San Francisco: Alcatraz With SF City Tour

Exploring the dynamic city of San Francisco and the infamous Alcatraz Island can be an exhilarating experience. The "San Francisco: Alcatraz with SF City Tour" offers an opportunity to take in the city’s rich history and captivating landmarks. From the iconic Union Square to the winding curves of Lombard Street, the tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into San Francisco’s vibrant culture. But the real highlight lies in the journey to Alcatraz, where visitors can uncover the island’s intriguing past through an award-winning audio tour. What secrets await those who dare to explore this legendary site?

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour provides a comprehensive experience, including a visit to Alcatraz Island and a 4-hour small group van tour of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.
• Guests can enjoy stunning views of the bay, bridges, Alcatraz, and the downtown skyline during the tour and the ferry ride.
• The tour includes an award-winning audio tour of Alcatraz Island, allowing visitors to explore the former prison at their own pace.
• The tour offers a blend of guided experiences and free time, enabling guests to enjoy the city’s history and culture.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or non-folding wheelchairs, and guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour, titled "San Francisco: Alcatraz with SF City Tour," offers a comprehensive experience for visitors, with a price starting from $159.00 per person.

The tour lasts 8 hours and is highly popular, often selling out. Guests should note the non-refundable cancellation policy.

The tour covers major attractions, including Union Square, Lombard Street, and the Golden Gate Bridge, with a 4-hour small group van tour and an award-winning audio tour of Alcatraz Island.

Pickup is available from most downtown and Fisherman’s Wharf hotels, though the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or non-folding wheelchairs.

Tour Highlights and Itinerary

The tour features a private visit to major San Francisco attractions, including Union Square, Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and North Beach, among others.

During the 4-hour small group van tour, guests will enjoy outstanding views of the city’s neighborhoods.

The tour also includes:

An award-winning audio tour of Alcatraz Island, stunning views of the bay, bridges, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco from the boat, and free time on Alcatraz Island after the guided tour.

• An award-winning audio tour of Alcatraz Island.

• Stunning views of the bay, bridges, Alcatraz, and downtown San Francisco from the boat.

• Free time on Alcatraz Island after the guided tour.

Pickup and Accessibility

The tour provides pickup from most hotels in Downtown San Francisco between 8:30-8:45 AM and from Fisherman’s Wharf between 8:45-9 AM. Guests can specify their hotel name for pickup during booking or choose from a list.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with non-folding wheelchairs due to limited accessibility. Mobility scooters, bikes, and electric wheelchairs are also not allowed on the tour.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and refrain from bringing alcoholic drinks or being intoxicated during the tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, a round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz, the Alcatraz admission ticket, and the Cellhouse Audio Tour.

However, food and beverages (except water during the city tour) as well as tips are excluded from the package.

Plus, the following items aren’t allowed on the tour:

• Mobility scooters

• Intoxication

• Bikes

• Electric wheelchairs

• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

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Important Information and Customer Feedback

Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for participants.

Mobility scooters, intoxication, bikes, electric wheelchairs, and alcoholic drinks in the vehicle aren’t allowed.

Alcatraz tickets booked last minute are subject to availability.

Based on 65 reviews, this tour has an overall customer rating of 4.5/5.

The guide received a 4.3/5 rating, the transportation a 4.4/5 rating, and the value for money a 3.9/5 rating.

This suggests the tour provides a generally positive experience, with room for improvement in the value proposition.

Tour Highlights: Union Square and Lombard Street

Participants begin their exploration of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks with a visit to Union Square, the bustling heart of the city’s shopping and cultural district.

From there, the tour takes them along the winding curves of Lombard Street, often referred to as the "crookedest street in the world." This scenic drive showcases:

• Sweeping views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline

• Lush gardens and historic homes lining the steep hill

• A unique driving experience as the tour van navigates the tight turns

This combination of urban energy and natural beauty sets the stage for the rest of the day’s adventures.

Tour Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown

Next, the tour highlights the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. Crossing the entrance to the San Francisco Bay, the bridge offers stunning vistas of the city skyline and Alcatraz Island. After crossing the bridge, the tour ventures into the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Visitors can enjoy the rich culture, sample authentic cuisine, and explore the iconic pagodas and bustling markets.

| Tour Highlights | Description |

| ————— | ———– |

| Golden Gate Bridge | Iconic landmark offering sweeping city and bay views |

| Chinatown | Vibrant cultural hub with pagodas, markets, and cuisine |

| City Skyline | Panoramic views of the downtown San Francisco skyline |

| Alcatraz Island | Glimpses of the historic former prison from the bridge |

| Cultural Immersion | Opportunity to experience Chinese culture and traditions |

Visiting Alcatraz Island

After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, the tour takes visitors to the iconic Alcatraz Island.

Guests can explore the former federal prison on a self-guided audio tour, which provides a chilling glimpse into the facility’s history.

The tour includes:

• Stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and city skyline from the island.

• Access to the cell house, where inmates were housed.

• Insight into the island’s role as a military prison and federal penitentiary.

The Alcatraz experience offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and learn about this legendary landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, outside food and beverages, except for bottled water provided during the city tour, are not included in the tour. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed on the vehicle.

What if I Need to Use the Restroom During the Tour?

According to the tour details, guests can use the restrooms on the boat to and from Alcatraz Island and during the free time on the island. Restrooms are not available in the tour van during the city portion of the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour duration cannot be extended. It’s an 8-hour tour with a fixed itinerary and schedule. Customers are advised to plan their time accordingly, as the tour won’t be able to accommodate requests for additional time.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Alcatraz Cellhouse?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the Alcatraz cellhouse. The tour includes an award-winning audio tour that provides information about the island’s history and allows guests to explore the infamous prison cells at their own pace.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Small Group Van Tour?

The tour is a small group van tour, but the maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The overview indicates it’s a "4-hour small group van tour" through San Francisco neighborhoods.

The Sum Up

The "San Francisco: Alcatraz with SF City Tour" offers an exceptional 8-hour experience, providing visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and the renowned Alcatraz Island. With a 4.5/5 customer rating, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy San Francisco’s rich history and vibrant culture at a reasonable price of $159.00 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: