San Francisco can very well be dubbed as Halloweentown, given how the city comes fully alive during this season. Halloween is definitely not just for kids here, as people of all ages pull out all the stops to dress up to get into the spirit of the holiday. It’s not strange to spot someone walking dressed like a ghoul, a witch, or some other fantastical creature on the days leading up to October 31. If the costumes aren’t enough, there are enough urban legends and ghost tours in the area that would help establish the creepy mood that this season calls for. Certainly, you can organize your very own Halloween adventure while in the city by the Bay. For instance, you can book a visit to Winchester Mystery House, hop on a boat to explore Alcatraz at night, or go ghost hunting in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, which survived the earthquakes and fire in 1906. However, if you want something more organized or don’t want to worry about what spots to put into your itinerary, there are guided tours available that you can join if you want to see the area in a different light. Below are a number of events that you can check out if you’re planning to spend Halloween in San Francisco!
1. San Francisco Chinatown ghost walking tour
San Francisco’s Chinatown, one of the biggest Chinatowns in the US, is often visited for its cultural and culinary fare. This tour, however, allows guests to look at it from a different lens: one with a supernatural element thrown in the mix. Besides learning more about the history and the rich culture of the area, joiners also get to hear the ghost stories tied to the area, making for an interesting 1.5-hour long experience. Mythology fans will love the fact that the guide will also provide information about Chinese mythology - and even the history of the mooncake - as they traverse the streets of Chinatown. History lovers, meanwhile, will learn more about how the story of how the Chinese community settled in the area, and how life was like for these early immigrants. The activity is held at night - said to be the time when ghosts come out to play with the living - to help add to the creepy, yet delightful experience.
San Francisco Chinatown Ghost Walking Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Drag tour (from USD 30.0)
Whoever thought that a drag show and a walking tour don’t mix definitely needs to try this experience. This tour is conducted by Rick Shelton, who will let the history of the city come alive for guests in his guise as Countess Lola Montez, an infamous character from San Francisco’s history. The 2.5-hour long walking tour takes tourists around the city where they will learn not just about the stories behind some of the known landmarks in the area, but also the lives of the people who walked the same paths that the guests will take. The tour will cover about two miles (or 3.22 km). The length, as well as the occasional uneven pavements, may not make this a recommended tour for those who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues.
Drag Me Along Tours
Duration: 3 hours
3. Vampire tour of San Francisco (from USD 30.0)
Vampires have experienced a resurgence in popularity in the past decade thanks to the release of novels that feature these mystical beings. If you’re a fan of these blood-sucking creatures, make sure to join the vampire tour of San Francisco’s Nob Hill District. Decked out in a vampire costume, the guide takes guests on a 1.5-hour tour of the city with tales of its history that are part truth, part lie, which, when mixed together, creates a fun story. One of the highlights of this experience would probably be the visit to Fairmont Hotel, said to be one of the most haunted places in San Francisco. Give yourself goosebumps as you explore its halls, while learning about its history from your vampiric guide. Rates are already inclusive of snacks. While a certain amount of walking is needed for the tour, it is wheelchair-friendly, and there are stops throughout the tour if guests need a bit of rest.
Vampire Tour of San Francisco
Duration: 90 to 120 minutes
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4. San Francisco pub crawl (from USD 47.0)
For many people, Halloween is the opportunity to dress up. For others, it’s the chance to swap ghost stories or go on a horror movie marathon. For others still, it’s the opportunity to cut back and enjoy a few drinks and food. It is for this last group that this tour has been developed. Running for approximately two to three hours, this package takes joiners on a San Francisco pub crawl, allowing them to try out the city’s after-dark food and drink offerings. Besides the gastronomic experience, guests will also learn more about the various entertainment options - both past and present - that one can find in San Francisco.
TenderNob Pub Crawl
Duration: 3 hours
5. Three-hour pub crawl in San Francisco (from USD 17.0)
This tour is another option for those who plan on partying the night away while they’re in San Francisco on Halloween. This three-hour experience takes guests to four of the most well-known bars in the area. The package does not just bring guests to the entertainment hotspots in the city, it also essentially serves as a nightlife gate pass - they get VIP treatment and don’t need to fall in line to get to the hottest clubs. What’s more, they also get to enjoy drinks specials and even free shots on this pub crawl. Have fun and make new friends as you party the night away in the city by the Bay. Do note that this tour has a set dress code: flip-flops, tank tops, t-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies, and athletic attire are not allowed for the guys who want to join.
3-Hour Pub Crawl in San Francisco
Duration: 3 hours
San Francisco: The real-life Halloweentown
To say that San Francisco is serious about Halloween would be an understatement. Locals and tourists alike use October 31 - and even the days leading up to it - as an excuse to get decked out in their costumes, and various establishments cook up all sorts of events to help hype up the holiday. There’s always a treat - or maybe even tricks - lurking around every corner in the city during this season, so if you’re a big fan of Halloween, head on over to San Francisco and spend the holiday with your kindred spirits!
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