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Day Trips

From San Francisco: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, & Sausalito Day Trip

Ferry view of Alcatraz Island with historic buildings in San Francisco Bay.
Wooden pier leading to hillside homes in Sausalito near San Francisco, CA.
Colorful houses and sailboats along the waterfront in Sausalito, near San Francisco.
Guests exploring the Aquarium of the Bay tunnel in San Francisco, viewing marine life.

Open today

09:00am - 06:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Transfers included

4.3/5

(227)

Sofia

Sofia

Jul 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Honestly? I was a bit worried it’d feel too touristy, but nope—this was EPIC. Our guide (think his name was Greg?) cracked jokes the whole drive and actually seemed to care about what we wanted to see. Muir Woods was almost unreal… all that green and quiet. If you look UP, you basically lose track of where you are. We were a family of 4 (kids 9 & 13), and even my grumpy preteen said it was 'kinda cool.' Alcatraz is wild—you can still feel the history. Pro tip: bring snacks, coz the food near the ferry is $$$. Also, wear layers, the weather changed like 4 times in a day! Would 100% do it again, but maybe on a weekday to dodge some of the crowds.
Carla

Carla

Aug 2025
Verified Partner Review
5/5
Wasn’t sure what to expect but ended up LOVING every second. The Muir Woods trees are just... MASSIVE. Took about a million pics (tho the lighting gets weird under the canopy). Our guide, Simon, made us laugh the whole drive, and he even remembered my son’s name. Sausalito is super cute—grabbed a gelato by the water. Alcatraz audio tour is kinda haunting tbh. Not for little kids maybe. Really packed ferry but worth it!
Yann

Yann

Aug 2025
Verified Partner Review
4/5
Went solo, made some friends on the bus (shout out to Pete from Australia if ur seeing this!). Muir Woods was lush and chilly (bring a light jacket, trust me—the fog is REAL). I wish we’d had more time in Sausalito tho, barely enough to grab a coffee. Alcatraz is eerie but fascinating. Lots of stairs, so heads up if mobility is a thing. Staff were friendly and chill. 4 stars since I felt a bit rushed in Sausalito.
    • Enjoy a half-day guided trip from San Francisco, covering Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the coastal town of Sausalito, all with round-trip luxury transport.

    • Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods at Muir Woods and enjoy free time to explore Sausalito’s boutique shops, cafes, and waterfront charm.

    • Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and dive into the prison's haunting history with an award-winning self-guided audio tour included with your ticket.

    • Travel in a boutique, small-group setting with local, English-speaking guide, for a personalized and engaging experience.

    • Upgrade with a visit to Aquarium of the Bay, featuring over 20,000 marine animals including otters, sharks, and jelly fish.

    • Daytime or nighttime tour of Alcatraz Island (as per option selected)

    • Local tour guide

    • Guided tour in a small group

    • Round-trip transportation in a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter van

    • 1 hour & 15 minutes free time at Muir Woods

    • 1 hour free time in Sausalito

    • Picture stop at Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint

    • Round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island

    • Admission to Alcatraz ($45)

    • Downloadable audio guide in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Korean

    • Admission to Aquarium of the Bay (as per option selected)

    • Entrance fee to Muir Woods National Monument

    • Food & beverages

    • Gratuities/tips

    • Optional ferry back ticket from Sausalito to San Francisco

  • TOTAL DURATION12 hours
    FIRST DEPARTUREGolden Gate Bridge
    LAST DEPARTUREGolden Gate Bridge
    Timeline
    Map
    Hilton San Francisco Union Square
    Start point

    Hilton San Francisco Union Square

    Get direction

    Passes By

    Muir Woods National Monument

    1. Muir Woods National Monument

    Tickets included
    Sausalito

    2. Sausalito

    1 activity

    Things to do

    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Included in price
    Aquarium of the Bay

    3. Aquarium of the Bay

    Tickets included
    Alcatraz Island

    4. Alcatraz Island

    Tickets included
    1 activity

    Things to do

    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Included in price
    San Francisco
    End point

    San Francisco

    TOTAL DURATION24 hours
    FIRST DEPARTUREAlcatraz Island
    LAST DEPARTUREAlcatraz Island
    Timeline
    Map
    Alcatraz Island

    1. Alcatraz Island

    Tickets included
    2 attractions
    1 activity

    Things to do

    Golden Gate Bridge
    Golden Gate Bridge
    Get direction
    Angel Island
    Angel Island
    Get direction
    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Included in price

    Passes By

    Golden Gate Bridge
    Golden Gate Bridge
    Angel Island
    Angel Island
    Aquarium of the Bay

    2. Aquarium of the Bay

    Tickets included
    Hilton San Francisco Union Square

    3. Hilton San Francisco Union Square

    Muir Woods National Monument

    4. Muir Woods National Monument

    Tickets included
    Sausalito

    5. Sausalito

    1 activity

    Things to do

    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Ferry back to San Francisco
    Included in price
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

  • 4.3
    227 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    105
    92
    17
    13
    0

    What our guests say

    Amy Beth Taberski

    Amy

    Aug 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Our guide, Anja (affiliated with the local SF based company, MustSee), was incredible! She was knowledgeable, personable, and FUNNY. The timing of the trip was perfect. We honestly could have spent more time at both Alcatraz and Muir Woods, but this was a perfect way to experience both places when you have limited time in San Francisco. Heads Up - 1. You have to pay the entrance fee to Muir Woods (or check out a National Parks pass from your local library before going on the trip and entry will be free). 2. You have to pay for the ferry ride, if you choose to go on it. We chose to pay for the ferry back to San Francisco from Sausalito instead of taking the Sprinter van back. This allowed us to have a long, leisurely late lunch (We ate at COPITA Tequileria Y Comida - amazing, authentic Mexican food) in Sausalito and still have time to just poke around the shops and take in the sights before heading back. I highly recommend the ferry ride! With the ferry ride, our excursion lasted from 8:45am-7:00pm. It was perfect!
    Carla

    Carla

    Aug 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    Wasn’t sure what to expect but ended up LOVING every second. The Muir Woods trees are just... MASSIVE. Took about a million pics (tho the lighting gets weird under the canopy). Our guide, Simon, made us laugh the whole drive, and he even remembered my son’s name. Sausalito is super cute—grabbed a gelato by the water. Alcatraz audio tour is kinda haunting tbh. Not for little kids maybe. Really packed ferry but worth it!
    Yann

    Yann

    Aug 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    4/5
    Went solo, made some friends on the bus (shout out to Pete from Australia if ur seeing this!). Muir Woods was lush and chilly (bring a light jacket, trust me—the fog is REAL). I wish we’d had more time in Sausalito tho, barely enough to grab a coffee. Alcatraz is eerie but fascinating. Lots of stairs, so heads up if mobility is a thing. Staff were friendly and chill. 4 stars since I felt a bit rushed in Sausalito.
    Sophie

    Sophie

    Aug 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    5/5
    Took my parents for their anniversary. The tour was perfectly paced—didn’t feel rushed (which is rare!). Our guide, Roman, was a LEGEND. He knew all the shortcuts for great views, and even pointed out the seals sunbathing by the pier. Alcatraz blew my mind—audio tour is so well done. Muir Woods is pure magic, like a fairyland. Would 100% do it again.
    Giulia

    Giulia

    Aug 2025
    Verified Partner Review
    3/5
    Good trip overall but a couple things bugged me: had to pay extra for Muir Woods entrance (wasn’t clear when I booked) and the bus was super crowded. The trees are STUNNING tho. Sausalito feels very touristy but had nice ice cream. Alcatraz is worth it but gets packed in the afternoon. Not bad but not perfect.
  • Experience San Francisco’s top sights in one seamless 7-hour day trip, featuring Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Sausalito.

    Getting started

    Begin your adventure at either 488 Post St. near Union Square or Pier 33 at Alcatraz Landing, depending on your chosen departure time. Meet your local guide for a quick introduction and board a luxury Mercedes Sprinter van or ferry to your first destination.

    What to expect

    Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods, and Sausalito

    This day trip combines San Francisco’s most iconic locations—Alcatraz Island’s storied prison, the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument, and the vibrant waterfront town of Sausalito—into one expertly guided itinerary.

    Features

    • Alcatraz Island: Board the ferry from Pier 33 and explore the former federal prison with an award-winning audio tour, learning about infamous inmates and dramatic escape attempts.

    • Muir Woods National Monument: Enjoy 1 hour and 15 minutes among centuries-old coastal redwoods, some reaching over 250 feet, in a tranquil protected forest.

    • Sausalito: Spend an hour in this picturesque seaside town, known for its Mediterranean-style charm, boutique shops, and waterfront cafés.

    • Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint: Pause for a photo stop at one of San Francisco’s most recognized landmarks, offering sweeping views of the bay and city skyline.

    • Small-group guided tour: Travel in comfort with a knowledgeable local guide, ensuring a relaxed pace and personal insights throughout your journey.

  • Alcatraz Island

    Monday09:00am - 06:30pm
    Tuesday09:00am - 09:30pm
    Wednesday09:00am - 09:30pm
    Thursday09:00am - 09:30pm
    Friday09:00am - 09:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 09:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 06:30pm
  • What to bring

    • A valid government-issued photo ID.

    • Layered clothing and a jacket, as San Francisco’s weather is often cool and changeable, especially along the bay.

    • Cash or a credit card for the Muir Woods entry fee (USD 15 for adults; free for children) and an optional Sausalito–San Francisco ferry ride.

    What’s not allowed

    • Oversized luggage, suitcases, or large bags, both on the tour and at Alcatraz Island, due to security rules.

    • Pets (with the exception of registered service animals).

    • Prohibited substances and intoxicants in any form.

    • Smoking on the bus, ferry, or at any tour location.

    • Food and beverages at Alcatraz Island, other than on the dock area.

    Accessibility

    • The tour is not fully accessible for wheelchairs. Sections of Muir Woods and Alcatraz Island include uneven paths and may be difficult for those with mobility challenges.

    Additional information

    • Tickets do not cover the entrance fee to Muir Woods; this must be paid separately.

    • Gratuities for guides are optional but a 20% tip is suggested.

    • Meals and beverages are not included' please plan to bring your own.

    • Same-day ferry tickets from Sausalito back to San Francisco can be purchased separately if desired, on tour day.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

    • Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

    Meeting point

    • Please check your final voucher for the meeting point details and specific instructions.

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