Alcatraz & Fisherman’s Wharf Tour + Cruise & Skystar Options
Active
1h - 7h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get to know San Francisco’s most iconic waterfront destination. You’ll start with breathtaking views of the bay and then head off to explore the rest of Fisherman’s Wharf.
This includes the Embarcadero Promenade, historic ships, the sea lions of Pier 39, and food stalls selling specialties like crab sandwiches and sourdough bread. Our tour also takes you along a portion of the fabled Barbary Coast trail and inside the 1930s Musée Mécanique with its vintage oddities.
Afterward, your guide will walk you to your cruise departing for Alcatraz. Board with your included ticket and enjoy the views on the ride over. Once there, you can tour the prison with the audio guide, admire the gardens and seabirds, and visit the many exhibits. Return at your leisure.
If you’ve selected one or both of our upgrades, there’s more waterfront fun in store. See it all from 150 feet up on the SkyStar Wheel or cruise the bay to views of the Golden Gate Bridge and more.
Available options
Alcatraz & Bay Cruise Ticket
Bay Cruise Ticket: One-hour bay cruise with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Your ticket is valid until the end of the year.
Tour + Alcatraz Ticket
90 Minute Tour + Alcatraz Ticket
Alcatraz and SkyStar Tickets
Alcatraz and SkyStar Tickets
What's included
Optional upgrade for SkyStar Wheel ticket
Cruise to Alcatraz to see the prison, gardens, and exhibits with audio guide included
Stops at Pier 39, the Barbary Coast Trail, and more
Professional SF guide who shares the history of the SF waterfront plus travel tips
Optional upgrade for one-hour bay cruise
Guided tour of Fisherman’s Wharf
Detailed itinerary
1
Guided tour.
On the northern waterfront, Aquatic Park offers a scenic viewpoint of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. Get ready for some picture-perfect photos.
2
Stop 2
Guided tour.
Known for its iconic chocolate factory turned shopping and dining destination, Ghirardelli Square is scenic and inviting. Here, you'll learn how the popular chocolatier began in San Francisco.
3
Stop 3
Guided tour.
The lively Fisherman's Wharf Waterfront is full of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and sometimes even street performers. Enjoy panoramic views of the bay as you walk with your guide.
4
Stop 4
Guided tour.
Walk part of this trail to travel through San Francisco's history. There are plaques along the way, but your guide brings the stories to life, explaining this area’s once notorious past.
5
Guided tour.
Walk inside this vintage museum filled with over 200 penny arcade games, automated instruments, and strange contraptions. Your guide may even show you some of them in action!
6
Stop 6
Guided tour.
The pier is best known for the sea lions who enjoy basking in the sun on floating docks. Your guide will tell you why they’re here while you snap selfies with these adorable whiskered mammals.
7
Stop 7
Guided tour.
Check out the historic ships at this pier to discover more of SF’s maritime history and see another side of this popular waterfront.
8
Stop 8
Guided tour.
Running along the eastern waterfront, the Embarcadero might be San Francisco’s prettiest promenade. As you explore, enjoy spectacular waterfront views and look for local sights like the art deco streetcars.
9
Stop 9
Self-guided upgrade.
Enjoy a quick cruise over to the infamous island to see this former fort turned prison turned national park. Your ticket includes a self-guided visit to all the exhibits, gardens, and the cellhouse with an audio guide to provide a richer context to your tour.
10
Optional upgrade: SkyStar Wheel
Enjoy a ride in your glass-enclosed gondola for sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding city from 150 feet in the air. Your ticket is included with this tour.
11
Stop 11
Optional upgrade: Bay cruise.
One-hour bay cruise with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Your ticket is valid until the end of the year.
What's not included
Food or Drinks
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
48 reviews
5★
42
4★
3
3★
1
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.7
155 reviews
5★
135
4★
7
3★
6
2★
3
1★
4
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Your ticket to Alcatraz is included with this tour, but the boat's departure time may vary.
Legal names of everyone in the group need to be provided and to match photo ID for adults 18+ years, otherwise your reservation may be cancelled
Meeting point
Meet your ExperienceFirst guide on the corner across the street from the Buena Vista Cafe (2765 Hyde St). Legal names of everyone in the group need to be provided and to match government-issued photo ID for adults 18+ years.
Important notes
Legal names of everyone in the group need to be provided and to match photo ID for adults 18+ years, otherwise your reservation may be cancelled
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
