Guided Fisherman’s Wharf & Alcatraz Walking Tour with Optional Tickets for SkyStar Wheel & Bay Cruise

ExperienceFirst - San Francisco, California
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This tour blends the lively charm of Fisherman’s Wharf with the haunting history of Alcatraz, offering iconic views, local flavors, and unforgettable stories. From sea lions to cellblocks, it’s a quintessential San Francisco experience

Highlights

  • Explore Fisherman’s Wharf with a 90-minute guided walking tour led by a local expert

  • Savor local flavors from food stalls offering clam chowder, Dungeness crab & sourdough bread

  • Admire historic ships and watch the lively sea lions at Pier 39

  • Visit Musée Mécanique to enjoy vintage arcade games and quirky animatronics in a retro museum

  • Walk the Barbary Coast Trail, learning about the Wharf’s colorful and gritty past

  • Cruise to Alcatraz on a scenic ferry ride, followed by a self-guided audio tour of the infamous prison

  • Upgrade to soar 150 feet on the SkyStar Wheel for stunning views

  • Upgrade to enjoy a 1-hour Bay Cruise past the Golden Gate Bridge

  • Capture iconic shots of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz from Aquatic Park and the Embarcadero

What To Expect

Your adventure begins at the northern end of Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Your guide will share the rich history of San Francisco, from the Gold Rush and the rise of cable cars to the city's recovery after earthquakes. As you walk along the scenic waterfront, you’ll pass historic ships and food stalls offering local specialties like crab and sourdough bread. You’ll also visit the Barbary Coast trail and hear stories of its colorful past before exploring Musée Mécanique, home to vintage arcade games and quirky displays. Don’t miss the chance to visit Pier 39 to watch the famous sea lions and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

A view of Alcatraz Island from Fisherman's Wharf with boats in the foreground.

Next, board the ferry for a scenic ride to Alcatraz Island and enjoy the stunning views of the bay and prison. Once on the island, take a self-guided tour with an audio guide, delving into the infamous history of the Alcatraz prison. Afterward, return to Fisherman’s Wharf or enhance your experience with an upgrade. Soar 150 feet on the SkyStar Wheel for breathtaking panoramic views or enjoy a 1-hour Bay Cruise, taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city. Your SkyStar ticket is valid for 90 days, and the Bay Cruise ticket is good through the end of the year, giving you the flexibility to return anytime.

Plan Your Visit

  • Operating Hours Daily at 9:30 AM or 1 PM
  • Duration 4 hours
    90 minutes guided
  • Accessibility Wheelchair accessible
    Stroller accessible
  • Meeting Point Beach St & Hyde St, San Francisco
  • End Point Alcatraz ferry departure point at Fisherman’s Wharf

Itinerary

Aquatic Park

Viewpoint for Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, ships, and more

Barbary Coast Trail

A portion of the historic trail that was once a red-light district

Waterfront

Featuring food stalls with clam chowder, Dungeness crab, and sourdough

Hyde Street Pier

With historic ships and beautiful bayside views

Musée Mécanique

Penny arcade games, animatronics, and oddities in an old-timey museum

Pier 39

For sea lions and historic ships

Embarcadero Promenade

Filled with amusement piers, art deco streetcars, and restaurants

Alcatraz

Self-guided tour of the island and historic prison with round-trip cruise tickets included

Optional upgrade: SkyStar Wheel

A ride in your own glass-enclosed gondola, 150 feet in the air

Optional upgrade: Bay cruise

With stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and an audio guide included

How It Works

1. Plan your visit

Select and reserve your preferred date

2. Grab the Deal

Proceed to checkout to buy & book your Groupon!

3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

Scan your Groupon upon arrival

4. Enjoy the Experience!

FAQs

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the entire tour is fully accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are not included but are greatly appreciated for exceptional guides

Is the Alcatraz tour guided?

Alcatraz is a self-guided experience with an audio guide. The Fisherman’s Wharf guide will cover Alcatraz history and direct guests to the ferry for their cruise

Are there any upgrades available?

Yes, upgrades are available for the SkyStar Wheel or a 1-hour Bay Cruise, both offering stunning views of San Francisco’s landmarks

How much walking is involved in the tour?

The guided portion of the tour covers about 1 mile at a moderate pace

Need To Know Info

Promotional value expires Aug 31, 2026. All sales final. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services. Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts. Learn about Strike-Through Pricing and Savings

About ExperienceFirst - San Francisco, California