San Francisco in a Day Tour with Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz

Your itinerary could vary based on events, closures, and weather, but rain or shine, your guide will make sure your day is filled with incredible stories and unforgettable views. Best of all, your day ends with a trip out to Alcatraz Island and free time to explore Fisherman's Wharf.

San Francisco in a Day Tour

Your 7-hour San Francisco day tour includes:

• Hotel pickup within San Francisco

• A guided tour of San Francisco in an open-sided van

• Photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge

• Free time for lunch at a local market (food not included)

• Ferry ticket and access to Alcatraz Island

• Award-winning Alcatraz cell house audio guide tour

• One of the friendliest (and funnest) local guides in the city

City Hotel Pickup

Begin your day as a VIP. Your friendly, local guide will pick you up right outside your hotel (within central San Francisco) for a full-day journey through the city.

Please contact us after booking with your hotel name for pick-up. We'll reach out with an alternative meeting point if your hotel isn't covered.

Golden Gate Bridge

A marvel of engineering and architecture, this symbol of San Francisco stands nearly 800 feet above the bay. When completed in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge connected San Francisco to Marin County and immediately allowed easier commuting access to the city rather than waiting in long lines for the ferries. You'll see the grandeur and detail of the structure from the Presidio and take in the majesty of the world-famous suspension bridge.

Towering Views

Located centrally in the city are two incredible natural overlooks. Over 900 feet tall, the two hills known as the Twin Peaks provide unbelievable panoramic views of San Francisco. One of the top photo opportunities in the city, you'll see Alcatraz, the Bay Bridges, as well as skyscrapers like the Embarcadero and Salesforce Tower. As you drive the winding road heading up the peaks, take in the city below from the Victorian houses to the natural beauty of Golden Gate Park.

Sometimes weather or events will make it difficult to see Twin Peaks or other areas and neighborhoods on this tour. If that happens, your guide will make up the time at other cool viewpoints and even ask if there is something specific you're hoping to see.

San Francisco's Top Neighborhoods and Hidden Gems

Throughout the day, immerse yourself in the unique flair and characteristics of San Francisco's many great neighborhoods. In Haight-Ashbury, experience the culture of peace and love that has been a staple of San Francisco since the 1960s. Learn about how legends like Jerry Garcia influenced the city's art, music and more.

Depending on the day and the requests of the group, you will visit diverse quarters of the city. From the mosaics of the Mission to the rainbows of the Castro, each neighborhood has its own local treasures to explore. Before going to ferry, you'll head through Chinatown and North Beach. Two of the cities most iconic neighborhoods, traditionally home to the city's Chinese and Italian communities, your guide will be sure to provide the best recommendations of the top restaurants in San Francisco.

Local Market and Picnic Lunch

This tour doesn't include lunch, but your guide will take you to a local market and offer some delicious recommendations of what to eat as you enjoy your San Francisco day tour.

Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf

The final stop of the day is Alcatraz. Since outside guides are not permitted on the island, your local guide will wish you an amazing rest of your day and hand you tickets to the ferry, the island, and the audio guided tour. Since you're free to explore Alcatraz for as long as you like until they close, there is no return transportation to your hotel. However, your guide will have several helpful suggestions for how to return on your own no matter where the rest of your day takes you.

As you take in the views from the ferry, imagine the desperation of those who attempted to escape the isolated island penitentiary. Disembark at the same place where children of the guards left every day for school in the city, then enter the notorious prison grounds. With the interactive and award-winning audio guide tour, learn the stories of infamous prisoners like Al Capone and the Birdman. You'll also learn about the escape by the Anglin brothers in 1962 that has become the subject of film and literature.

Once you return to the mainland, be sure to check out Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square just a short distance from the ferry stop. Here you'll be able to meet some of San Francisco's most famous residents: the seals. Hundreds of these majestic creatures bask in the wharf's sun and have become a favorite attraction for tourists to the city. It's also a great place to enjoy freshly caught fish or clam chowder for dinner!