Protect Your Trip »
16 best san francisco tours (alcatraz, wineries & more).
Explore SF's top sights and hidden gems on these traveler-approved tours.
The Best San Francisco Tours
Getty Images
See San Francisco's famous bridges with this dual bridge cruise from Red and White Fleet.
Whether by air, by bike, by boat, by bus or even by vintage Volkswagen, there are so many different ways to take in the beauty of San Francisco and experience its top attractions . To help you decide which method is right for you, U.S. News compiled 16 of the city's top tours, considering traveler sentiment and expert opinion. Foodies, history buffs, adventurers and everyone in between will find a tour on this list.
Red and White Fleet – Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise
Price: Adults from $48; kids from $36 Duration: 1.5 hours
Take in San Francisco's two most famous bridges on this 90-minute boat trip through San Francisco Bay. In addition to sailing beneath both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge , tourgoers will see Alcatraz Island, Palace of Fine Arts and the city skyline, among other landmarks. Red and White Fleet provides an audio guide available in 16 different languages that details the city's history. Reviewers say they enjoy the views, the helpful commentary, and the clean and comfortable boats. They recommend wearing layers – especially on evening tours – because it gets chilly on the water.
Tours run daily, year-round. You can hop on a boat in the morning and the afternoon, but exact times vary by day and time of year. Cruises depart from Fisherman's Wharf . Tickets start at $48 for adults and $36 for youths ages 5 to 17. Children 4 and younger can ride for free, but require a ticket. Short on time? Red and White Fleet also offers an hourlong Golden Gate Bay Cruise, among other tours.
View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2
Vantigo – San Francisco City Tours
Price: Adults from $95; kids from $65 Duration: 3 hours
Instead of a traditional tour bus, Vantigo transports up to seven passengers in a vintage Volkswagen van to see all the city has to offer. The three-hour tour highlights 15 points of interest, with plenty of opportunities for photos and views of Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, Twin Peaks and more. Reviewers love the Volkswagen, which they say is roomy and comfortable, and describe the guides as fun and informative.
Tours generally leave Thursday through Saturday and Monday once or twice daily. You can board at either Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square . Tickets start at $95 per adult or $65 per child ages 5 to 11. Children 4 and younger are not permitted on public tours. Combo tours to Alcatraz are also available, as are brewery tours.
Seaplane Adventures – Alcatraz & City Sites Seaplane Tour
Price: From $239 Duration: 20 minutes
After you've walked the city streets and sailed the bay's waters, your next step should be an air tour. On this 15- to 20-minute flight from Seaplane Adventures, you'll fly over downtown and above Alcatraz and Angel Island before landing in Sausalito's Richardson Bay. Reviewers describe the trip as amazing and one of the best activities they did while visiting San Francisco.
Tickets start at $239 per person and tours depart Friday through Monday in the afternoon. Seaplane Adventures conducts several other air tours, including a 45-minute Greater Bay Area Tour.
View & Book Tickets: Seaplane Adventures
San Francisco Love Tours – The Love Tour
Price: From $85 Duration: 2 hours
Drive through the city in a classic Volkswagen hippie bus during this two-hour tour. As you drive around to sites like Lombard Street and Golden Gate Park , you'll hear all about San Francisco history and listen to music. You'll also make two stops for photos to capture the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides and the nostalgic music choices.
Tours, which start and end near Fisherman's Wharf, are generally available daily at 8:30 and 11 a.m. as well as 2 and 5 p.m. The van can accommodate up to seven passengers. Tickets start at $85 per person. Children 4 and younger are only permitted on private tours. The company also runs a night tour.
Eat your way through North Beach with Local Tastes of the City Tours.
Local Tastes of the City Tours – Tastes of Little Italy: North Beach San Francisco Food Tour
Price: Adults from $74; kids from $25 Duration: 3 hours
According to reviewers, this tour is a must for food and history lovers thanks to experienced guides who are engaging storytellers. Along the three-hour tour, you'll explore up to 10 blocks of North Beach (or "Little Italy"). Samples of the neighborhood's best pizza, pastries, coffee, chocolates and more are all included in the cost of the tour. Travelers say the portions are generous and recommend arriving to the tour hungry.
Tours are generally offered daily at 10:30 a.m. with an additional 2:30 p.m. tour available on select days. Tickets cost approximately $75 for adults, $50 for youths ages 8 to 13 and $25 for children ages 2 to 7; infants 1 and younger can tag along for free. Still hungry? Consider the company's Chinatown tours.
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Price: Adults from $65; kids from $55 Duration: 2 hours
If you're looking for a convenient way to visit the city's top attractions in one day, this hop-on, hop-off tour may be just the ticket. Big Bus lets riders disembark at any of its stops, explore the area and catch another bus when they're ready. Big Bus operates every 30 minutes and visits more than 20 locations, including Presidio Park , Chinatown, the Embarcadero and even includes a ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. The entire tour lasts a little more than two hours, if you don't choose to disembark. All buses have open tops and prerecorded commentary available in 10 languages. Reviewers enjoy the educational commentary and the opportunity to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge in the open-top bus, but many warn that buses get crowded quickly.
If you buy your tickets online, pricing starts at approximately $65 per adult and $55 per child ages 3 to 12 for the classic one-day ticket. Big Bus San Francisco also offers night tours of the city, as well as upgraded tickets that include free bike rentals, passes to the U.S.S. Pampanito or tours of Muir Woods.
Electric Tour Company – Official Golden Gate Park Segway Tour
Price: Adults from $89; kids from $68 Duration: 2.5 hours
Riding a Segway can be a fun and expedient way to see a number of top attractions in a short amount of time. The Electric Tour Company offers you a chance to see dozens of sights in the iconic Golden Gate Park in the span of 2 1/2 hours, visiting the Conservatory of Flowers, the Shakespeare Garden, the California Academy of Sciences and Stow Lake along the way. The tour begins with a 30-minute training for first-time riders. All riders must be at least 12 years old and weigh between 100 and 275 pounds. Reviewers praise their guides, who they say are helpful and descriptive, and say the Segways as easy to ride.
Tours are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. year-round. From June to August, there are additional 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. tours Friday to Sunday. Tickets start at $89 per adult and $68 per youth ages 12 to 17. The company also runs private San Francisco tours.
View & Book Tickets
Gray Line San Francisco – Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
Price: Adults from $96; kids from $75 Duration: 5 hours
This roughly five-hour excursion from Gray Line San Francisco takes you to Muir Woods National Monument to see its beautiful redwood trees up close. After exploring the forest, the tour continues to Sausalito, a charming town across the bay full of waterfront dining, shopping and art galleries. To enjoy more time in Sausalito, you can opt to return to the city by ferry for an additional cost. Reviewers say the tour bus is comfortable (though some note recent issues with the air conditioning) and describe the driver as engaging and knowledgeable. Many recommend this tour if you do not want to navigate the traffic and parking headaches at Muir Woods.
Ticket prices start at $96 for adults and $75 for children ages 5 to 11 and include admission to Muir Woods National Monument. Gray Line offers a variety of day trips from San Francisco, including trips to Sonoma , Napa Valley and Monterey .
View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2
Bay City Bike Rentals and Tours – Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
Price: Adults from $65; kids from $45 Duration: 2 to 3 hours
See San Francisco by bike on this tour that guides you from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito. The trip takes two to three hours and covers 8 miles. After making your way along the waterfront, you'll pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping for photo-ops along the way. At the conclusion of the tour, you can either bike your way back to the city or opt to take the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco for an additional fee. Tourgoers say guides are friendly and informative and the sights are beautiful.
Tours are open to all ages. Ticket prices start at $65 for adults and $45 for children 11 and younger. From March through October, tours are available daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; tours are available daily at 10 a.m. the rest of the year. The company also offers a Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour, among other options.
Courtesy of San Francisco Whale Tours
See magnificent whales and the classic Golden Gate Bridge as you tour the San Francisco Bay with San Francisco Whale Tours.
San Francisco Whale Tours – Golden Gate Whale Watch
Price: From $120 Duration: 2.5 hours
Head into San Francisco Bay to catch sight of some of the many whales that pass through its waters with San Francisco Whale Tours. On the 2 1/2-hour cruise, riders may see humpback or gray whales, harbor seals, dolphins, porpoises and seabirds. You'll also get a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour does not include food, though you can bring your own, and you should bring warm clothes, including jackets, hats and gloves. Many tourists report seeing both gray and humpback whales and describe the crew as very friendly.
Tickets start at $120 per person. The company offers its Golden Gate Whale Watch once or twice daily from spring through early fall.
View & Book Tickets: San Francisco Whale Tours
Extranomical Tours – Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Tour
Price: Adults from $209; kids from $187 Duration: 15 hours
Once you've gotten your fill of the city, trek to California's incomparable natural wonders with a day trip to Yosemite National Park . On the approximately 15-hour tour, you'll stop at Tuolumne Meadows to see the 2,000-year-old giant sequoia trees, then hit top stops like El Capitan , Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall . Buses, which pick up from most hotels , are equipped with tour guides who provide commentary along the way. Tourgoers appreciate the information provided by the guides and rave about the scenery.
The trip departs every day of the year. Tickets start at $209 for adults and $187 for children 11 and younger if purchased online. Tickets do not include meals, but do cover the park entrance fee. Extranomical Tours offers a variety of city tours, as well as excursions to wine country and Monterey.
San Francisco Movie Tours – San Francisco Movie Sets & Locations Tour
Price: Adults from $67; kids from $44 Duration: 3 hours
Many movies and TV shows have been filmed in San Francisco, and this tour highlights all the top filming locations. Knowledgeable guides lead the interactive tour, which takes you to filming locations for productions such as "The Princess Diaries," "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Ant-Man." Throughout the three-hour trip, you'll see clips on big screens with surround sound of each movie or show as you arrive. Tourgoers describe it as a fun way to see the city and say guides are entertaining.
Tickets begin at $67 for adults, $44 for children ages 5 to 17 and $57 for seniors. Tours are generally offered daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., though availability may vary by month. San Francisco Movie Tours also leads a "Dirty Harry" tour, among others.
View & Book Tickets: Viator
The Haunt Ghost Tours – San Francisco Ghost Tour
Price: From $49 Duration: 90 minutes
According to reviewers, The Haunt Ghost Tours' outing is full of intriguing and spooky information told by engaging guides. The nighttime walking tour, which lasts up to 90 minutes, unveils the darker side of San Francisco history, including stories about Chinatown's history, while you hunt for spirits along the way with EMF meters – devices used to measure electromagnetic fields.
Tours meet nightly (exact times depend on the season) in the Jackson Square Historic District. Trips traverse less than a mile of downtown. Tickets start at $49 per person; if you want to use one of the company's EMF meters, you'll pay a bit more. Though the tour covers topics like hauntings and ghosts, the company says it is family-friendly and kids 4 and older require a ticket. The company also operates ghost tours in Los Angeles and Temecula.
Dylan's Famous Tour includes time in Muir Woods.
Dylan's Tours – Dylan's Famous Tour with Muir Woods
Price: Adults from $99; kids from $79 Duration: 5 hours
If you're hoping to see the best of the Bay Area in one day, consider this approximately five-hour excursion. You'll travel by minibus to some of San Francisco's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks, including Chinatown, the Palace of Fine Arts and Billionaire's Row. From there, you'll spend more than an hour in Muir Woods before visiting Sausalito for lunch. The tour ends exploring more of San Francisco. (Note: The afternoon tour does not stop in Sausalito). The tour starts and ends at Fisherman's Wharf and includes multiple photo stops. Reviewers describe tour guides as insightful and funny, and say the bus is very clean.
The tour departs daily at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets start at $99 for adults and $79 for children 12 and younger. Know that if you choose the 8 a.m. departure, you'll have a slightly higher fee because of the extra stop in Sausalito.
View & Book Tickets: Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3
Adventure Cat Sailing Charters – San Francisco Bay Sail
Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 90 minutes
To feel a bay breeze and see San Francisco from a new perspective, climb aboard Adventure Cat's sailing catamaran. The 90-minute cruise allows you to see the sights from inside the protected cabin or outside on a netted deck trampoline where you can feel the waves crashing beneath your feet. While you can't bring drinks on board, soda, beer and wine are available for purchase in the cabin bar. The company also provides an audio tour, which offers listeners information about key attractions as they sail by. Reviewers describe the cruise as fantastic, with many lauding the tour as their top experience in San Francisco. Others appreciate the excellent service provided by the crew.
Prices start at $60 for adults and $30 for kids ages 6 to 12; kids 5 and younger ride for free. Know that Thursday to Sunday sails have a slightly higher fee per person. Sails operate daily, but times vary by the season. The company also offers sunset sails and Alcatraz combo tickets.
GoCar San Francisco
Price: From $286 Duration: 7 hours
Explore the city at your own pace with this GPS-guided car that provides directions and historical and cultural commentary as you follow the designated sightseeing route or branch off on detours, stopping for photo-ops or breaks as you please. The full-day option takes you to the Painted Ladies, Legion of Honor, the Marina District and more. A maximum of two people can fit inside the three-wheeled car and you must be at least 21 years old to drive it. Reviewers describe riding in the car as lots of fun and a great way to see the city.
The seven-hour rental starts at $286 and there are multiple pickup times each day. A variety of routes and rental times are available.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best San Francisco Bus Tours
- The Best San Francisco Walking Tours
- The Best San Francisco Boat Tours
- The Best San Francisco Wine Tours
- The Best Hotels in San Francisco
Tags: Tours , Travel , San Francisco , Vacations , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations
World's Best Places To Visit
- # 1 South Island, New Zealand
- # 4 Bora Bora
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
You May Also Like
The 13 best key west tours of 2024.
Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024
Essentials to Pack for a Cruise
Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024
Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas
Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024
The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024
John Rodwan May 1, 2024
The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024
12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways
April 29, 2024
The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace
Laura French April 29, 2024
Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do
Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024
The Best Beach Hats
Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024
The Best Florence Tours
John Rodwan April 25, 2024
San Francisco Tours & Vacations
The gate to the ‘City by the Bay’ is open, waiting to welcome you with must-visit attractions and unforgettable experiences.
San Francisco is a traveler’s dream. Known as the vibrant and multicultural beating heart of California. A multitude of sights you can photograph, admire, and remember for many years to come. It is so different from neighboring destinations such as Los Angeles ; this city has it all. See the historical and eerie Alcatraz prison or the sweeping landscape of the Napa and Sonoma wine country . Our San Francisco tours take you to iconic landmarks like the famous Golden Gate Bridge and give you a great insight into what it’s like to live in this picturesque city. Get ready to marvel at the remarkable layout of Lombard Street and walk amongst the various shops and stalls at Fisherman’s Walk.
Our San Francisco trips
Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.
San Francisco highlights
San francisco tour reviews.
Filter by rating
Vegas to San Fran
Real San Francisco to LA
Utah, Nevada & California
Wild Western USA
Articles of San Francisco
The 9 places you must stop at on your LA to San Francisco road trip
Inside Alcatraz: 8 of your burning questions answered
Top outdoor activities in San Francisco
San Fran to LA: exploring California’s epic coast
The best cities in the United States to celebrate the 4th of July
San Francisco travel FAQs
Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
Getting around San Francisco
Getting around San Francisco is quite easy, considering the size of the city.
Walking or taking public transportation is the preferred option of travel with the streets being easy to navigate and the public transportation system easy to use.
The 'muni' (large municipal transportation system) operates buses, streetcar lines and San Francisco's famous cable cars, making it the most efficient way to get around the city.
What do I pack for San Francisco?
What to pack for your vacation to San Francisco mostly depends on what time of the year you're traveling in.
San Francisco sees mostly mild weather year-round, so t-shirts, shorts and jeans are a safe bet. Packing a few sweaters might also be wise, as the nights can get a little chilly.
You should also pack comfortable walking shoes, as that is one of the preferred ways of getting around the city. Sunscreen protects you from the sun's UV rays when you step outside.
What is the weather like in San Francisco?
San Francisco is a beautiful city to visit all year. It has a moderate maritime climate with mild winters and summers. Due to the city's close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, temperatures are steady throughout the year with averages of 45°F to 72°F. Rainfall is also fairly low compared to other parts of the country, with the wettest months being December through March.
Where is Lombard Street in San Francisco?
Known as being "the crookedest street in the world" and is one of the steepest street in the city of San Francisco, Lombard Street is located between Hyde and Leadenworth streets and is famous because of a zig-zagging, one-block section with 8 hairpin turns.
Hundreds of tourists flocks to this street to marvel at its incredible layout and breathtaking landscape.
What are the best hikes in San Francisco?
There are a bunch of different hikes around the San Francisco area if you're craving a little bit of nature's beauty from coastal walks to mountain trails. They include:
- Lands End Trail
- Batteries to Bluffs Trail
- Twin Peaks Hike
- Fort Funston Trail
- Lover's Lane Trail
- Angel Island Hike
How far is San Francisco from....?
San Francisco is a very popular city with tourists coming from all over the country to marvel at its beauty and famous landmarks. If you're traveling from cities within California or its surrounding states, chances are you'll be driving. Below is how far away San Francisco is from its surrounding cities by car:
- San Francisco is about 48 miles from San Jose, making the journey by car just under an hour.
- Palo Alto is 33 miles from San Francisco, making it about a 40-minute drive.
- San Francisco is a 2-hour drive from Monterey in California, making it a 118-mile one-way trip.
- San Francisco is roughly 192 miles from Yosemite National Park in California. The journey by car would take you around 4 hours.
- Lake Tahoe is located right on the state lines of California and Nevada, roughly 210 miles from San Francisco. It would take you about three and a half hours to drive there.
How deep is the San Francisco Bay?
Surprisingly the San Francisco Bay is quite shallow, with an average depth of about 43 feet.
At its deepest point, which is right under the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay stands at 360 feet.
At its shallowest point, the depth of the bay is only about 15 - 17 feet which is at the northern and southern areas, respectively.
Is Alcatraz haunted?
Alcatraz prison was closed in March of 1963 due to how expensive it was to maintain. It is completely isolated from the mainland, and a lot of resources had to be brought in. The facility itself required too much restoration and regular upkeep.
During its time, Alcatraz was known as one of the harshest prisons in the US and housed some of the country's most notorious criminals. It's little wonder reports have suggested paranormal activity within the prison, including ghost sightings and unexplained noises.
How long is the Golden Gate Bridge?
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks and has been since its construction in 1933.
This bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County, spanning a massive 2 miles. It features stunning architecture that makes for some great photos.
What is the weather like in Muir Woods?
The weather in Muir Woods is much the same as in San Francisco but a little cooler, with temperatures mostly staying in the 70s (°F).
If you're walking through the woods in the early morning or late afternoon, you'll likely see fog. You should bring appropriate cold-weather clothes, such as sweaters, as it can get chilly with the dense tree cover.
Visit SeriousTours.com - Worldwide Attractions, Tours, Experiences, Sightseeing
San Francisco Tours
Premium san francisco tour.
Walking Tour of San Francisco with Ferry Cruise & Sausalito experiences
35+ Attraction, Downhill Walking Tour Itinerary:
- Start at: The Ferry Building (Meet outside)
- Grace Cathedral
- Fairmont Historic Hotel
- Cable Car Barn Museum & Powerhouse (Tour inside)
- 1906 Earthquake Exhibition
- Chinatown (Full guided walk)
- Fortune Cookie Factory
- Transamerica Pyramid
- Ferry Building (Tour inside)
- Ferry Cruise to Sausalito (Walking tour customers)
- Sausalito (Time for exploring, Lunch)
- Ferry Cruise Back to San Francisco (25 minutes)
- Tour Ends at: The Ferry Building
Tour Benefits:
- Experienced, Knowledgeable Tour Guide.
- Only Downhill walks. No Uphill.
- Golden Gate Bridge included (see from Ferry Cruise).
- Ferry Cruise to/from Sausalito.
- See Alcatraz close up from Ferry Cruise.
- Visit Sausalito (small Mediterranean town with great SF views).
- Ferry Cruise offers outside and inside seating.
- Ride the famous Cable Car (fee not included).
Customers of this Tour Like/Want:
- More outdoor experiences.
- Unique, creative tour stops.
- Ferry / Bay Cruise.
- To avoid the crowds.
- Freedom of a walking tour.
- No uphill walking.
Ferry Cruise to/from Sausalito included in itinerary:
Take a 25-minute ferry cruise from The San Francisco Ferry Building to and from Sausalito on this tour. The sausalito ferry goes right by Alcatraz and the boat often slows down so you can get great views of Alcatraz Island. You will also get water views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Timing & Pricing
- Start Time: Daily at 9am
- Tour Duration: 5 hours
- Start location: The Ferry Building (Meet out in front)
- Available: 7 days a week
- Tour Type: Downhill walking Tour of San Francisco with Ferry Cruise & Sausalito experiences
Available San Francisco Tours:
Premium San Francisco Walking Tour
Muir Woods Tours
Muir woods tour.
This Muir Woods Tour is the only Redwood Tour that uses a Separate Tour Guide from Driver and stays longest in Muir Woods (90 minutes). This tour is also unique in that it goes to Marin Headlands (see below) to see the most majestic views of the Golden Gate Bridge (a very rare stop). You will also go to Sausalito, Muir Beach Overlook and a 25-minute Ferry/Bay Cruise. More tour details »
- Start at : The Ferry Building
- Muir Woods National Park (90 minutes)
- Sausalito (approximately 1 hour)
- Ferry/Bay Cruise (25 minutes)
- End at : The Ferry Building
Tour Benefits
- Includes Muir Woods Entry Ticket!
- Separate Tour Guide from Bus Driver. This benefit is crucial for a Muir Woods Tour – where guiding is prohibited in the park. Our Tour Guide will get to offer you face-to-face interaction so you can ask all of the questions before and after our stop in Muir Woods. This is better than looking at the back of your bus driver’s head on other tours.
- More Tour Stops are offered on this Muir Woods tour than any other comparable tour. It’s not just a Muir Woods tour! We also stop at Sausalito and include a ferry cruise.
- Ferry/Bay Cruise. Includes Ferry Cruise ticket costs! Get back from Muir Woods to San Francisco with a Ferry/Bay Cruise that goes right by Alcatraz Island (stones throw away). We are only tour operator that includes this ferry cruise in the itinerary!
Muir Woods 2018!
Available Muir Woods Tours and Combo Tours
- Muir Woods Tour Book Tour More Tour Details
Alcatraz Tours
Alcatraz Penitentiary was truly "The Rock," where America sent the worst of the worst criminals from 1934-1966.
Public enemies like Scarface Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Creepy Karpis, and the Birdman (Robert Stroud) all learned this first hand. People on the outside have always been fascinated with Alcatraz. Visitors peered at Alcatraz through telescopes when the prisoners were there, and ever since it was opened to tours, thousands of visitors have come every year.
San Francisco Comprehensive Shuttle Tours can get Alcatraz Tickets sometimes even at last minute, and we can arrange these for guests who buy our 5 our Premium City Tour (9am).
Morning Combo Tour
- Start at : Alcatraz Landing (Arrive at 8:30am) Pier 33
- 9am Sailing to Alcatraz
- Alcatraz (2+ Hours)
- Walk or F-line Train from Pier 33 to Ferry Building
- Board Shuttle Bus at 2pm
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Nob Hill (Guided Walk)
- Cable Car Museum
- Lombard Street (Guided Downhill Walk)
- Golden Gate Bridge (20 minute stop)
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Tour ends at Ferry Building or Fisherman's Wharf
Afternoon Combo Tour
- Start from: The Ferry Building (9am)
- Sausalito (time for lunch, shopping and exploring)
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Chinatown (Guided Walk)
- Ferry/Bay Cruise Included
- Walk or F-line Train to Pier 33
- Alcatraz Ferry from Pier 33 - departs at: 3:20pm or 3:50pm (tickets included in price)
- Alcatraz (2 hours)
* This tour has a 25-minute Ferry/Bay Cruise
- Award winning audio tour of the Alcatraz cell house, featuring interviews with former guards and former prisoners
- Possibility of meeting an actual Alcatraz guard or ex-prisoner, who are often on the island to talk to visitors
- Learn about the 1962 escape that was featured in the movie Escape from Alcatraz. Decide for yourself if they really made it or not!
- Man-eating sharks? Dungeons? Executions? Learn for yourself what was real and what is only legend
- Step inside an actual Alcatraz prison cell to have your photograph taken, including their famous "Hole", which was reserved only for the very worst criminals
- Incredible views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from Alcatraz Island
- Beautiful gardens that were planted by prisoners and are now being restored by volunteers
- Large colonies of nesting seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and night herons
Available Alcatraz Tours and Combo Tours
Alcatraz Island Tickets
Yosemite by Motorcoach Tour
See yosemite in 1 day by motorcoach.
Safest Yosemite Tour Around. More Free Time in Yosemite. Expert Separate Tour Guide (not a bus driver guide). Lowest Cost Tour. Comfortable Bus. Sightseeing Stops in Valley Floor. More Free Time in Yosemite!
13.5 Hours Tour Itinerary
- Start at: The Ferry Building (San Francisco 7:00am)
- Bus Ride to Yosemite (2 Hours)
- Break for Breakfast (cost not included)
- Bus Ride to Yosemite (1.5 Hours)
- Arrive Yosemite National Park
- See: Half Dome
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Sentinel Bridge
- Tunnel View
- Yosemite Falls
- Free Time in Valley Floor (2 Hours )
- Bus Ride Back (4 Hours)
- DROP OFF AT: San Francisco Area Hotels*: (10:30pm ) — Fisherman's Wharf – Financial District – Union Square
* If they prefer, customers can also be dropped off at a Taxi stand to get to their hotel.
Safest Yosemite Tour Around
Our Driver does not drive more than 7 hours per day compared to other companies work their drivers 12 to 14 hours and require naps.
You will have one Driver the way up to Yosemite Valley and then a new, well-rested driver, who stayed-over the night before, will be your driver on the way home.
Other Tour Benefits
- More Free Time in Yosemite.
- Expert Separate Tour Guide (not a bus driver guide).
- Lowest Cost Tour. No need for Driver and Guide OT. We pass savings to you.
- Comfortable Bus.
- No Third Party Tour Company! Many Tour operators are running the same itinerary and passing you off to a brand you didn't book with.
Tour Details
- 16 Potential Tour Stops
- See the Entire City in a full day
- Get off the shuttle at any of 16 stops, catch the next shuttle
- We use 16 Passenger Sprinters, 30 Passenger Shuttles - - much smaller, more intimate than 70 passenger Huge Hopper Buses in SF
- Our 16 Passenger Sprinters are really small; our 30 Passenger Shuttles are decked out with wood-flooring and phone charging stations
- Temperature Controlled inside (Winter or Summer benefits)
- You can actually hear the PA announcer (Tour Guide) on this tour (big benefit)
Available Yosemite Tours
Yosemite Tour
Robert Mondavi Tour
Napa experience tour w/ robert mondavi winery.
Only the Wine Country Tour Shuttle visits the great Robert Mondavi winery for guests traveling from San Francisco. Just like the Wine Country Tour Shuttles regular tour, this tour boasts: Ferry/Bay Cruise, 4 winery stops and a picnic lunch in Napa Valley. The difference with this tour is that Robert Mondavi winery is a guaranteed stop.
- Shuttle to Napa Valley (over the Golden Gate Bridge)
- Domain Chandon Winery - Napa Valley
- Bouchon Pastry & Coffee Shop
- Robert Mondavi Winery - Napa Valley
- V. Sattui Winery - Winery of the year
- Picnic Lunch in Napa Valley
- St. Clair Brown Brewery & Winery w/ Winery Tour
- Break at OxBow Market
- Ferry/Bay Cruise to San Francisco
- Ends at : The Ferry Building
Available Tours
Napa Tour from San Francisco with Premium Wineries and Flexible Itinerary
Combo Tour of Napa and Sonoma
Premium Napa Tours from Napa Valley
Private Tours
San francisco private tours.
You actually save money (in most cases) with a San Francisco Private Tour. Medium to larger sized groups actually enjoy the benefits of a lower price per person for tours of all types when they come in larger numbers.
Further, with private tours of San Francisco you really do get first class treatment ranging from 1) A before tour discussion with your tour guide is customary 2) San Francisco hotel pickup and drop-off 3) change the itinerary anyway you wish 4) Include lunch in the overall price of the tour. Basically, whatever you want is our command with a private tour.
Tour Highlights
Choose your own tour times, Change the itinerary!, Free San Francisco Hotel Pickup and Drop-off, Free Refreshments (bottled-water), Bathrooms on board available upon request for buses, Separate Tour Guide from Driver.
Available Private Tours an Combo Tours
Private San Francisco City Tour
Private Alcatraz Island Tickets
Private Muir Woods Tour
Private Napa Valley Wine Country Tour
Private Monetery / Carmel Tours
Must See & Do in San Francisco
Take the san francisco city tour.
Look for SF city tours that offer more stops and visit more than the most known landmarks in San Francisco. We recommend the SF Premium City Tour with Ferry!
Visit the Wine Country - Don't drive your first time!
We don't recommend drinking and driving thus, we don't recommend renting a car to go to Napa or Sonoma. Go on a bus tour from San Francisco that visits great wineries and has lots of variety during the tour.
Don't Miss The Redwoods - Go to Muir Woods!
So many people come to San Francisco and fail to visit the Giant California Sequioa Coastal Redwoods at Muir Woods National Park. We highly recommend this even over Alcatraz Island. Find a bus tour that uses smaller shuttles and visits other surrounding areas in Marin along with Muir Woods.
Go to Yosemite by Train instead of Car or Bus
The Yosemite Park Train Tour from San Francisco or Sacramento rocks! It's the coolest way to get to Yosemite. We highly consider you investigate the train tour versus a regular old bus tour to Yosemite.
Buy your Alcatraz Tickets Early
You need to book all Alcatraz tour combos at least 2 weeks in advance. Alcatraz tickets need to be sold as a tour combo. Be weary of anyone selling tickets solely and not combined.
THE 10 BEST San Francisco Tours & Excursions
Tours in san francisco.
- Sightseeing Tours
- Wine Tours & Tastings
- Up to 1 hour
- 1 to 4 hours
- 4 hours to 1 day
- 5.0 of 5 bubbles
- 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- Likely to Sell Out
- Special Offers
- The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
1. Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
2. Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz
3. Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
4. Official Alcatraz Island Prison Tour and San Francisco Bay Cruise
5. Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)
6. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
7. Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz
8. San Francisco Love Tour
9. San Francisco Chinatown and North Beach Highlights Walking Tour
10. San Francisco: Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoia Day Tour
11. Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
12. Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings
13. Chinatown and North Beach Walking Tour
14. Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise
15. Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF
16. San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
17. The 7D Ride Experience and The Flyer A flying theater Combo
18. San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
19. Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour
20. Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour
21. Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour
22. Alcatraz Island Tour Packages
23. Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour
24. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
25. 1-Day San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour
26. Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour in San Francisco
27. Inside Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Cruise
28. Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour
29. Small-Group Yosemite Day Tour from San Francisco
30. Full-Day San Francisco Tour by Cable Car & Foot
What travellers are saying.
- Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
- Small Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz
- Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
- Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
- Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)
- San Francisco City Guides
- SF Excursions
- Electric Tour Company Segway Tours
- San Francisco Movie Tours
- Painted Ladies Tour Company
- Vantigo Tours
- Dandyhorse San Francisco Bike Tours
- L'Esprit San Francisco
- Best Bay Area Tours
- Local Tastes of the City Tours
- San Francisco Native Tours
- San Francisco Love Tours
- San Francisco Segway Tours
- White Wolf Private Tours
- San Francisco Sailing Company
- San Francisco Fire Engine Tours & Adventures
- Segway SF Bay
IMAGES
VIDEO