The "phantom" fire engine tour runs year round. It was a "phantom" fire engine. I found it on the tour website. It was incredible. The tour goes through the marina towards the presidio and back to the wharf. It goes on a tour that winds through the region...you have never seen this path...it was so incredible the scenery..you know 49 miles scenic drive...omg...breathtaking, awe inspiring, awe shucks old fashioned..."phantom" fire engine tour...it was funny and charming...for all kinds of people to enjoy...san francisco "phantom" fire engine..similar to the "phantom" water taxi...the holiday tour sounds fun..makes you feel like a child again....feels like you are filming a movie...funny! read more

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My adult daughter and I took this tour on Saturday, 8/5/2023. It was awesome. The tour lasted almost 3 hours instead of the advertised 1.5 hours. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge were beautiful. The weather was perfect. Our driver/guide were very friendly and knowledgeable. I HIGHLY recommend this tour! read more

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This could go from the best thing ever to the cheesiest in a heart beat depending on the group you're with. I decided to book this for my family and I as a memorable way to see the might Golden Gate Bridge for my almost four year old boy and two year old girl. I had booked through TripAdvisor's - "Viator" website, but something in my stomach told me to call to make sure it had gone through properly. Unsurprisingly I was told that the 3pm was overbooked and that we could instead book the 1pm slot. I went ahead and did that. Luckily we made it to the start of the tour right at 1pm. I felt like if we had been just a few minutes later the tour would have left without us. It does say/suggest to get there 15 mins before, but here I again was the reason I had chosen the 3pm slot to begin with. I also had mentioned over the phone and in my ticket purchase (because it asks you!), that it was my wife's birthday. The employee I dealt with over the phone said the guide/entertainer would acknowledge that during the tour! Nope. Anyhow it was one of the hotter summer days even for SF and the seats were very hot - of course being open air its to be expected. Im sure this isnt so much a problem when the whether is typical SF, but today it was and my kids ended up sitting on our laps so they wouldnt burn their butts. For some reason I was under the impression that we would actually go through Sausalito i.e. drive down the downtown/mainstreet/boardwalk or something, but its not like that, and honestly there is no time in the 75min of the tour. You actually drive around the backside of the headlands and they point out Sausalito as being in "that" direction. The stop at Fort Baker stop is also brief of course to fit it in the 75 mins of the tour. We got some good pictures though. The main fun of this tour is going over the bridge in the firetruck of course. This is where I say it can go from the best thing (if your kids or you are into riding on a firetruck with a signing tour guide) or super cheesy/awkward. It depends on you. Our family was ok with the singing, but others on the tour including a French family with older kids were not so much into it. For the price paid I would have to really think twice next time just because it goes by so fast and you could do one of the double decker hop on and off buses (we did BIG BUS) which also goes over the bridge! read more

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It's just awesome to support a small business and have a BLAST at the same time! We took a Friday 11 am tour and enjoyed great weather. Having taken this tour over 15 years ago I wasn't sure if the tour company still existed but was glad to see it was. It is under new ownership but has the same fun, family friendly feel. Usually the tour provides fire jackets and blankets for the windy ride (it's an open air fire engine), but due to Covid guidelines they can't right now. We did not come super prepared for the cold but were given great suggestions on where to pick up inexpensive hats and hooded sweatshirts nearby. This tour is just pure fun; with historical highlights, silliness, and the most amazing ride over the Golden Gate! They stop at a stunning viewpoint and will even take pictures of your group. A perfect outing for families, or anyone who is young at heart. read more

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours - There is no better way to go over the Golden Gate Bridge! - Tours Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We brought our kids to San Francisco and took them on this tour. The boys had a great time. It was fun to ride the fire engine out in the open, but bring a jacket! Otherwise I would recommend this trip to everyone. read more

Amazing tour! You don't have to be a tourist to enjoy this wonderful tour! The people are amazing and it was just perfect!

I am sorry to say that the pictures and names are misleading if you see it as a Holiday lights tour across the golden gate. HOWEVER, if you are a tourist, I'd say this is great to take you around all the main spots in SF. IF you are a local thinking it would be a nice holiday ride with holiday lights.... YOU ARE SADLY mistaken. (ME!) The guy is super nice but he didn't point out anything and barely spoke. The best part for me was: 1. The actual truck was pretty awesome 2. The cute dog with antlers 3. Having christmas music blasting while driving through the city. read more

We decided to do the Holiday Lights Tour with San Francisco Fire Engine Tours after we got an offer from Amazon local and it was fun. First off your get to ride through San Francisco in vintage firetruck. Both are Mack Fire Engines one is from San Francisco and the other was trucked over from Philadelphia. One is from 1955. Another added bonus is that they have authentic vintage fireman jackets from around the country that you can wear to keep warm. Since it is winter I would suggest doing that and bringing some gloves and a hat or ear muffs. We have been through some of the areas we visited before, just no at Christmas, and not in an open air ride. You really get to see a lot of things that you may have missed riding in a car. The tour guide pointed out interested things along the route and played and sang Christmas music. Very Festive. They have tours that start at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. We did the 5pm because of our schedule. I would not recommend that time. We were in the commute for the most part. Half the tour was in heavy traffic. Not the tours fault, its the city. 7 pm may be better as most commute traffic is probably gone. 9 pm could also be great since the streets will be much emptier. Not sure if that would also get you into more areas of the city since we were limited on the 5pm tour as to how far we could go in the 90 minute window. Holiday Lights tour runs through Dec 23. read more

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours - Tours Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We went on a tour back in September. At that time the weather in SF was great! It was warm, yet nice and breezy. We were joined with two tour guides and another family. The tour started on time and we were lead to different parts of the city. We were given good historical information about certain buildings, streets, and landmarks. Definitely really informative for us. The other tour guide, sang beautiful songs throughout the ride. She definitely entertained us with her singing and jokes every now and then. As it was an open air tour, we really got to see great views of the Golden Gate Bridge overhead, which was stunning! The only thing that sort of concerned me was how bumpy it got in the firetruck, but that's a given because it is vintage. I definitely recommend that you give this tour a try. They offer a different experience overall when touring the city. read more

We booked this tour as a surprise for our son's 10th birthday and were not disappointed! Ito & Deborah were fantastic hosts & tour guides. Deborah was very sweet, outgoing, and funny. She also made sure that our son felt celebrated on his big day. The tour itself showed many areas of San Francisco we had never seen before (original police station, Ft. Baker & an old logging tunnel. Deborah also led the truck in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" & "Jolly Good Fellow" while driving through the logging tunnel. It brought a huge smile out of our kiddo who was trying very hard to keep it cool. Highly recommend this tour! read more

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours - Waiting to start the tour - Tours Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Okay. I took my 7-year-old son on the Holiday Lights tour through a Living Social deal. We were pretty excited, but under the impression that the tour took us over the golden gate bridge and back. The truck itself is gorgeous and the concept of the tour is great. The driver is a grumpy old man that probably shouldn't be working around kids (he clearly doesn't like them), but his dog is awesome! And they give you these really cool fireman jackets to wear. Since we understood that we were going to go over the bridge and back, but it turned out that the holiday lights tour just takes you around town, we were kind of disappointed. (I would say that the holiday lights tour would be great if they could find neighborhoods that were well lit, rather than just Union Square and City Hall.) It was a bit of a disappointment, and I wanted to give them some feedback. So I called and spoke with one of the owners (Ronnie, I believe) and she was GREAT! She understood the misunderstanding and was quick to offer a replacement trip that actually took us over the bridge. We haven't done that one yet, but her customer service skills went a long way in prompting me to write this review. I believe if you have a problem with a service, you should at least give the establishment the opportunity to fix it. These are good folks implementing a creative idea. It's a great tour, especially if you have kids or want a tour of SF! read more

We did the Christmas lights tour. You don't really see lights but you drive around SF. You see lots of Christmas trees. We also got to go through Union Square. Our driver was a elementary music teacher so he sang us Christmas carols and we sang along so that was super fun. This is probably for kids age 3+ read more

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So much fun! That fact my husband owns a vintage fire engine made it a must do for us, but we'd recommend to anyone looking for a different way to learn about the city. Great narration, lots of fun history about the city and the fire history of the city. Beautiful views across the Golden Gate and into the Muir Headlands. read more

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours - Tours Near Me - San Francisco, California

This tour was awesome!! We have a 2.5 year old and this was the highlight of his trip. We learned so much about SF along with having the best tour in the city. People were stopping and taking pics of us. Carley the tour guide was amazing. We did sing-a-longs and had a jolly good time. We started off at the wharf and traveled over the golden gate bridge down to Sausalito. Over the bridge was FREEZING, so dress warm and bring hats. (they do offer you hats and jackets if you do not have them). They took us to a great spot in Sausalito to get pics with the Fire Truck and the golden gate bridge. I recommend this to all ages. The BEST way to see the city is on their 1955 Mack Fire Truck. read more

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This was my favorite thing we did as a family while visiting San Fransisco! Deborah was our narrator and she was amazing! Very funny and extremely knowledgable about this city and it's rich history! I was in awe of all the cool information. It was chilly but they do hand out fire jackets in all sizes that were more then warm enough for the whole family. They stopped for great pictures and we got to steer the fire truck in a few of them. The gentleman who was driving (I'm sorry but the name escapes me at the moment) was great! We all felt safe the whole time he was behind the wheel. It was my sons 4th birthday and they made him feel like a rockstar by singing happy birthday and Jolly good fellow. The group that we were with participated in the singing and it brought a huge smile to his face. We were punctual to leave and to return. Almost like they have done this before! I would highly recommend this tour if you are even slightly interested in the history of this crazy city. Cant wait to visit again! read more

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I loved this tour! First off, they were very accommodating. My mother was having some mobility issues and they were kind enough to bring out a stool, which really helped her get off and on the truck so much easier. Our guide Deborah was wonderful! She is very outgoing, energetic, funny and has an amazing singing voice. This really shines through in the long tunnel sing a long. Going over the Golden Gate Bridge on an open fire truck is something that has to be done once in your life. Just hang on to your glasses. The sights were amazing. From Fort Baker to the Marin Headlands, just unbelievable. I actually learned some new facts about the area, which made it more interesting for me. Their site states that the tour is 75 minutes long. It was more like an hour and a half for ours. Whether your a local or tourist, if you want to have some fun and see some incredible views of the city, I highly recommend this tour. read more

Had a great ride on the fire truck! It is very fun to ride around. People all turn to watch it go by. You'll be encouraged to sing along with some songs. But, the woman who does the singing is very cute and will easily get you to sing with her. I liked sitting in the far back. You catch some air when they go over a bump. read more

This tour was definetly a five star tour. The two people, a lady and a gentleman, running it were awesome. She was so full of information and hilarious and fun. She told us she holds a gunuiss worlds record for tap dancing across the gold gate bridge non stop. Pretty amazing. We sang songs as we went over the bridge and through town, everyone would look at us in our fire gear they had us wear. This tour is awesome. The lady also told us they bought the firehouse and turned it into their home. They are really true and genuine and love what they do and love their city. A MUST do while your in San Fran. Have fun. read more

Fun, fun, fun through the streets of SF. We sang Christmas carols and waved at all the passers by. My friends and I bought the eventbrite deal and received 50% off. The tour guide was so sweet to wait for a family of four that was running late. Very thoughtful. Recommended for a fun new view of the city. read more

San Francisco Fire Engine Tours - Two little elves on the firehouse tour! - Tours Near Me - San Francisco, California

My husband and I had the best time on this reasonably-priced tour. LeAnne (and her sparkling personality) was our guide who provided us with all kinds of information on the various landmarks, led us in caroling, and was the official bell clanger, while Dave artfully navigated our handsome fire truck throughout the City on a busy Friday night. We were joined by nine others and together we truly shared a joy ride around the City. I cannot recommend this enough. It's great fun for any age! read more

**Update, a couple weeks later, I got a phone call apologizing and crediting $200 of the $300 spent on our tour. Worst tour experience I have ever had, wish I could give less than one star. Our tour started nearly 30 minutes late, and then we sat in traffic just listening to Christmas music with the occassional entertainment of our tour guide being ticked off at Uber drivers and using colorful language. No singing tour guide, no pictures with the fire engine. The tour was short of the 90 minutes advertised and missed some of the best lights in the city, but that is probably ok as nobody was really into it. The little kids fell asleep, and the lady across from my daughter commented that the only thing that partially saved the evening for her was my daughter's singing. I was so embarrassed that I talked this up to out-of-state family and bought them tickets for Christmas. I did email the company and received a reply stating they had already had a "stern talking to" with employees (must have already had other complaints since she said she had just read my email) and offered comped tickets for next time, but when I emailed back that we would like partial refunds for our party of 8, she didn't even bother to respond. read more

Such a great tour. From the minute they pulled up, offering the fireman coats (very useful for the blustery, but beautiful day) and blankets, to all of the landmarks pointed out. I'm local to the South Bay and I learned so much about SF that I never knew. My 3.5 year old son had a great time. I was very nervous to go across the bridge in an open car, but it was so so beautiful. Debbie is wonderful. Such a great personality, and sings throughout the ride. Some say cheesy, I say fun! I've recommended the tour to many adults that I know...and they charter for birthday parties! The only potentially negative I would say is that we were 1 man short on our fully booked tour and there was just enough room for all. A true fully booked tour would be pretty shoulder to shoulder. Notes: don't wear a hat (you could lose it), toddlers don't require car seats- but if they're wiggly know that you'll need to hold onto them- otherwise I never felt unsafe for one minute, I cannot emphasize sunscreen enough. read more

I am a local in the area, and I went on the fire engine tours, with my visiting parents. I thought it was very fun, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I certainly recommend it to anyone. They dress you in fire jackets, (Necessary, it gets cold on the bridge) and take you around town, and across the golden gate bridge. Stop for pictures, and take you back. (Use Chap Stick Prior) Highly Recommended. The Duo who put on the tour, convey a very honest love for what they do. This shows very strongly as they do their tours. To the point of saying that this is not a job to them, this is what they honestly and truely do for fun. With that said, the excitement that they have, rubs off on the "crew" which is the ones on the tour. Very upbeat, and I had a great time. She loves to tap dance! read more

My husband and I did this Christmas 2015 and had such a great time that I rented the fire truck for a family fun evening this year 2016, sits up to 14, once again had a great time singing Christmas carols and seeing all the sights and sounds of the city. When the people see you they can't help but wave, smile and shout out Merry Christmas. Our guide has such a beautiful voice and a great sense of humor. Looking forward to next year. read more

Fantastic tour without spending all day hoping on and off. The picture we got in our uniforms on the north side of the Golden Gate we surely make our Christmas card. We have a 2 and 4 year old and they had a great time. read more

This is one of the most fun and unique tourist experiences in a great tourist town! You get to see the local landmarks from the retro shiny red fire engine, all through the eyes and imaginations of the charming, highly entertaining husband and wife team who run the tours. Plus they are very knowledgeable about local history. You get some great photo ops of world renown spots and you'll leave with a great story to tell the folks at home. I've traveled across the US and in Europe and I've never done any like this before. A fun family adventure. read more

This was a fun way to see San Francisco and a winery tour was included! The Winery was a great pit stop and had a great wine selection. My boyfriend and I ended up buying 2 bottles of the Glitter (i.e. Champagne) and the Cab. Our driver was insightful and funny and his co-pilot was a fiery opera singing redhead. Would definitely recommend this to people wanting to do a sight seeing tour of San Francisco that is more intimate than a double decker bus. read more

Even a local can appreciate this! Everyone is so nice and the truck is awesome. I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting or locals. Great for kids and adults!!! A must do!! read more

The SF Golden Gate Fire Engine Tour is a must if you're ever visiting San Francisco. Both Marilyn and Robert the owners/tour guides are very hospitable, entertaining, and just outright fun and very friendly tour guides! We enjoyed the entire time on the tour and also the narration provided on the tour by Marilyn. You'll get to ride in the "BIG RED SHINY MACK FIRE ENGINE" and cross the Golden Gate Bridge. An experience of a lifetime! Out of 5 Stars being the best, they are definitely off the chart with 6 Stars. read more

we enjoyed this ride last weekend and it was terrific. Russel drove us places I have not seen in my 60 years of living here. He is a wonderful host.Lots of history is explained and lots of tourists taking your picture. Angelina the co-captain is absolutely charming and a very talented singer. We went to Treasure Island for the wine tour and had the best of times from start to finish. Bring warm clothes as the weather is subject to change quickly, but they also provide authenic firefighter coats to wear and stay warm. Groupon coupons make this tour a "Must" when in S.F. read more

I made a last minute reservation with my expired Groupon deal and Rani was kind enough to fit us in, she was prompt with her responses and was very accommodating. The tour was engaging, fun and interactive. It was chilly but they made sure everyone was taken care of with bathroom brakes and jackets prior to the tour. Super nice and professional people. Definitely recommended for both locals and visitors!! read more

Went on a San Francisco Fire Engine Tour today. It was perfect. Loved the driver and our guide had a beautiful singing voice. It made it festive and fun. My cousin was visiting from South Dakota and I wanted a tour of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. They provided warm jackets so we were very comfortable. The open air feel was awesome and made it easy to get some great photos. Had a fantastic group of people on our tour. My nephew was in a wheel chair and everyone stepped up to help so he could go on the tour. Very kind group. Thank you so much! read more

We really enjoyed this tour! We had already done the Hop on hop off style tour, but this was a unique experience and we got to see different places. Driver and guide were fantastic. Highly recommend as a fun way to see the bridge and the bay. read more

We took the "classic" tour over the Golden Gate. Was a beautiful afternoon and a fun way to see some sights even though we are Bay Area locals. The guides were amusing and knowledgeable. Some reviewers commented the driver was grumpy but we found him enjoyable as he waved and hit the sirens for smiling onlookers. read more

What a fun and fabulous tour! Debra is great; she sings and gives a awesome informative tour! It is a bumpy fun time!I highly recommend for all ages. However be prepared for a chilly and windy time especially when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. They provide firefighter jackets to help keep you warm, but Ladies bring a clip to hold you hair! read more

Brilliant tour. We had such a fun time. Debbie was hilarious and so enthusiastic. Great way to see the city and keep your kids interested. For an Aussie family this was the best. We got some great photos but we were also blessed with perfect weather. read more