Tour San Francisco with the Vampiress: A Gothic Journey Through the Bay

Meet Mina Harker: The Vampiress of San Francisco

To mere mortals walking the streets of San Francisco, her name is Kitty Nasarow. But in the shadowy corners of the Bay Area, she's simply known as the Vampiress of San Francisco—a mysterious figure who has been leading spine-tingling tours through the city's most haunted neighborhoods for over two decades.

According to her own account, Kitty was turned into a vampire in 1897 by none other than Count Dracula himself. "That was the night my life came to an end, but not my existence," she explains with a knowing smile. For 20 years now, adopting the persona of Mina Harker—the famous character from Bram Stoker's Dracula—she has welcomed curious tourists and locals alike into San Francisco's darker history.

Armed with her signature glowing candelabra that pierces through San Francisco's notorious fog, this self-described vampiress doesn't drink blood—she spills the tea about the city's supernatural past. Her tours have become so popular that celebrity sommelier Mark Kaufman partnered with her, pairing Vampire Wines with her moonlit adventures through Nob Hill.

The Vampire Tour of San Francisco Experience

The Vampire Tour of San Francisco offers a unique two-hour walking experience through the elegant Nob Hill neighborhood, where history and legend intertwine beneath the glow of Victorian streetlamps. Unlike typical ghost tours filled with jump scares and theatrical gore, this experience weaves authentic San Francisco history with carefully researched vampire lore.

Tours begin promptly at 8:00 PM on the corner of California and Taylor Streets, directly across from the magnificent Grace Cathedral. Participants gather in the park where they first catch sight of Mina walking through the mist, her candelabra casting dancing shadows across the historic architecture. The atmosphere alone is worth the $30 admission—a bargain for such an immersive theatrical experience.

What makes this tour stand out is its accessibility and charm. The route takes place entirely on the flat summit of Nob Hill, making it wheelchair-friendly and comfortable for visitors of all mobility levels. "There are no hills on the tour," Mina assures guests. "We stay where the vampires prefer—at the top, where the fog rolls in thickest."

What to Expect During Your Evening

The Vampiress expertly blends historical fact with supernatural fiction, leaving guests wonderfully uncertain about where reality ends and legend begins. She shares tales of the 1906 earthquake, the devastating fire that followed, and how certain residents of Nob Hill allegedly survived impossibly long lives. Her storytelling style has earned rave reviews, with TripAdvisor visitors describing her as "knowledgeable," "entertaining," and possessing "a wonderful way of weaving fact with fiction."

Throughout the evening, Mina incorporates charming touches that elevate the experience beyond a simple walking tour. She conducts a raffle for vampire-themed prizes, offers candy to guests, and encourages audience participation. Many reviewers note the intimate feel of the tour, even with groups of 15 or more participants.

Six Iconic Stops on the Vampire Tour

The carefully curated route visits six historic Nob Hill landmarks, each with its own connection to San Francisco's mysterious past:

Grace Cathedral

This neo-Gothic masterpiece serves as the tour's starting point. Built on the site of the Charles Crocker mansion destroyed in 1906, the cathedral's architecture evokes European vampire legends. Mina reveals connections between the cathedral's construction and the city's Gilded Age elite—some of whom, she hints, may still wander its halls.

Nob Hill Café

This intimate establishment has served the neighborhood since the early 20th century. The Vampiress shares stories of late-night gatherings and mysterious patrons who ordered only wine, never food.

Huntington Park

Once the estate of railroad baron Collis Huntington, this park allegedly sits atop a network of tunnels—perfect hiding places for those who avoid sunlight. Mina claims to have lived in these very tunnels for over a century.

Pacific-Union Club

The only Nob Hill mansion to survive the 1906 earthquake, this exclusive gentlemen's club occupies the former James Flood mansion. Its survival when everything around it burned has sparked numerous supernatural theories.

The Fairmont Hotel

Perhaps the most haunted location on the tour, the Fairmont opened just days after the 1906 disaster. Mina recounts tales of spectral guests, unexplained phenomena in the corridors, and connections to San Francisco's vampire aristocracy. The hotel's opulent interiors and commanding presence make it easy to imagine immortals calling it home.

Mark Hopkins Hotel

The tour concludes at this art deco landmark, built on the former estate of Mark Hopkins. From its famous Top of the Mark lounge, visitors once gazed out over the entire city—a perfect vantage point for those watching over their eternal domain.

Why San Francisco is America's Hidden Vampire Capital

While New Orleans proudly claims the title of America's vampire capital, San Francisco may actually be their preferred summer getaway—or so says Dr. Robin Werner, who teaches vampire literature at the University of New Orleans. "You've got the fog, you've got the ambiance," she explains.

Indeed, San Francisco's natural characteristics make it ideal vampire territory. The city's famous fog provides convenient cover from sunlight, rolling in thick during summer evenings when tourists fill the streets. The cool climate means residents naturally dress in layers and avoid excessive sun exposure—behaviors that wouldn't raise suspicion for the undead.

The city's cultural landscape also embraces the gothic and supernatural. From AMC's "Interview with a Vampire" series based on Anne Rice's novels to FX's comedy "What We Do in the Shadows" and this year's blockbuster "Sinners," America's fascination with vampire culture has never been stronger. San Francisco's embrace of the unconventional and theatrical makes it a natural home for vampire tourism.

Alcatraz Island, visible from many Nob Hill vantage points, earns special mention during the tour. "Alcatraz is by far the most haunted spot in the entire city," Mina declares, describing alleged battles between mortals and vampires on the rocky island.

Planning Your Vampire Tour Visit

The Vampire Tour of San Francisco operates on the first Saturday of each month from May through October, with special tours offered on Halloween when demand peaks. The two-hour experience runs from 8:00 PM to approximately 10:00 PM, ending just one block from where it begins.

Practical Tips for Tour Participants

Dress Warmly: San Francisco evenings, particularly in the fog-prone Nob Hill area, can be surprisingly chilly even in summer. Multiple reviewers emphasize bringing warm layers and wearing comfortable walking shoes.

Arrive Early: Tours depart promptly at 8:00 PM. Arriving 10-15 minutes early ensures you don't miss Mina's dramatic entrance with her candelabra and allows time to meet fellow tour participants.

Parking Options: The nearby Crocker Garage offers convenient parking for those driving to Nob Hill. Alternatively, take the California Street cable car for an authentically San Francisco arrival.

Bring Cash: If purchasing tickets at the tour rather than in advance, bring cash for the $30 admission fee. (Note: The undead are admitted free, though proof of status is required.)

Private Tours Available: Groups of 10 or more can arrange private tours year-round, subject to Mina's availability. These must be booked and paid in advance.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

The Vampire Tour appeals to a surprisingly diverse audience. Literature enthusiasts, particularly fans of Bram Stoker's Dracula, appreciate the literary references and character immersion. History buffs enjoy learning about Nob Hill's Gilded Age past and the 1906 earthquake's impact. Families find the non-scary, theatrical approach appropriate for older children and teenagers.

Local San Franciscans make up a significant portion of tour participants, many discovering their own city's hidden history for the first time. As one reviewer noted, "I grew up near San Francisco. There is much about the city that I never knew."

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources: The Vampire Tour of San Francisco official website, TripAdvisor reviews, CBS Bay Area (KPIX), Dr. Robin Werner—University of New Orleans. Last updated: October 27, 2025.