A prison isn’t usually a tourist destination, but Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is a major exception. Touring the historic former penitentiary is…
Highlights
- Learn about San Francisco's coming-of-age with stories from the Gold Rush, earthquakes, and cable car history.
- Discover this waterfront area's best treats like sourdough and Dungeness crab.
- Explore Pier 39 with its shopping, entertainment, and adorable sea lions.
- Upgrade your ticket with a bay cruise for up-close views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
What you'll do
Meet your guide at the north end of Fisherman’s Wharf and start your experience by taking in the amazing views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.
Hear how San Francisco transformed from a sleepy village to a booming port ...
Meet your guide at the north end of Fisherman’s Wharf and start your experience by taking in the amazing views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.
Hear how San Francisco transformed from a sleepy village to a booming port city when gold fever swept the nation in 1849, and learn the origin story of Ghirardelli Square. As we stroll along the fog-lined waterfront, check out the stalls selling specialties like crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls.
We’ll walk part of the historic Barbary Coast trail. Then we head to Pier 39 to see the historic ships and the colony of sea lions that has taken over the docks. Continuing along the Embarcadero Promenade, you’ll hear about the infamous Alcatraz, too, and how it’s much more than just a prison.
If you’ve chosen the bay cruise upgrade, your guide will show you how to find your boat, where you’ll set sail to enjoy a scenic one-hour cruise that passes under the Golden Gate Bridge and showcases stunning panoramas of the SF skyline.
If you opted for the Sausalito upgrade, you’ll head to the ferry instead. Your self-guided visit to Sausalito offers the chance to explore this colorful city across the bay, built by artist squatters in the 1940s but popular today for its picturesque houseboats, shops, and restaurants. Don’t forget to snap photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and skyline on the ferry ride there and back, included with your upgrade.
Itinerary
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Aquatic Park
With views of ships, the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz
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Waterfront
Where vendors sell SF staples like Dungeness crab and clam chowder bread bowls
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Part of the Barbary Coast Trail
A 19th-century red-light district turned scenic trail
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Pier 39
Sea lions sunbathing on the docks and historic ships in the harbor
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Embarcadero Promenade
Once a traditional maritime port, now filled with restaurants, amusement piers, and art deco streetcars
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Optional upgrade: Bay Cruise
Featuring skyline views, history, and a scenic cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge
Plan your trip
Bay cruise upgrade
This upgrade includes a bay cruise with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, skyline, and more. Your guide will help you find your boat.
Accessibility
This tour is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Refund policy
We offer a 100% refund up to 24 hours before the start time.
Reviews
Dara is a fantastic tour guide. She showed us all around Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. She gave us a lot of information on the history of the city. She's friendly and knowledgeable.
— KimMeeting point
Meet your guide on the corner across the street from the Buena Vista Cafe, which is located at 2765 Hyde St. Look for the Fisherman’s Wharf sign.
FAQs
How much walking is there?
Our tour of Fisherman’s Wharf includes a mile of walking at a moderate pace. If mobility is an issue, please arrange for a private tour.
Will we see Alcatraz?
Your guide will talk about Alcatraz on the tour as we view it from a distance, but if you’d like to visit the island and tour this historic landmark, we recommend our Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour with Alcatraz Ticket.
What is the cancellation policy?
We understand plans change. We offer a 100% refund or the option to reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour start time. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine, so please check the local forecast to plan. In rare cases when we have to cancel for extreme weather, we’ll offer you the chance to reschedule or give a full refund.
Are gratuities included?
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.
SF travel guides
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