Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods and Sausalito San Francisco

Alcatraz Island: ferry, cellhouse and audio tour

Alcatraz is the highlight for many guests, and this ticket includes the round-trip ferry from Pier 33 and the official entry ticket, so the difficult part of booking Alcatraz is taken care of. Sailing across the bay to the island takes about 15 minutes, with views of the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Alcatraz was a military fort and then a federal prison from 1934 to 1963.

On the island you follow an audio tour through the cellhouse, where small cells, the dining hall and stories of famous inmates and the 1962 escape attempt bring the past to life. Many people ask if the Alcatraz tour is worth it: combined with the two other stops on this trip, it makes a full day, and the ferry and tickets are handled for you.

Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods is a grove of coast redwoods about 12 miles north of San Francisco, protected as a national monument since 1908. Some trees here are more than 250 feet tall and many are centuries old, and walking between them on the flat boardwalk trails is quiet and cool, even on hot days. The forest was named after the conservationist John Muir.

You have free time to explore the paths at your own pace, whether you want a short loop or a longer walk. The entrance fee for Muir Woods is not included and is paid separately. Muir Woods tours are popular, so book ahead. Dress in layers, since the forest is shaded and cooler than the city.

The Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint and Sausalito

On the way north you stop at the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint for photos of the orange suspension bridge and the city skyline behind it. The bridge opened in 1937 and remains the symbol of San Francisco, and the vista point on the northern side gives one of the best angles for pictures.

The day also includes about one hour in Sausalito, a charming waterfront town on the bay in Marin County with art galleries, shops, cafes and houseboats. From its promenade you look back across the water at the San Francisco skyline. It is a good place for lunch or a relaxed walk before the return drive.

How the day works: departures, options and planning

There are two morning departures. The 08:30 departure starts with Muir Woods, then continues to Sausalito and Alcatraz, while the 09:10 departure starts with Alcatraz. The total tour takes about seven hours and is run with a small group in an air-conditioned minibus. Hotel pickup is not included, so you meet at the meeting point confirmed in your voucher.

Two options are offered. The standard option covers everything above, and the flexible booking option is the same tour with the ability to change the date or time up to 72 hours before the start. Food, drinks, tips and the Muir Woods entrance fee are not included. Bring a jacket and comfortable shoes with grip.