Magpie
4.2(2,229 reviews)

Alcatraz Island and San Francisco City Tour

From$142.5
7 hours
San Francisco, USA

About this activity

Experience San Francisco's rich history and iconic landmarks on this comprehensive tour, including a visit to Alcatraz Island and a guided city exploration.

Highlights

  • Explore historic Alcatraz Island
  • Enjoy panoramic views from the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Discover the charm of Fisherman's Wharf
  • Visit the iconic Painted Ladies Victorian houses
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown

Full description

Dive into the heart of San Francisco with this exciting combo tour that offers a perfect blend of history and city exploration. Begin your adventure with a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where you'll uncover the secrets of the infamous former prison through a self-guided audio tour. After returning to the city, embark on a guided tour that showcases San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, from the stunning Golden Gate Bridge to the charming Painted Ladies Victorian houses. This tour is designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience, ensuring you capture the essence of the city in a single day.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island
  • Self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz prison
  • Guided city tour covering major San Francisco landmarks
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Pass by: Departing the heart of Union square, the coach makes its way to the Golden Gate Bridge. On your way to the Golden Gate Bridge, travelers will see: Union Square: Theatres, shopping, hotels

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Pass by: We make our way north on Van Ness Avenue. Famous for being used as a firebreak, by the US Army during the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Pass by: Two affluent neighborhoods, attracting young professionals. Chic fashion boutiques, Pilates studios, juice shops, beauty salons. Many fine dining restaurants ranging from French Bistros to American Fusion Cuisine.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4

Designed by Bernard Maybeck for the 1915 Worlds Fair. This 162-foot high open rotunda appears as a Greek-Roman inspired fictional ruin. Disembark bus and explore the structure and lagoon.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5

Stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of this iconic landmark. Capture memorable photos of this engineering marvel and enjoy the fresh coastal breeze.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Pass by: Former U.S. Army military fort,1500-acre park. Home to; Baker Beach, hiking, historic buildings house the Walt Disney Family Museum, eateries, homes, and businesses like Lucasfilm, with its Yoda Fountain.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Beautiful coastal stop at Ocean Beach with rugged cliffs, cypress forest, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, Sutro Bath ruins, and the Cliff House.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
8

Pass by: Entering Golden Gate Park from the west we pass by one of two Dutch Windmills. Journeying through the park the driver will point out all the points of interest; Bison Paddock, Japanese Tea Gardens, California Academy of Science, Conservatory of Flowers.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9

Pass by: Travelers will see where the Hippie movement began during the Summer of Love. Unusual stores, unique dining and live entertainment.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
10

Two identical peaks give this attraction its name. One of the highest peaks in the city, you will have breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire city

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
11

Pass by: Descending down towards Market Street, we enter the Castro District. All are welcome and safe in this LGBT community!

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
12

Pass by: This major thoroughfare in San Francisco. We drive east from the Castro towards the Ferry Building and the downtown Financial District.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
13

Pass by: Among the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline (Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower), there is a wealth of tech business and Fortune 500 companies.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
14

Pass by: Passing under the "Dragon Gates" of Chinatown, traveler's enter a bustling district of commerce bursting with color.

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
15

Pass by: Don't blink your eyes, the transition from Chinatown to North Beach is seamless. This quick transition brings us the sights and aromas of San Francisco's "Little Italy".

Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
16

Ferry to Alcatraz Island, walking tour of the prison with award-winning guided "Cell Block Audio Tour"

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Confirm your booking at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot.
  • Be aware that the tour operates rain or shine; dress accordingly.
  • Note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for the city tour.
  • Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
  • Ensure you have a valid ID for Alcatraz Island entry.

Cancellation policy

0

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps

Good to know

  • Alcatraz reservations are first come first serve, all reservations are finalized (5) days prior to your departure date. No refunds or changes allowed after this date.
  • You must provide first and last names, along with ages of all passengers to confirm your reservation. If for any reason you do not provide this information within the window of time provided, your Alcatraz tour will be forfeited.
  • Date changes are not permitted once confirmation is received
  • The Alcatraz portion usually takes 2.5 hours to complete, with its audio tour consisting of approximately 45 minutes. You are advised to inquire on your arrival to the island as to what time the next guided tour will begin. There is no restriction on the amount of time you spend on the Island. The ferry boat service departs Alcatraz every 30 minutes and you can disembark at your own leisure
  • Pier 33 is the last stop and ends the bus transport portion of tour. Customers will need to make their own way back to their desired destinations after Alcatraz.
  • There are Stops with Photo opportunities at: Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Twin Peaks, Land’s End Ocean Beach (Sutro Baths) & Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission district) .

Traveler reviews

4.2
2,229 reviews
5
1,195
4
619
3
201
2
112
1
102

San Fran and Alcatraz

Great tour! Highly recommend!

jenniferfD7074DYMar 20, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Alcatraz tour portion was worth it

The city part of the tour was canceled due to lack of participants. But the Alcatraz portion was still on schedule. That tour was not refundable, as the other portion was refunded. I enjoyed the Alcatraz tour very much. Could have scheduled it separately. There are many hop on hop off tours companies operating in the city - so you could easily book these trips separately.

northwestkikiOct 27, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Bad timing

City tour had time problems. My friends and I were picked up last so every stop we had about 15 minutes total time and then back to the bus. Reality was by the time people exited the bus there was no time for the attraction. Michelle stood at the front of the bus and answered questions so that left us at the back of the bus no time to explore. I think more time is needed and she should exit the bus and field questions at the attraction. We got no time at The Place of Art

garykwizardApr 20, 2025VIATOR

Not recommended

It was bad experience, not recommended at all you can find something best and cheaper than this!! The organizer wasn’t share the correct information about location, be careful!!!

Mohammed_AApr 12, 2025VIATOR

Great trip to see San Francisco

Very informative nice stops. The guide and driver were very nice. I would recommend this tour as you won’t see parts of the city on your own

Sharon RApr 4, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Alcatraz reservations are first come first serve, all reservations are finalized (5) days prior to your departure date. No refunds or changes allowed after this date. You must provide first and last names, along with ages of all passengers to confirm your reservation. If for any reason you do not provide this information within the window of time provided, your Alcatraz tour will be forfeited. Date changes are not permitted once confirmation is received The Alcatraz portion usually takes 2.5 hours to complete, with its audio tour consisting of approximately 45 minutes. You are advised to inquire on your arrival to the island as to what time the next guided tour will begin. There is no restriction on the amount of time you spend on the Island. The ferry boat service departs Alcatraz every 30 minutes and you can disembark at your own leisure Pier 33 is the last stop and ends the bus transport portion of tour. Customers will need to make their own way back to their desired destinations after Alcatraz. There are Stops with Photo opportunities at: Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Twin Peaks, Land’s End Ocean Beach (Sutro Baths) & Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission district) .
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