San Francisco Alcatraz Island Tour & 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Adventure

2 days
Commentary: Audio · en, es, fr, de, it, pt
San Francisco, USA

About this activity

Experience San Francisco's rich history and stunning sights with a comprehensive tour package that includes Alcatraz Island and a 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off pass.

Highlights

  • Explore the historic Alcatraz Island and its notorious prison cells
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge from an open-top bus
  • Discover the vibrant neighborhoods of San Francisco on a flexible 2-day tour
  • Experience the city's iconic landmarks, including Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Park
  • Witness the sparkling city lights during the San Francisco Night Tour

Full description

Dive into San Francisco's captivating history and vibrant culture with this all-inclusive tour package. Step onto the infamous Alcatraz Island, once home to notorious criminals like Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, and explore its haunting prison cells and storied past. Then, hop aboard an open-top bus for a 2-day adventure, offering flexible exploration of the city's iconic landmarks. Cruise across the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, wander through the lush expanses of Golden Gate Park, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Fisherman's Wharf. As evening descends, embark on the San Francisco Night Tour to witness the city's skyline illuminated against the night sky. This package offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views, ensuring an unforgettable San Francisco experience.
2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Start your tour at Fisherman's Wharf, one of the most vibrant places in the city. Visit the exciting attractions at Pier 39, watch the popular sea lion colony and see many other sights along the waterfront. The open top bus gives you the best views while you drive along the Barbary Coast, the Embarcadero, Ferry Building, Union Square, City Hall, North Beach, the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park and much more.

Snap a picture of Chinatown's 'Dragon Gates' and try their delicious food, or shop at Union Square in many of its luxury stores. Take a stroll around Alamo Square to see the world-famous Painted Ladies Victorian houses, also known as "Postcard Row". In Haigh Ashbury you will be taken back in time to the “Summer of Love”, surrounded by colorful murals and fine art dedicated to San Francisco’s hippie culture.

The highlight of the tour is the ride across San Francisco’s most iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. While crossing the 1.7-mile span on an open-top bus you will have breathtaking views of the bridge, Alcatraz Island and the stunning skyline. Hop off at North Vista Point to take your best selfie, or walk across the bridge high above the bay.

Enjoy the great views of San Francisco's City Hall, the Opera House and Symphony Hall along the Civic Center. Escape to Golden Gate Park to explore one of the largest urban parks in the world. Stop at its popular museums and attractions, the California Academy of Sciences, the Conservatory of Flowers, and the de Young Museum, or enjoy the long hiking trails, bike paths, lakes, waterfalls, and much more.

If you stay on the bus for the full tour, you can see all major sites of San Francisco in 2 hours, but with your flexible 2- day ticket you are free to explore the city on your own pace and hop on and off the bus as often as you like for two days. The tour guides or audio commentary provide fun and informative insights about San Francisco while you enjoy the most amazing views from the open top deck of the Double Decker bus. 

San Francisco Night Tour
This live narrated 60–90-minute tour of San Francisco shows you the most vibrant neighborhoods of the city. With spectacular views from an open-top Double Decker bus, the tour covers all major sites of San Francisco. Departing from Fisherman’s Wharf, it takes you up to Nob Hill to see California Street with its famous Cable Cars and the impressive Grace Cathedral.

After passing through Chinatown and the Financial District, we cross the magnificent Bay Bridge with its spectacular art installation of lights that has become San Francisco’s most iconic light sculpture at night. From Treasure Island enjoy the best views of the sparkling skyline with amazing photo opportunities. On the way back the tour continues along the waterfront, passing the Embarcadero and Ferry Building before returning to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf.

 Enjoy this magnificent tour with fun and informative narration in various languages to make your evening in San Francisco an unforgettable experience!

Alcatraz Island Tour
Alcatraz is San Francisco's most famous attraction. Start your tour by boarding the ferry at Fisherman’s Wharf and sail across the bay to visit “the Rock”, San Francisco’s infamous prison island. Once on the island, enjoy the amazing views of San Francisco’s skyline and explore Alcatraz on your own pace with the award winning self-guided audio tour inside the prison cell-block (available in various languages). Learn about the history of Alcatraz and stroll around the island until you are ready for your escape, taking the ferry back to San Francisco.

Note: The specific departure time for your ferry ride to Alcatraz Island will be provided upon redeeming your voucher. Please keep your day flexible until your specific departure time has been confirmed.

Meeting point

Start Location

99 Jefferson Street, San Francisco, US

99 Jefferson St Suite B, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

(at the corner of Mason Street)

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

  • The exact Alcatraz departure time will be provided upon reconfirming your tour with the operator
  • The date chosen upon booking will be the date for your Alcatraz tour
  • Children under 2 years of age are free

Know before you go

  • The bus tours are first come first serve
  • Carry a jacket as it can get cold on the bus & ferry
  • Alcatraz departure times vary. Please keep your day flexible.
  • Please carry a valid photo ID with you

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 days before the activity starts

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to departure. If canceled less than 30 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 50% applies. If canceled less than 5 days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of 100% applies. No refunds will be given for any no-shows or any missed ferry departures.

Accessibility

  • Stroller Accessible
  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Easy Public Transport

Reviews

Google
p baskar
May 2026
4.0

Exciting

Google
Michaela & Rick Morales
May 2026
5.0

Excellent way to see San Francisco. I was very impressed with all the staff. Very professional and knowledgeable of the City. The tour was fantastic

TRIPADVISOR
Stephanie Y
May 2026
5.0

5 rating, good route design, driver kindness, 2 vineyard.

Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Additional information

The tour is often sold out in advance and reservations should be made as early as possible

IMPORTANT: The departure time is allocated automatically and will be provided upon reconfirming the tour with the operator a few days prior to departure. The set time slot cannot be changed. We recommend to keep your day flexible until you receive your confirmed departure time.

Once you reach Alcatraz Island you can stay as long as you like; ferries return approx. every 30 minutes 

The date chosen upon booking will be the date for your Alcatraz tour; the Hop-On Hop-Off pass is flexible and you can start the bus tour at any time

In order to receive your tickets and your exact departure time you must check-in online with the operator at the latest 72 hours prior to departure (further instructions will be on your voucher)

Please carry a valid photo ID with you