Alcatraz Island is a popular destination for visitors to San Francisco, known for its rich history as a former federal prison. Alcatraz tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the island, learn about its history, and experience the iconic views of San Francisco Bay.
There are several tour options available for visiting Alcatraz Island, including guided tours, self-guided tours, and night tours. Visitors can choose to explore the island at their own pace or with the guidance of a park ranger or tour guide.
The most popular tour option is the Alcatraz Island Day Tour, which includes transportation by ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island and a self-guided audio tour of the prison. The audio tour features the voices of former prisoners and guards, providing a unique insight into life on the island. Visitors can also explore the island’s gardens and historic buildings, including the cellhouse, dining hall, and library.
Alcatraz tours are a popular attraction in San Francisco and are typically offered year-round. Tickets for Alcatraz tours can be purchased in advance online or at the ticket booth at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing in San Francisco. It is recommended to purchase tickets well in advance, as they can sell out quickly.
Best Alcatraz Tours
| San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour | San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket | From San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Tour | |
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| Duration | 2 days | 4 hours | 7.5 hours |
| Starting Time | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | 9:30 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Meeting Point | 99 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA | Beach St & Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA | St. San Francisco 94102 |
| Includes | Ferry to/from Alcatraz Island, 2-day hop-on hop-off pass , San Francisco night tour , Guide | Walking tour of Fisherman's Wharf , Alcatraz entrance ticket , Ferry to Alcatraz , guide | Narrated bus tour, Free time in Muir Woods, Alcatraz admission ticket , Transportation , Ferry ride and Cellhouse |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Alcatraz Tours For [2024]
- San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour
- San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket
- From San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Tour
- San Francisco: City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket Combo
- San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Cruise and Alcatraz Tour
- San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided City Tour
- San Francisco: City Tour with Alcatraz Visit
Best Alcatraz Tours Reviews
#1. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour is a popular combination tour package that offers visitors the opportunity to explore San Francisco’s top attractions at their own pace.
The tour typically includes a hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city, with multiple stops at popular landmarks and neighborhoods such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square. Visitors can hop on and off the bus as many times as they like throughout the day, allowing them to explore the city on their own schedule.
The package also includes a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and a self-guided audio tour of the former federal prison. Visitors can explore the island and learn about its history, including the stories of some of its most notorious inmates.
In addition to the bus and ferry tours, the package also typically includes a one-hour bay cruise, which offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with Ferry & Alcatraz Tour is a great way to explore San Francisco’s top attractions and experience the iconic landmarks of the city. The package is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Big Bus Tours and City Sightseeing San Francisco.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket
The Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket is a popular tour package that combines a guided tour of San Francisco’s waterfront with a ticket to visit Alcatraz Island.
The tour typically begins with a guided walking tour of San Francisco’s waterfront, including the historic Fisherman’s Wharf area, the Cannery, and Ghirardelli Square. The tour guide will provide insights into the history and culture of the area, pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting stories about the city.
After the walking tour, visitors will take a ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where they will have access to the former federal prison and can take a self-guided audio tour. The audio tour features commentary from former inmates and guards, providing a unique insight into life on the island.
The Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket is a great way to experience some of San Francisco’s top attractions in one package. The tour is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Gray Line of San Francisco and Tower Tours.
It’s important to note that tickets for Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. From San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Tour
The Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Tour is a popular full-day tour from San Francisco that offers visitors the opportunity to explore some of the city’s most iconic attractions.
The tour typically starts with a visit to Muir Woods National Monument, where visitors can explore the towering redwood trees that are over 1,000 years old. The park features several hiking trails that wind through the forest, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area.
After visiting Muir Woods, the tour heads to the picturesque town of Sausalito, located just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors can explore the charming shops and restaurants of the town or take a stroll along the waterfront.
The final stop of the tour is Alcatraz Island, where visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the former federal prison. The tour includes access to the cellhouse and other areas of the island, providing a fascinating look at the history of the prison and the inmates who were once housed there.
The Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Tour is a great way to experience some of San Francisco’s top attractions in one package. The tour is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Gray Line of San Francisco and Tower Tours.
It’s important to note that tickets for Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, Muir Woods requires advance reservations for entry, so it’s important to plan ahead if you want to visit this popular destination.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. San Francisco: City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket Combo
The San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket Combo is a popular tour package that offers visitors the chance to explore San Francisco’s top landmarks and attractions in one convenient package.
The tour typically begins with a guided bus tour of the city, with stops at popular landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Chinatown. The tour guide will provide insights into the history and culture of the city, offering interesting stories and fun facts along the way.
After the city tour, visitors will receive an entrance ticket to Alcatraz Island, where they can take a self-guided audio tour of the former federal prison. The tour includes access to the cellhouse and other areas of the island, providing a fascinating look at the history of the prison and the inmates who were once housed there.
The San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Entrance Ticket Combo is a great way to experience some of the city’s top attractions in one package. The tour is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Gray Line of San Francisco and Tower Tours.
It’s important to note that tickets for Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, some popular city tour stops such as Lombard Street or Chinatown may have heavy traffic, so it is advisable to check the tour itinerary and plan accordingly.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Cruise and Alcatraz Tour
The Golden Gate Bridge Cruise and Alcatraz Tour is a popular tour package in San Francisco that allows visitors to experience two of the city’s top attractions in one day.
The tour typically begins with a scenic cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, offering visitors breathtaking views of the iconic landmark from the water. The cruise may also take visitors to other popular landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, or Sausalito, depending on the tour package.
After the cruise, visitors will receive an entrance ticket to Alcatraz Island, where they can take a self-guided audio tour of the former federal prison. The tour includes access to the cellhouse and other areas of the island, providing a fascinating look at the history of the prison and the inmates who were once housed there.
The Golden Gate Bridge Cruise and Alcatraz Tour is a great way to experience some of San Francisco’s top attractions in one package. The tour is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Red and White Fleet and Blue and Gold Fleet.
It’s important to note that tickets for Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, weather conditions may affect the availability of the Golden Gate Bridge cruise, so it is advisable to check the tour itinerary and weather forecast beforehand.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided City Tour
The Alcatraz Island and Guided City Tour is a popular tour package in San Francisco that offers visitors the chance to explore the city’s top landmarks and attractions, as well as visit the infamous Alcatraz Island.
The tour typically begins with a guided bus tour of the city, with stops at popular landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Chinatown. The tour guide will provide insights into the history and culture of the city, offering interesting stories and fun facts along the way.
After the city tour, visitors will receive an entrance ticket to Alcatraz Island, where they can take a self-guided audio tour of the former federal prison. The tour includes access to the cellhouse and other areas of the island, providing a fascinating look at the history of the prison and the inmates who were once housed there.
The Alcatraz Island and Guided City Tour is a great way to experience some of the city’s top attractions in one package. The tour is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Gray Line of San Francisco and Tower Tours.
It’s important to note that tickets for Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, some popular city tour stops such as Lombard Street or Chinatown may have heavy traffic, so it is advisable to check the tour itinerary and plan accordingly.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. San Francisco: City Tour with Alcatraz Visit
The San Francisco City Tour with Alcatraz Visit is a popular tour package that offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s top attractions and also visit the infamous Alcatraz Island.
The tour typically begins with a guided bus tour of the city, with stops at popular landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown. The tour guide will provide insights into the history and culture of the city, offering interesting stories and fun facts along the way.
After the city tour, visitors will receive an entrance ticket to Alcatraz Island, where they can take a self-guided audio tour of the former federal prison. The tour includes access to the cellhouse and other areas of the island, providing a fascinating look at the history of the prison and the inmates who were once housed there.
The San Francisco City Tour with Alcatraz Visit is a great way to experience some of the city’s top attractions in one package. The tour is typically offered as a full-day excursion, with transportation provided to and from various locations in San Francisco. Some popular tour companies that offer this package include Extranomical Tours and Tower Tours.
It’s important to note that tickets for Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, some popular city tour stops such as Fisherman’s Wharf or Chinatown may have heavy traffic, so it is advisable to check the tour itinerary and plan accordingly.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.