Movie Tours in San Francisco

San Francisco isn’t just a postcard-perfect destination - it’s a full-fledged character in dozens of legendary films and TV shows. From high-speed chases through its hills to fog-drenched romantic dramas on the bay, the city has played everything from the backdrop to the star.

If you’ve ever wanted to retrace the footsteps of movie legends like Robin Williams, Steve McQueen, or James Bond, a film and TV tour of San Francisco is a perfect place to begin. These tours are more than sightseeing - they’re cinematic adventures that bring stories to life, right where they were made.

Famous Productions Shot in San Francisco

• Mrs. Doubtfire - Visit the iconic house in Pacific Heights and the neighborhood where Robin Williams made us laugh and cry.
• Vertigo - Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller used multiple San Francisco locations, from Fort Point to the Mission District.
• The Rock - Take a trip to Alcatraz and relive scenes from the action-packed 1996 film starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage.
• Dirty Harry - Follow Clint Eastwood’s trail through the gritty 1970s streets where justice was served.
• Full House - Snap a photo at the iconic Painted Ladies, seen in the show's opening credits.
• Ant-Man & the Wasp - Marvel’s mini-hero zipped through real San Francisco streets and iconic landmarks.

Top Movie Tour Stops in San Francisco

• Alamo Square: For Full House fans and sweeping skyline shots
• Lombard Street: Scene of numerous chases and dramatic moments
• Golden Gate Bridge: Featured in everything from disaster films to superhero showdowns
• Palace of Fine Arts: A beautiful setting seen in numerous romantic and historical films
• Chinatown: Used in film noir, kung fu movies, and modern thrillers

What to Expect on a Movie Tour

Most tours run 2–3 hours and offer a combination of on-foot exploration and bus rides. Knowledgeable guides share trivia, behind-the-scenes stories, and side-by-side film stills to match with real locations. Some tours even use onboard video to replay scenes at the exact places they were filmed.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage cinema, 80s blockbusters, or modern superhero sagas, San Francisco delivers variety, depth, and unforgettable moments with every stop.

Best Time to Visit

Fall is often called “San Francisco’s summer,” with warm, clear weather. Spring is also pleasant and ideal for walking tours. Always bring a jacket - Bay Area weather is famously unpredictable.

Insider Tips

Comfortable shoes are a must - San Francisco’s hills are as steep in real life as they are on screen. Some film spots are tucked into lesser-known neighborhoods, so guided tours often provide access you might not find on your own. And yes, that’s really the Mrs. Doubtfire house - just be respectful of current residents.

In San Francisco, every cable car bell and seagull cry could be the start of a new movie moment. All you have to do is step into the scene.