Guided Alcatraz and San Francisco City Tour

Discover the Best of San Francisco in One Day

Join this all-in-one tour that takes you through San Francisco’s most beloved city landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park to Alcatraz Island. Explore the city’s top hotspots, enjoy a scenic cruise beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and soak in breathtaking views of the bay. Then, continue to Golden Gate Park and Chinatown before boarding the ferry to Alcatraz Island for the final part of your journey.

This tour is especially recommended for first-time visitors to San Francisco. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll explore the city’s famous landmarks and attractions—including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island—all in one day. It’s one of the most popular tours for travelers who want to experience the best of San Francisco in a single trip!

San Francisco City Tour

Start your day with a convenient morning pickup from most San Francisco hotels and set off to explore the city from its beautiful waterfront. Pass through the charming Marina District before stopping at the elegant Palace of Fine Arts, where you can stroll the grounds and capture photos of its stunning architecture. Then comes the highlight of the day as you cross the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, taking in sweeping views of the bay and ocean. Continue to Land’s End to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and panoramic views of the Pacific coastline, followed by a visit to the lush Golden Gate Park. Head up to Twin Peaks for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city before your guide takes you through San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods, including Haight-Ashbury, Castro, Nob Hill, and Chinatown. The tour concludes in North Beach, where you’ll see iconic landmarks like Lombard Street, Coit Tower, and Washington Square, completing an unforgettable journey through the heart of San Francisco.

The Alcatraz Trip

After your San Francisco city tour, enjoy some free time to pick a restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf or North Beach before heading to Pier 33 for your ferry to Alcatraz Island. The short 15-minute ride offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island, perfect for photos. Once on the island, explore at your own pace with the included Cellhouse Audio Tour, hearing the real stories of inmates and guards in multiple languages. After discovering the prison’s fascinating history, return by ferry to Pier 33, with plenty of dining options nearby if you’re still hungry, and then head back to your hotel. This tour combines hassle-free access to Alcatraz with a fully guided city experience, letting you enjoy iconic landmarks and San Francisco’s top attractions all in one unforgettable day.

About Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a must-see, one of San Francisco's three most famous tourist attractions, along with the Golden Gate Bridge and the cable car. Located in San Francisco Bay, approximately 2.01 km off the northern coast of San Francisco, Alcatraz was once a prison for the most dangerous criminals in the United States and is a famous filming location for movies like Escape from Alcatraz and The Rock. Hear about the historical significance of Alcatraz, a mysterious island visited by over a million people every year!

Recommended points

This tour is a perfect one-day itinerary that lets you experience San Francisco’s most popular destinations all at once.

• Ideal for those who want to see San Francisco’s highlights in a single day
• Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a deeper look at the city
• Great choice for travelers who want to explore both the city and Alcatraz Island in one trip

Tour Schedule

08:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Begin with a convenient hotel pickup, then explore Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the Marina District, stopping to admire and photograph the picturesque Palace of Fine Arts.

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge, pause at a scenic viewpoint, and take in the Pacific coastline at Land’s End, including panoramic views of Sutro Baths and the Cliff House.

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Visit Golden Gate Park highlights such as the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, and de Young Museum, then enjoy city views from Twin Peaks and explore the historic neighborhoods of Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and Mission District.

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
See Chinatown, Nob Hill, the Financial District, and North Beach with Coit Tower and Lombard Street, enjoy lunch (not included), and visit the famous San Francisco sea lions.

1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Board the ferry at Pier 33 for Alcatraz Island, take the Cellhouse Audio Tour in multiple languages, enjoy free time to explore the island, and return to your San Francisco hotel.

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays