San Francisco: Attraction Tickets and Tours

Home to over 3 million people, San Francisco is one of the largest and most celebrated cities in the United States. Founded in the 18th century, the city has grown exponentially over the last 250 years and there are now hundreds of sights to see in the “Golden City.”

It’s impossible to explore all of the attractions in San Francisco in one singular trip. However, you can plan out your itinerary to include some of the most globally-recognized monuments and landmarks, such as Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz tickets and tours

Alcatraz was used as a jail for almost 30 years from 1934, housing some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including the gangster Al Capone — often nicknamed “Scarface.”

Just off the coast of San Francisco, this island was deemed appropriate for a penitentiary despite being so close to the mainland because of the harsh seas that surround it, with strong currents and frosty water temperatures. However, in the 1960s, three inmates managed to escape, never to be seen again. Over half a century later, officials are unable to report whether the prisoners were successful in their escape or drowned in the sea on their swim across the bay.

Alcatraz tours in San Francisco enable you to travel across the stretch of water and learn more about these infamous inmates and their crimes for yourself. Most of these excursions combine a trip to the prison with a day of sightseeing through the city.

You may hop on a luxury vessel to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise that sails under the legendary Golden Gate Bridge before traveling to the historic high-security jail. Alternatively, you can participate in a San Francisco city tour, which allows you to take in some of the greatest sights on the west coast of the United States, including the buzzing North Beach, steeped in Italian-American culture, as well as Sutro Baths and Land’s End.

Another option is to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city by combining your San Francisco Alcatraz tour with a trip to the tranquil Muir Woods. Here, you can admire the dense forests of historic redwoods and breathe in the fresh, energizing air as you listen to the sounds of chestnut-backed chickadees and golden-crowned kinglets in the skies overhead.

Golden Gate Bridge tours

Arguably the most iconic monument in the United States, the Golden Gate Bridge spans almost 3 kilometers and connects San Francisco with the Marin Headlands. The bridge was built during the first half of the 20th century and officially opened in 1937.

Its vibrant red tone and towering columns have led the Golden Gate Bridge to become the most photographed bridge in the world, and the monument attracts over 10 million tourists every year. Once known as the “bridge that couldn’t be built,” the Golden Gate Bridge has now been dubbed one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

A Golden Gate Bridge tour in San Francisco is a must for any visitor to the West Coast and there are plenty of excursions to choose from. One such trip takes you on an adventure through the city by bike, visiting major tourist attractions, including the Palace of Fine Arts and Aquatic Park. You’ll also have the opportunity to cycle across the bridge itself while admiring the outstanding views across the bay on this type of bike tour in San Francisco.

Other ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge include from the seat of a GoCar – a tiny car-like scooter that can access spots other tourist vehicles can’t — as well as from the deck of a boat.

Pier 39 in San Francisco

Pier 39 has become one of the main tourist spots in San Francisco, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep the whole family amused.

Located in the neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf, this leisure hub boasts spectacular views of the bay, home to hundreds of sea lions year-round. While many visitors head to this spot to see these majestic creatures in their natural environment, others travel to Pier 39 for the wealth of restaurants, boutiques and fun-filled activities found here.

Pier 39 tours in San Francisco vary, depending on how much of a thrillseeker you are. Video game fanatics can enjoy the immersive 7D experience of one of the city’s best entertainment experiences. Alternatively, if you’re traveling with children, you can opt for a family-friendly tour that includes admission to four of Pier 39’s attractions. These include a unique flying theater, as well as a laser maze challenge and a virtual reality skydive.

Those who prefer to challenge their minds can do so by participating in a San Francisco scavenger hunt through Pier 39, which includes puzzles to help you learn about this corner of the city in a fun and exciting way.