Discover the captivating history of Alcatraz and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on this comprehensive tour. You’ll start with a guided bike ride through San Francisco’s renowned sights, then board a ferry to the infamous prison island for a self-guided audio tour. With the option to upgrade to an electric bike, this adventure offers an unforgettable way to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks. Get ready to uncover the stories that have made San Francisco a global destination.
Key Points
- Guided bike tour visiting iconic San Francisco sights, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, and Sausalito, with a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island.
- Immersive experience exploring Alcatraz Island’s former prison cells and learning about its notorious inmates and history through a self-guided audio tour.
- Scenic bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge with breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline and the surrounding landscape.
- Flexible sightseeing with a full-day bike rental, allowing visitors to create their own itinerary and explore Sausalito’s art galleries, cafes, and shops.
- Pricing starts at $179 per person, with an optional electric bike upgrade for $45, and a non-refundable cancellation policy.
Overview of the Tour
The San Francisco: Explore Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bike Tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s iconic landmarks.
Priced from $179 per person, the tour lasts 3 hours for the bike ride and 2.5 hours for the Alcatraz visit. It’s conducted in English.
The cancellation policy is non-refundable. Visitors will take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour, then bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping at sights like Fisherman’s Wharf and Crissy Field.
Guests can choose to bike back or take a ferry. An electric bike upgrade is available for $45.
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Alcatraz Island Exploration
First, visitors take a round-trip ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf to the infamous Alcatraz Island. Upon arrival, they can explore the island’s history through a self-guided audio tour available in multiple languages.
The tour immerses them in the former prison’s fascinating past, allowing them to:
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Discover the cells where notorious inmates were once held
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Witness the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge
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Learn about the island’s role in American history
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Gain insight into the daily lives of Alcatraz’s former occupants
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Appreciate the island’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Guided Bike Tour
Following the exploration of Alcatraz Island, the guided bike tour begins at 10:00 AM. Riders will visit iconic San Francisco sights, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Mason, Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, and Vista Point. The tour includes a local guide, full-day bike rental, helmet, lock, and map. Riders can choose a standard bike or upgrade to an electric bike for $45. The tour provides the freedom to create a personalized sightseeing itinerary and explore Sausalito’s art galleries, cafes, and shops.
| Bike Tour Inclusions | Details |
| — | — |
| Guided Tour | 3-hour guided bike tour with local guide |
| Bike Rental | Full-day bike rental, helmet, lock, and map |
| Upgrade Option | Electric bike upgrade available for $45 |
| Exploration | Freedom to create personalized sightseeing itinerary |
| Sausalito | Opportunity to explore Sausalito’s attractions |
Highlights of the Tour
Highlights of this San Francisco bike tour include the self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island, which offers an immersive experience exploring the prison cells and history of this iconic landmark.
The scenic bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge with a local guide is another highlight, allowing you to take in breathtaking views.
Explore the charming town of Sausalito, where you can browse art galleries, grab a bite to eat, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere.
The tour also provides the freedom to create your own sightseeing itinerary with the full-day bike rental and optional electric bike upgrade.
Key highlights:
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Self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island
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Scenic bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge
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Explore Sausalito’s art galleries, cafes, and shops
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Freedom to create your own sightseeing itinerary
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Optional electric bike upgrade
Inclusions and Pricing
The tour includes the round-trip ferry and admission ticket to Alcatraz Island, along with a 2.5-hour self-guided audio tour to explore the prison cells and history of this iconic landmark.
Participants also get a 3-hour guided bike tour along the San Francisco waterfront, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
The tour provides a full-day bike rental with helmet, lock, and map. For an additional $45, guests can upgrade to an electric bike. A credit card deposit may be required for the bike portion of the tour.
Tour Meeting Points
Participants will meet at the Guest Services window at Pier 33 to board the ferry for the Alcatraz portion of the tour.
The bike tour meets at 2661 Taylor Street, a convenient location near Fisherman’s Wharf.
Important information:
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Reservations for Alcatraz can’t be moved or rescheduled.
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An e-bike upgrade is available for $40.
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A credit card deposit may be required for the bike tour.
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Meeting points are easy to find and accessible, ensuring a smooth start to the day’s activities.
Reservation and Rescheduling Policies
Reservations for the Alcatraz portion of the tour can’t be moved or rescheduled. This is an important policy to keep in mind when booking your experience. The Alcatraz ferry and admission tickets are pre-booked, so any changes won’t be possible.
However, the bike tour is more flexible. You can easily upgrade to an e-bike for an additional $45 if desired. A credit card deposit may also be required for the bike rental.
E-bike Upgrade Option
For those interested in a more effortless ride, the tour offers an electric bike upgrade for an additional $45.
The e-bike option provides several benefits:
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Easier pedaling for slopes and longer distances
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Less physical exertion, allowing you to conserve energy
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Access to hard-to-reach areas with the bike’s enhanced power
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Opportunity to cover more ground and see more sights
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Enjoyment of the scenic tour without feeling fatigued
The electric bike upgrade is a great choice for those seeking a more comfortable and efficient cycling experience during the Golden Gate Bridge bike tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Restrooms and Food Options Available on Alcatraz Island?
Yes, there are restrooms and food options available on Alcatraz Island. Visitors can find bathrooms throughout the island and a snack bar that offers light meals, drinks, and souvenirs.
Can I Bring My Own Bike Instead of Renting One?
No, you can’t bring your own bike. The tour requires participants to rent bikes from the provided rental service. This ensures the bikes are properly maintained and outfitted for the tour route.
What Is the Weather Like During the Bike Tour?
The weather during the bike tour can vary greatly, as San Francisco is known for its microclimates. Typically, it’s cool and breezy, so layers are recommended. Fog is common, especially near the Golden Gate Bridge, but sunny conditions are also possible.
Can I Stop for Photos Along the Bike Tour Route?
Yes, you can stop for photos along the bike tour route. The guided bike tour allows time for participants to take photos of the scenic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, and Vista Point.
Is the Bike Tour Suitable for Children or Families?
The bike tour is generally suitable for families, with stops along the way allowing for photos. However, the minimum age is 12 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Electric bike upgrades are available for additional assistance.
The Sum Up
The "Explore Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bike Tour" offers an unbeatable combination of adventure and education. Cyclists can pedal through San Francisco’s iconic sights before exploring the infamous Alcatraz prison. With optional e-bike upgrades and free time in Sausalito, this tour provides a comprehensive and flexible way to experience the best of the city. It’s a must-do activity for anyone visiting San Francisco.
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