Is The Big Bus Tour Worth It?

As a San Francisco Bay Area native, I tend to steer clear of the “tourist traps” for the most part. But, even as a local, one ought to see the sights and hotspots in their own city from time to time, am I right? So I tried the Big Bus San Francisco Discover tour – for the heck of it. 

The Golden Gate Bridge View from the Big Bus.

Jimi Hendrix lived in this house on the infamous Haight Street.

What I found is that convenience is everything. Getting around the city by car and regular public transportation can be chaotic and confusing at best. But, with the Big Bus Tours, it is rather simple. Just hop on or off at any Big Bus stops. (The buses arrive frequently at each stop, but once boarded, it is super helpful to download the Big Bus app to know exactly where each stop is and when the next Big Bus will arrive in real time!) Along your journey you are entertained not only by the sights, but also an insightful pre-recorded commentary about what you are seeing outside the bus windows (or on the top deck in the open air!)

We got off and walked a couple blocks to the Ferry Building.

View of the Bay Bridge from the Ferry Building.

Big Bus does tours in several major cities around the globe. But, what you probably didn’t know is the Big Bus San Francisco Tour is by far the quickest, being that SF is only 7 miles long and 7 miles wide. (Fun fact, that is how the San Francisco 49ers Football Team got it’s name!)

Hands down, Big Bus is probably one of the easiest ways of traversing to all of the City’s hotspots and popular destinations, such as North Beach, Chinatown, The Painted Ladies, The Ferry Building, and more! It’ll even take you across the Golden Gate Bridge for photo opps! So, whether you are an SF native, like me, or from across the pond – the ease of navigating through San Francisco streets with Big Bus Tours makes it worth every penny.

The Big Bus gets you to the major City sights.