Walk with Spirits: A Haunted Pub Crawl in San Francisco

If you’re looking for a way to see a different side of San Francisco—one that’s filled with ghost stories, dark history, and historic pubs—then the Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl might just be what you need. This tour isn’t your typical bar crawl; it’s a spooky journey through some of the city’s most storied spots, told with engaging storytelling and a touch of the supernatural.

What we love about this experience is how the guide brings San Francisco’s ghostly tales to life, making each stop not only about the drinks but about the eerie stories behind them. Plus, visiting pubs that are a bit off the usual tourist path adds an authentic local flavor. That said, the tour does involve walking through some alleyways and shadier parts of town, which might not appeal to everyone. Perfect for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or anyone curious about SF’s darker past, this tour offers a unique evening adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is the price—at about $45.50, it’s quite reasonable considering the stories and atmosphere you get. However, it’s a two-and-a-half-hour tour, so be prepared for a leisurely walk that mixes history, folklore, and a bit of fun. If you’re after lighthearted pub-hopping, this might be a bit more spooky and educational than that.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling makes the dark history of San Francisco come alive.
• Visits to unique, historic pubs you might not find on your own.
• Small group size (max 12) ensures a more intimate experience.
• Covers several iconic neighborhoods like Jackson Square, North Beach, and Chinatown.
• Cost-effective way to combine ghost stories with sightseeing.
• Suitable for curious travelers interested in SF’s haunted tales and history.

What Is This Tour All About?

The Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl is a guided walk through San Francisco’s most storied haunted spots, paired with visits to historic pubs. It’s designed for those who love a good ghost story, appreciate historic architecture, or want to see parts of the city they might miss on a typical sightseeing trip. The tour lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect evening activity—especially if you enjoy a little spooky atmosphere with your drinks.

The tour is led by an experienced guide who shares tales of ghosts, crime, and dark happenings from San Francisco’s past, particularly around the Gold Rush era. The fact that it’s a small group means plenty of opportunities for questions and storytelling, making it more personal and engaging than a large bus tour.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Visit and Why

Jackson Square

Your journey kicks off in Jackson Square, the only part of downtown San Francisco that survived the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. These historic buildings are a window into the city’s early days, and the stories told here set the tone for a night full of ghostly legends. You’ll spend about 30 minutes soaking in this area’s history and spooky tales.

The Old Ship Saloon

Next stop is the Old Ship Saloon, a San Francisco institution for over 170 years. It’s not just a pub but a piece of living history, with tales of vengeful ghosts lurking in its cellar. Sitting down for a drink here, you’ll hear about the spirits that supposedly still linger in the bar. This stop lasts around 20 minutes, and the stories add a layer of intrigue to your drink.

North Beach

Then, the tour heads to North Beach, which in the Gold Rush days was known as “The Devil’s Acre.” It was a hotbed of vice and debauchery, and some of those sinners are said to still walk the streets—at least in spirit. Expect to spend about 20 minutes here, hearing tales of the neighborhood’s darker past and the ghosts that are rumored to haunt it.

Chinatown

Chinatown’s legend goes back to the 1840s, and this part of the tour is packed with stories of tragedy and mystery. Walking through its alleyways, you might find yourself imagining the lives and dark deeds that have become part of Chinatown’s ghostly lore. You’ll spend about 20 minutes exploring and listening, with stories that add depth to this vibrant neighborhood.

Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar

The tour wraps up in Chinatown at the Lion’s Den Lounge, a venue with a history dating back to the 1940s. Since reopening in June 2021, it’s reportedly been haunted by several ghosts, confirmed by the current owner and bartenders. Spending about 30 minutes here, you’ll hear about the haunting activity while enjoying a drink (though alcohol isn’t included). This cozy, historic bar offers the perfect ending to your spooky adventure.

The Experience: What You’ll Actually Get

The main draw of this tour is the storytelling. Guides like Jamie, who is a local historian, are praised for their ability to weave engaging, sometimes gruesome tales with historical facts. As Chelsey_L put it, “Jamie has a talent for storytelling and creating dialogue with clients,” which really enhances the experience.

The tour also offers a chance to explore parts of the city that many visitors might miss, like Jackson Square’s historic buildings and the alleyways of Chinatown. The walk is easy and laid-back, with most reviews mentioning that there are no big hills or strenuous sections, making it accessible for most travelers.

The small group size—just 12 participants max—helps keep the experience intimate and interactive. Many reviews highlight how the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge elevate the stories, making the ghostly tales more vivid and believable. For example, one reviewer said, “Eric was extremely knowledgeable about the area and all the pubs we visited. He had super cool stories along with pictures to show our group along the way,” which shows how engaging the guides can be.

Value for Money: Is it Worth the Price?

At just over $45 per person, this tour offers quite a bit of value. You’re not just paying for a walk; you’re paying for stories, local insights, and access to hidden spots. Plus, visiting historic pubs that are often crowded or hard to find on your own adds extra worth. As many reviews suggest, it’s an affordable way to combine history, entertainment, and a dash of the supernatural.

Some reviews highlight the engaging guides, like Jamie, and the interesting pubs as major positives. The fact that the tour lasts nearly three hours means you’re getting a good amount of storytelling and sightseeing for the price. Since there are no additional costs for the included stories (alcohol isn’t included, but that’s typical), what you see is what you get—a fun, spooky evening that’s worth the ticket price.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

One of the things that sets this tour apart is its small group size—maximum 12 travelers. This means it’s more like a friendly walk with a knowledgeable friend than a big, impersonal tour. You’ll find that guides make an effort to engage everyone, answer questions, and create a lively, conversational atmosphere.

Reviews repeatedly mention how friendly and enthusiastic the guides are. Michelle_W said, “Great people. Great stories. The guide was amazing,” which gives you a sense of the warm, welcoming vibe you can expect. The intimate group format also means it’s easier to ask questions and get personalized stories.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: About 2 hours 30 minutes
• Start point: Barbarossa Lounge, 714 Montgomery St
• End point: Lion’s Den Lounge, 57 Wentworth Pl
• Start time: 6:30 pm
• Price: $45.50 per person
• Booking: Most travelers book about 19 days in advance, so plan ahead if you’re set on this tour
• Group size: Maximum of 12 travelers
• Accessibility: The walk is described as easy, with no big hills
• Confirmation: You’ll receive instant confirmation upon booking
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a lover of history and ghost stories, or just someone curious about the darker tales of San Francisco, this tour hits the right notes. It’s especially good if you want an evening activity that blends walking, storytelling, and exploring. Travelers interested in local legends and historic pubs will find plenty to love here.

It’s a solid pick for solo travelers, couples, and small groups looking for something a little different. Keep in mind that the walk takes you through some alleyways and shadier parts of town, which might not be appealing if you prefer well-lit, touristy areas. However, the stories and ambiance more than make up for that.

The Sum Up

The Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl offers a fun and atmospheric way to experience San Francisco’s haunted side. With knowledgeable guides, engaging storytelling, and visits to historic pubs, it provides both entertainment and insight into the city’s darker past. Its small-group format ensures a personal touch, making it feel like an evening out with friends rather than a giant tour bus.

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, local history, or just looking for something a little spooky and different, this tour is a great choice. It’s priced reasonably for the experience, and many reviewers mention how much they learned and enjoyed the storytelling. For those who want to explore SF’s darker corners with a knowledgeable guide, this is a memorable way to do it.

While the route takes you through some less-polished parts of town, many see this as part of the charm—an authentic glimpse into SF’s mysterious past. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for some walking through alleyways and historic neighborhoods. It’s an experience that combines history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural into an evening you’re unlikely to forget.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally aimed at adults interested in ghost stories and dark history. It does involve walking through some alleyways and shadier parts of town, so it might not be ideal for young children.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Barbarossa Lounge on Montgomery Street and ends at the Lion’s Den Lounge in Chinatown.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included. This allows you to enjoy the stories without additional costs, and you can choose to buy drinks at the pubs.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and conversational.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The walk is described as easy, with no big hills, making it accessible for most people.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour starts. Refunds are processed if canceled in time.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most travelers book about 19 days ahead, especially during busier times. Booking in advance guarantees your spot.

If you’re after an evening filled with stories, history, and a bit of ghostly intrigue in San Francisco, the Walk with Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl might be just the thing. It’s a relaxed, well-reviewed way to explore some of the city’s most haunted spots, all while enjoying a few drinks and some chilling tales.