Booking choice: The Vantigo VW bus tour, from $103 per person. Check dates Tour details
The guided tours here stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks and other viewpoints by the water or on hilltops, which are exactly where wind and fog arrive first.
Here is what to wear and bring, based on official weather notes and what guests say on the listings.
The quick answer
Wear layers you can take off and put back on: a T-shirt, a warm mid-layer and a light windproof jacket. Comfortable shoes help at the photo stops. Bring sunglasses, a charged phone, and cash or a card for the tip. On the open-top bus, add a hat that will not blow away.
What should you wear on a San Francisco city tour?
Layers: a T-shirt, a sweater or fleece, and a light windproof jacket you can carry when the sun comes out.
The National Park Service notes that by July summer fog predominates on the coast, while from mid-late September through October clear skies and sunshine are abundant. In one morning you can get both.
Is it cold at the Golden Gate Bridge?
It can be windy and cool there even on sunny days, so keep a jacket with you for the photo stop.
Guests on the bay cruise give the same advice: bring a jacket, it can get windy. One Big Bus guest crossing the bridge warned to hold on to your hats.
Ready for the bridge stop? Check dates for the three-hour VW bus tour.
Check dates for the Vantigo VW bus tourWhat about the open-top bus?
Dress warmer than you think: you sit in the open air on the upper deck.
One Big Bus guest described the day as chilly but pleasant. A hat that fits snugly and a scarf make a difference.
What shoes should you wear?
Comfortable, closed shoes with grip: you get in and out at each stop, and some viewpoints have steps and slopes.
If you plan to explore on foot after the tour, the city's hills make good walking shoes even more important.
Do you need sun protection?
Yes: when the fog lifts, the sun can be strong, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Autumn is the sunniest stretch: the National Park Service reports brilliant sunshine from mid-late September through October.
Short on time? The two-hour Painted Ladies tour includes snacks and water.
Explore the Painted Ladies VW tour Tour detailsWhat should you bring on the tour?
A charged phone, a small bag, cash or a card for the tip, and water if your tour does not include it.
- Vantigo, Painted Ladies and Skip the Bus include bottled water.
- The Movie Sights tour lists food and drinks as not included; one guest suggested bringing water for the three hours.
- Tips are extra; the VW listings suggest $15 to $20 per passenger.
Does the weather affect the tour?
Fog can hide the bridge or the Twin Peaks view for a while; the Gray Line tour stops at Twin Peaks only weather permitting.
Every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours before, so you can move your date if the forecast looks poor.
Flexible plans: every tour here cancels free up to 24 hours ahead.
Check dates for the Painted Ladies VW tourWhat should kids wear?
The same layers, plus an extra warm top: children feel the wind at the bridge stop quickly.
For age limits and car seats, see city tours with kids; for a full day plan, one day in San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Francisco cold in summer?
It can feel cool: the National Park Service notes that by July summer fog predominates on the coast, so bring a jacket.
Should I bring an umbrella?
Only in winter, which the National Park Service describes as a season of occasional rain, cool weather and overcast skies. Even then a hooded jacket works better at the windy stops.
Can I bring a bag on the VW bus?
A small day bag is the practical choice in a seven-seat bus; ask the operator about anything larger.
Ready to book
Choose your tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
San Francisco City Tour by Vintage VW Bus
- Live guide and commentary on San Francisco history
- Vintage Volkswagen bus, maximum 7 travelers
- Stops: Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Painted Ladies
Painted Ladies City Tour by VW Bus
- Live guide in a vintage Volkswagen bus, maximum 7 per vehicle
- Snacks and bottled water
- Stops: Palace of Fine Arts, Painted Ladies, Golden Gate Bridge; passes Lombard Street
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Tour
- 24, 48 or 72-hour ticket; Red Route 10 AM to 5 PM, about every 15 minutes
- Digital audio commentary with earbuds; Big Bus app with live tracking
- 48 h adds a sunset tour and digital Chinatown walk; 72 h also adds a bay cruise
