San Francisco is staging a comeback that’s more dramatic than a Silicon Valley pivot, and tour guides are here to spill the tea. After years of being dragged through the media mud, the city is showing off a refreshed swagger that’s catching everyone’s attention.

The Glow-Up is Real

Local tour operators are witnessing a transformation that’s turning heads and challenging the “doom loop” narrative. Allan Graves from Love Tours notes that the Tenderloin, once a symbol of urban struggle, is looking cleaner and more organized. Tourists who previously expected Mad Max-level chaos are now impressed by the city’s resilience.

Tech and Tourism Collide

The city’s evolution isn’t just cosmetic. Tour guides like Sharon Traeger are now more likely to point out autonomous Waymo vehicles than discuss homelessness. It’s a subtle shift that signals San Francisco’s continued reinvention, proving once again that this city never stays static for long.

Navigating Political Currents

However, the road to recovery isn’t without bumps. Increased political tensions and international travel restrictions are creating challenges for tour companies. Some guides are carefully navigating conversations about LGBTQ+ history and local politics to keep their tours inclusive and engaging.

Despite these challenges, San Francisco’s spirit remains unbroken. As Graves eloquently puts it, the city is “always reinventing itself” - a mantra that continues to ring true in 2025.