Beer and ghosts. That works in San Francisco.

This haunted pub crawl mixes on-foot storytelling with four planned drinks stops, using documented local haunting accounts to keep the scares tied to real places. You’ll move at a steady walking pace for about two hours, starting at High Horse and ending at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar.

I especially like that the evening isn’t just jump-scares. You get real context as you walk—then you pause at classic bars long enough to cool your nerves with a drink. I also like the small group size (max 15), which makes it easier to ask questions and actually hear the guide over the bar buzz.

One thing to think about: drinks aren’t included in the price, so your final bill depends on what you order. And if you’re going on a day when bar hours are tighter, you may find some stops can be closed and swapped for alternates.

Quick hits

• Four bar stops with short, focused hang time—Old Ship Saloon, Hungry I, and the finish at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar
• True-story style hauntings, including a lingering spirit tale and the darker Miner’s Ghost thread
• Small group, max 15 people, so the guide can pace the walk and keep the group together
• Free bar admissions at each stop (you still buy drinks)
• Fun extras can show up, like card tricks and, on some departures, a ghost-hunting dog named Oakley

Why this pub crawl feels different from a typical tourist walk

A haunted tour can go two ways: loud noise and vague lore, or specific stories tied to streets you can point at. This one leans toward the second approach. Between bars, you hear haunting accounts that feel researched and place-based, not just random spooky lines.

The format also makes it easier to enjoy. You’re not stuck in one room listening for an hour. You’re walking, hearing a story, then stepping into a bar that matches the mood—history first, then a drink break, then more story.

And because you end downtown near the bar finish point, it’s a good setup for a longer night out. You don’t just get dropped off somewhere generic after the final story.

The $36 value: four bar admissions plus a guide who tells the story

At $36 per person, the biggest value isn’t the fear factor. It’s the structure. You’re paying for a guided, two-hour experience with all fees and taxes covered, plus access to historic stops where entry is included.

Here’s the practical math: the tour price typically covers the guide and the planned bar admissions. You’re not buying your way into the building multiple times. Instead, you pay for what you actually want to drink. That’s a fair deal if you plan to order at least one drink anyway.

It also helps that the crawl is capped at 15 travelers. Smaller groups often mean less waiting around and fewer moments where you can’t hear because the group is spread out.

Start at High Horse: getting your bearings fast

The tour begins at High Horse, 582 Washington St. This matters more than it sounds. Washington Street is a central artery for foot traffic, so you can usually reach the start point by walking or grabbing public transit.

I’d treat the first few minutes like warm-up time. If you arrive a bit early, you can settle your jacket, check your phone for the mobile ticket, and get comfortable with the pace before the first story starts. Since the tour runs about 2 hours, you’ll feel every minute—so start calmly.

Also, since service animals are allowed and it’s near public transportation, you’re not boxed into one specific transit method. That makes this type of evening plan easier if your schedule is tight.

The first two haunting stories: quick, dark, and tied to the street

Before the first drink stop, you’ll get two story beats that set the tone.

First, you’ll hear about the history of the area and one ghost who still lingers. This early stop is a way to get your brain oriented. You’re not just tasting beer-you-go; you’re learning why people still talk about this place after dark.

Next comes the darker chapter: the Miner’s Ghost. This part is useful even if you’re skeptical. The story thread gives you something to hold onto while you walk, so the evening feels connected rather than random stops in different neighborhoods.

These walking segments are also where you’ll notice the biggest difference between a fun ghost walk and a boring one: the guide’s pacing. In a good crawl, you don’t have to fight to pay attention. You get just enough story to make the next bar feel like part of the same scene.

Old Ship Saloon: a 10-minute drink stop with real grit

Your first bar stop is Old Ship Saloon. You’ll have about 10 minutes there, and the entry ticket is included—so you’re not paying an extra cover just to stand near the bar and listen.

What makes this stop worth it is the tone. You’re told the saloon is tied to much human suffering, and that phrasing changes how you experience the place. Instead of treating it like a themed set, you treat it like a room where history happened.

Practical advice: use your 10 minutes well. If you want photos, grab them quickly and then return to the guide’s briefing. If you’re only half listening, you’ll miss the point of this stop.

Also, since drinks aren’t included, decide ahead of time what you want to spend. If you order slowly, you can end up wishing you had more time for the final story beats.

Hungry I: the street-side ghost atmosphere moment

Stop two is Hungry I, another short 10-minute drink break. The framing here is different: this is a stop described as being in the midst of the ghosts that haunt the street.

This kind of stop works because it changes the vibe from “sit and listen” to “drink and listen while you look around.” You’ll be closer to the street energy, and that’s where some of the more cinematic-feeling parts land.

If you’re doing this as a couples outing or a group that likes a relaxed pace, this is the sweet spot. You get a break without losing the story flow, and you can grab a drink without letting the evening drag.

Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar: finish strong, then keep the night going

You end at Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar at 57 Wentworth Pl. This is the final drink stop, also around 10 minutes, and it’s where the tour’s “wrap-up” energy lands.

The message is light—don’t run into ghosts when you leave—but the practical takeaway is real: you’ve reached the end point where you can keep going. If you want to turn this into a full night, the timing is good. You’re not finished so late that you can’t make plans after.

I’d treat the final stop like a chance to reset. If the walk has tightened your shoulders or you’ve had a cold evening chill, drink water between sips and stretch your feet. The crawl is short, but you’re still walking through San Francisco’s sidewalks and slopes.

Group size and guides: what you’ll feel in real life

This tour caps at 15 travelers, and that affects the experience in a very real way. Fewer people means the guide can keep everyone in the same orbit. You’re also less likely to lose the story when someone steps aside to take a photo.

You may also notice the guide style. Some guides on this crawl are known for making the stories fun without losing the historical thread. Names that have shown up with this tour include Ben, Taylor, Mark, Michael, Silver, and Michaela—each with a knack for tying local context to the haunting themes.

And yes, there’s sometimes an extra layer of playfulness. A ghost-hunting dog named Oakley has been mentioned as part of some departures, plus card tricks have shown up with certain guides. If you like your scares with a wink, this matters.

What to bring (and what to skip) for a smooth two hours

Because the crawl is about 2 hours and it’s a walking tour with bar stops, pack like you’re doing a night out plus a stroll.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes you can walk in on uneven sidewalks
• A jacket or layer (SF evenings can change fast)
• Your mobile ticket on your phone

Skip:

• Anything that slows you down when you’re trying to stay with the group
• A big plan for extra stops right before the tour ends

If you have a moderate physical fitness level, you should be fine. The walk segments aren’t described as intense, but the tour isn’t a sit-down show either.

Who this tour is best for (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great fit if you want:

• A relaxed night with spooky stories that connect to real locations
• A group vibe that isn’t crowded
• A built-in excuse to try a few San Francisco bars in a single evening

It may be less ideal if you:

• Only want a bar crawl with no storytelling
• Prefer a longer tour where you can linger at each stop
• Hate the idea that drinks are extra and will affect your budget

If you’re traveling as a first-timer in San Francisco, it’s also a useful way to get your bearings. You end up learning what kinds of places people remember here—and you do it while moving.

Should you book San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze?

I think you should book this tour if you want a small-group haunted walk that stays grounded in place. The four bar stops with included entry make the price feel more honest, because you’re not paying extra just to access the locations.

I’d pass or reconsider if you’re hoping the tour includes drinks, or if you’re the type who gets irritated by tight timing at each stop. With only 10 minutes per bar, you can’t treat this like a long lounge session.

If you’re flexible and you like your San Francisco with a side of spooky storytelling, this is a fun way to spend an evening without turning it into an all-day project.

FAQ

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

The tour lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

What does it cost per person?

It costs $36.00 per person.

Are drinks included in the tour price?

No. Drinks are not included in the price.

How many bar stops are included?

The crawl includes four bar stops, with three named locations: Old Ship Saloon, Hungry I, and Lion’s Den Lounge and Bar.

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 this a small group tour?

Yes. The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is free cancellation available?

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