Day Trips

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

Open today

9:00am - 9:30pm

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Audio guide

Enhance your experience with multilingual audio guide

Transfers available

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
Timeline
Map
Start point
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Get direction
Passes By
Golden Gate Bridge
1. Muir Woods National Monument
Tickets included
Discover the towering coastal redwoods, the tallest trees on Earth, as you explore the only old-growth forest in the Bay Area for 1-1.5 hours.
2. Sausalito
1 activity
3. Aquarium of the Bay
Tickets included
Photo stop & Sightseeing
4. Alcatraz Island
Tickets included
1 activity
End point
San Francisco
TOTAL DURATION24 hours
Timeline
Map
Start point
San Francisco
1. Alcatraz Island
Tickets included
2 attractions
1 activity
Pick up your Alcatraz tickets at Pier 33, then board the ferry for a captivating night tour of the historic island prison.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bridge
Angel Island
Ferry back to San Francisco
Included in price
2. Aquarium of the Bay
Tickets included
Photo stop & Sightseeing
3. Hilton San Francisco Union Square
4. Muir Woods National Monument
Tickets included
5. Sausalito
1 activity

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

229 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.
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What our guests say
Bree S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Aug 2025
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!
Aug 2025
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.
Aug 2025
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.
Aug 2025
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.

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.

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.