 60's icons.
Book your tour here!
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Visit distinct neighborhoods and historical landmarks across San Francisco on this deluxe and personalized private tour!
Book your tour here!
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Extend your tour of San Francisco landmarks and sights to head across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands and Muir Woods. Stop for an ice cream or snacks in Sausalito.
Book you tour here!
Performance
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San Francisco Ballet is the oldest ballet company in the United States, founded in 1933 as the San Francisco Opera Ballet. It operates out of the beautiful War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco.
The current artistic director is Spanish Ballet Dancer, Tamara Rojo.
Come see what the SF Ballet has to offer and view showtimes at the
San Francisco Ballet site.
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Club Fugazi is a small but iconic San Francisco theatre and venue located in North Beach.
The 7 Fingers artistic collective released the extremely popular, Dear San Francisco, that fan’s simply cannot get enough of.
Powered by mind-blowing circus acts, live original music, and more, the historic Club Fugazi—former home of Beach Blanket Babylon—is delighting audiences ages 5 to 105.
Go to Club Fugazi click "Enter Promo Code” near the calendar before selecting a performance date, and enter ArgoSentMe.
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The Davies Symphony Hall is the concert hall portion of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, constructed in 1980.
This venue is known for it’s wonderful acoustics and it is the home of the renowned SF Symphony.
Check out the performance calendar on the SF Symphony site.
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San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre has been a popular theatre venue in the SF Civic Center District since 1926.
Owned by BroadwaySF, and a sister-venue to the Golden Gate Theatre, visitors of San Francisco come to the Orpheum to get a taste of Broadway on the west-coast!
Check out the Orpheum Theatre site for more information on showtimes and tickets.
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The Golden Gate Theatre originally opened it’s doors in 1922 and operated for a long time as a movie theatre until it was restored and reopened in 1979 as the performance venue we all know and love today.
Owned by BroadwaySF, and a sister-venue to the Orpheum Theatre, visitors of San Francisco come to the GGT to get a taste of Broadway on the west-coast!
Check out the Golden Gate Theatre site for more information on showtimes and tickets.
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Begin your journey with a 45 minute fully narrated, scenic drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Arrive at Muir Woods National Forest with 1.5 hours to stroll the gentle walking trails through one of California’s oldest redwood groves. Includes park admission. Ride through Sausalito on the return. Book on the Big Bus site.
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Gray Line with Sausalito Stop
Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach with a professional tour guide includes:
-Admission to Muir Woods
-90 min free time in the Muir Wood National Park
-60 min free time in Sausalito
-Return Ferry to San Francisco from Sausalito (if the option is selected)
Get tickets at GrayLine; enter code HOTELARGONAUT (no space) for a 10% discount.
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Highly Rated - Dylan's Famous Tours
Dylan’s microbus tours get consistently high ratings — and we are pleased they are giving our guests a 10% discount on their Muir Woods & Sausalito tour. Add Alcatraz if it’s available! Visit Dylan’s Tours and use code Arg10
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Our private driver will take you to Muir Woods on your own schedule. Add a jaunt to Muir Beach, shopping in Sausalito, or lunch in Tiburon. This is $90/hour, six hour minimum. Contact us for more information.
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Getting to Muir Woods requires making advance reservations and getting a parking permit. See important information here at: Go Muir Woods.
Muir Woods & Sausalito
Hands-on Fun for Kids
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20,000 aquatic animals are waiting to greet you at the Bay aquarium. Walk through massive tunnels of sharks, bat rays, and swirling schools of anchovies; get a hands-on experience touching sea stars, anemones and bat rays; and delight in the antics of our four playful North American river otters. Just down the way near Pier 39.
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This hands-on science museum is a favorite local destination for families with kids of all ages. Here, you don’t look at exhibits—you play with them. Dance with your own shadow, levitate, touch a tornado, mix colors and break light apart, stop time, start a conversation, capture a wave, explode your mind; it all can (and does) happen here.
See more at the Exploratorium site.
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Planetarium. Rainforest. Aquarium. AN ALBINO ALLIGATOR. I mean… this place is incredible. Visit the lionfish and jelly fish in the basement, and then head into the top of the forest canopy where the blue morpho butterflies alight on a still shoulder. It’s for kids age 99 and younger. See more at CalAcademy.
PS: Did we mention penguins?
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Create and learn in several art and design studios, plus animation and music labs. It’s a pretty fun space for kids age 2 -12. Bonus - the complex includes a bowling alley, ice rink and a super fun playground with big, tall slides.
Visit the Children’s Creativity Museum site for more information.
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This is a 7.25 acre gem at the Sausalito side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Build, role-play, paint and explore. Great for toddlers through about age 8.
Learn more at the Discovery Museum site.
Day Trips
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You’ll be on the road with a small group of early birds on your adventure to Yosemite. Get a little history lesson about the world-class climbing tradition on the way in a comfortable Sprinter van. The driver even takes pics and gives photography hints. If conditions are right, stop for a hike through the giant redwoods. Go to Best Bay Tours schedule and reservation page for more information.
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This 14 hour day includes 3 hours of free time in the Yosemite Valley, where you can take in stellar views of North America's tallest waterfall, Yosemite Falls, and hike to the base of the Lower Falls. The Yosemite Valley offers various lunch opportunities, hiking trails, bike rentals, museums, and a number of stops to take advantage of the free shuttle service which will give you access to other parts of the park. Use code HOTELARGONAUT (one word) to get a 10% discount on the Grayline Site
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Follow Highway 1 to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. Includes two hours on Steinbeck's Cannery Row — enough time to visit the world renowned Monterey Aquarium. Stop at the coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, before returning to San Francisco via the famous Silicon Valley. 11 hours. Use code ARGONAUTHOTEL to get a 10% discount at Grayline.
Sailing & Cruises
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Watch the city slowly light up behind you as the Golden Gate Bridge glows in the dwindling sunlight. The Blue and Gold fleet does a 90 minute sunset cruise starting at $33 for kids and $50 for adults. AdventureCat offers a Sunset Cruise aboard a catamaran, also 90 minutes, starting at $75.
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The City from the water, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz — it’s all breath taking from the water. Blue & Gold gives you indoor and outdoor seating on their 90minute Bay Cruise, starting at $33 kids/ $50 adults. Get a little closer to the water on the 90 minute catamaran sail with AdventureCat.
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We are pleased to partner with the lovely people at the Blue & Gold Fleet for spectacular views from the water and ferries to Sausalito. Visit Blue & Gold for options.
World Class Museums
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The Legion of Honor, San Francisco's most beautiful museum, displays an impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
Built to commemorate Californian soldiers who died in World War I, the Legion of Honor is a beautiful Beaux-arts building located in San Francisco's Lincoln Park. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and all of San Francisco, the Legion is most noted for its breathtaking setting. Its collections include Rodin's Thinker, which sits in the museum's Court of Honor, European decorative arts and paintings, Ancient art, and one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in the country.
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Founded in 1895 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city and a cherished destination for millions of residents and visitors to the region for over 100 years.
After five years of closure, on October 15, 2005, the de Young inaugurated its new building--a state of the art facility that integrates art, architecture, and the natural landscape in one multi-faceted destination that inspires from around the world. Designed by the renowned Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and Fong & Chan Architects in San Francisco, the new de Young provided San Francisco with a landmark art museum to showcase the museum’s priceless collections of American art from the 17th through the 20th centuries, Textile arts, and art of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas.
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The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. Our remarkable collection of painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, and media arts, is housed in an LEED Gold-certified building designed by the global architects Snøhetta and Mario Botta. In addition to our seven gallery floors, SFMOMA offers 45,000 square feet of free, art-filled public space open to all.
SFMOMA believes the art of our time is vital and shares it with passion and purpose, and that art and the creative process can open minds and help build a better world. For that reason, we assemble unparalleled collections, create exhilarating exhibitions, and develop engaging public programs that connect with our community.
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Located in the heart of San Francisco, the Asian Art Museum is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 18,000 awe-inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Dynamic special exhibitions, cultural celebrations and public programs for all ages provide rich art experiences that unlock the past and spark questions about the future.
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This Smithsonian affiliate features fine art and photography, spoken word, music and more — there’s always something cool happening here. Try to catch the The New Black Vanguard: Photography between Art and Fashion for some gorgeous photography.
MoAD, a contemporary art museum, celebrates Black cultures, ignites challenging conversations, and inspires learning through the global lens of the African Diaspora.
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Since its founding in 1984, The Contemporary Jewish Museum (The CJM) has distinguished itself as a welcoming place where visitors can connect with one another through dialogue and shared experiences with the arts. Ever changing, The CJM is a non-collecting institution that partners with national and international cultural institutions to present exhibitions that are both timely and relevant and represent the highest level of artistic achievement and scholarship.
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Discover the legacy of Fort Point, a storied fortress guarding the entrance to San Francisco Bay, through a captivating new exhibit. Delve into its strategic design, and unravel the evolving symbolism within its casemates. Each exhibit offers a distinct viewpoint on the fort's history and relevance.
Bike Tours and Rentals
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Enjoy our 3-hour, beginner to intermediate level Electric Bike Guided Tour across the Golden Gate to Sausalito! The tour features the new UltraMotor A2B electric bikes with throttle power-on-demand, allowing riders to choose between pedaling or electric motor power. This tour is great for riders who want direction from our professional guides and are looking for a boost up any hills. Ages 13+
Book your tour at Blazing Saddles
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This three hour tour takes you across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, then down the hill into picturesque Sausalito. Here, use your $20 voucher for food and drinks at Joinery, a rotisserie and beer hall that’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike! All-day bike rental is included, so you can relax as long as you like, then either cycle back or bring your bike onto the ferry to return to San Francisco. Minimum 4 people. Beginner/Intermediate.
See more at Blazing Saddles on FareHarbor
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Explore San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Park, with tons of sights and landmarks along with its beautiful bike paths! This 2-hour ride is perfect for the beginner, as they breeze past Hippie Hill, the Gardens, and other historical landmarks! Unlimited Biking will arm you with all you need for your adventure – a guide, helmet and bike bag.
Visit our Unlimited Bikes Portal for more information, tour options, and special deals!
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Explore the quaint neighborhoods of San Francisco with Unlimited Bikes. This scenic 4 hour guided electric bike tour starts from Ghirardelli Square. The tour will ride past Hayes Valley, Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, the Mission and more!
Visit Unlimited Bikes to book your tour!!
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Set off on your own adventures with bikes or e-bikes you rent by the hour! Get 20% off a full day bike rental with code ARGO with Blazing Saddles.
GO Cars!
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Experience all of the options of the GoCar tour at a flat rate for the entire day (all day for the price of four hours!)
Explore at your own pace. Stop for lunch along the way and see nearly all of the famous 49 Mile Scenic Route. Drive past all the beaches, parks and districts San Francisco has to offer.
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A one of a kind experience as you explore beyond the City limits in our new GoCAR EV Sport - an Arcimoto “FUV” electric vehicle , a freeway legal, three-wheeled motorcycle with a top speed of 75 mph. It is designed to offer you an exhilarating, open-air driving experience for two people sitting in a tandem configuration. This tour is for adventure seekers who crave speed and adventure. You can choose to explore the Marin Headlands either before or after Sausalito - it's up to you! Highlights are spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Hawk Hill vantage point. Memorable Bay views from Sausailto with the city in backdrop and return via the majestic Fort Baker. Plus an epic ride out to Tiburon with a pitstop for lunch. It is designed to do what the GoCAR Sport cannot do – cross the Golden Gate Bridge!
GOCar + Seaplane Combo Tickets
Approximately a 5 hour tour.
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Let GoCar take you off the beaten path through many of San Francisco’s iconic parks like the Presidio and Crissy Field on the way to the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Snap some amazing photos along the Pacific Ocean and see the Golden Gate Bridge up close from above and below.
On the way back explore the boutique shopping districts of Chestnut and Union Street and fill the trunk with the latest fashions or stop for a bite to eat. Finish your tour where tour buses can’t by winding your way up Russian Hill to take an exhilarating ride down the Crooked Street (Lombard St).
Golden Gate Bridge & Back Loop Tickets
Approximately a 2 hour tour.
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Let GoCar guide you through San Francisco’s culturally fascinating Chinatown, the iconic and lavish Downtown Union Square district, the historic North Beach neighborhood, and bustling Fisherman’s Wharf.
Chinatown Downtown Loop Tickets
Approximately a 1 hour tour.
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On this tour, you will see everything on the extensive 4 hour tour plus you will take the options that include a winding detour to the top of Twin Peaks, 922 feet above the City, where on a clear day you can see an epic panoramic view of San Francisco. You will then descend back down to Alamo Square to view the Painted Ladies, made famous by the popular TV show Full House, followed by an option to venture off to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill before working your way back to your choice of the Downtown area or Presidio and Lombard Street.
Painted Ladies & Haight-Ashbury Tour Tickets
Approximately a 4 hour tour.
Parks & Gardens
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Escape to a unique urban oasis of extraordinary beauty at San Francisco Botanical Garden showcasing 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world.
The Botanical Garden is free for all visitors on the second Tuesday of each month.
Advance tickets recommended, but not required. Click here to purchase tickets through the SF Botanical Gardens website!
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Experience the natural beauty, tranquility, and harmony of a Japanese-style garden in the heart of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
Admission is free from 9:00am-10:00am Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Each week.
Advance tickets recommended, but not required. Click here to purchase tickets through the SF Japanese Te Garden website
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The Conservatory of Flowers offers an intimate, up-close experience with rare and endangered plants unlike any other.
Admission is free for everyone on the first Tuesday each month.
Advance tickets are recommended, but not required. Click here to purchase tickets through the SF Conservatory of Flowers website!
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The mission of San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is to connect all people with wildlife, inspire caring for nature and advance conservation action.
Open 365 days a year, San Francisco Zoo is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals in 100 acres of majestic and peaceful gardens located directly on the Pacific Coast.
For zoo hours, tickets purchases and more, click here to visit the SF Zoo website!
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There’s always a reason to look up in San Francisco, and the Salesforce Transit Center proved it when it opened its rooftop Salesforce Park. This urban park has become a popular anchor for downtown. Stretching over nearly 4 blocks, this 5.4-acre rooftop park features a beautiful landscape with 600 trees, 16,000 plants, and a linear fountain.
For Salesforce Park hours and more, click here!
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Embrace your every mood, find green relief amid landscaped lawns, serene waterfalls and colorful gardens at the cultural heart of San Francisco.
For hours, attractions & more information, click here to visit the Yerba Buena Gardens website!
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Originally built for the 1925 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the venue at the Palace of Fine Arts is now available for corporate events, private galas, trade shows, weddings, and other events in need of a large pace. Operated by Non Plus Ultra, San Francisco’s most celebrated venue management company. The venue at the Palace of Fine Arts is open Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00am - 5:00pm (closed on Mondays and for special events.) Come inside and grab tasty food and beverages at the newly opened Cafe Plus!
For more information, click here to visit the Palace of Fine Arts website!