Alcatraz Day Tour and 1-Day City Bus Tour in San Francisco

San Francisco , United States

Alcatraz Day Tour and 1-Day City Bus Tour in San Francisco

Active

(2 reviews)

3h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

These two high quality tours can be done in the same day - or over more than one day.

First, choose a date from the schedule for the Alcatraz prison tour, complete with headset audio (available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish).

Either before or after Alcatraz, you can enjoy seeing the city – from the high vantage of the open top vehicle, or sheltered on the street level deck of the bus.

Considering how often Alcatraz sells out at the Pier 33 Box Office, this package is often a fantastic way to get a ticket to Alcatraz and take in several other great city attractions.

Available options

Alcatraz Day Tour and 1-Day City Bus Tour in San Francisco

What's included

Variable Departure/Arrival Location for Hop-On-Hop-Off City Tour

Round-trip ferry from Pier 33, San Francisco to Alcatraz Island (Value: $45.25 USD)

Note: The date you choose is the date of your Alcatraz Tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover America’s most infamous prison, with a chance to go inside the cells and feel the cold and dark life firsthand.
During the award-winning 45-minute cell house audio headset tour you will learn of escape attempts, riots, bizarre characters, and much more. Displays include prison life, guard controls, and how Frank Morris and 2 others made their infamous “Escape From Alcatraz.”

Alcatraz is continually one of the most popular tours in the country:
• Video History Presentation – No Charge
• Audio Tour includes sound effects, interviews with prisoners and guards, and historic details
• The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
• Bookstore with information in many languages
• Permanent exhibit The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States
• Other rotating exhibits
• Visit the prison Recreation Yard, talk with Park Rangers, and walk the Perimeter Trail.

• The complete loop lasts approximately 2.25 hours (with no hop-offs). Typically it takes 5 or more hours as you may hop on and off several times.

• Go over the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the Vista Point for terrific views.

• Other key stops at or near: The Haight/Ashbury district, Victorian homes, Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square, Financial District, Golden Gate Park, City Hall, the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, and more.

• Recorded commentary in 10 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Cantonese or Mandarin Chinese

• Disposable headphones are included.

• NO RESERVATIONS NEEDED. Buses run 10am – 5pm daily. 6pm in summer.

• Buses run every 20-30 minutes, or more often in summer.

• Start and finish the tour at any of the hop-on, hop-off bus stops

• Mobile App available, with live bus arrival times

• Open top buses can be chilly! A backpack with extra layers is recommended, including a skull cap!

Available languages

Audio guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

Meeting point

99 Jefferson St. = 12 min. walk from Pier 33, Alcatraz. Show voucher to agents & get tickets. Regular departures daily from 10:00 am. You choose day & time, BEFORE or AFTER your FIXED Alcatraz date/time.

Big Bus agents at Geary & Powell Sts, Union Square hotel zone also can exchange for tickets.

Important notes

This package is 2 tours from 2 different locations.

The time listed on your booking is for the Alcatraz Tour departure.

For Alcatraz, be at Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing, 30 minutes before your departure. Boats leave on time.

Bring this voucher and a Government Issued Photo Identification (for all persons over age 18). Go to the Will Call Window at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure and state the name of the person listed on this booking. State that you purchased from DiscoverTown Tours.
FOR ANYONE AGE 18+, TICKETS WILL NOT BE RELEASED WITHOUT A VALID PHOTO ID.

Anticipate a round trip of 3 hours.

For the Blue & Gold Fleet Golden Gate Bay Cruise part of your package, go to the small “Victorian House” kiosk between Pier 39 & Pier 41. Show your voucher and say it is with DiscoverTown Tours. They will hand you tickets for your Bay Cruise.

No reservations required. The schedule is flexible, with several departures daily between 11:00am to 6:00 pm (4:30pm in winter). Winter weekends may include a 5:30 departure. Earlier and later departures may be added in spring and summer.

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