Official Inside Alcatraz Cruise and All Day Hop on Hop Off Tour
Active
2h - 5h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of San Francisco from an open-top double-decker bus. This All Day Hop on Hop Off tour takes you through the city’s most famous landmarks and scenic neighborhoods, providing stunning panoramic views and insightful commentary along the way.Discover the history of Alcatraz Island with a self-guided audio tour featuring stories from former inmates and guards, all while enjoying breathtaking views of San Francisco from the ferry. After exploring the island’s gardens and historic sites, hop on an open top double decker bus
- Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz with immersive stories
- Take in stunning views of the San Francisco skyline from the ferry
- Explore key city landmarks like Chinatown and the Palace of Fine Arts
- Flexible return ferry times allow you to enjoy the island at your own pace
Available options
Official Inside Alcatraz Cruise and All Day Hop on Hop Off Tour
What's included
Entrance fee
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Alcatraz Island, located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, is one of America’s most famous historic landmarks. Once home to a notorious federal penitentiary known as “The Rock,” it housed some of the country’s most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”).
Highlights of Alcatraz Island:
The Cellhouse: Tour the former prison’s cellblocks with an immersive audio guide that brings to life the stories of inmates, guards, and key events. The narration includes firsthand accounts, making this a truly unique historical experience.
Historic Buildings: Explore the island’s remnants of military fortifications, the lighthouse (the oldest on the West Coast), and guard towers.
Breathtaking Views: From the island, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and the expansive bay.
2
Stop 2
The highlight of the city portion is crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge—an unforgettable experience as you take in sweeping vistas of the bay and city. After crossing, the bus will make a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge vista point on the Marin County side for 15 minutes. This stop gives you ample time to photograph the magnificent bridge up close and capture stunning panoramic shots of the San Francisco skyline from across the water.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest Chinese communities outside Asia.
You will see and experience:
Colorful Streets: Walk under iconic red lanterns along narrow streets filled with traditional Chinese architecture, ornate
Bustling Markets: Explore lively shops selling everything from exotic herbs and spices to delicate teas, traditional medicines, and souvenirs.
Authentic Cuisine: Taste your way through numerous eateries offering classic Cantonese dishes like dim sum, roasted duck, and hand-pulled noodles. Street vendors also offer a mix of treats and snacks.
4
Ghirardelli Square is a historic landmark and vibrant shopping and dining destination located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Originally the site of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company’s chocolate factory, this charming complex has been beautifully preserved and transformed into a bustling shopping and dining plaza.
5
City Hall is most famous for its impressive dome, which rises 307 feet—making it one of the tallest domes in the world,
6
"Painted Ladies"
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Shopping and theater
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Vintage boutiques and restaurants
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
ES
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
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
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Pier 33 in San Francisco is located at the Embarcadero waterfront area. It is theb departure point for ferries to Alcatraz Island.
Important notes
Your confirmation is NOT your ticket.
Tickets will be emailed 1 day before your tour.
If you book on the same day, tickets will be emailed within 1 hour before your tour starts.
Please check your email before your tour!
If you do not receive your tickets, please call or WhatsApp us immediately.
The time you book is your Alcatraz ferry departure time.
You may choose to do both tours on the same day or on different days.
Thank you, and enjoy your San Francisco experience!
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
Instant confirmation
