San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

A Detailed Look at the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

If you’re curious about San Francisco’s darker corners but also want to enjoy some good drinks and fun stories, the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl might just be your cup of tea. This tour blends a stroll through some of the city’s oldest bars with tales of spirits—both historical and paranormal—that have haunted the city’s past for generations.

From what we’ve seen, it’s a well-rated experience, with a perfect 5-star rating from 25 reviews. What really catches our eye is how this combines entertaining storytelling with a relaxed pub crawl, making it a different way to explore San Francisco’s haunted history with a smaller group.

However, a possible consideration is that no actual ghost sightings are guaranteed. It’s more about the stories and atmosphere, which can be just as compelling. This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy a mix of history, storytelling, and socializing, especially if you like a good drink and are curious about the spooky side of the city.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups (max 15) mean more personalized attention and a relaxed pacing.
• Well-Researched Stories: Guides share documented, true stories of hauntings, adding credibility and depth.
• Multiple Stops: Four historic bars and paranormal spots ensure variety and a real local feel.
• Moderate Cost: At $27 per person, it offers good value for the amount of storytelling and the experience.
• Flexible for Travelers: Easy meeting points near public transit and a flexible cancellation policy.
• Fun Plus Learning: It’s less about scares and more about enjoying San Francisco’s haunted tales with a drink in hand.

What Is This Tour All About?

The San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl is a two-hour adventure that combines the thrill of ghost stories with the casual fun of visiting historic pubs. You start at High Horse on Washington Street and finish at the Lion’s Den Lounge in downtown, moving through some of the city’s iconic drinking spots and haunted sites.

The concept is simple but engaging: learn about San Francisco’s spooky past while having a drink at each stop. The tour is led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life—whether it’s about lingering ghosts or darker moments in local history. It’s a small-group experience, capped at 15, which means you get more attention from your guide and a more relaxed, personal vibe.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Stop 1: The Old Ship Saloon

Your journey kicks off in this historic bar, where you’ll learn about the grim past tied to its walls. The Old Ship Saloon has seen a lot—wars, shipwrecks, and suffering. It’s a fitting first stop for tales of lingering spirits and the darker side of San Francisco’s maritime history. You won’t need an admission ticket here, as it’s included in the experience, and the stop lasts around 10 minutes—just enough to soak in the atmosphere and hear the haunting stories.

Stop 2: Hungry I

Next up, you’ll visit the Hungry I, a lively street spot filled with ghost stories and historical anecdotes. Here, you’ll hear about the miners’ ghosts and some of the darker episodes of the neighborhood’s past. It’s a vibrant place with a spooky reputation, making it perfect for stories that give you chills while you enjoy a drink (at your own expense).

Stop 3: Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar

Your final stop is at the Lion’s Den Lounge, comfortably nestled in the city’s heart. It’s a cozy spot to wind down, share stories, and toast the ghostly tales you’ve heard. The guide will leave you with one last spooky story, and hopefully, no ghosts will cross your path when you leave. This stop also lasts around 10 minutes and is a fitting way to end the tour.

Extra details

Throughout the tour, guides share well-researched, documented hauntings, and some reviews mention how their guides make the stories come alive. The inclusion of “ghost hunting dog” Oakley and some fun extras like card tricks make the experience more lively and engaging.

The Value of the Experience

At $27 a person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to explore San Francisco’s haunted history and enjoy some local bars. With drinks not included, you’ll want to budget around $10-15 per stop if you plan to buy drinks, but that’s typical for a city pub crawl anyway. The price includes all taxes and fees, and the small-group format means you won’t feel lost in a crowd.

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, with comments like “Taylor was very knowledgeable,” and “Mike was so knowledgeable about the city and its haunted spots.” Guests appreciate the authenticity of the stories, which are backed by research, making them more interesting than just ghost stories.

The Ambiance and Atmosphere

While there’s no guarantee of supernatural encounters, the atmosphere at each bar is part of what makes this tour fun. The historic pubs have a charm that transports you back in time, and combined with stories of spirits—both human and ghostly—they create a memorable evening. The inclusion of a dog helper and personal touches from guides like Silver and Michaela make the experience feel genuine and friendly.

The smaller group size allows for a more relaxed experience, where you can ask questions or just soak in the ambiance without feeling rushed. If you’re someone who enjoys a side of history with your drink, this tour ticks many boxes.

What Do The Reviews Say?

Most comments are glowing. Guests mention the knowledgeable guides who make the stories captivating. “Mike was great! So knowledgeable,” one reviewer said, while others loved the storytelling style, saying Silver’s stories felt vivid enough to imagine being in the era she described.

A few reviews mention that no actual ghosts were seen—understandable, since ghost sightings are never guaranteed. But many felt the stories alone made the experience worthwhile, and the pub stops were enjoyable. One guest noted, “We did not see any ghosts, but we had a wonderful time,” which sums up the experience well.

Practical Tips and Considerations

This tour is designed for adults who enjoy a relaxed drinking atmosphere and storytelling. It requires moderate physical activity, as it involves walking between bars and standing during stops, but this is generally manageable for most travelers.

Since drinks are not included, think about your budget for the evening—most guests find the cost fair for a two-hour tour with engaging guides. Meeting points are conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to get there without a car.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-researched stories and a more intimate group, this tour will likely be a highlight. Just remember, it’s geared more toward storytelling and ambiance than actual ghost encounters.

The Sum Up

For travelers seeking a fun, informative, and social experience, the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl offers great value. It’s perfect if you enjoy a laid-back evening exploring historic bars with stories that spark the imagination. The small group size means you’ll get more personalized attention from guides like Silver, Michaela, or Mike, making the experience feel more authentic and immersive.

While it’s not about seeing ghosts firsthand, the well-researched tales and atmospheric stops create an engaging narrative that complements San Francisco’s eerie history. Plus, with the option to buy drinks at each stop, you stay refreshed and comfortable throughout the tour.

This experience is especially suited for history buffs, ghost story lovers, or anyone who wants to combine a drink or two with fascinating local tales. It’s casual, fun, and a different way to see the city—perfect for an evening of relaxed exploration with a spooky twist.

FAQ

Can I cancel this tour if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Just keep in mind that cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll need to buy your own at each bar, but the price covers your tour and guide.

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is primarily aimed at adults, especially since it involves pub stops and alcohol. It’s best suited for travelers 18 or older.

How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, which is a manageable length for most travelers and allows for a relaxed pace.

Where does the tour start and end?
You’ll meet at High Horse on Washington Street and finish at the Lion’s Den Lounge on Wentworth Place, both centrally located and accessible.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and easier interaction with guides.

If you’re into ghost stories, historic pubs, or just want a fun night out in San Francisco with some local storytelling, this tour is worth considering. It’s a casual, engaging experience that offers a little mystery without taking itself too seriously—and above all, it’s a good way to enjoy the city’s haunted charm.