San Francisco Bus & Boat Adventure
About this activity
Highlights
- Visit the major sites of San Francisco
- Sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge
- See Alcatraz Island up close from the water
- Enjoy 1 day hop-on hop-off access to the Official City Tour
- Fun and informative narration in various languages
Full description
Explore San Francisco by bus and by boat with this valuable combo ticket. Enjoy beautiful views from an open top bus during the Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour and enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s skyline during the 60-minute Bay Cruise. Both tours take you along the major sights of San Francisco, providing fun and informative commentary in various languages. Drive across and sail underneath the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge with great views of Alcatraz Island. Explore Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, City Hall, the Palace of Fine Arts, and much more.
1-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, Marina District 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. Ride up to Nob Hill - one of San Francisco's most distinguished hilltop neighborhoods - where the historic California Street cable car line runs past grand landmark hotels and some of the finest streets in the city.
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 the South Vista Point right beside the bridge, or continue across to 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, or visit the Asian Art Museum, the Public Library and the War Memorial. Stop at the Palace of Fine Arts - the stunning neoclassical rotunda set in its own peaceful lagoon, one of the most photographed spots in the city - or hop off in the Marina District and head down Crissy Field waterfront promenade with its sweeping views across the bay.
If you stay on the bus for the full tour, you can see all major sites of San Francisco within 2 hours, but with your flexible 1-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. 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 Bay Cruise
The 60-minute Bay Cruise is the most popular water tour in San Francisco. Heading towards the Pacific Ocean, there are breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, including Fisherman's Wharf and Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina District, Pacific Heights, Crissy Fields and the Presidio.
Sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and get close to Alcatraz Island for great photo opportunities. The audio guide provides fun and useful information about San Francisco in various languages while you cruise through the San Francisco Bay. Learn about the city’s fascinating history and enjoy the magnificent views from the water.
Included / Excluded
- 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
- San Francisco Bay Cruise
- Multilingual audio commentary
- Tips and gratuities
- Food and beverages
- Hotel pick up
Important information
Know before you book
- Ticket can be used on the same day or two consecutive days
- Free audio tours in various languages on bus and boat
- Bay Cruise takes approx. 60 minutes
Know before you go
- The bus and boat tours are first come first serve
- Carry a jacket as it can get cold on the bus and boat
- Mobile voucher accepted
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Infants Required On Laps
- Easy Public Transport
Reviews
Great way to see San Francisco! The hop-on hop-off bus made it easy to visit the main attractions, and the views were amazing. The staff were friendly and the whole experience was convenient and enjoyable. Definitely recommended for first-time visitors.
My friend and I had the best half day experience to Napa Valley with Big Bus Tour Company!! Big shout out to Patrick our driver for the day who was excellent with telling us different information about all the areas we drove though, and he was honestly such great fun for the entire trip which made it all the better! We only had a small group that day (2 Ireland and 2 Wales, Patrick will know) which meant Patrick also stopped at the most scenic location on the way home for some amazing views and photos and it was a great end to the trip!! We 100% recommend the trip and if you get Patrick as your driver you are in for a great trip and some great craic! Sincerely, The two girls from Ireland!
My friend and I had the best half day experience to Napa Valley with Big Bus Tour Company!! Big shout out to Patrick our driver for the day who was excellent with telling us different information about all the areas we drove though, and he was honestly such great fun for the entire trip which made it all the better! We only had a small group that day (2 Ireland and 2 Wales, Patrick will know) which meant Patrick also stopped at the most scenic location on the way home for some amazing views and photos and it was a great end to the trip!! We 100% recommend the trip and if you get Patrick as your driver you are in for a great trip and some great craic! Sincerely, The two girls from Ireland!