How far ahead should I book Alcatraz?

As early as you can. Capacity is capped by ferry sailings and peak-season dates go quickly.

Can I do Muir Woods and wine country in one day?

Some tours combine them, but it's a long day with limited time at each stop.

Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay with low fog

California

San Francisco tours & experiences

Alcatraz, the bay and the redwoods an hour north

Ideal stay

3–4 days

Book ahead

Alcatraz — weeks in advance

Getting around

Walking, cable cars, Muni

San Francisco's marquee experience is Alcatraz, and it is the one thing you should sort before anything else. After that, bay cruises, Golden Gate cycling and day trips to Muir Woods, Napa and Sonoma carry the itinerary.

We compare the Alcatraz options carefully, because packaged versions differ significantly in what is actually included.

Compare by what you want to do

Alcatraz Tours9 eligible experiences Bay Cruises11 eligible experiences Napa & Sonoma Wine Tours3 eligible experiences Muir Woods & Redwoods9 eligible experiences

Booking decisions in San Francisco

Side-by-side comparisons for the choices travelers hesitate over most.

Yosemite day tripsYou are choosing between a small-group Yosemite day trip and a larger coach tour with hotel pickup — on a day that runs roughly 14 hours either way.

Highly reviewed experiences in San Francisco

Ranked by rating weighted against review volume. Every listing has at least 1,000 reviews; availability and pricing are confirmed on Viator.

Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco

4.9 ★4,131 reviews· 14 hours

Take a day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park, described as the crown jewel of the country's many splendid national parks. You will be guided on a coach tour to highlights such as Bridalveil Falls, Tunnel View, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, with a stop for a 1-mile (1.6-km) walk into a grove of giant sequoias*. Our vans only take 15 passengers, so we are able to stop at more pla

Indicative from $239 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco Love Tour

4.9 ★3,147 reviews· 2 hours

For an unforgettable City Sightseeing tour, hitch a ride in a 1970's VW Hippie bus. This is an authentic and unique way to experience San Francisco. This tour is packed with with facts and fun about San Francisco!

Indicative from $99 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Painted Ladies San Francisco City Tour

4.9 ★2,435 reviews· 2 hours

Come jump on a city tour with us to cruise through some of the 15 top city highlights including Union Square, Chinatown, North Beach, Hayes Valley, Golden Gate Park, the Haight/Ashbury, Western Addition, Civic Center and The Marina. Also, you get 3 stops for photo ops at landmarks such as The Golden Gate Bridge, Painted Ladies and Palace Of Fine Arts (shhhh ...on occasion you might see us driving

Indicative from $82 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Charlotte, team leader of the Van team, prefers drinking in views of the fall colors in the vineyards!

Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

4.9 ★1,661 reviews· 9h 30m

Beautiful Sonoma Valley is your destination on this laid-back, fun-filled, all-day tour. You will learn much about the region from your friendly and knowledgeable guide and will have the opportunity to sample many of the delicious wines that have made Northern California a world-renowned wine producing region. You will travel with a small group (limited to 12 people) to three of Sonoma’s finest bo

Indicative from $169 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

4.9 ★1,406 reviews· 6 hours

All of our tour guides are Bay Area Natives, which will help you understand what it’s like to grow up in SF and now live here as grown ups with our own families. You will enjoy an introduction to San Francisco on this 5 to 6 hour tour that includes Neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, Pacific Heights and a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument. You'll be driven a

Indicative from $119 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour

4.9 ★1,315 reviews· 3 hours

Experience the cinematic side to San Francisco on an interactive, family-friendly tour that includes clips from more than 55 movies and TV shows filmed in the picturesque city. Revisit scenes from 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' 'Dirty Harry,' 'Vertigo,' 'Bullitt,' 'The Princess Diaries,' 'Full House,' and 'Star Trek IV,' among others. Learn from an actor-turned-guide who shares knowledge of San Francisco's fil

Indicative from $67 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History

4.9 ★1,398 reviews· 4 hours

Spend an afternoon exploring two of San Francisco's vibrant areas for food and nightlife on a walking tour through Chinatown and North Beach. On their own, they will stir your senses. Together, they awaken you to new flavors, ancient cultures, and a diverse lifestyle. On their own, Chinatown and North Beach stir your senses. Together, they awaken you to new flavors, new cultures, and to parts of

Indicative from $96 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

4.8 ★1,581 reviews· 9 hours

Discover San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito with the option to add tickets to Alcatraz! Join a small group tour that covers four iconic experiences in a single day: explore San Francisco’s historic neighborhoods, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll beneath the Red Woods of Muir Woods National Monument, and enjoy a drive through Sausalito. Ride in comfort aboard our premium minibuses, with

Indicative from $109 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

4.6 ★3,426 reviews· 11 hours

Enjoy the best of both worlds on this award-winning tour—begin your day with a peaceful stroll through the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument, then unwind with exclusive wine tastings in the scenic Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Enjoy engaging stories and insights from expert winemakers during exclusive tasting experiences. It’s the only tour of its kind that includes tasting fees at all

Indicative from $179 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

4.8 ★1,419 reviews· 1h 35m

Enjoy the serene San Francisco Bay at sunset on this evening with the Sunset Cruise aboard a luxurious catamaran. Sail by Alcatraz Island, under the Golden Gate Bridge and look for sea lions, then cruise down the city skyline. Both the Adventure Cat 55' or 65' catamaran are complete with a 360-degree, protected viewing area for those who don't like the wind in their faces as well as canvas trampo

Indicative from $88 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour

North Beach & Little Italy Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor

4.8 ★1,156 reviews· 3 hours

Definitely one for the food lovers, the Little Italy and North Beach Walking Tour is a glimpse into the blend of culture and cuisine of San Francisco. Stroll amongst the cafes and bakeries of North Beach, San Francisco's own Little Italy. Named one of the 15 best foodie tours in the USA by U.S. News and World Report (March 2018) From the cafés and restaurants, to the smell of fresh-baked pastrie

Indicative from $86 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise (60 Minutes)

4.7 ★1,757 reviews· 1 hour

One hour scenic voyage - Ferry between Pier 43.5 and Fisherman’s Wharf while transiting along San Francisco’s breathtaking waterfront, passing under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz! Learn the history of San Francisco Bay in an open-air museum setting and observe local marine life such as sea lions, pelicans, whales and more. Don't worry about the unpredictable San Francisco weather! This is

Indicative from $39 — confirmed on Viator

Check availability on Viator

San Francisco questions travelers actually ask

How far ahead should I book Alcatraz?: As early as you can. Capacity is capped by ferry sailings and peak-season dates go quickly.
Can I do Muir Woods and wine country in one day?: Some tours combine them, but it's a long day with limited time at each stop.

Where travelers go next

Los AngelesStudios, coastline and the day trips that make LA make sense Las VegasThe best launchpad for the Southwest — and the desert day trips prove it HawaiiIsland by island — Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island