Whether you’ve already booked a San Francisco tour with us or you’re still planning your perfect trip, this guide walks you through exactly how to reach Dylan’s Tours Shop in North Beach—our central meeting point for our award-winning SF tours.
Located just uphill from the waterfront in one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, Dylan’s Tours Shop is easy to reach from Fisherman’s Wharf, the cruise ship terminals, and other parts of the city. Getting here is straightforward—and our ideal location makes an excellent spot to explore before or after your tour.
From transportation tips and arrival details to neighborhood highlights and practical guidance for cruise passengers, this post is here to make planning your San Francisco tour even easier. You’ll find everything you need to arrive confidently, on time, and ready to explore the best of San Francisco.
Getting to Dylan’s Tours: Everything You Need To Know At A Glance
Welcome to Dylan’s Tours! We’re excited to show you around San Francisco but first, let’s get you to the right place and make your arrival smooth, easy, and even a little fun!
Dylan’s Tours Shop is located in North Beach, one of the most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods in the city. We’re surrounded by local cafes, parks, and historic landmarks.
Whether you’re coming from across town or from just a few blocks away, we recommend arriving 15 minutes before your tour begins. This gives you time to check in, get settled, and start your day stress-free. Our comfortable shop is a great place to relax before your day of SF adventures begins!
If you’re running late for your San Francisco tour, please call us as soon as possible at the number above. We’ll do what we can to help guide you here, but please note that our tours begin promptly at their scheduled time and we cannot guarantee late arrivals can be accommodated.
If you have any concerns about how long it will take to arrive at Dylan’s Tours Shop, don’t hesitate to get in touch; we are always happy to advise on travel times.
Our Shop Location
782 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 932-6993
Right in the heart of North Beach — just a 10-minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and a quick Uber or 20 minute walk from Union Square.
From Fisherman’s Wharf
- 10 minute walk from most hotels, mostly flat and takes you through Fisherman’s Wharf and Little Italy area
From Union Square:
- Take a taxi or rideshare (10–15 minutes approx $15).
- You can also take the Powell-Mason cable car and get off at Columbus & Lombard — just a block away.
From Cruise Ship Terminals (Pier 27 or Pier 35):
- We offer free pick-up for cruise ship guests who book directly with us!
- Otherwise, it’s a short 5-minute taxi or rideshare.
- Walking? It’s about 20 minutes — mostly flat, with great views along the Embarcadero and into North Beach.
- Booking note for cruise passengers: If you’d like to request shuttle pick-up, just email us or check the box during booking. We’ll coordinate timing with your ship’s arrival schedule.
When You Arrive
- Please arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- You won’t need to print anything out, all you have to do is show up.
Snacks & Water
We’ve got you covered if you forget to pack a snack! We sell granola bars for $1 and bottled water for $2 at our shop.
That said, we highly recommend bringing your own reusable water bottle — we offer free water refills and there are refill stations throughout the tour. Staying hydrated = more fun on the tour!
Restroom Access
There’s a public restroom just one block away in beautiful Washington Square Park — a perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a photo, or let the kids run around.
Pre-Tour Coffee & Snacks
We highly recommend stopping by Victoria Pastry (right next door to our shop). It’s a local favorite with classic Italian pastries, coffee, and sandwiches.
Dylan’s guests get 10% off — just mention you’re with Dylan’s Tours.
Hotel Recommendations
Still looking for a place to stay? We’ve put together a helpful guide covering the best hotels in San Francisco — from boutique stays in North Beach to luxury options near Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Traveling with your bags
No problem! You’re welcome to store your luggage at our shop during your tour. We’ll keep it in a secure, staff-only area, and you can pick it up as soon as the tour ends. Whether you’re checking out of your hotel or heading straight to the airport afterward, we’ve got you covered.
$10 Lombard Leap Add-On
Want a little extra magic after your main tour?
Add on the Lombard Leap Tour for just $10 and hop aboard our open-air vehicle for a one-of-a-kind ride down San Francisco’s most iconic crooked street — Lombard Street and enjoy unforgettable views from Coit Tower, North Beach, and more.
It’s quick, fun, and full of photo ops. You can add it during checkout OR in your confirmation email and we promise it’s worth the leap!
Arriving at Dylan’s Tours Shop: A Closer Look
Whether you’re coming from Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the cruise terminals, or another part of the city, read on for a complete breakdown of the easiest ways to reach Dylan’s Tours Shop—plus local tips to make your arrival smooth, on time, and stress-free.
Getting to Dylan’s Tours Shop from Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most visited neighborhoods—and for good reason. It’s home to waterfront views, historic ships, bustling piers, and some of the city’s most iconic eats (yes, including clam chowder in a sourdough bowl). It’s also where many visitors choose to stay, with dozens of hotels and easy access to public transit, sightseeing cruises, and cable cars.
From the Wharf, head south on Columbus Avenue. In about 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll move from the energy of the waterfront into the slower rhythm of North Beach. It’s a quick and easy walk—and a great way to ease into the day before your tour begins.
Getting to Dylan’s Tours Shop from the Cruise Terminals (Pier 27 or Pier 35)
If you’re arriving in San Francisco by cruise ship, reaching our shop is simple—and the experience is designed with your time and convenience in mind.
Both Pier 27 and Pier 35 are less than a mile away. You can walk the distance in about 15 to 20 minutes, following a flat, scenic stretch along the Embarcadero before heading into North Beach. Prefer to save time? A taxi or rideshare will get you to our front door in under 10 minutes. For the smoothest route, use 782 Columbus Avenue as your destination.
What makes Dylan’s Tours especially well-suited to cruise passengers isn’t just the location—it’s the way we plan for your day. We offer complimentary cruise ship pickup on select tours (just ask when booking), and we’re happy to store your luggage at our shop before or after your tour so you can explore freely without hauling bags.
Our tours are designed with cruise ship passengers in mind, ensuring you experience the best of the Bay Area—all while getting you back to your ship with time to spare.
We’ll help you choose a tour that fits comfortably between arrival and boarding, whether you’re looking to explore San Francisco’s highlights, escape to Muir Woods, spend time in Sausalito, sip your way through Wine Country, or design a private itinerary just for your group.
You can search for the best tours for your cruise ship dates here.
How to Get to Dylan’s Tours Shop from Downtown San Francisco or Union Square
If you’re staying downtown, getting to our shop is simple by either rideshare or public transit. An Uber or Lyft will typically take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and drops you right at the door.
For a more budget-friendly option, the #30 Muni bus runs directly from Union Square to North Beach in about 30 minutes, with a stop just a short walk from our shop. Whichever option you choose, use 782 Columbus Avenue as your destination to keep things smooth.
Driving and Parking Information for Dylan’s Tours Shop
Driving to our shop is absolutely possible—but if this is your first time navigating San Francisco by car, there are a few things worth knowing upfront.
Traffic coming into the city, especially from the East Bay or North Bay, can be slow during weekday mornings. If you’re crossing a bridge, give yourself at least 90 minutes of travel time to account for congestion, toll lines, and downtown traffic. It’s also smart to check real-time conditions using Google Maps or Waze before you head out.
Once you arrive in North Beach, parking can be a bit of a challenge. Street parking is limited, and most meters have a strict two-hour limit—which typically won’t cover the full length of your tour. Enforcement is consistent, and extensions aren’t guaranteed, even through parking apps.
For peace of mind, we recommend using a garage. The best nearby option is Border Parking Garage at 1647 Powell Street, just a five-minute walk from our shop. It offers all-day parking and is one of the more reliable choices in the neighborhood. Rates generally range from $25 to $35, depending on the day and duration.
If you’re planning to drive and explore the city before or after your tour, using a garage allows you to leave your car without worrying about time limits or tickets—so you can enjoy the day without checking the clock.
Quick San Francisco Transportation Overview
- Uber/Lyft – $10–$15 depending on where you’re coming from, time and demand. Use 782 Columbus Ave as your drop-off point.
- Taxi – Widely available downtown; typically $15–$20. Share the same address with your driver.
- Muni Bus (#30) – $3 from Union Square to North Beach; about a 30-minute ride.
- Driving – Use Border Parking Garage at 1647 Powell St. It’s a 5-minute walk to our shop. Parking ranges from $25–$35.
What to Do Before or After Your Tour
One of the perks of meeting at our North Beach shop is being surrounded by some of San Francisco’s best-loved local spots. If you arrive early, it’s worth building in time to explore a little.
Need breakfast? Try Caffe Trieste, an iconic espresso bar with a rich history, or Molinari Delicatessen for a made-to-order Italian sandwich. Mama’s on Washington Square is a local institution for sit-down breakfast, though lines can build quickly. North Beach is full of character—historic, walkable, and relaxed. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, browsing a local shop, or taking in the views, there’s plenty to enjoy right outside our door.
We’re Here to Help You Have the Best San Francisco Tour
At Dylan’s Tours, we want your day to run smoothly—starting well before you arrive at our shop. This guide is here to make your arrival easy, your planning simple, and your time in the city even more enjoyable. If you have any questions before your tour or need help coordinating arrival details, just let us know. We’re always happy to help.
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