Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour
Active
6h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Combine a San Francisco City Tour and guided visit to Alcatraz for the ultimate introduction to San Francisco! You'll enjoy the beauty and attractions of everyone's favorite city, in addition to a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island for an audio walking tour.
Available options
City Tour & Alcatraz Admission
3.5-hr San Francisco city tour plus ferry and admission to Alcatraz island, including award-winning Alcatraz audio tour. Limited availability and advance booking is recommended
What's included
Alcatraz tickets are 100% refundable with at least 5 days’ notice prior to departure.
Transportation to Pier 33 Alcatraz Cruise Port after City Tour
Guided bus tour of San Francisco narrated by a local expert and professional guide.
Plenty of stops with Photo opportunities
Official Alcatraz Admission Ticket (valued at $47.95) including Ferry Ride & Cellhouse Audio Tour
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 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
2
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.
3
Stop 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.
4
Stop 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.
5
Stop 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.
6
Stop 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.
7
Stop 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.
8
Stop 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.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Travelers will see where the Hippie movement began during the Summer of Love. Unusual stores, unique dining and live entertainment.
10
Stop 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
11
Stop 11
Pass by
Descending down towards Market Street, we enter the Castro District.
All are welcome and safe in this LGBT community!
12
Stop 12
Pass by
This major thoroughfare in San Francisco. We drive east from the Castro towards the Ferry Building and the downtown Financial District.
13
Among the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline (Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower), there is a wealth of tech business and Fortune 500 companies.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
Passing under the "Dragon Gates" of Chinatown, traveler's enter a bustling district of commerce bursting with color.
15
Stop 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".
16
Stop 16
Ferry to Alcatraz Island, walking tour of the prison with award-winning guided "Cell Block Audio Tour"
What's not included
not included
Any other services not specified
Hotel Pick up or drop off
Bus Transportation after the Alcatraz Tour is not included
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.2
2,067 reviews
5★
1098
4★
590
3★
186
2★
106
1★
87
Tripadvisor
4.1
161 reviews
5★
96
4★
29
3★
15
2★
6
1★
15
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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) .
Meeting point
Gray Line Fisherman’s Wharf Departure Location
2805 Leavenworth St.
Arrive by 8:45 AM to check-in
Bus Departs at 9:00 AM
Although there is no physical location, you'll easily spot Pomegranate Café directly across the street. Simply wait there, and our representative will meet you.
Important notes
• To confirm your Alcatraz Tour, we will need the following information: First and last name along with the ages of all passengers.
• Alcatraz reservations are first come first serve, all reservations are finalized (5) days prior to your departure date.
• If for any reason you do not provide the above-listed info within the window of time provided, your Alcatraz tour will be forfeited.
• Alcatraz Cruises is the official concessioner to the National Park Service for Alcatraz Island, the National Park Service & Alcatraz Cruises, LLC establish all policies and procedures regarding the purchase of tickets, reserving your departure date/time, and ferry service to and from Alcatraz Island.
• We offer 2 departure locations for your pick-up. Please arrive at the one closest to your hotel/stay:
478 Post Street S.F. (Union Square Area - Downtown San Francisco)
Although there is no physical location, you'll find Encore Café situated right next door. For boarding the bus, simply head across the street to meet our representative and board the bus.
- Arrive by 8:25 AM to check-in
- Bus Departs at 8:40 AM
2805 Leavenworth St (Fisherman's Wharf Area)
Although there is no physical location, you'll easily spot Pomegranate Café directly across the street. Simply wait there, and our representative will meet you.
- Arrive by 8:45 AM to check-in
- Bus Departs at 9:00 AM
• There will be a Gray Line San Francisco representative to assist with boarding the bus and check-in.
• You can reach us at tours@graylineofsanfrancisco.com or (415) 353-5310 between 7:00 am to 6:00 pm local time PST.
• Please bring your paper or electronic voucher with you on the day of your tour to be redeemed upon check-in
• Please email tours@graylineofsanfrancisco.com up to 5 days in advance to confirm your Alcatraz tickets.
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
