San Francisco in a Day Tour with Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz
Spend the day exploring the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, and more with a fun guide
Wondering how to see all the best sights in San Francisco when parking is so limited? You can explore it all with an open-sided van tour led by one of the friendliest (and funnest) local guides in the city. This full-day, small group tour takes you to impressive sights like the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, and Twin Peaks, before heading deeper into the Haight-Ashbury, Castro, and Mission neighborhoods. An iconic trip to Alcatraz Island is included to top off this memorable San Francisco itinerary.
Tour Details
- The Best of San Francisco in a Day with a Small Group
- Hotel Pickup Included, Meet Your Guide for the Day
- Golden Gate Bridge and Top Landmarks
- Stops across the City's Historic and Hippest Neighborhoods
- See the Best Views atop the Twin Peaks
- Enjoy a Picnic Lunch from a Local Market (price not included)
- Ferry to Alcatraz Island
- Explore the Cells Blocks of Alcatraz and Plot Your Own Escape
Are you ready to see San Francisco with a city native who has an unmatched passion for the city? See the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge and take in the coolest neighborhoods of the city. With your local guide, take in San Francisco from above atop the Twin Peaks. Immerse yourself in local gems and city landmarks before heading to Alcatraz in the afternoon. This 7-hour tour includes:
7-hour guided tour of San Francisco in an open-sided van
Entertaining guide named Eric
Hotel pickup within San Francisco
Ferry ticket to Alcatraz Island
Full-access ticket to Alcatraz Penitentiary
Award-winning cell house audio guide tour
Lunch not included
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. Make sure to note where you are staying when you book this tour.
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, bypassing overcrowded ferries for commuting cars. You will see the grandeur and detail of the structure from the Presidio and take in the majesty of the epic suspension bridge.
Twin Peaks 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 will 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. Your guide will point out the areas you will soon see up close on tour.
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 local treasures to explore. Before heading to ferry, 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
As there are no places to acquire food on Alcatraz or on the ferry, you guide will take you to a local market perfect to grab a lunch and partake in some people watching. Sit in Alamo Square and enjoy a great sandwich while taking in the famous Painted Ladies. These iconic Victorian houses are a symbol of the city and are the fictional home of the "Full House" Tanner family.
Alcatraz
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.
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 will 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 will 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.

See what people are saying
5 total reviews
Leave a reviewEric is an expert!
Malia Artsitas
If you are hoping to see as much of SF as you possibly can in one day, look no further. Eric was an expert about all things SF and was the best tour guide we could have asked for. If there's anything in particular that you want to see, he is able to work it into the tour as well. The tour was paced perfectly- it didn't feel rushed, especially considering how much we were able to see in just one day. We had a blast.
Alcatraz!
Gloria Gonzalez
If you are planning a trip to SF, then you have to see it with Eric. I never thought a prison would be so interesting to learn about. He also picks you up from your hotel and takes you around in an open-sided van which is super cool and unique. We went to the top of twin peaks for great photos that I will honestly probably print out and hang up in my house. Thanks Eric for the great day!
Frequently Asked Questions
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