San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & Guided Muir Woods Tour

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument, come together in an unforgettable day-long adventure. For $120 per person, this guided tour promises a scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge, a chance to wander amidst towering coastal redwoods, and a captivating audio tour that unveils the intriguing history of the former prison island. With convenient hotel drop-off service, this experience offers a seamless and immersive way to discover the best of the Bay Area’s natural and cultural wonders. What secrets might Alcatraz hold, and what unexpected delights await in the ancient Muir Woods?

Key Points

• This tour combines visits to the famous Alcatraz Island and the serene Muir Woods National Monument, offering a comprehensive experience of San Francisco’s top attractions.
• The tour includes a scenic drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a visit to the charming seaside town of Sausalito, and an audio tour of Alcatraz in multiple languages.
• Muir Woods features ancient coastal redwood forests, with towering trees that can reach heights of up to 260 feet, providing a serene walking experience.
• Alcatraz Island tour provides insights into the island’s infamous history as a federal prison, with an opportunity to explore the prison cells and learn about the lives of former inmates.
• The tour is priced at $120 per person, with a duration of 8 hours, and is conducted in English, offering a convenient way to explore these popular destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive experience, combining a visit to the iconic Alcatraz Island with a guided exploration of the serene Muir Woods National Monument.

Priced at $120 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and is conducted in English. Guests can expect to explore the former federal penitentiary on Alcatraz and the ancient coastal redwood forests of Muir Woods.

The tour also includes a scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and a visit to the quaint seaside town of Sausalito.

While the Alcatraz and Muir Woods tours must be taken on separate dates, the package provides a convenient way to experience two of San Francisco’s top attractions.

Muir Woods National Monument

The tranquility of Muir Woods National Monument envelops visitors as they wander through the ancient coastal redwood forests.

Some of the towering trees exceed 1,000 years in age and reach heights of 260 feet.

Strolling through the serene redwood alleys, visitors can breathe in the cool, fragrant air.

The scenic drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge leads to the park, offering stunning vistas before arrival.

After exploring the peaceful groves, the tour continues to the quaint seaside town of Sausalito, providing a picturesque end to the Muir Woods experience.

Alcatraz Island

After a scenic 30-minute ferry ride, visitors arrive at the iconic Alcatraz Island, a former federal penitentiary known as "The Rock."

The audio tour, available in 11 languages, takes guests on a captivating journey, featuring stories from former inmates and providing an immersive experience.

Explorers can wander through the prison cells, gaining insight into the infamous history of Alcatraz.

From the solitary confinement unit to the mess hall, the tour offers a glimpse into the lives of those who were once incarcerated on the island.

The Alcatraz experience provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and uncover the stories that have made this landmark a symbol of America’s criminal justice system.

Inclusions

The tour package includes the Alcatraz Island entry ticket and ferry ticket, providing access to the former federal penitentiary. Plus, the tour includes entry to the Muir Woods National Monument, where visitors can explore the ancient coastal redwood trees. A live guide accompanies the Muir Woods tour, sharing insights and information. The tour also includes a scenic drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and hotel drop-off at the end of the day.

Inclusions
Alcatraz Island entry ticket and ferry ticket
Muir Woods National Monument entry
Live guide for Muir Woods tour
Hotel drop-off
Scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge

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Important Information

Scheduled as separate dates, the Muir Woods and Alcatraz tours require exchanging the voucher at the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center (99 Jefferson Street, Fisherman’s Wharf) at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled Alcatraz date.

The Muir Woods tour departs at either 8:30 am or 1:30 pm. This tour provides a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and allows visitors to explore the ancient coastal redwood trees in the Muir Woods National Monument.

The Alcatraz Island tour includes a 30-minute ferry ride and an audio tour in 11 languages, providing insights into the infamous history of the former federal penitentiary.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the tour for its good mix of driving and sightseeing, with guides described as humorous and informative. Based on 3 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Reviewers have highlighted the scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and the opportunity to explore the ancient redwood forests at Muir Woods. However, some have suggested that more detailed explanations would be welcomed during the Alcatraz portion of the tour.

Itinerary Highlights

Visitors can expect a captivating journey through two of Northern California’s most iconic destinations.

At Muir Woods National Monument, they’ll marvel at ancient coastal redwood trees, some over 1,000 years old and towering 260 feet. The scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge leads to the redwood alleys, where they can absorb the cool air and redwood fragrance.

Next, they’ll explore the former federal penitentiary of Alcatraz Island, learning about its infamous history through an audio tour available in 11 languages. Visitors will discover the prison cells and hear stories from former inmates, completing a day filled with natural wonder and captivating history.

Getting to Alcatraz and Muir Woods

Departing from San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors embark on a 30-minute ferry ride to reach the infamous Alcatraz Island.

For the Muir Woods tour, buses depart from the same location at either 8:30 am or 1:30 pm. Guests should plan to exchange their voucher at the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center at least 24 hours prior to their scheduled Alcatraz visit.

The tour includes:

1. Entry tickets to both Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods National Monument.
2. A live guide to lead the Muir Woods tour.
3. Hotel drop-off service after the full-day excursion.

The Alcatraz and Muir Woods tours are scheduled on separate dates, allowing visitors to fully experience each iconic destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Restroom Facilities Available on the Ferry to Alcatraz?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available on the ferry to Alcatraz. Passengers can use the restrooms during the 30-minute ferry ride to and from the island.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour operators at the various sites visited during the tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to a private tour. Customers can pay an additional fee to have a private guide and exclusive access to the tour, providing a more personalized experience.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Binoculars for Muir Woods?

No, binoculars aren’t required for the Muir Woods tour. The ancient coastal redwood trees are easily visible, and the guided hike allows visitors to fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery without the need for additional equipment.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Exploring Alcatraz Island?

The tour allows 2-2.5 hours to explore Alcatraz Island. Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the former prison, including the cell house, exercise yard, and other key sites at their own pace during this allotted time.

Recap

This tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience two of San Francisco’s iconic destinations. Visitors can marvel at the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods, then explore the intriguing history of Alcatraz Island through an engaging audio tour. With convenient hotel drop-off, this 8-hour adventure is a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders of the Bay Area.

You can check if your dates are available here: