The Best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: A Locals Guide
Living in Oakland, California, and having toured Alcatraz three times, I can’t recommend it enough.
It’s a popular destination, yet far from a tourist trap. Everyone I’ve introduced to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco finds it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.
Choosing the right Alcatraz tour can be daunting with so many options, and not all offer good value.
To help you avoid disappointment, this guide provides essential tips for selecting the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You’ll learn how to secure last-minute tickets and which tours to skip for a memorable experience.
A local’s tips for booking the best tour of Alcatraz:
- To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the official website and will be the cheapest price.
- For the ultimate tour of the main sites in the city, the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz is the best Alcatraz tour in San Francisco. Also, it boasts many 5-star ⭐ reviews, so you can’t go wrong!
- It’s essential to secure your tickets well in advance! Tip tickets are released 90 days in advance.
Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco 2024
I’ve curated a list of the top Alcatraz Island tours and combo tours, offering you the best experiences to book.
Keep in mind, Alcatraz tickets sell out fast, so early booking is key! If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, don’t worry – I’ve got some handy tips to help you secure them.
Plus, at the end of this post, I’ve included a comprehensive FAQ section about Alcatraz, covering topics like tours to avoid, whether you can visit Alcatraz without a tour, ticket costs, recommended attire, and much more.
Alcatraz City Cruises
To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the most affordable and direct way to get your tickets for Alcatraz Island and Prison.
Alcatraz City Cruises provides three tour options: Alcatraz Day Tour, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour. Each includes ferry transportation, an audio-guided tour of the island and cell house, access to historic outdoor spaces, and views of San Francisco.
1. Alcatraz Day Tour
Discover Alcatraz Island’s rich history with an Alcatraz Day Tour. I have done this tour before, and I recommend it for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit. However, day tours tend to be busier than night tours. So I suggest you plan to arrive early for the ferry and expect a wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour to minimize crowding.
The Day Tour is popular for being the most affordable and frequently available option. Tip, you can book the Early Bird Tour, departing at 8:45 or 9:10 am, to experience the island before it becomes crowded.
2. Alcatraz Night Tour
The Alcatraz Night Tour is one of the more popular options of tours offered at Alcatraz, and will typically sell out quicker than the day tours because they are limited to only a number of people per night and offer many perks that the day tour does not.
It offers exclusive perks, including special programs and activities not available during the day. Additionally, it provides a stunning upfront view of the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
3. Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour
The Behind the Scenes Tour is a small group tour with your own personal guide. They will take you behind the scenes to explore off-the-beaten-path areas of Alcatraz that are closed to the general public. You also have the option to stay for longer on the island and join the night tour.
The Behind the Scenes Tour involves a lot of walking up steep hills, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time. They also do not allow children under the age of 12 to participate in the Behind the Scenes Tour due to the physical and strenuous demands.
Best Combo Alcatraz Tours San Francisco
When you are visiting San Francisco, there is so much to do and see in such little time. A combo tour is a perfect way to see Alcatraz and experience other amazing Bay Area locations and attractions in San Francisco.
Also, a combo tour is a great option if the official tickets to Alcatraz Island are sold out.
Below is a list of the best combo Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco that I believe are worth the cost and from a reliable tour company.
Best Overall Tour
4. One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz
As a Bay Area local who has visited Alcatraz multiple times, I find the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz to be the best combo tour. It’s a comprehensive, well-rounded experience, covering numerous incredible Bay Area locations in a single day.
Your One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz includes a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. You’ll stop in Sausalito for lunch with bay views, then visit the enchanting Muir Woods, famous for its towering redwoods. The tour concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island for a historic exploration of the prison.
Pros:
- It is the perfect tour if you are on limited time
- You get to see Alcatraz, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and other famous San Francisco neighborhoods.
- Informative tour guide
- Many raving and 5-star reviews
Cons:
- You do not get a lot of time at each location since you are squeezing in so much in one day.
- Muir Woods entrance fee is not included
- One of the more expensive tours on this list
✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here
5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
The Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour offers a similar experience to the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz, featuring three top Bay Area attractions.
The key differences are a shorter duration, lower price, and exclusion of the San Francisco neighborhood tour. This tour suits those looking for a full day’s exploration with a smaller group (maximum of 11 people) and without the guided tour of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
The tour begins in San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, and first stops at Muir Woods for over an hour of hiking among the redwoods. Next, you’ll visit Sausalito for lunch and exploration, including options like my favorite spot Lappert’s Ice Cream.
The day concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island, including an audio-guided tour detailing the history of infamous inmates like Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger.
Pros:
- A packed day of touring three must-see Bay Area locations
- Informative tour guide
- Extra time to spend at each location compared to other Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito tour
Cons:
- Muir Woods entrance fee is not included
- You do not get a tour of San Francisco neighborhoods.
✅ Book your Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour here
Best Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco
6. Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion
The Bucket List Excursion is ideal for adding a shorter activity to your Alcatraz visit. This approximately 5-hour tour combines a trip to Alcatraz Island with a guided exploration of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods.
Starting at Alcatraz Landing, you’ll take a ferry to the island for a self-guided audio tour that vividly recounts its history as a federal prison. The tour includes the prison cells and stories of notorious inmates and escape attempts.
After Alcatraz, you’ll join your guide for a city tour, visiting key San Francisco sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Pacific Heights, with lots of opportunities for photos.
Pros:
- Great opportunity to visit Alcatraz and do a city tour of San Francisco
- Shorter tour than some of the others on this list
- Many 5-star reviews
- Knowledgeable tour guides
Cons:
- More of a sightseeing tour, you do not get to stop at each of these San Francisco locations.
✅ Book the Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion here
Most Unique Tour
7. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz
For a tour that is different and unique, I love this San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz. It is especially great if you’ve already explored San Francisco and want a differnt experience.
This 90 minute food tour starts at the historic Ferry Building, a bustling marketplace full of restaurants, specialty food stores, coffee shops, artisan meat and cheeses, specialty wine, and more.
Sample offerings from popular vendors and visit the renowned farmer’s market at the Ferry Building, known as one of the world’s best.
After your food tour, head to Alcatraz Landing, a short Uber ride or 20-minute walk from the Ferry Building, to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island, a must-see San Francisco attraction.
On “The Rock,” you’ll use an audio guide to explore the former maximum security prison, learning its history and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco.
Pros:
- Unique combo tour
- 4 hour tour, less time than other tours so it won’t take up an entire day
Cons:
- Transportation from the Ferry Building to Alcatraz Landing is not provided
- On the expensive side compared to other tours
✅ Book the San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz here
8. Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour
Book an adventurous two-day combo tour and get the opportunity to check off some San Francisco bucket list attractions. The Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour takes place over two days, which is nice if you don’t want to cram everything into one day.
Day one features a guided bike tour through iconic spots like the Palace of Fine Arts and Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. There, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Bay and San Francisco. You can choose to bike back, return the bike in Sausalito, or ferry back with the bike.
Day two is dedicated to Alcatraz, including ferry transport and a 2.5-hour audio-guided island tour.
Pros:
- Tour spread out into two days
- Get to see many must-visit locations by guided tour
- They also offer electric bikes to help with the hills
- Knowledgeable tour guides
Cons:
- You may not have enough time to dedicate two days to a tour
- Not the best tour for young children
✅ Book your Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour here
9. San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket
One of our favorite things to do is cruise the San Francisco bay by boat! You get a unique and incredible view of many iconic San Francisco sights. The San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Tour is the perfect combo tour, especially if you love to be on the water.
Your tour will begin at Alcatraz Landing, where you will catch a ferry to The Rock and explore the island that famously was a maximum security prison. The audio guide will transport you back in time as you learn about the history and the interesting stories of those who lived at Alcatraz.
After your tour, your will return to Alcatraz landing and begin the catamaran cruise. The catamaran provides an exciting and fun way to see San Francisco and the surrounding sights. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and other marine life during your cruise. Even on a sunny day, bring a jacket with you. The Bay can get very chilly and windy.
Pros:
- Unique tour and way to see the city
- Get the opportunity to sail on the Bay with an experienced captain and crew
Cons:
- There are two separate cruises, the catamaran does not drop you off at Alcatraz
- The exact time of the Alcatraz ferry departure may vary and you won’t be notified until 10 days before the tour.
- Weather dependant
✅ Book the San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket here
10. San Francisco: Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise
The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise is one of the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You can book a thrilling and adventurous tour and explore the waters by a high-powered Rigid Inflatable Boat. The inflatable boat provides a more exciting journey and the chance to get up close to wildlife and many iconic sights.
The tour starts with a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour, exploring prison cells and historic outdoor spaces. After Alcatraz, return to land and head to Pier 39 to join the Voyager Adventure Cruise. Your captain-guide will share insights about the area during this unforgettable sightseeing tour of San Francisco’s main attractions.
Pros:
- You can get an up-close view of sights and marine life
- An adventurous and exciting way to see the Bay.
- Weather-appropriate gear is provided
- Numerous 5 star reviews
Cons:
- Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under 5 years of age.
- Weather dependant
- There are two separate cruises, the voyager does not drop you off at Alcatraz
✅ Book The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise here
Why You Should Book a Combo Tour to Alcatraz
There are some benefits of booking a combo tour with a tour company. You get to see Alcatraz along with other top San Francisco locations. Planning a combo tour is perfect if you are visiting San Francisco for a short period of time and would like to do and see as much as possible.
Another perk of booking a combo tour is securing a ticket to Alcatraz. The tickets to Alcatraz sell out very quickly, and you typically need to book them months in advance. However, a tip for getting last-minute tickets to Alcatraz is by booking your tickets through an official Alcatraz partner.
Tips for Booking Alcatraz tickets for Sold-Out Days
If you are looking to see Alcatraz on a sold-out day there are some tips for scoring a couple of tickets. However, do not buy your tickets from a scalper.
It is illegal to resell Alcatraz tickets, but also at the departure gate, they may check to see if the name on the ticket matches yours. So to avoid all of this, I do not recommend buying your tickets from a scalper.
- Check for canceled tickets: You can do this by checking Alcatraz City Cruises
- Book a combo tour: Book one of the tours that I have listed above with a tour company
- Night tour standby tickets: Purchase a standby ticket at the box office during the day. It’s first come first serve. After they board the passengers for that night’s sailing, they allow the standbys on if there is room. You will be refunded if you do not go to Alcatraz.
What Tours I Wouldn’t Suggest
Choosing the right Alcatraz combo tour can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with San Francisco or the specific tour, you could be getting ripped off. Some tours significantly mark up prices, and in my experience, they may not offer value for the money.
An adult ticket to Alcatraz costs $45.00, and all tours include the same audio-guided experience. When considering tours with added extras like walking tours or restaurant discounts, ensure the additional cost is justified and provides good value.
How Much is an Alcatraz Tour
The cost of an Alcatraz Tour varies upon which tour you decide to do. Here is a breakdown of how much it is to book a tour to Alcatraz. This does not include any combo tours, only the cost of the Alcatraz Tour itself.
Day Tour:
Adult & Junior: $ 45.25
Child: $27.55
Junior: $45.25
Senior: $42.65
Family Pack: $131.85 (2 adults 2 children)
Night Tour:
Adult: $56.30
Junior: $55.10
Child: $33.00
Senior: $52.25
Behind the Scenes:
Adult: $101.30
Junior: $97.10
Senior: $94.25
Can I Visit Alcatraz Without a Tour
No, you cannot visit Alcatraz without a tour. Alcatraz Island is open to the public, but Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.
To visit the famous Alcatraz Island and prison, you must book a tour in advance either with Alcatraz City Cruises or an approved tour company.
What to Wear Visiting Alcatraz
Even if the forecast calls for sunshine and clear skies, I always bring layers and warm clothes when visiting Alcatraz Island. The ferry ride and standing outside on the island can be very chilly and windy.
Also, the tour does require walking up some hills and walking up stairs. I suggest wearing a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes for your visit to Alcatraz as well.
In Conclusion: Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco
I hope that my list of best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco will help you decide on which epic tour to book to see the famous Alcatraz Island.
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