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Today, I want to tell you about a great San Francisco sightseeing tour that includes a visit to Alcatraz Island. I also want to tell you about how to save money on this tour.
I am glad the tour includes Alcatraz, because ever since I first visited San Francisco years ago, I have been fascinated with Alcatraz. Alcatraz Island is one of those popular tourist destinations that is a must-do on so many traveler’s bucket lists. It’s one of those places you’ll regret not visiting if you leave San Francisco without a visit. So I am glad you you can visit Alcatraz while also taking a sightseeing tour in San Francisco.
Since this tour covers so much, it takes around seven to eight hours.
Itinerary
You’ll get picked up for the tour at one of two locations: Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour begins at 8:30 AM. You’ll drive through the Marina district. You’ll get great views of Alcatraz Island during the drive. You’ll stop and explore the Palace of Fine Arts for around 15 minutes.
At that point, it will be around 10:00 AM. For the next hour, you’ll stop and get photos at two iconic locations: the Golden Gate Bridge and Land’s End. You’ll get great Pacific Ocean coastline views and panoramic views of the Cliff House and Sutro Baths.
At this point, it will be around 11:00 AM. You’ll next drive through Golden Gate Park and spot its many museums and gardens. Then you’ll drive through San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury where you can admire its Victorian architecture. Then you’ll stop at the Twin Peaks overlook. You’ll get incredible 360 degree views of the whole Bay.
Then it’s around 12:00 PM. You’ll drive by Misión San Francisco de Asís in the Mission District and through the Civic Center. You’ll return to your pickup point in Fisherman’s Wharf. You can get lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf (this is not included in the price of the tour, but it gives you flexibility to choose where you want to eat).
After lunch, you’ll make your way to Pier 33 so you can board your ferry for the Alcatraz Island Prison Tour. The ferry ride takes place at 2:30 PM. This is a 15-minute sail where you get to enjoy amazing views of the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Angel Island, so you’ll want to have your camera ready.
When you get to Alcatraz Island, you’ll pick up a Cellhouse Audio Tour that’s included in the cost of your tour. It features recordings of actual guards and inmates. You can hear it in in English, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, Italian, or Dutch.
You are then free to explore Alcatraz Island. You’ll take a take a return ferry to Pier 33. Your day ends around 5:00 PM, and at the conclusion, you’ll just have enjoyed a wonderful day of exploring San Francisco and Alcatraz Island. I’d say this would make a wonderful addition to your San Francisco vacation!
Coupon Code
If you’d like to take this San Francisco Sightseeing Tour with Alcatraz Island, then purchase a ticket here. You can use the coupon code “SUMMER11” where you’ll save 11% on the tour.
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