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Offered languages
- English
Alcatraz is different at dusk. Crowds thin as the daytime visitors depart, and the island feels quieter, more isolated. This atmospheric, cultural experience begins in North Beach, SF’s “Little Italy.”
Here, your guide walks you through its historic streets. Inside Saints Peter and Paul Church, you’ll admire its Italian marble altar and hear about its connection to Joe DiMaggio. Along the way, your guide shares lesser-known views of Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more.
From there, head to Fisherman’s Wharf to greet the sea lions at Pier 39. Then your guide leads you to your Alcatraz ferry as you bid farewell and cruise across the bay. When you disembark, a ranger meets you and walks you up to the cellhouse. Explore at your own pace. Your ticket includes exclusive programs and access to areas closed during the day, including the hospital ward and solitary confinement.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We’ll meet at Washington Square, beside the Volunteer Firemen Memorial located at 600 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133. Your guide will be holding an orange sign.
Itinerary
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1
Stroll through a central North Beach gathering place and learn how the park served as temporary housing after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Today, it offers open green space and classic views of the surrounding architecture.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Visit one of North Beach’s most recognizable landmarks and step inside to see its Italian marble altar and elegant interior. Hear stories of the church’s celebrity connections to Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
This North Beach institution has been making exceptional focaccia bread since 1911. With a simple recipe and creative flavors, it’s a neighborhood favorite, and locals know to get here early. Learn about a slice of SF’s “Little Italy” here — and go inside if it’s open!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Lombard Street
Take in an unexpected viewpoint of the famously crooked street, and learn why it was engineered this way in the early 1900s. Snap a photo of its tight curves and surrounding cityscape.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Trees frame an elevated view of the infamous island prison at this intersection. We’ll pause here for a pic and learn about the nearby Telegraph Hill and its role in the 19th century.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Stop at a scenic spot to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge with sweeping views across the bay and surrounding hills
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Pier 39
The pier is best known for the sea lions who enjoy basking in the sun on floating docks. Your guide will tell you why they’re here while you snap selfies with these adorable whiskered mammals.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Alcatraz Island
Your guided tour ends at the ferry to Alcatraz, where you’ll cruise to the infamous prison as dusk begins to fall. A ranger meets you as you step off the ferry and walk with you up the hill to the cellhouse, sharing stories along the way. Evening tickets also include special ranger-led programming plus access to areas that are closed during the day, such as the prison hospital and solitary confinement cells. Don’t miss a tour of the cellhouse with the award-winning audio guide, included with your ticket.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The walking tour portion of this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but Alcatraz is.
- Our tour of North Beach includes a mile of walking at a moderate pace. Once you get to Alcatraz Island, the amount of walking is up to you, but there are some inclines, so we recommend good walking shoes.
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The walking tour portion of this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but Alcatraz is.
- Our tour of North Beach includes a mile of walking at a moderate pace. Once you get to Alcatraz Island, the amount of walking is up to you, but there are some inclines, so we recommend good walking shoes.
- Please note that a government-issued photo ID is required for every person 18 years and older who books tickets to Alcatraz Island. You may be asked to present ID on boarding when showing your ticket.
- Due to the nature of Alcatraz tickets, this experience isn’t available for refunds or rescheduling.
- This tour includes an evening ticket to Alcatraz for a self-guided tour of the island. A ranger will greet you as you step off the ferry and walk with you up the hill for a guided orientation. An audio guide, accessible via your smartphone or by using one of the provided headsets, is available as well as the award-winning audio tour inside the cellhouse itself. After your North Beach tour, your guide will show you where to find your ferry to Alcatraz.
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Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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