The provider, DiscoverTown Tours, starts the tour you where SF's Italian-American fishing history, DiMaggio’s Restaurant, and some iconic street performers have all come and gone.

You will take a small detour out to get some nice cityscape and back-of-the-wharf views, while learning about Scoma's - renowned old-school Italian restaurant that's always in style.

Then it is down the way to stop by the iconic ship's wheel sign marking the heart of the area along with the steamed crab vendors and more classic Italian seafood restaurants.

At the Musee Mecanique, we'll discover a spot with "one of the world's largest privately-owned collections of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade artifacts." We stop long enough for you to play a game or two, so that you'll want to come back later!

You will make another slight detour to scope out the historic Pampanito WWII submarine.

Then you will zig zag to see and smell the original and world-famous San Francisco sourdough. If you want to pick up a loaf, you should simply plan on coming back, as it is always busy!

Then its past the Historical Pier 43 Ferry Arch, and on toward the outer edge of Pier 39, where you can make your own multi-sensory detour -- to see, hear, and smell! the California sea lions.

As "the premiere entertainment destination" at the Wharf, Pier 39 has all kinds of restaurants, shops, and family attractions - including a carousel, street performer shows, a mirror maze and a lot more... 

The tour ends here -- unless you are going to Alcatraz shortly thereafter, as part of a tour package. For such guests, the tour ends another 5-10 minutes down the way -- at Pier 33, where the ferries for Alcatraz depart.

Be prepared for cool weather; Alcatraz can be windy and/or chilly.

The boat ride to Alcatraz Island lasts about 15 minutes. A small snack bar is on board. There is no food sold on Alcatraz Island, only water. Once on the island, any food you bring must be eaten at the dock area.

You must walk up the hill to the prison. If you need wheelchair assistance or have guests unable to make the steep climb, a tram is available at the dock. Kids cannot use the tram unless they are disabled. Strollers are allowed.

Inside the prison you will receive a headset for the Cell House Audio Tour (available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish).

Boats return from Alcatraz every 30 minutes. If there is a line for a return boat, you may have to wait more than 30 minutes. You should anticipate 3 hours round trip to take the tour, although it can be done faster or slower. You control the duration.

Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz City Cruises Ferry to Alcatraz Island (Round Trip) Includes the Cell House Audio Tour – available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish

Adult (18-61) $45.25, Senior (62 + years) $42.65, Junior (12-17) $45.25, Child (5-11) $33.00, Free for Ages 0-4

Please arrive at least 30 minutes early. All guests over age 18 must present a government issued photo ID. 

The Ferry ride from Pier 33 takes 10-15 minutes to get to Alcatraz. 

This is the infamous prison – where you can even go inside cells and experience the cold and stark surroundings firsthand. Alcatraz served as a federal penitentiary from 1933 to 1963, where notorious criminals like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly were held. The award-winning 45-minute cell house audio headset tour will captivate you with escape attempts, riots, bizarre characters, and much more. Displays include prison life, guard controls, and how three men made their famous “Escape From Alcatraz.” 

Alcatraz remains extremely popular. 

• Video History Presentation – No Charge
• Audio Tour includes sound effects, interviews with prisoners and guards, and historic details
• Bookstore with information in many languages
• Visit the prison Recreation Yard, talk with Park Rangers, and walk the Perimeter Trail
• Unlimited photo opportunities and great views looking back at the City or out to the Golden Gate Bridge
• Look for additional history or contemporary exhibits