San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Explore the iconic sights of San Francisco with our comprehensive Alcatraz Island and 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Tour package. From the infamous prison to the vibrant Chinatown, we’ll guide you through the city’s must-see attractions at your own pace. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, this tour offers a seamless way to uncover the rich history and diverse culture that make San Francisco a truly captivating destination. Let’s dive in and discover what this city has to offer.

This experience made our article of 16 Top-Rated San Francisco 2 Day Tours.

Key Points

• This package combines Alcatraz Island ferry tickets with a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, allowing for flexible exploration of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.
• The hop-on hop-off bus service provides access to over 15 stops and 12 points of interest, including major attractions.
• The self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island offers an immersive experience, providing insight into the prison’s history and notorious inmates.
• The guided walking tour of Chinatown complements the package, offering an in-depth exploration of the vibrant culture, architecture, and authentic cuisine.
• The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for travelers.

Package Overview

This package offers visitors an impressive combination of San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and flexible sightseeing.

It includes round-trip ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island, a 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, and admission to select attractions like Chinatown’s guided walking tour and either The Flyer or 7D Experience at Pier 39.

With over 15 stops and 12 points of interest, the hop-on hop-off bus provides a convenient way to explore the city at your own pace, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Lombard Street.

This comprehensive package allows you to experience the best of San Francisco with ease.

Inclusions in the Tour

The tour package includes an impressive array of inclusions to make the most of your San Francisco experience.

You’ll enjoy round-trip ferry tickets to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore the infamous former prison on a self-guided tour.

The 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass provides the flexibility to discover the city at your own pace, with stops at top attractions like Haight-Ashbury, Pier 39, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Plus, you’ll receive a guided walking tour of Chinatown and admission to either The Flyer or 7D Experience at Pier 39.

Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities, are also included.

Exploring San Francisco With Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

With the 2-day hop-on hop-off bus pass, we can explore San Francisco’s top attractions at our own pace.

The bus route covers 15 stops across 12 points of interest, including iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Pier 39.

Buses run every 15 minutes from 10 AM to 6 PM, so we can hop off to explore and then conveniently hop back on.

The bus is wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for all travelers.

Visiting Alcatraz Island

Although the hop-on hop-off bus provides a convenient way to explore the city, the highlight of this package is undoubtedly the visit to Alcatraz Island. As you step off the ferry, you’ll be transported back in time, immersed in the island’s captivating history. The self-guided audio tour brings the former prison to life, allowing you to wander the cell blocks and gain insight into the lives of its notorious inmates. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing plenty of walking! To make the most of your visit, check out this helpful table:

Alcatraz Tips
Arrive Early	Catch the first ferry for the best experience
Bring Water	It can get hot and dry on the island
Take the Audio Tour	Provides in-depth storytelling
Explore the Island	Don’t just stick to the cell blocks

Chinatown Walking Tour

What can we expect from the Chinatown Walking Tour included in this package? A knowledgeable local guide will lead us on a 1-hour exploration of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown.

We’ll discover vibrant temples, bustling markets, and family-owned shops. Learn about the rich cultural heritage and unique architecture of this iconic neighborhood.

Wander down atmospheric alleys and sample authentic Chinese delicacies. This guided tour provides an immersive experience, offering insights you may miss exploring on your own.

It’s a great way to complement your Alcatraz visit and hop-on hop-off bus tour, providing a deeper dive into San Francisco’s diverse character.

Pier 39 Experiences

This package includes admission to either The Flyer or 7D Experience at Pier 39.

The Flyer is a thrilling virtual reality ride that takes you soaring over San Francisco’s iconic landmarks. The 7D Experience is an immersive motion simulator ride with special effects like wind, mist, and scents.

Both provide an exciting and memorable way to experience the sights and sensations of the city.

The package offers the following:

1. Admission to The Flyer or 7D Experience
2. Convenience of included tickets
3. Chance to enhance your San Francisco sightseeing
4. Unique and interactive Pier 39 activities

Sunset Tour

After exploring the thrilling Pier 39 attractions, we’ll cap off our San Francisco adventure with a 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour.

This scenic tour provides stunning views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island as the sun dips below the horizon. We’ll soak in the vibrant colors and capture amazing photographs to commemorate our trip.

The tour’s convenient departure from Pier 39 makes it easy to experience this magical moment before heading back. With the hop-on hop-off bus, we can simply hop on and enjoy the ride back to our starting point.

Ticketing and Redemption Process

To redeem your tickets, you’ll need to check in at the Big Bus Visitor Center, located at 99 Jefferson St in San Francisco, either one day prior to your Alcatraz tour date or before 9 am on the tour date.

You’ll also need to provide a valid photo ID. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Your Alcatraz tour time will be assigned 5 days in advance, and no changes can be made.

2. The hop-on hop-off bus operates daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with buses running every 15 minutes.

3. The bus is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

4. Download the Big Bus app for real-time tracking and information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks to Alcatraz Island?

Yes, you can bring food and drinks to Alcatraz Island, but we recommend packing light as there are no restaurants or shops on the island. Just be sure to dispose of your trash properly to help preserve this historic site.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, we offer discounted tickets for seniors aged 65+ and students with valid ID. You can save up to 20% on the Alcatraz and hop-on hop-off bus tour package. Just be sure to bring your ID when redeeming the tickets.

How Much Time Is Needed to Fully Explore Alcatraz Island?

We recommend allotting 2-3 hours to fully explore Alcatraz Island. This allows enough time to wander the grounds, tour the cell house, and learn about the island’s history through the audio guide. Don’t rush – soak in the atmosphere and experience.

Is There a Luggage Storage Facility at the Tour Starting Point?

Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any information provided about a luggage storage facility at the tour’s starting point. We’d recommend checking with the tour operator ahead of time to see if they offer or recommend any luggage storage options nearby.

Can I Change the Date or Time of My Alcatraz Tour?

Unfortunately, no. The Alcatraz tour time is assigned 5 days in advance and cannot be changed. We recommend checking in at the Big Bus Visitor Center the day before your tour to confirm your slot.

The Sum Up

This package offers an unparalleled experience, allowing you to explore San Francisco’s rich history and vibrant culture. From the captivating Alcatraz Island to the diverse neighborhoods, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking a guided Chinatown tour or simply taking in the city’s iconic landmarks, this tour provides the perfect blend of convenience and flexibility to make the most of your San Francisco adventure.