Our VW buses are rolling works of art, hand-painted with love and bursting with personality
Moving Murals
We can’t help but smile when we see people light up as our VW hippie buses roll by. It happens all the time—kids, teens, and the young at heart stop in their tracks to soak in the magic of these Moving Murals. These buses are more than just transportation; they’re vibrant works of art that capture the spirit of San Francisco.
Our goal was to create something that authentically resonates with the city’s landmarks and people. Allan shared his vision for these iconic hippie buses, but it was Madison Tomsic, the artist, who truly brought them to life. Her hand-painted designs turn each bus into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, spreading joy and sparking inspiration wherever they go.
Panoramic Sunroofs
The classic VW buses offer fantastic headspace, but they weren’t originally built for sightseeing. Determined to make the experience from inside just as magical as the views outside, Allan tirelessly explored options to elevate the ride. A ragtop for open-air cruising sounded promising, but in practice, guests preferred protection from the wind, noise, and harsh sunlight.
After years of brainstorming, testing, and refining, Allan teamed up with Ted, our skilled fabricator, to create the perfect solution. They found a way to preserve the bus’s safety structure while opening up a whole new world of sights for our passengers. The result? Panoramic sunroofs that let you soak in San Francisco’s beauty with comfort and ease.
Now, you can enjoy the city’s iconic views like never before—a perfect blend of innovation, safety, and pure sightseeing joy!
Blue Seats with Red Diamond Stitching
The VW’s seats have been thoughtfully refurbished to balance comfort and style, turning every ride into a cozy escape. We chose a stunning Calypso-True Blue vinyl for the upholstery, instantly energizing the interior with its vibrant, electrifying hue. This bold blue creates a striking contrast against the warm tones of the bus, making the seats pop like a piece of modern art on wheels.
To elevate the experience further, we turned to our talented upholsterer, Napoleon, for a touch of luxury. Inspired by the plush feel of high-end designs, Napoleon crafted intricate diamond stitching in a rich wine-red thread that perfectly complements our seatbelts. The stitching not only adds elegance but also enhances the durability of the seats, ensuring they stay as inviting as they look.
Sliding Windows
The original “bay windows” on the T2 VW buses were iconic in design but had their limitations. They typically featured a long glass panel paired with a small vent window—not exactly ideal for sightseeing or catching a refreshing breeze. When Allan first encountered a single sliding window on a Vanagon, he immediately saw its potential. The ability to stick your head out for a better view or extend your arm for the perfect photo felt like a game-changer.
Determined to bring this enhanced functionality to our fleet, Allan embarked on yet another long, detailed search for a solution. After combing through countless options, we discovered a company that specializes in custom slider windows. We reached out and worked closely with them to create sliding windows tailored for all four of our bay windows. Their craftsmanship exceeded expectations, and our vision finally came to life.
Beaded Curtains
A timeless symbol of joy and whimsy, beaded curtains evoke a sense of wonder that transports us to another time and place. Whether they spark memories of carefree childhoods, dreams of cosmic adventures, or the warm ambiance of a cozy home, these delicate strands of beads ignite the imagination. They transform even the simplest journey into a sensory experience, reminding us that the magic of life is in the details.
When the wind stirs the beads, their soft, melodic jingle dances through the air—a sound that feels both familiar and enchanting. It’s a gentle tune, a reminiscent melody that whispers stories of the past while inviting new memories to unfold. Their movement catches the light, creating a playful shimmer that adds a touch of wonder to every ride.
Shag Carpets
Seriously, the orange shag carpets are a true time machine! One glance at the vibrant, textured floors, and you’re instantly transported to a groovier era. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about shag carpets—they have this wild, unapologetic charm that sparks childhood memories of cozy living rooms and funky dens, where long-haired carpets were all the rage.
In a car, though? That’s a whole new level of retro fun. The bold orange hue adds a burst of energy and warmth to the interior, creating an inviting space that feels like stepping into a playful time capsule. Guests can’t help but run their hands through the plush fibers, marveling at the unexpected joy of finding shag carpeting in a vehicle.
Each bus is a time machine on wheels, turning heads and sparking smiles wherever we roll
Meet Our Original “Love Bus” – The Soul of San Francisco Love Tours
Among our groovy fleet, this 1972 VW Hippie Bus holds a special place in our hearts—it’s the OG inspiration for San Francisco Love Tours. Once a family vacation vehicle packed with cherished childhood memories, this bus carried the true spirit of peace, love, freedom, and adventure. Even with its faded mustard-yellow paint and an engine that needed a total rebuild, it had a soul that couldn’t be ignored.
Once Allan got the wheels turning, weekends became a whirl of city tours with friends, family, and even new faces he met along the way. Sunday mornings were for Dolores Park, soaking in the vibrant energy of locals, music, and sunshine.
It was at Dolores Park where fate (and a little VW magic) brought Allan together with artist and fellow VW lover Madison Tomsic. When Allan asked Maddie to bring his bus to life with her artwork, she created a masterpiece—groovy murals that transformed the bus into a rolling mural!
This isn’t just a bus—it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and the heart of the San Francisco Love Tours experience. 🌈✨
Meet Sunshine: “Here Comes the Sun”
The Sunshine Bus is a radiant symbol of good vibes, groovy adventures, and a little bit of magic. This 1977 VW Hippie Bus has a story as bright as its name—one that’s all about dreams, determination, and a sprinkle of serendipity.
Back in the early days, when the Graves brothers were brainstorming and sharing their vision for San Francisco Love Tours, their knack for storytelling and passion for their dream turned out to be their greatest assets. Roberto entered a contest, pouring his heart into the story of a tour company that would capture the spirit of San Francisco. His words struck a chord, and he won—taking home this incredible VW bus as the grand prize!
When the bus arrived, the universe seemed to have already christened it. Across the windshield, front and center, was the phrase: “Here Comes the Sun.” It was perfect—pure sunshine on wheels, and the name stuck.
Now, Sunshine carries visitors through the City by the Bay, spreading joy, love, and a touch of that iconic San Francisco spirit. Step aboard and see why this bus is more than a ride—it’s a lucky charm and a groovy adventure waiting to happen. 🌞✨
Meet Maddie’s Bus: A Tribute to Art, Adventure, and Friendship
Maddie’s Bus is more than a vehicle—it’s a rolling work of art and a tribute to the friendship between Allan and Madison Tomsic, the visionary artist behind our fleet’s iconic murals. Their story began at Dolores Park, where Allan shared his dream of creating a tour company that captured San Francisco’s free spirit. Maddie, a talented artist and fellow VW enthusiast, brought that dream to life with her breathtaking designs. From that moment on, Maddie’s creativity has been at the heart of San Francisco Love Tours.
Maddie’s artistic journey began in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she fell in love with art while restoring and painting her first VW bus at 15. Her passion for travel and creativity took her across California, Hawaii, and beyond, where she honed her skills in painting, body art, and sustainable tattooing. Maddie’s Bus now carries her vibrant energy and vision through the streets of San Francisco, embodying the spirit of adventure, artistry, and love that inspires every mile of our tours. 🌈🎨✨
Meet Proud Mary: A Tribute to Family, Music, and San Francisco Vibes
Proud Mary isn’t just a bus—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the people and passions that shaped San Francisco Love Tours. This 1977 VW bus, originally lime green with a white top, carries a name steeped in family history and the timeless groove of rock ’n’ roll. Proud Mary honors Allan and Roberto’s mom, Maria Eugenia, affectionately called Mamigenia by Allan—a playful blend of “Mami” and “Genie.” In Spanish, Maria translates to Mary, and the bus’s name is a nod to their mother’s love and enduring influence.
But the name also sings a second tune. Proud Mary is a classic from Creedence Clearwater Revival, a band that filled Allan and Roberto’s childhood home with music, thanks to their dad’s endless guitar sessions. Allan, a lifelong fan of CCR, found the name a perfect way to weave his love of music into the story of this bus. Now, Proud Mary rolls through the streets of San Francisco, carrying with it the spirit of family, freedom, and the rhythm of one of the greatest bands of all time. Step aboard and let the good vibes keep on turning! 🎶✨
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
I simply can’t imagine a better way of experiencing going up and down the hills of San Francisco than in a VW-hippie bus. The allure of these adorable V-Dubs are only matched by the marvelous sights and stories encapsulated by this ever-changing city. People wanting to ride in a VW bus are kindred spirits who appreciate a small, family-like experience with guides that love storytelling as much as they love living in this city. These are genuine experiences, befriending authentic people, making extraordinaire memories. ~ Allan