San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & Guided Muir Woods Tour

Exploring the diverse wonders of San Francisco has never been easier. This 8-hour adventure seamlessly blends the captivating history of Alcatraz Island with the serene beauty of Muir Woods. Visitors embark on a scenic ferry ride to the infamous prison, where an immersive audio tour reveals the tales of notorious inmates. Afterward, they’ll marvel at the ancient coastal redwoods in Muir Woods, a natural haven just a short drive away. With included entrance tickets and transportation, this comprehensive tour ensures a hassle-free experience, leaving travelers eager to uncover more of the iconic San Francisco area.

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour covers Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument, providing a comprehensive experience of San Francisco’s natural beauty and history.
• The tour includes entrance tickets, ferry rides, and an immersive audio tour of the Alcatraz cell house, with options for 11 language translations.
• Visitors can explore the ancient coastal redwoods at Muir Woods, taking in the serene atmosphere and well-maintained trails, followed by a scenic drive through Sausalito.
• The Alcatraz experience offers insights into the daily lives and challenges of infamous inmates, such as Al Capone, during the penitentiary’s operation.
• The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, and voucher redemption is required at least 24 hours prior at the Big Bus Visitors Center.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, priced from $120.00 per person, is an 8-hour activity that allows visitors to explore Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument.

The tour includes entrance tickets, ferry rides, and an audio tour of the Alcatraz cell house. Languages available are English for the live guide and 11 languages for the Alcatraz audio tour.

However, the tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy. Visitors must redeem their voucher at the Big Bus Visitors Center at least 24 hours prior to the Alcatraz tour date, which has departure times at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm.

Tour Highlights

This tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic Alcatraz Island and the serene Muir Woods National Monument.

The tour includes a visit to Alcatraz with an included cell house audio tour, providing an immersive experience. Guests will also explore Muir Woods, home to ancient coastal redwoods, while enjoying a scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge.

All entrance tickets, fees, and ferry rides are included, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience. The tour highlights the natural beauty and rich history of San Francisco and its surrounding areas.

Muir Woods Experience

After crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, visitors arrive at Muir Woods National Monument, home to ancient coastal redwoods.

They stroll among towering trees, some over 1,000 years old and reaching heights of 260 feet. The cool, moist air and redwood fragrance create a serene atmosphere.

Visitors can:

• Admire the massive, ancient redwoods

• Bask in the tranquil, cathedral-like environment

• Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the forest

• Snap photos of the breathtaking natural scenery

• Explore the network of well-maintained trails

The scenic drive through Sausalito, known for its beautiful views and local boutiques, completes the Muir Woods experience.

Alcatraz Experience

From Muir Woods, the tour continues with a 30-minute ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, formerly a federal penitentiary.

Visitors can learn about infamous inmates like Al Capone and Robert Stroud through a 45-minute audio tour featuring stories from former inmates. The audio tour offers a glimpse into the daily lives and challenges faced by prisoners during Alcatraz’s years as an active prison.

Upon completion of the tour, guests can return to San Francisco at their own pace, with ferry boats departing the island every 30-40 minutes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Important Information

Muir Woods and Alcatraz tours must be scheduled on separate dates.

Visitors must exchange their voucher at the Big Bus Visitors Center (99 Jefferson St, Fisherman’s Wharf) at least 24 hours prior to the Alcatraz date.

The Muir Woods tour departs at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. The meeting point for voucher redemption is the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center.

The Muir Woods tour departs at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. The meeting point for voucher redemption is the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center.

Visitors should be aware of the following:

• Muir Woods and Alcatraz tours are on separate dates

• Voucher must be exchanged at least 24 hours before Alcatraz date

• Muir Woods tour departs at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm

• Meeting point is the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center

• Cancellation policy is non-refundable

Redwood Wonders of Muir Woods

Nestled just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods National Monument captivates visitors with its serene old-growth redwood forest.

Towering up to 260 feet, the ancient coastal redwoods create a tranquil, cathedral-like atmosphere. Strolling along the peaceful trails, visitors can breathe in the redwood fragrance and marvel at the trees’ tremendous size and age, some exceeding 1,000 years old.

The cool, moist air provides a refreshing respite from the city.

After exploring the redwood groves, the scenic drive through the charming town of Sausalito offers an opportunity to discover local boutiques and waterfront views.

The Infamous Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, a former federal penitentiary, stands as a haunting reminder of the nation’s troubled past. Visitors can explore the island’s infamous cell house, where inmates like Al Capone and Robert Stroud once roamed.

The audio tour brings the prison’s dark history to life, revealing:

• Chilling stories of infamous inmates

• Eerie echoes of cells and corridors

• Panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay

• Remnants of the failed 1962 escape attempt

• Insights into the prison’s daily operations and harsh conditions

The Alcatraz experience offers a unique window into the nation’s carceral past, captivating visitors with its stark juxtaposition of natural beauty and human suffering.

Making the Most of Your Time

To make the most of your San Francisco tour, visitors can plan their time wisely by prioritizing the key highlights.

The Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument tours offer a compelling contrast – the former showcasing the notorious prison’s history, the latter immersing you in the serene, ancient redwood forest.

With the included transportation and entrance fees, making the most of your limited time is effortless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Provided to and From the Tour Locations?

The tour includes transportation to and from the tour locations. Visitors are transported by ferry to Alcatraz Island and by coach to Muir Woods National Monument.

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Alcatraz Tour?

Visitors can bring food and drinks on the Alcatraz tour, but they’re not allowed to consume them inside the cell house. Snacks and beverages must be kept in bags or containers during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be fully accessible for travelers with mobility issues. Alcatraz Island has steep hills and uneven terrain, while Muir Woods requires walking on trails. Visitors with disabilities should inquire about accessibility accommodations before booking.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Alcatraz Prison?

Yes, visitors can take photographs inside the Alcatraz prison. However, flash photography is not allowed to preserve the historic integrity of the site. Guests are encouraged to capture their Alcatraz experience through non-flash photos during the audio tour.

Is There an Age Requirement for the Muir Woods Tour?

There is no age requirement for the Muir Woods tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though young children may require adult supervision to ensure their safety and enjoyment of the natural environment.

The Sum Up

The San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & Guided Muir Woods Tour offers a captivating blend of history and nature. Explore the infamous former prison of Alcatraz and marvel at the ancient coastal redwoods of Muir Woods, all while enjoying the convenience of included transportation and admission tickets. This comprehensive experience promises unforgettable memories in one of the most iconic destinations in the United States.

You can check availability for your dates here: