Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Overview
See more of San Francisco with one flexible sightseeing package combining 48 hours of hop-on hop-off access with some of the city’s most iconic experiences.
Visit legendary Alcatraz Island by ferry and explore the former federal prison with the immersive Cellhouse audio tour.
Ride an open-top double decker Big Bus and explore top sights including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, and Pier 39 at your own pace. Hop off in Chinatown, the oldest in North America, to explore the historic neighborhood with an included audio walking tour.
Then take a separate 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise for panoramic views of the skyline, waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge.
In the evening, enjoy a dedicated panoramic, open-top Sunset Tour showcasing San Francisco as the city transitions from day to night.
Tours may be taken on separate days, making this an easy way to experience San Francisco by bus, boat, and on foot.
What's Included
- 48-Hour Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- No additional fees
- Free Bike Rental Perk - Buy 1 hour, Get 1 free at Blazing Saddles
- Alcatraz Island Admission ticket with roundtrip Ferry
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour
- 1-hour Digital Walking Tour of Chinatown
- 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What To Expect
17 Stops | 13 Points of Interest
Duration: 2 days
Operating Schedule: 48-Hour Hop on Hop off Tour: Operates daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm, with buses departing every 15 minutes. Download the free Big Bus app for city information and live bus tracking.
99 Jefferson St
621 Columbus Ave
Clay St (500-598)
Ferry Building
280 Geary St
201 Mason St
90 Fulton St
944 Fell St
1816 Haight St
California Academy of Sciences
Vista Point
1105 Gorgas Ave
2101 Lombard St
1599 Lombard St
Pier 35
Embarcadero
Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- To receive your Alcatraz Island Ticket you must check into the Big Bus Visitor Center one day prior to the Alcatraz Tour date, or before 9am on the date of your Alcatraz Tour.
- Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Photo ID is required.
- Please note that the date you have selected is the date for your Alcatraz Tour.
- Your tour time will be assigned 5 days in advance of the tour date. Once a time is assigned we are not able to make any changes, please note your timed entry will be allocated by Alcatraz this will not be able to be personally selected
- Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after first use. Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5096ALCATRAZ
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.45 out of 5 stars based on 581 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 48-Hour Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour.
- No additional fees.
- Free Bike Rental Perk - Buy 1 hour, Get 1 free at Blazing Saddles.
- Alcatraz Island Admission ticket with roundtrip Ferry.
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation).
- Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour.
- 1-hour Digital Walking Tour of Chinatown.
- 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Best of SF: Alcatraz Ticket, Bay Cruise, & Hop-on Hop-off Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- 48-Hour Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour
- No additional fees
- Free Bike Rental Perk - Buy 1 hour, Get 1 free at Blazing Saddles
- Alcatraz Island Admission ticket with roundtrip Ferry
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour
- 1-hour Digital Walking Tour of Chinatown
- 1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- To receive your Alcatraz Island Ticket you must check into the Big Bus Visitor Center one day prior to the Alcatraz Tour date, or before 9am on the date of your Alcatraz Tour.
- Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Photo ID is required.
- Please note that the date you have selected is the date for your Alcatraz Tour.
- Your tour time will be assigned 5 days in advance of the tour date. Once a time is assigned we are not able to make any changes, please note your timed entry will be allocated by Alcatraz this will not be able to be personally selected
- Hop-on Hop-off tour ticket is valid during operating hours for 48 hours after first use. Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
