Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Day Trip

KTLY305989

Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Day Trip, photo 3

Alcatraz Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Day Trip, photo 4

California, USA

Audio Guide

English, German, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese, Korean

Non-refundable

This ticket cannot be cancelled and is non-refundable

About this tour

This full-day trip pairs San Francisco's most famous prison island with the redwoods north of the city. You'll ferry out to Alcatraz and walk the cellblocks at your own pace with the award-winning audio guide, which is narrated in part by the men who were locked up and the guards who watched them. After that, a comfortable bus carries you to Muir Woods to walk among the coast redwoods, then on to the waterfront town of Sausalito for some free time. A local guide travels with the group throughout.

Audio Guide Languages

English German Spanish Japanese French Italian Russian Chinese Portuguese Korean

Highlights

Cross San Francisco Bay by ferry with open views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge
Walk the cellblocks and hear the stories of inmates like Al Capone
Follow the award-winning audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards
See the island's gardens and nesting seabird colonies
Take in the atmosphere of one of America's most infamous former prisons
Stand inside a former fort, military prison, and federal penitentiary all on one small island
See the remains of buildings from the 1969 to 1971 Native American occupation

Places You Will Visit

Open map

Alcatraz Island California, USA 7 tours & tickets

Included / Excluded

Admission ticket to Alcatraz
Alcatraz audio guide in English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, and Russian
Luxury bus transport to Muir Woods and Sausalito
Expert local guide
Free time to explore Muir Woods
Free time in Sausalito
Bus pickup at 07:40 from 478 Post St, San Francisco 94102 (Union Square, Downtown San Francisco)

How the Day Works and When Alcatraz Is Open

The day starts with a bus pickup near Union Square, then heads to the San Francisco waterfront, where the Alcatraz portion begins at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. The ferry across the bay takes well under half an hour and gives you a clear look at the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge on the way over. Once on the island, you walk the cellblocks on your own schedule with the audio guide, and you can also look in on the dining hall, the recreation yard, and the gardens and bird colonies that have taken over parts of the island. Plan on about two to three hours at Alcatraz before the bus continues to Muir Woods and Sausalito.

Alcatraz is open year-round except Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving. General visiting hours run 09:00 to 18:30 on Sunday and Monday, and 09:00 to 21:30 Tuesday through Saturday, with ferry schedules varying by season, so it's worth checking the official site before you travel. There's a steady uphill walk from the dock to the cellhouse, and the bay turns windy and cool fast, so bring a warm layer and wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Note that security screening applies before you board the ferry, and large bags and restricted items aren't allowed.

Available Days / Times

Monday : 08:30, 09:10
Tuesday : 08:30, 09:10
Wednesday : 08:30, 09:10
Thursday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:45
Friday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:45
Saturday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:45
Sunday : 08:30, 09:10, 09:45

Last updated: Oct 22, 2026

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Important Information

Daily capacity is limited and tickets sell out fast, so book well ahead, especially in peak months
Alcatraz is reached only by ferry from Pier 33; arrive 30 to 45 minutes before boarding
Your booking time is the outbound ferry; return ferries run often, so you set your own pace on the island
Round-trip ferry and the official cellhouse audio guide are included
This is a daytime visit, with more freedom to explore the island's outdoor areas
Paths are steep in places; tram assistance is available for visitors with mobility needs on certain routes
Food service is very limited; snacks and bottled drinks only, eaten in designated picnic areas near the dock
Restrooms are near the dock and close to the cellhouse
Ranger talks and exhibits run throughout the day; check posted schedules on arrival
Bay weather changes quickly, so bring layers and a windproof jacket, and wear comfortable walking shoes
Airport-style security screening applies before boarding; large bags and restricted items are not allowed
Stay on marked paths and do not touch or damage any structures
Follow instructions from park rangers and guides
No smoking anywhere on the island
Drones are not permitted
Photography is allowed, but no flash in certain areas

FAQs

How do I get Alcatraz tickets?

Book online in advance through our platform. Capacity is limited and demand is high, so reserving early is the best way to lock in your ferry departure.

How long is the ferry ride to Alcatraz?

The crossing from Pier 33 to the island takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, with views of San Francisco Bay along the way.

Are there restrooms on Alcatraz Island?

Yes. Restrooms are located near the dock and close to the cellhouse. It's smart to go before you start the uphill walk.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Bottled water is fine anywhere on the island, but snacks may only be eaten in the designated picnic areas near the dock. No food or drink is allowed inside the cellhouse.

Is Alcatraz accessible for people with disabilities?

The ferry and many main areas are accessible, and a tram helps visitors up the steep hill. Some historic sections still have stairs and uneven ground.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and fall bring milder weather and thinner crowds. Early morning ferries tend to be the quietest.

Is there a guided tour on the island?

Your ticket includes the self-guided cellhouse audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards. Ranger-led talks also run through the day depending on availability.

Why is Alcatraz so hard to escape from?

The island sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay, surrounded by cold water and strong currents, which is a big part of why it earned a reputation as nearly escape-proof during its years as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963.

What was Alcatraz before it became a federal prison?

Before the penitentiary opened in 1934, the island served as a military fort and then a military prison. The federal prison itself closed in 1963.

What else is there to see besides the cellhouse?

Beyond the cell blocks you'll find exhibits on the island's military past, gardens left from the prison era, seabird colonies, and the remains of buildings from the 1969 to 1971 Native American occupation.