What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Child fares, free Aquarium of the Bay entry, sea-lion and bridge stops keep ages 3–12 entertained, yet no onboard toilets and windy upper deck mean parents must plan extra breaks and layers.
Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 48-hour pass lets you hop on and off at family-friendly stops over two days without rushing.
Aquarium of the Bay:
Visit touch pools and view local sharks, rays, and jellyfish.
Tip: Show your Explore Ticket for free entry and head straight to the touch pools before crowds arrive.
Pier 39 Sea Lions:
Watch playful sea lions basking on floating docks.
Tip: Arrive mid-morning when the lions are most active and the dock is less crowded.
Fisherman’s Wharf:
See street performers and sample clam chowder in a sourdough bowl.
Tip: Hop off at the Red Route stop and let kids pick snacks from different vendors.
Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint:
Snap family photos at the bridge overlook.
Tip: Use the upper deck early in the day for clear views and warm jackets to stay comfy.
Palace of Fine Arts:
Stroll around the lagoon and see classical colonnades.
Tip: Let kids run on the lawns and watch the ducks before catching the next bus.

Christin Arvola
Absolutely worth it – an unforgettable experience! We booked the 48-hour Hop-On Hop-Off tour including the Sunset Tour and Alcatraz via GetYourGuide, and everything went perfectly! The organization was smooth from start to finish, and every single team member we met was incredibly friendly and helpful. A special shoutout goes to Miss T – she was absolutely amazing! Her energy, humor, and passion...
AnnieBee
Great way to get an overview of the whole city with the convenience of hopping off to explore. The app shows the location of the buses on the loop. Mohamed at the first stop (by the Wharf/Skywheel) was so welcoming and gave us tips on where to sit for the best view! We chose the 48 hr bus tour with Alcatraz tour. It included a sunset bus tour with beautiful views of the city at night!
Chandra Holloman
I picked the 48 hour tour and it was a great deal. The driver, I can’t remember his name but he gave us candy before we took off, on the night shift was amazing. He was an active participant in our trip to treasure island so I had the ability to see my daughter and son in-law. Today Joseph was great. He was friendly and full of energy. Everyone needs to try The Big Bus San Francisco
Laine Alan
Great way to see the city from all angles. The tour covers almost all of the great SF tourists spots, with ample time to explore, as there is always another bus coming. Multiple pickup locations throughout the city. Save the hassle of driving and parking, just hop on and off, you can do so as much as you like. Digital tickets are a major convenience, via the app, you can also purchase tickets at v...
G
Fantastic trip and a great few hours touring San Francisco. Multiple hop on/off stops with regular buses to pick up. Highlights. Painted ladies, Golden Gate Bridge, Ferry building, however all brilliant. A highlight for me and a must for those visiting Fisherman's wharf.
Summer mornings often have fog—save the bridge view for midday. In winter, bring layers for breezy upper-deck rides.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 48-Hour Explore Ticket Adult (x2) | USD 153 |
| 48-Hour Explore Ticket Child (x2) | USD 76 |
| Total Estimated | USD 229 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Address: 99 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Big Bus Tours San Francisco (San Francisco)?
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsiteAverage price
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
Average price