From San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Tour

Explore the natural wonders and historic sites that surround San Francisco with this comprehensive tour. Discover the serene beauty of Muir Woods, stroll through the charming town of Sausalito, and explore the haunting past of Alcatraz Island. With stunning views and a wealth of information, this experience promises an unforgettable day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking new adventures, this tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the rich tapestry of the Bay Area.

Key Points

• This 7.5-hour excursion from San Francisco includes guided visits to Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Island with self-guided tours and photo stops.
• Discover the ancient redwood trees of Muir Woods National Monument and explore the charming town of Sausalito at your own pace.
• Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and learn about its history and architecture from the guide during a 15-minute photo opportunity.
• Enjoy the grim history of Alcatraz Island through a self-guided audio tour, exploring former cells and failed escape attempts.
• The tour is non-refundable, and the cost ranges from £123.49 to £131.38 per person, including an English-speaking guide and multilingual audio guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Tour is a 7.5-hour excursion that allows visitors to explore some of the most iconic sights around San Francisco.

A 7.5-hour excursion exploring some of San Francisco’s most iconic sights, including Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Island.

This tour costs between £123.49 to £131.38 per person and offers a live English-speaking guide, plus audio guides in multiple languages.

It’s a non-refundable activity, so travelers should be certain before booking.

The tour includes photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge, a self-guided walk in Muir Woods, free time in Sausalito, and a self-guided tour of Alcatraz Island.

Transportation is provided via air-conditioned coach and ferry.

Exploring Muir Woods

Nestled within the lush coastal redwood forest, Muir Woods National Monument offers visitors a serene and awe-inspiring experience.

Towering ancient redwood trees, some over 600 years old, line the well-maintained hiking trails. Visitors can wander along the boardwalks, taking in the tranquil atmosphere and the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

The self-guided tour allows guests to explore the monument at their own pace, pausing to admire the natural beauty and listen to the soothing sounds of the creek.

With 1.5 hours allocated, there’s ample time to take in the serenity of this protected natural wonder.

Discovering Sausalito

After crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the tour arrives in the charming Mediterranean-style town of Sausalito.

Participants enjoy a leisurely hour of free time to explore the quaint streets, browse the local boutiques, and admire the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.

The waterfront promenade offers a picturesque setting to take in the relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can indulge in local cuisine, sip on craft beverages, or simply stroll along the docks and marvel at the sailboats and yachts.

The Sausalito stop provides a tranquil contrast to the bustle of San Francisco.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge

As the tour bus crosses the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.

The 1.7-mile span connects the city to the Marin Headlands, offering a unique perspective of the bay’s sparkling waters and the rugged coastline.

The guide provides commentary on the bridge’s history and architectural marvels, while passengers snap photos from the comfort of the air-conditioned coach.

This 15-minute stop allows travelers to appreciate the true scale and grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

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Visiting Alcatraz Island

What awaits visitors on Alcatraz Island? After crossing the bay, they’ll explore the former federal prison‘s cells, recreation yards, and historic sites through a self-guided audio tour.

Learn about the island’s grim past and the infamous inmates who once roamed its halls. Step inside the cells and imagine the isolation and hardship faced by prisoners.

Discover the failed escape attempts and the myths surrounding Alcatraz. With over 2.5 hours to explore, visitors can enjoy the captivating history of this legendary penitentiary in the San Francisco Bay.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coaches for all transfers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.

Participants are picked up from two convenient locations in San Francisco – Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf.

To reach Alcatraz Island, the tour includes ferry rides both to and from the island.

With the transportation handled, travelers can sit back and enjoy the sights.

After the Alcatraz tour, participants are responsible for arranging their own return transportation to their accommodations.

Customer Feedback and Experiences

Travelers have consistently praised the Muir Woods, Sausalito and Alcatraz Tour, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 132 reviews.

Highlights include:

• Guide’s cleverness and humor (4.2/5)

• Enjoyment of Muir Woods and Alcatraz

• Beautiful views from the Golden Gate Bridge

• Quaint charm of Sausalito

• Excellent transportation (4.6/5)

While the Muir Woods and Sausalito portions are English-only, the Alcatraz audio tour is available in multiple languages.

Participants must arrange their own return transportation from Alcatraz.

Important Information to Know

Passport or ID card is required, as participants must present valid identification for the Alcatraz portion of the tour.

The Muir Woods and Sausalito segments are English-only, while the Alcatraz audio tour offers multiple language options.

After the Alcatraz visit, guests must arrange their own return transportation to their accommodation.

Travelers should pack comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as the coastal weather can be unpredictable.

Though the overall tour is in English, participants can enjoy the flexibility of exploring Alcatraz at their own pace with the multilingual audio guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour allows participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, it’s recommended to consume them only during the free time in Sausalito, as consuming them on the coach or at other stops may not be permitted.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. All participants pay the same base price, which can be discounted up to 6% off the original £131.38 per person rate.

How Much Walking Is Required During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with around 1.5 hours spent exploring Muir Woods and 2.5 hours on the self-guided Alcatraz tour. There’s also a short photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge and free time in Sausalito.

Can I Extend My Time at Alcatraz if I Want to Explore More?

No, participants cannot extend their time at Alcatraz. The tour provides a 2.5-hour self-guided audio tour of the island, and after this, participants must arrange their own return transportation from Alcatraz back to their accommodations.

Are There Any Bathroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes bathroom breaks at Muir Woods and Sausalito. However, there aren’t any scheduled bathroom stops during the ferry ride to/from Alcatraz. Participants should plan accordingly and use the restrooms at the start and end of the Alcatraz portion.

The Sum Up

The "From San Francisco: Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz Tour" provides an unforgettable day filled with natural beauty, historical intrigue, and stunning views. Visitors can explore the serene Muir Woods, enjoy the charming town of Sausalito, and explore Alcatraz’s haunting past. With convenient transportation and a self-guided audio tour, this tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an enriching experience in the San Francisco Bay Area.

You can check availability for your dates here: