San Francisco has its share of shadows. This haunted pub crawl strings together four bar stops and paranormal story stops, so you get a fun night out with documented haunting stories built into the route. It’s a simple format: walk a bit, hear a story, grab a drink, repeat.

I really like the small-group size (max 15). It keeps the pace human and makes it easier to ask questions while you’re standing in front of places tied to old SF rumors and recorded accounts. I also like that the stories are presented with care, not just campfire vibes.

One thing to weigh: drinks are not included, and some bars may be closed on certain days. If you’re hoping for a long sit-down at each stop, this is more of a quick “toast and go” format than a full pub crawl all night.

Key things I’d clock before you book

• Small group, max 15 means you’re not swallowed by a big crowd
• Four bar stops with short drink breaks between story locations
• True-story style hauntings with documented accounts of historic hauntings
• Old Ship Saloon + other historic bars give the night real atmosphere
• Extras like card tricks or a guide’s ghost-hunting dog (Oakley) may show up on some departures
• Mobile ticket and a route designed for public transit access

What this haunted pub crawl in San Francisco is really like

The San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze haunted pub crawl is built for people who want two things at once: bar energy and a story that has some structure to it. You’re not just walking by spooky-looking corners. You’re stopping in between, hearing a setup, then moving on to a bar where you can actually cool your nerves with a drink you choose.

This kind of tour works best when you let it be casual. The group moves together, but the short stop-and-story rhythm keeps it from feeling like a lecture. With a max of 15 people, it doesn’t turn into a herd.

Also, it’s in English and designed as a ready-to-go night activity. You’ll start at High Horse (582 Washington St) and end at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar (57 Wentworth Pl), so you get a clear beginning and finish without map stress.

Price and value: what $36 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $36 per person, the big value is the guide-led experience plus the way the story is woven into specific places. You’re paying for guided storytelling, research effort, and the tour itself (all fees and taxes are included).

What’s not included is what most people think of first: drinks. The tour runs as an “admission ticket free” format at the stops, meaning you likely won’t have to pay a cover just to sit and listen. But you’ll still need to buy your own beverages, so expect that to be the main add-on cost.

For a 2-hour outing that includes multiple bar stops, this price usually makes sense if you’d otherwise spend a similar amount just going to one bar and calling it a night. If you’re planning to drink lightly (or choose non-alcohol options), it can still feel like a good deal because the stories are the heart of the experience.

Meeting point, route flow, and how the timing feels

The tour starts at High Horse, 582 Washington St. That’s a practical starting address because it puts you in an area with plenty of transit options around the city’s core. You’ll walk between stops and end at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar, 57 Wentworth Pl.

The duration is listed at about 2 hours, with the bar breaks called out as roughly 10 minutes each at the named bar stops. That tells you the pace upfront: you’re not settling in for a long third round at every location. If you like quick tastes, short conversations, and moving on, you’ll fit right in.

The tour also notes moderate physical fitness. This is walking plus time standing outside for story moments. It’s not described as intense, but it’s also not a sit-everything tour.

Stop-by-stop: the story rhythm you’ll experience

Here’s how the experience typically moves, and what each moment is likely to be good for.

The opening paranormal spot: a ghost who still lingers

Early on, you’ll get a quick orientation to the area’s background and then a focused haunting story—one particular ghost tied to the local lore. This is a smart “first stop” for a couple reasons.

First, it sets expectations. SF can feel layered and busy, so the history helps you understand why these places matter. Second, it gives you a mental hook so later stops aren’t just random spooky headlines.

The Miner’s Ghost stop: darker local history

Next comes a second story moment centered on the Miner’s Ghost and some darker aspects of the neighborhood’s past. Even if you don’t love ghost stories, this one is likely the most history-forward of the non-bar stops because it’s framed around the people and the cost behind the area’s development.

I like this placement because it deepens the mood without dragging the pace. You get a shift from the opener into something heavier before you move into the drink stops.

Old Ship Saloon: a drink in a place tied to suffering

Then you hit The Old Ship Saloon. The tour frames this stop as a chance to enjoy a drink in a historic saloon that’s been a witness to human suffering. You’ll have about 10 minutes here, and the stop is listed with free admission ticket, but drinks aren’t included.

This is the kind of bar stop that works well for mixed groups—people who want spooky stories and people who just want a decent SF venue. If you’re the type who likes hearing a story while you’re looking at old details around you, this is a strong match.

A practical tip: decide what you’re ordering fast. The time window is short, and you’ll want to stay in sync with the group so you don’t miss the guide’s story beat.

Hungry I: a street-side atmosphere built for ghost tales

Your next bar stop is Hungry I, described as being in the midst of the ghosts who haunt that street. Again, plan for about 10 minutes and free admission ticket, with your drink purchase on you.

This is where the night turns into more of a mood experience. You’re not only listening; you’re standing in a place that’s framed as part of the haunting map. Even if you don’t “believe” in ghosts, it’s a fun way to see how SF street locations can carry stories across generations.

Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar: the final toast

The last stop is Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar, where the tour ends. You’ll get another roughly 10 minutes, free admission ticket, and a final chance to keep the vibe going without worrying about where to go next. The framing here is simple: have your drink, hear the last story wrap, and leave without running into any ghosts.

If you’re someone who prefers a clean ending, this matters. A lot of pub crawls end with chaos. This one has a defined finish location, so you can head out, grab food nearby, or call it a night.

The guides and the small-group advantage (this is where reviews pay off)

The experience really leans on its guide. The names that show up include Ben, Taylor, Mark, Michael, Silver, and Michaela. Across those accounts, the common thread is engaging storytelling and the ability to connect city history with the haunting angle.

Some departures also include extra entertainment like card tricks. A few guides are described as bringing a fun companion—Oakley, a ghost-hunting dog—who adds a playful break from the spooky tone.

With a max of 15 people, you’re more likely to get an actual interaction than just hear muffled audio from the back. If you’re traveling solo, that matters too. You’re still moving with a group, but you’re not stuck listening to a wall of voices.

One more thing I’d factor in: some accounts mention that the tour can start earlier than people expect. Since the total run is around two hours, an early start can feel like you’re done before you wanted to be. If you’re planning a late-night bar crawl, you may want to build this into an earlier evening slot.

Drinking expectations: how to plan your budget and pace

Because drinks aren’t included, I’d think of the tour fee as paying for the story + bar access, not for alcohol. That means your total cost depends on what you order.

To keep the night comfortable:

• Bring a plan for what you’ll drink so you’re not stuck deciding during a short 10-minute stop.
• Keep water in mind, especially if you’re trying to stay sharp for the walking parts.
• If you don’t drink alcohol, you’ll still be able to participate since the stops are built around being in the venues while the guide talks.

Day-of bar closures: what to do if a stop isn’t open

A practical caution: some bars may be closed on certain days. One example given was a Sunday where the first bar could be closed, leading to alternate bars on the route.

So if you’re booking specifically for a certain bar vibe, understand that your experience may adjust. The tour is set up to keep the story going even if a specific venue isn’t accessible at that time.

Who should book this SF ghosts and booze tour

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a guided haunted walk with real stops and a bar break rhythm
• Like history mixed with spooky storytelling, presented with documented accounts
• Prefer small-group pacing over a big, noisy tour
• Want an evening plan that ends with a clear final location

It may be a less perfect fit if you:

• Want drinks included in the price
• Prefer long stays at bars instead of short timed breaks
• Want the night to run later than a roughly two-hour experience

Should you book San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze?

If you like the idea of walking through San Francisco’s older streets with a guide who keeps the tone fun but grounded in documented hauntings, I think this is a solid booking. The $36 price works well because you’re paying for research-led storytelling and access to four bar stops, not just a one-off ghost walk.

I’d book it especially if you value the small group size and want an easy route with a known start and end. Just go in knowing drinks cost extra, and keep expectations realistic about the short 10-minute bar windows.

If you want a simple rule: book this when you want a curated spooky night that’s easy to fit into an evening, not when you want a slow, linger-all-night bar crawl.

FAQ

How long is the San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl?

It lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

What does it cost?

The price is $36.00 per person.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

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.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks are not included. The bar stops are listed with free admission ticket.

What is included in the tour price?

Included are all fees and taxes, professional and courteous tour guides, and intensely researched true stories with documented accounts of historic hauntings.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

Is the tour near public transportation, and is it physically demanding?

It’s near public transportation and requires a moderate physical fitness level.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.