San Francisco Small Group City Sightseeing and Alcatraz Tour

San Francisco , United States

San Francisco Small Group City Sightseeing and Alcatraz Tour

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(264 reviews)

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About this experience

This urban adventure in San Francisco takes you around the city in a safari-style open-air vehicle, then drops you off at the ferry to Alcatraz Island for the cellhouse audio tour. On this uniquely crafted sightseeing tour limited to 12 people, you will see renowned landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and hear quirky stories about the city as an entertaining guide drives your custom vehicle through SF's distinctive neighborhoods. After the four hour city tour, your tour guide will drop you off at Pier 33 where you will catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Most guests spend two to three hours at their leisure enjoying the audio walking tour of the former federal penitentiary known as ‘the Rock’. Hotel pickup is included.

Available options

10:00am Pickup (Approximate)

10am Departure

Hotel Pickup at 10am (approximate)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Professional guide

Audio walking tour of Alcatraz

Hotel pickup

Sightseeing tour

Official Alcatraz ticket, including ferry ride to the island (Value $45.25)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your city tour will end at the Alcatraz Ferry landing where your tickets to the ferry will be waiting. Go in the prison to experience the included audio tour and then explore the rest of the island at your leisure. Most guests take two to three hours before catching one of the ferries that return to shore every 30 minutes.

Stop 2

We will find the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge for the day of the tour. That may mean crossing in to the Marin Headlands, heading to Baker Beach or getting underneath the bridge at the landmark Fort Point.

Stop 3

Enjoy the best view of the city from its geographic center. We may find another lookout point depending on guest interest and weather.

Stop 4 Pass by

Enjoy a drive through San Francisco's urban backyard. We may cruise by more or less of it depending on guest interest and weather on the day.

Stop 5 Pass by

Enjoy a drive through the historic center of the "Summer of Love" and discover street art, music locations and beautiful Victorian architecture.

Stop 6 Pass by

See the classic Castro Theater, Harvey Milk's former campaign office and more in the center of LGBT culture in San Francisco.

Stop 7 Pass by

We will drive past beautiful Victorian and modern mansions including Billionaire's Row and the Mrs. Doubtfire House in San Francisco's swankiest neighborhood.

Stop 8

We will drive through the colorful heart of San Francisco's Latino community to see the Mission Dolores and bright murals. We may also stop to walk down one of the neighborhood's famed mural streets like Clarion or Balmy alley.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

118 reviews

5★

108

4★

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Tripadvisor 5.0

146 reviews

5★

142

4★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

MUST provide all passenger names at time of booking

For security purposes, a government-issued photo ID is required for all guests to board the Alcatraz ferry

Alcatraz audio tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese and Korean

You may leave Alcatraz Island at any time; ferries depart every 30 to 40 minutes; the last departing ferry is usually 6:30pm

All passengers over 18 will need to show a government issued ID to pick up tickets

Meeting point

If you take transit, plan to meet us at the Hyatt Regency. This hotel is directly above the Embarcadero BART station Drumm Street exit. Meet at the front entrance to the hotel on Drumm Street between California and Sacramento Streets. This pickup is usually 30 minutes earlier than the Zephyr pickup

Important notes

Please call (415) 323-6180 to confirm tour details and exact pickup time and location 48 hours in advance of your travel date.

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