San Francisco: VW Hippie Bus City Tour & Local Stories

Summary

Ride a 70s VW bus through San Francisco’s wild neighborhoods

You’ll ride through San Francisco’s most colorful neighborhoods in a 1970s VW hippie bus with a local guide who knows every story behind those famous streets. From Haight-Ashbury to Chinatown and The Castro to Golden Gate Park, you’ll hear music history and see iconic sights — plus there’s time for quick photo stops and plenty of laughs along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d start my day squeezed into the back of a purple VW bus, but that’s how our San Francisco city tour began — with the smell of old vinyl seats and incense from somewhere up front. Our driver-guide, Miguel, had this wild curly hair and a laugh that bounced off the windows. He pointed out Haight-Ashbury first, telling us about Jimi Hendrix’s old house while Janis Joplin played quietly from the radio. The sun kept darting behind clouds, so sometimes the city looked washed out and then suddenly all those murals just popped.

We zigzagged through Union Square and past City Hall (Miguel called it “wedding central”), then rolled down Lombard Street — which is way twistier than it looks in photos, by the way. I tried to film it but mostly caught my own surprised face in the reflection. In Chinatown, we slowed down so Miguel could talk about the Dragon Gates and how Chinese immigrants shaped half of what we think of as “San Francisco.” He waved at an older man selling buns from a cart; they nodded at each other like old friends.

The air changed near Fisherman’s Wharf — salty, with this fried dough smell drifting in through the cracked window. North Beach was next (I didn’t know Little Italy was even here), and then The Castro, where rainbow flags flap everywhere you look. Someone on the sidewalk shouted “Love wins!” and honestly, I still think about that moment when I need a little hope.

Golden Gate Park felt like breathing out after all that city noise — trees swallowing up the sounds for a minute or two. We stopped for photos at the Golden Gate Bridge; fog was rolling in but you could still see Alcatraz floating out there like some weird dream. It wasn’t perfect weather but somehow that made it feel more real — like we were seeing San Francisco as it actually is, not just postcard stuff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Francisco city sightseeing tour

• Drive through Haight-Ashbury hippie district
• Learn history at Union Square and Dewey Monument
• View architecture at Civic Center
• Photo stop at Golden Gate Bridge
• Drive by Lombard Street crooked street
• Pass Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39
• Drive through Chinatown via Grant Ave
• Drive by North Beach nightlife district
• Discover Little Italy in North Beach
• Pass through The Castro LGBT neighborhood
• Visit Mission District and Dolores Park
• Drive through Golden Gate Park urban forest
• Pass Cable Car and Hyde Street Pier area

Top questions

How long does the San Francisco Love Tour last?

The tour duration isn’t specified but covers major neighborhoods in one continuous drive with narration.

Is hotel pickup included on this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours depart from a set location near Hyde Street Pier.

How many people fit in each VW hippie bus?

A maximum of 7 people can ride per VW bus on this city sightseeing tour.

Are children or infants allowed on this San Francisco city tour?

Yes, infants are allowed if you bring your own child seat and purchase their ticket for a seat.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The buses aren’t fully wheelchair accessible but folding wheelchairs can be placed in the back if needed.

What are some highlights visited during this sightseeing tour?

You’ll see Haight-Ashbury, Union Square, Civic Center, Golden Gate Bridge (photo stop), Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach/Little Italy, The Castro, Mission District, and Golden Gate Park.

Is there live narration or commentary during the ride?

Yes, your professional driver-guide provides full narration throughout the tour with stories and facts about San Francisco.

What’s included

Your day includes a fully narrated drive around San Francisco’s top neighborhoods with a professional local guide behind the wheel of an authentic 1970s VW hippie bus. There’s space for up to seven guests per vehicle; infants need their own seat brought from home. Folding wheelchairs can be stored onboard if needed — just ask your guide for help loading them before departure!