From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States

From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour

Outty Ranking 57 4.5 · 31 traveler reviews48 hoursFrom $160

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 31 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour worth booking?

From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour is a 48-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $160 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 31 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (31)
Duration
48 hours
From
$160 per person

Alcatraz Island with Ferry Board a 30-minute ferry ride across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. Known to the world as “The Rock,” the prison was famous for housing inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdma

What you get

    About this experience

    Alcatraz Island with Ferry Board a 30-minute ferry ride across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. Known to the world as “The Rock,” the prison was famous for housing inmates like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud. Listen to a 45-minute audio tour and hear stories from inmates themselves and step inside a prison cell to see what life was like during that infamous era. Return to San Francisco at your own pace; ferry boats return every 30-40 minutes. Guided Muir Woods Tour Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to a canyon filled with coastal redwood trees, also known as Muir Woods National Monument. Experience awe and wonder as you stroll through redwood alleys with 1,000-year-old trees towering 260 feet. Enjoy the cool, moist air of California's signature fog and absorb the crisp, redwood fragrance that surrounds you. Take a scenic drive through the seaside town of Sausalito, famous for its views, local boutiques, and cafes.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transportation to and from Muir Woods National Park and 1.5 Hours of leisure time
    • Alcatraz Island entry ticket & Ferry Ticket
    • Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
    • Award-winning self-guided audio tour at Alcatraz available in 10 languages

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Food and drinks

    What you'll see and do

    1. Alcatraz Island

      Alcatraz Island Ferry and Admission Ticket Included. Award winning Audio Tour included in Alcatraz Island Tour.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    2. San Francisco Bay

      Guided Transportation from San Francisco to Muir Woods National Park

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Muir Woods National Monument

      Self Explore

      210 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Sausalito

      Visit the quaint, seaside town

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    Please arrive at 8.40am at the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center at 99 Jefferson Street (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets)

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please arrive at 8.40am at the Big Bus Tours Visitor Center at 99 Jefferson Street (corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets)

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Big Bus Tours - USA

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Please advise at time of booking if you require wheelchair assistance
    • Muir Woods Tours depart at 8:30am and 1:30pm from Big Bus Visitor Center

    Photos

    From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour in San Francisco, photo 2From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour in San Francisco, photo 3From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour in San Francisco, photo 4Muir Woods National ParkFrom San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour in San Francisco, photo 6From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour in San Francisco, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 31 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    31 verified traveler reviews for From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    20
    4 star
    7
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    2
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Carl_H · December 2025

    James is very...

    James is very knowledgeable, friendly and kind. He pointed out a lot of attractions. He was very patient and a safe driver

    Response from the operator: Hello Carl_H, we sincerely value your candid feedback and are thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful experience in San Francisco. It's great to know that James was friendly and made you feel secure throughout your tour. Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we eagerly anticipate your return in the future!-Best wishes, Mara from Big Bus Tours

    via Viator

    Amy_W · August 2025

    James was a great...

    James was a great narrator on the tour. He happily shared his knowledge and passion gor San Francisco

    Response from the operator: Hello Amy, thank you for your wonderful review. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed our San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour. It’s also great to hear that you found James to be an excellent narrator, sharing his knowledge and passion for San Francisco. We look forward having you on board soon. Thank you, Alice - Big Bus Tours

    via Viator

    Debra_L · August 2025

    Great day!

    Helpful friendly staff. Beautiful woods and educational. Alcatraz is a must. Audio tour was perfect!

    Response from the operator: Hi Debra! Thank you for your kind feedback! We're happy to hear that you have found the tour both fun and educational and we hope to see you again soon! Eugen, Big Bus Tours

    via Viator

    Paul_M · December 2024

    Canon Crocheted?

    Move quickly or the soundtrack gets too far ahead. Definitely worth going to while in San Francisco.

    Response from the operator: Hello Paul_M, thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We are always looking to improve our audio, and your insights help us in that journey. We hope to see you again soon!

    via Viator

    Bonita_P · October 2024

    Awesome trip well worth the money

    Our driver Patrick was awesome,he kept us thoroughly entertained. He also found a fantastic spot for a good picture of SF and GGB. Alcatraz tour was really interesting also. Only thing to mention was a rude young blond lady setting up in the morning annoyed she had to work and actually talk to customers. She wanted to chat on her phone instead.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the kind words, we are glad to hear that you have enjoyed the tour, and we're sorry to hear about the second interaction you have described to us.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    48 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    11
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)66
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)37
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)46
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.

    How much does From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $160 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 48 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in San Francisco is not rushed.

    Is From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 31 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable outdoors in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 48-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour?

    +

    Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in San Francisco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 48-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does From San Francisco: Alcatraz Island and Guided Muir Woods Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central San Francisco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

    +

    San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

    +

    September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in San Francisco?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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