Alcatraz vs Fisherman's Wharf: which should you do first?

If you only have time for one, do Fisherman's Wharf first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 87 against 76 for Alcatraz, and it has 171 ranked ways to see it versus 97. Alcatraz is the cheaper entry at $39, so it is the better pick on a tight budget. With a full day in San Francisco, pair them: plan Fisherman's Wharf in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.

Alcatraz in San Francisco, United States

Alcatraz

Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, United States

Fisherman's Wharf

Side by side

Alcatraz compared with Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco
AlcatrazFisherman's Wharf
Ranked experiences97171
Top Outty Ranking9494
Average ranking (top 10)7687
Cheapest experience$39$46
Average time needed8.8h4.4h
Free cancellation75% of options100% of options
Free to visitNoNo

Best ways to see Alcatraz

  1. 1. Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

    Outty Ranking 94 · from $119 · 6h

  2. 2. San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

    Outty Ranking 91 · from $109 · 9h

  3. 3. San Francisco Small Group City Highlights and Alcatraz Tour

    Outty Ranking 83 · from $196 · 7h

  4. 4. Prison Break Alcatraz Escape Room in Fisherman's Wharf

    Outty Ranking 80 · from $46 · 1.3h

  5. 5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

    Outty Ranking 71 · from $159 · 7h

All 97 Alcatraz experiences

Best ways to see Fisherman's Wharf

  1. 1. Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

    Outty Ranking 94 · from $119 · 6h

  2. 2. San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito and Optional Alcatraz Tour

    Outty Ranking 91 · from $109 · 9h

  3. 3. Vantigo - The Original San Francisco VW Bus Tour

    Outty Ranking 90 · from $103 · 3h

  4. 4. Skip The Bus: San Francisco By Luxury Van Tour

    Outty Ranking 89 · from $129 · 4h

  5. 5. San Francisco City Tour, Muir Woods & Sausalito: Half or Full Day

    Outty Ranking 89 · from $109 · 4h

All 171 Fisherman's Wharf experiences

Frequently asked questions

Alcatraz or Fisherman's Wharf: which is better?

If you only have time for one, do Fisherman's Wharf first. Its top ten experiences average an Outty Ranking of 87 against 76 for Alcatraz, and it has 171 ranked ways to see it versus 97. Alcatraz is the cheaper entry at $39, so it is the better pick on a tight budget. With a full day in San Francisco, pair them: plan Fisherman's Wharf in the morning, as it is the shorter visit on average.

Which is cheaper, Alcatraz or Fisherman's Wharf?

Ranked experiences at Alcatraz start from $39 and at Fisherman's Wharf from $46 per person.

How long do you need at Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf?

Experiences at Alcatraz run 8.8 hours on average and at Fisherman's Wharf 4.4 hours, so both fit in one day in San Francisco with a break in between.

Can you do Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf on the same day?

Yes. Book the longer visit for the morning when crowds are lighter, and keep the afternoon for the other. 75% of Alcatraz options and 100% of Fisherman's Wharf options offer free cancellation, which makes it easy to adjust.

What is the best tour of each?

For Alcatraz: Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz (Outty Ranking 94, from $119). For Fisherman's Wharf: Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz (Outty Ranking 94, from $119).

More San Francisco matchups

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