San Francisco Tours






























































From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+
Amy Beth Taberski

Amy

Aug 2025
5/5

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Our guide, Anja (affiliated with the local SF based company, MustSee), was incredible! She was knowledgeable, personable, and FUNNY. The timing of the trip was perfect. We honestly could have spent more time at both Alcatraz and Muir Woods, but this was a perfect way to experience both places when you have limited time in San Francisco. Heads Up - 1. You have to pay the entrance fee to Muir Woods (or check out a National Parks pass from your local library before going on the trip and entry will be free). 2. You have to pay for the ferry ride, if you choose to go on it. We chose to pay for the ferry back to San Francisco from Sausalito instead of taking the Sprinter van back. This allowed us to have a long, leisurely late lunch (We ate at COPITA Tequileria Y Comida - amazing, authentic Mexican food) in Sausalito and still have time to just poke around the shops and take in the sights before heading back. I highly recommend the ferry ride! With the ferry ride, our excursion lasted from 8:45am-7:00pm. It was perfect!
Amare Hewitt

Amare

Jul 2018
5/5
As we stood at the Twin peaks and took in the gorgeous 360 degree view of the San Fansisco skyline, I couldn't help but cry with happiness. Book your tickets from headout now for a great experience
Merrick Bird

Merrick

Jun 2018
5/5
We were reminded to keep our cameras ready in case we spotted bisons, and surprisingly we saw like 4! This trip was amazing
Sandy

Sandy

Nov 2021
5/5
This was a well organized tour. Tickets to Alcatraz are really hard to find, and this tour made it really easy for us. The tours of North beach and Chinatown were the icing on the cake!
Marta

Marta

Aug 2025
5/5
Went with my sister and honestly wasn’t expecting to like the walking tour so much? Our guide (I think his name was Mike?) had SOOO many random facts about the area, like why there’s so many crab signs everywhere. Didn’t realize how much history was packed into just these few blocks. The pacing was chill, never felt lost in a big crowd. Alcatraz was the highlight, but the wharf walk made the whole day make sense. Bring a light jacket, it gets windy by the water. Def worth it if u wanna do more than just the basic Alcatraz ferry.
Eva

Eva

Jun 2025
5/5
We did the afternoon tour. Little chilly but the guide had great energy. Learned loads about the wharf’s past and got excellent food recs. Alcatraz is a must—audio guide is intense.
Lukas

Lukas

Jul 2025
5/5
Pretty much the best day of our SF trip. Our guide (Lucy?) was full of little facts, and she knew where to get the best angle for Golden Gate pics (hint: not the main parking lot). Muir Woods was serene, and Sausalito’s ice cream is LEGENDARY. Alcatraz was packed but still super cool. We took the late ferry back and got sunset views—unreal!
Marta

Marta

Jul 2025
5/5
Fantastic experience! Guide was so friendly, Muir Woods is stunning, Sausalito is cute, Alcatraz is a must. Wear layers.

Top things to do in San Francisco

What to expect

Alcatraz prison cell block interior with sunlight streaming through barred windows, San Francisco tour.
Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with ferry approaching in San Francisco Bay, USA.
Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline at sunset, viewed from the water.
Couple hiking in Muir Woods, part of Alcatraz Tour with Sausalito.
Two sea gulls perched on a rock with Alcatraz Island in the background, San Francisco Bay.
1/5

Walk through a legendary prison

Alcatraz has housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history back when it was a working prison, making it one of the most famous penitentiaries in the world. You can now walk through the cellblocks, hear real stories from former inmates and guards, and experience the chilling atmosphere of what is said to have been one of America’s most secure prisons.

Visit a historic landmark

The island has served multiple purposes over the years, from a Civil War-era fortress to a maximum-security prison and a site of Native American protests. Its layered history adds depth to your visit, making it more than just a tour—it’s a journey through time.

Amazing Bay views

Set in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz offers spectacular panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and the city skyline. Whether you visit during the day or at night, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Prime location

Alcatraz is an ideal attraction to combine with other iconic destinations in the region like Napa Valley’s wine country, the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, or the breathtaking landscapes of Yosemite National Park. Many combo tours conveniently bundle these experiences for an unforgettable getaway.

Abundant wildlife

Birders wouldn’t want to miss this experience. Hear us out. The island is also a thriving wildlife habitat and is home to a variety of seabirds, including cormorants and gulls, as well as marine life in the surrounding waters. The restored gardens on the island also provide a rare green escape in the Bay Area.

Things to know before booking your Alcatraz tour

  • Getting to Alcatraz by ferry: Alcatraz Island is only accessible by ferry, with boarding at Pier 33 in San Francisco. All Alcatraz tickets and tours include round-trip ferry service to the island.
  • Day tours vs night tours: Day tours offer stunning views of the Bay Area and let you explore the island at your own pace, while night tours add an eerie twist with exclusive ranger-led programs and a mysterious after-dark atmosphere.
  • Explore beyond Alcatraz: Extend your experience with round-trip hotel transfers and an expert guide on day trips to Muir Woods’ redwood forests, Sausalito’s floating homes, Yosemite’s granite cliffs, or the scenic wineries of Napa and Sonoma.
  • Be local: Before departing from Pier 33 to learn Alcatraz’s history, soak up the present on a guided tour of Fisherman’s Wharf —loved for its old-world charm and fresh seafood.
  • Kick back and unwind: Take in Bay Area views by gliding past landmarks on a cruise or soaring above them by helicopter .

Pick the right Alcatraz tour

Islands tours (day/night)

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Island visit: Included
  • Guide: Multilingual audio guide

Take a round-trip ferry to explore the infamous prison at your own pace with the award-winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour audio guide, narrated by former prison inmates and guards.

Recommended tours:

  • Alcatraz Tickets with Ferry Ride

1-day trip to nearby attractions

  • Duration: 8–9 hours
  • Island visit: Included
  • Guide: Live guide

Combine your visit to Alcatraz with nearby attractions, like the coastal redwoods of Muir Woods, the floating homes of Sausalito, or a walking tour of the lively Bayfront area, Fisherman's Wharf.

Recommended tours:

  • From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, & Sausalito Day Trip
  • Alcatraz Tour and Fisherman’s Wharf Guided Walking Tour

2-days trip to nearby attractions

  • Duration: 14–16 hours
  • Island visit: Included
  • Guide: Live guide

Maximize your time in San Francisco by combining your visit to Alcatraz with day trips to nearby attractions—Yosemite's dramatic granite cliffs, Napa & Sonoma Valleys' rolling vineyards, the underwater ecosystem at Aquarium of the Bay, or an open-top bus tour of San Francisco.

Recommended tours:

  • From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay & Yosemite 2-Day Trip
  • From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Aquarium of the Bay, & Napa/Sonoma Wine Country 2-Day Trip
  • Combo: Alcatraz Tour + San Francisco 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Cruise and aerial tours

  • Duration: 25–30 minutes
  • Island visit: Not included
  • Guide: Pilot cum guide

Short on time? Choose from a cruise and a helicopter tour of the Bay Area, which also covers Alcatraz Island. Sail the Bay Area and spot iconic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, or fly over the Bay Area on a 15-minute helicopter tour for unique aerial views.

Things to see on your Alcatraz tour

Alcatraz Island prison cell block interior, California.

Cellhouse

In the heart of Alcatraz, the Cellhouse held some of America’s most infamous criminals in tiny, stark cells. Take an audio tour through its corridors for a chilling glimpse into the daily lives of inmates.

Alcatraz Prison cell interior with sink, toilet, and folding table.
Alcatraz Island Recreation Yard with prison building, San Francisco, USA.
Ruins of the Warden's house on Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz Island lighthouse and ruins at sunset viewed from the bay.

Plan your visit

Alcatraz Island with historic prison buildings in San Francisco Bay, California, United States.

Opening hours: 9am to 9:30pm from Tuesday to Saturday; 9am to 6:30pm on Sunday and Monday.
Closed on: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day
Tour hours:

  • Day tours: 8:25am to 3:05pm
  • Helicopter tours: 11:30am to 3pm
  • 1-day tours: 7:15am to 5:55pm
  • 2-day tours: 10:10am to 11:59pm

Best time to visit: Plan a trip to Alcatraz in the fall (Sep to Nov) when temperatures range from 55–70°F, crowds are smaller, and the weather is typically clear. Spring (March to May) also offers mild temperatures (50–65°F) and blooming gardens, while summer (June–Aug) sees peak crowds and morning fog, with temperatures around 55–70°F.

Find the complete timings schedule here

Address: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA | Find on Maps
To get to Alcatraz Island, you must take a ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing (Find on Maps) in San Francisco. Here’s how you can get to the pier:

  • By cable car: Take the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde line to Taylor Street & Bay Street, then walk to Pier 33.
  • By bus: Muni bus routes 8, 30, 39, 82X, and F-Market & Wharves stop near Pier 33.
  • By light rail: You can take the F-Bus to Embarcadero & Bay Street stop.
  • By car: Paid parking is available at Pier 27, 39, or the Embarcadero garages, but spaces fill up quickly.
Explore routes here
Washroom signs at London Palace Theatre entrance.
  • Restrooms are available on the ferry and at various locations on the island.​
  • You can bring a refillable bottle to use at available water refilling stations located across the island.​
  • Limited benches are scattered throughout the island for you to take a break between all the walking. 
  • Alcatraz Island does not have a restaurant or café so we recommend you eat a snack before your ferry ride.
Guests photographing sunset near Alcatraz Island during California Sunset cruise.
  • All visitors should carry a government-issued, valid ID proof to board the ferry.
  • Large luggage and backpacks are not allowed, either on the ferry or on the island.
  • Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, skates, “wheelie” shoes, and weapons are not allowed.
  • Professional photo and video equipment must be authorized beforehand by the administration.
  • Collecting of any sort is strictly prohibited.
  • Do not go behind fences or barricades.
  • Practice Leave No Trace on the island.
  • Do not feed birds and wildlife on the island; they are protected by federal law.
  • Smoking is only permitted in designated sections on the dock; it is strictly prohibited on the island.
  • Eating and drinking are only permitted on the dock; only bottled water in non-glass bottles is permitted beyond the dock.
Attendees browsing books at the London Book Fair in a large exhibition hall.

There is a gift shop on the island named Cellhouse Store that sells souvenirs and memorabilia related to Alcatraz.​ The merchandise at the store reflects the island's rich history, with educational books, historic reproductions, apparel, and other unique knickknacks.

A special gift to take home to your loved ones is the Replica Alcatraz Cellhouse Key, a brass reproduction accompanied by an interpretive card detailing the 1946 escape attempt.

Visitors walking up a ramp to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with historic buildings in view.
  • During the peak summer season, it is recommended to book your tickets at least three months in advance.
  • Carry headphones for the audio tour to avoid waiting upon disembarking the ferry.
  • The weather on the island can change quickly–wear layers.
  • Food options on the island are limited—carry your own and eat in the designated areas near the dock.
  • Don’t be shy about interacting with the on-site rangers and staff—they love to share stories and information. You only have to ask.
  • If you are not in a hurry, stay back to catch the sunset from the island.

Sample itinerary for your visit

⏱ Total duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (including ferry travel)
📍Start point: Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, San Francisco
👟 Tour style: Self-paced walking, audio-guided

Ferry arch at Pier 43 in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.

🚢 Board the ferry at Pier 33

Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and get a good spot on the ferry. The ride itself is part of the experience—take in views of the Bay Bridge, city skyline, and Alcatraz as you approach the island.

Visitors walking up a ramp to Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with historic buildings in view.

🧭Arrive and attend orientation

National Park Service staff greet visitors with a short welcome and a few tips on navigating the island. You’ll receive a map and instructions on where to pick up your audio guide.

Interior of Alcatraz Island prison cell block with barred windows and peeling paint.

🏛 Explore the Cellhouse with an audio tour (45–60 mins)

Climb the steep path or take the mobility tram to the top of the island. The self-guided tour of the Cellhouse takes you through solitary confinement cells, the dining hall, and escape attempt sites—all narrated by former inmates and guards. Take your time here—this is the core of the experience.

Alcatraz Island Recreation Yard with prison building, San Francisco, USA.

🌿Walk the grounds and discover other sites (30–45 mins)

After the Cellhouse, follow the pathways around the island. Visit the lighthouse, the Warden’s House ruins, and the gardens. Pause to read the panels about the Native American occupation and enjoy the views of the Bay from different vantage points.

Submarine docked at San Francisco pier with Alcatraz Island in the background.

📷 Relax near the dock, browse exhibits, or ask a Ranger

Before heading back, spend a few quiet moments at the dock area. You’ll find small exhibits, gift kiosks, restrooms, and park rangers happy to answer questions or point out additional things to see.

Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with San Francisco skyline in the background.

⛴ Board the return ferry to San Francisco

Ferries depart at regular intervals, and you can return on any boat. Grab a seat by the rail for final photos of the island and skyline.

Frequently asked questions about Alcatraz tours

What is included in the Alcatraz Island tour?

Your Alcatraz tour includes a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and an immersive audio guide available in multiple languages, allowing you to explore the prison at your own pace.

How long does the tour take?

The Alcatraz Island tour typically takes about three hours, including the ferry rides and the self-guided exploration with the audio guide.

What languages is the audio guide available in?

The audio guide is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Italian, Hindi, Filipino, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Can I visit Alcatraz without a tour guide?

Yes, you can visit Alcatraz Island without a tour guide by opting for the standard self-guided daytime ticket , which includes ferry access and an audio tour of the cell house.

Is there a night tour available for Alcatraz?

Yes, night tours of Alcatraz Island are available. These tours feature guided elements, exclusive programs, and special exhibits not accessed during daytime visits. These evening tours include a narrated ferry ride, ranger-led walks, and the award-winning cell house audio tour.

Are there any age restrictions for visiting Alcatraz?

While there are no specific age restrictions, the nature of the experience at Alcatraz Island may be intense for younger children. We advise parental discretion while taking young kids.

Is the Alcatraz tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the island and its facilities, including the ferry and the main areas of the prison, are wheelchair accessible.

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