REVIEW · SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl
Book on Viator →Operated by San Francisco Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures · Bookable on Viator
San Francisco does spooky well. This haunted pub crawl mixes short walks with well-documented ghost stories and four bar stops, so you get scares without sitting through a lecture. I like how it keeps moving, and I also like that the stories are presented as researched accounts, not random campfire myths.
Two things I’d pick right away: the small max group size (up to 15) and the focus on documented hauntings between bar stops. You’ll also hear stories tied to the local streets and buildings, not just vague spooky history.
One thing to consider: drinks cost extra, and some dates may run into bar closures (especially Sundays), so you may be routed to alternate places.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- A 2-hour ghost walk that still feels like a night out
- The stories: researched hauntings, not vague folklore
- The first street stories: one lingering ghost, then something darker
- Old Ship Saloon: a ten-minute drink in a room with a grim past
- Hungry I: where the street’s energy turns spooky
- Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar: the finale with a sense of closure
- Price and value: what $36 really buys you
- Who should book this haunted pub crawl
- Practical tips for a smoother night on the route
- Should you book San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze?
- FAQ
- How much does the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl cost?
- How long is the tour?
- What’s included in the $36 price?
- Are drinks included?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is there a limit to the group size?
- Can I cancel and get a refund?
Key highlights you’ll feel right away
- Four bar stops in about two hours, with short hangs to keep the energy up
- Paranormal stories in between, so the walk has a purpose, not dead time
- Max 15 travelers, which makes questions and conversation easier
- True, documented haunting accounts, including darker stories tied to specific areas
- Storytelling-driven guides, with some bringing fun extras like card tricks and even a ghost-hunting dog named Oakley
A 2-hour ghost walk that still feels like a night out
For $36, this is priced like a value ticket for a guided night on the town. The big reason it feels worth it is the structure: you get a focused route, a guide to connect the dots, and multiple places to stop for a drink.
The tour runs about two hours and it’s designed around a short walking circuit with a few “story beats” along the way. You’ll be near public transportation, and the activity is rated for moderate physical fitness level—so wear decent shoes and plan to stand and walk at an easy-to-moderate pace.
It’s also small. With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’re not shoved into a big herd, and the guide can keep the tone personal. If you like spooky stuff but hate when tours feel like a conveyor belt, this setup is a strong fit.
You can also read our reviews of more nightlife experiences in San Francisco
The stories: researched hauntings, not vague folklore
What makes this crawl different from a generic “ghost tour” is the emphasis on stories that are described as intensely researched and documented. Instead of ghost tales that feel pulled from nowhere, you get connections to real places and specific legends tied to the neighborhood.
You’ll also notice the tour doesn’t treat “haunted” as one-size-fits-all. The route includes both lighter chilling moments and darker historical angles, including a specific legend involving the Miner’s Ghost. That balance matters because it keeps the night from turning into only jump-scare energy. You’ll leave with the sense that the city’s odd past is part of the streets you just walked.
Guides seem to be a major reason people rate it so highly. Names that show up in past outings include Ben and Taylor, both praised for bringing San Francisco context into the stories. Mark and Mike get credit for making the night feel fun and theatrical, and one guide, Mark, is mentioned with a ghost-hunting dog named Oakley—so if your date lines up, you might get a cute little side character in the middle of the creepiness.
The first street stories: one lingering ghost, then something darker
Before you even reach the bar stops, you’ll start with story-led walking. The first narrative segment is all about the history of the area and one particular ghost who still lingers. This kind of opening works well because it gives you a mental map before you step into the more social parts of the route. You’re not just hunting for paranormal “moments.” You’re learning why this neighborhood has a reputation in the first place.
Then the crawl shifts tone. The next stop centers on the Miner’s Ghost and some of the darker history tied to the area. If you’re worried the tour will be all silliness, this is where you feel the intent: you’ll get spooky storytelling with a historical backbone. It’s also a nice pacing choice. You hit one “lingering” tale, then the guide turns up the intensity before the night gets more drink-focused.
Old Ship Saloon: a ten-minute drink in a room with a grim past
Your first true bar stop is The Old Ship Saloon. The time here is short—about 10 minutes—which is actually a plus. It keeps the tour moving, and it avoids that awkward stretch where people either linger too long or rush the guide.
The setting is described as a historic saloon where much human suffering happened. Even if you don’t lean all-in on ghost hunting, this kind of framing can make the place feel heavier in a good way. You’re drinking in a room with a story, not just taking a photo and moving on.
A practical note: admission to the bar stop is free, but drinks are not included in the tour price. In the experiences people share, the drink cost often lands mostly at the earlier bar stop rather than every stop. Still, plan to buy at least one drink if you want to match the vibe of the tour.
Hungry I: where the street’s energy turns spooky
Next up is Hungry I, another bar stop with about 10 minutes on the clock. This is one of the stops where the tour keeps the paranormal mood close to the street. You’re not just sitting in a cozy room telling ghost stories—you’re in the middle of a location framed as haunted.
Because the time window is brief, it’s a good moment to settle in quickly, order something if you want, and listen closely while the guide ties the surrounding area back to the story. If you’re traveling solo or just want a fun way to meet people without forcing long conversations, short bar stops like this can be ideal. You get the social setting, but you’re not trapped.
You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in San Francisco
Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar: the finale with a sense of closure
The last stop is Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar, also about 10 minutes. This is where the tour wraps up its “don’t run into any ghosts when you leave” energy—meaning the guide is steering you toward an ending that feels complete.
I like finale stops that give you something simple to do: one last drink, a few final stories, and time to decompress before heading back out into the city. Ending at a bar you can step out of easily matters in a city where nights can run long.
If you’re the type who enjoys spooky nights but doesn’t want to feel stuck walking for hours, this tour’s timing helps. The “finish line” lands quickly, so you can keep the night going afterward if you want—without feeling like the tour consumed your whole evening.
Price and value: what $36 really buys you
The sticker price is $36 per person, and you’ll be covered for the core guiding experience. What’s included is the guide, the story content described as researched and documented, and all fees and taxes.
What’s not included is the big variable: drinks. So your final “night out” cost depends on how much you order. The smart value move here is to budget for at least one drink and treat the other stops as optional add-ons depending on how you’re feeling.
Where the value really shows is in the pacing and format. Two hours, four bar stops, and multiple story segments between them is a tight package. If you were trying to DIY this with just a map and a podcast, you’d spend more time figuring things out—and you’d miss the guide’s job: connecting each spooky claim to the location you’re standing in.
Who should book this haunted pub crawl
This is a great fit if you want:
- A spooky night with structure (not a long all-night ghost hunt)
- Short, social bar stops built into the route
- A small group feel where you can actually interact with the guide
- Spooky storytelling with historical context, including darker legends like the Miner’s Ghost
It’s also a solid option for couples, friends, and solo travelers. The guide-driven, small-group layout helps solo travelers feel included without awkwardly forcing group conversations.
If you hate alcohol environments or want zero bar time, this might not be your best match since the tour is built around bars. And if you’re very sensitive to creepy themes, you might still enjoy it, but you’ll want to mentally prepare for darker history segments.
Practical tips for a smoother night on the route
A few things help you get the most out of a crawl like this:
- Wear comfortable shoes. It’s a short walking circuit, and you’ll stand and move between stops.
- Go in ready to listen. The good stuff is in the story beats between bar locations.
- Have a drink budget. Since drinks aren’t included, decide ahead of time if you want one drink or more.
- Plan for Sunday quirks. One past experience notes that some bars were closed on a Sunday and alternate stops were used. That can happen, so don’t let it stress you out.
- Keep your expectations realistic about timing. Some people note it starts earlier than they hoped. Arrive with time to settle in before the night gets going.
Should you book San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze?
I think you should book it if you want a guided, small-group spooky night that’s designed for fun and movement—not for a slow, sit-and-listen-only experience. The combination of researched haunting stories, a route that changes tone (from lingering tales to darker legends), and four quick bar stops makes it a good pick for a first SF “ghosty” outing.
Skip it (or at least think twice) if you only want haunting content with no bar atmosphere, or if you’re trying to keep costs ultra-low beyond the ticket price. Also, if your main goal is late-night mayhem, note that the tour is set up to finish within a couple of hours.
If you like your history spookier and your nights social but not exhausting, this crawl earns its high recommendation rate.
FAQ
How much does the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl cost?
It costs $36.00 per person.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours.
What’s included in the $36 price?
The price includes all fees and taxes, a professional tour guide, and researched true stories of haunted history with documented accounts of historic hauntings. Drinks are not included.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks are not included in the tour price, even though you’ll stop at bars during the tour.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at High Horse, 582 Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94111 and ends at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar, 57 Wentworth Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108.
Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes. The maximum group size is 15 travelers.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.
