Summary of San Francisco Tours
- Golden Gate Bay Cruise
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Escape from The Rock Cruise
- San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- San Francisco Grand City Tour with Alcatraz Ticket
- Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
- Half-Day Golden Gate Catamaran Cruise
- San Francisco to Yosemite Park Small Group Tour
- Bridge to Bridge Cruise
- Alcatraz and Big Bus Premium 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- San Francisco Dinner Dance Cruise
- Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods
- Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks
- San Francisco Bay Aerial Tour
- Seaplane Flight + Alcatraz Cruise & Tour Combo
San Francisco is among the most frequented destinations in the United States, and its allure is evident. The city, endearingly referred to as The City by locals, boasts picturesque scenery that is captivating in every form of media.
Indeed, it is not merely photogenic but profoundly beautiful, offering an enchanting vista that exists beyond the confines of photographs.
Nestled against serene waters, islands, rolling hills, towering skyscrapers, vibrant neighborhoods, and ample sunshine, San Francisco provides an impressive array of picturesque angles to admire.
When embarking on a sightseeing excursion in San Francisco, one may find that time is the primary constraint due to the wealth of stunning attractions available for exploration.
Fortunately, an abundance of tours exists to ensure that you maximize every moment of your time in the City by the Bay.
Below are some highly recommended options.
1. Golden Gate Bay Cruise
The Golden Gate Bay Cruise has been a prominent attraction in San Francisco since its inauguration in 1939, shortly after the establishment of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
This one-hour cruise departs daily starting at 10:00 am, with multiple trips throughout the day.
Despite its brief duration, the cruise provides an extensive insight into the city, enhanced by an audio commentary available in 16 languages via personal headsets.
Participants will learn about San Francisco’s fascinating history while enjoying breathtaking views.
The cruise navigates beneath the impressive Golden Gate Bridge, past North Beach and the swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, and encircles Alcatraz Island.
Additionally, guests can observe historic vessels at San Francisco Maritime National Park and Hyde Street Pier, and relish the stunning vistas of Presidio and Crissy Field.
Anticipate sightings of marine life, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, and pelicans.
A well-stocked bar on board offers refreshments at reasonable prices and a selection of snacks and merchandise ensures a comfortable experience throughout the cruise.
2. Gain Admission at the Legendary Monterey Bay Aquarium
Attending the Monterey Bay Aquarium tour allows you to bypass the lines at this renowned institution, widely acknowledged as one of the best aquariums globally.
This experience promises to be among the most extraordinary tours in San Francisco, revealing the aquarium’s role as a backdrop for Pixar’s Finding Dory and HBO’s Big Little Lies.
The underwater world presents magnificent views of various marine life, from stately whales to vividly colored fish that resemble underwater art.
3. Escape from The Rock Cruise of San Francisco Bay
No visit to San Francisco would be complete without a tour of the notorious Alcatraz Island, home to the famous maximum-security prison.
This cruise offers a one-and-a-half-hour tour, allowing guests to sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
The journey vividly conveys what life was like within the penitentiary, which was once considered the most daunting institution in the American penal system.
Onboard, stories about infamous criminals and their legendary escape attempts, such as those narrated for Clyde Johnson and Billy Cook, unfold.
4. San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
In a city abundant with attractions, visiting all significant sites poses a considerable challenge.
The San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is tailored to simplify this process, condensing it into an efficient two-and-a-half-hour adventure.
The route features over 20 significant points of interest throughout the West Coast city.
Participants will learn about the city’s history, absorb panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, appreciate the beautiful parks, delve into the diverse culture, and admire the stunning architecture while aboard an open-air sightseeing bus.
There are multiple ticket options available: Classic, Premium, or Deluxe, with buses featuring live guides or pre-recorded commentary in 10 languages via headphones.
5. San Francisco Grand City Tour with Alcatraz Ticket
For those feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options in San Francisco, especially regarding transportation and navigating traffic, the San Francisco Grand City Tour with an Alcatraz Ticket is an excellent choice.
This comprehensive eight-hour guided tour showcases the city’s notable landmarks aboard a luxury coach.
Guests have the opportunity to disembark at various locations to capture photographs at each stop, including North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, Palace of Fine Arts, Nob Hill, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
The ticket also includes access to a tour of Alcatraz Prison, a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963.
6. Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco
If you seek an engaging day trip from San Francisco, consider embarking on a tasting journey through the enchanting Napa Valley and Sonoma vineyard region.
This guided tour provides an in-depth historical context of winemaking in both regions, tracing back to when early Spanish settlers introduced grapevines from Europe, alongside intriguing narratives about the 49ers during the California Gold Rush.
The excursion includes visits to three wineries, where guests will gain insights into winemaking practices, complemented by wine tastings that are integral to the experience.
A lunch stop is arranged either in the heart of Napa at Vintage 1870 or at Historical Sonoma Square.
Feel free to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
7. Half-Day Golden Gate Catamaran Cruise & Alcatraz Visit
Surrounded by water on three sides, San Francisco is ideally explored via its many aquatic vantage points.
A 90-minute catamaran cruise unveils the breathtaking beauty of San Francisco Bay, providing an intimate view of the iconic San Francisco skyline.
Watch for playful sea lions during the cruise, and for those seeking an adrenaline rush, the catamaran features canvas trampoline nets that allow you to feel the waves beneath your feet.
A snack bar is available on board for those looking for refreshments. Should you wish, the captain and crew may offer you the opportunity to take the helm if you express your interest.
The tour also includes a ferry ride from San Francisco’s Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island, featuring a 45-minute award-winning audio tour of the prison’s cells.
8. San Francisco to Yosemite Park Small Group Tour
Yosemite National Park serves as the perfect contrast to San Francisco’s urban landscape, featuring iconic scenery that could take a lifetime to fully appreciate.
The good news is that guests can explore many of the park’s highlights on a day-long expedition.
This comprehensive 15-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by bus, concentrating on the breathtaking waterfalls and rock formations of Yosemite Valley.
During the journey, participants will have the opportunity to stop at Central Valley, the largest agricultural region in the United States, to enjoy the area’s famous produce, including cherries, walnuts, almonds, and strawberries.
Following this, the tour moves through the Sierra Nevada foothills to visit the park, where guests will embark on a guided one-and-a-half-hour coach tour of the glaciated valley, marveling at major highlights such as Yosemite Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in North America.
Additional sights include Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome, El Capitan, and Sentinel Dome, along with ample free time (3-4 hours) to explore the valley independently.
9. San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise
Experience a 90-minute cruise throughout San Francisco Bay, where you can admire the city’s two most prominent bridges: the renowned Golden Gate Bridge and the expansive San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
The cruise begins at Fisherman’s Wharf, a well-known tourist hotspot, and features an informative audio guide in 16 languages.
Throughout the journey, you will gain insight into the city’s landmarks, and delve into the rich history, remarkable architecture, and Native American culture while enjoying views of the stunning waterfront.
10. Alcatraz and Big Bus Premium 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off
The Big Bus Premium offers a comprehensive hop-on-hop-off experience, enabling you to make the most of your visit to San Francisco.
This full-day tour features 20 stops, commencing at the corner of Jefferson & Mason Street and concluding at Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The combined premium ticket includes a self-guided audio tour of Alcatraz Island and four walking tours showcasing the city’s most captivating neighborhoods: the historic Barbary Coast, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Chinatown.
Additionally, witness the city illuminated at night with a two-hour panoramic night tour that reveals another side of San Francisco.
11. San Francisco Dinner Dance Cruise
San Francisco is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, which have kindled romance for many couples.
There is perhaps no better way to savor a sunset than from the comfort of a boat.
The evening begins as the city lights from the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge illuminate the night, heralding the start of a delectable four-course gourmet dinner featuring the finest regional ingredients.
Live music adds an enchanting atmosphere as the boat glides past the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and the picturesque towns of Sausalito and Tiburon, resulting in a memorable night out.
12. Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods
No visit to California is complete without experiencing its remarkable topography.
In San Francisco, Muir Woods National Forest offers an exceptional opportunity to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
This tour encompasses crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, leading you into California’s wilderness, where the celebrated ancient redwoods reside at Muir Woods.
The excursion lasts three and a half hours, providing guests with 90 minutes to explore the hiking trails and revel in the tranquility offered by the 1,000-year-old trees.
Following your time in the forest, the tour proceeds to the coastal city of Sausalito, acclaimed for its expansive views and sophistication that often surpasses that of popular waterfront cities.
13. Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks
Sometimes, it is necessary to simply relax and absorb the surroundings without the stress of a hectic city.
The Bay Sailing Tour facilitates this experience by providing two complimentary drinks of your choice, including soft beverages, wine, beer, or water, tailored to fit your mood.
This two-hour cruise aboard a charming 28-passenger sailboat allows you to unwind while enjoying the stunning views of the bay.
During the journey, you will sail past Angel Island and Alcatraz, all while taking in the breathtaking sights of Marin’s lush landscapes and the charming Sausalito.
Expect ample photo opportunities as you sail parallel to the Golden Gate Bridge, culminating in remarkable views of the San Francisco waterfront.
14. San Francisco Bay Aerial Tour
It is often said that one has not truly seen San Francisco until experienced from above, particularly the downtown area.
Hayward Flight, recognized for offering the safest and most thrilling flights in San Francisco, provides a bird’s-eye view of the city through this 45-minute helicopter expedition.
This duration is sufficient to appreciate all the city’s highlights from an aerial perspective.
Expert pilots will guide you over the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39 while following the waterfront.
The flight continues above Alcatraz and Angel Island, along with the must-see towns of Sausalito and Tiburon.
15. Seaplane Flight + Alcatraz Cruise & Tour Combo
This tour combination remains a top seller for good reason.
It merges a 30-minute aerial exploration of San Francisco with two separate cruises into a singular four-hour package.
The initial segment of the tour encompasses a 30-minute flight over the city, ensuring coverage of various attractions.
Participants will witness the Golden Gate National Reserve, Pt. Bonita Lighthouse, Downtown San Francisco, Crissy Field, AT&T Park, an aerial view of Alcatraz, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Following the flight, a ferry crosses the bay to Alcatraz, interspersed with a brief lunch break before the second cruise, leading to a tour of Alcatraz Prison.
At Alcatraz, you may tune in to audio commentary from former inmates, detailing the history and conditions of this notorious penitentiary.
Visitors can explore Alcatraz at their leisure, and when ready, a ferry will be available at Pier 33, with departures occurring approximately every 33 minutes.
