Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour 2026
Giant Redwoods, Sausalito & Alcatraz | Transport & ferry included | Small group
About Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour
Enjoy an amazing combo tour and experience the diverse attractions of the San Francisco Bay Area. Explore the natural splendor of one of the last remaining old-growth redwood forests in Muir Woods National Monument. Discover the history of the famous prison on Alcatraz Island. You'll also join a small group with your tour guide to explore the town of Sausalito, enjoy scenic views, and even cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Secure your Muir Woods and Alcatraz tour now and spend a day in the San Francisco area like a local!
On your way to Muir Woods National Monument, you will cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge, where you will have a photo opportunity along the way. You will also visit Sausalito after the Muir Woods tour, where you can enjoy the famous seaside community with its Mediterranean flair.
While exploring Muir Woods, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the enormous redwood trees surrounding you. Listen to your guide and learn about the specific climate needed to support such lush vegetation.
Discover Alcatraz Island and the notorious prison located on it. Listen to your audio guide while walking through the prison and learn how inmates lived and why this prison was nearly impossible to escape.
On your Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour, you will be accompanied by an expert tour guide. Learn about the significance and history of Muir Woods and why such lush vegetation and gigantic trees thrive at this specific location. Afterward, join your guide for a tour of the town of Sausalito and discover its history, including how it developed during World War II.
You will be part of a small group on this combo tour. A maximum of 14 people can join the tour, which leaves ample flexibility for all participants. Choose which attraction you would like to visit first and enjoy more time with your guide to ask additional questions during your tour!
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
I had such a great time on this tour! The redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument were massive and so beautiful. Walking through the forest was really peaceful and a nice break from the city. I also loved visiting Alcatraz Island. It was on my wish list for a long time, and I'm glad that I finally did it - totally worth it! The story about Capone and the dark side of prison life was a real eye-opener.
Fantastic tour experience! The redwood trees at Muir Woods are so tall, and the air is so fresh and clean. Had a really relaxing time there! Sausalito, a small town with great views of the bay, was also nice to visit. I especially enjoyed exploring the Alcatraz prison. Everyone should definitely visit it!
DESCRIPTION
Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour
- Live guide along the tour in Sausalito & Muir Woods
- Photo opportunity at the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint
- 1 hour to explore Sausalito
- Free time to explore Muir Woods
- Travel in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter
- Round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
- Entry ticket to Alcatraz prison (a $48 value)
- Audio tour of Alcatraz
- English
MUIR WOODS
As you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll have an opportunity to take a photo on the famous bridge before continuing towards Muir Woods. Upon arrival, you will have an experience of walking among the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Admire the towering coastal redwoods, some of which are over 1,000 years old and learn about the specific climate needed to sustain such a forest. Being so close to the ocean, the forest is shrouded in almost constant fog, which provides plenty of moisture and encourages lush vegetation growth. Surrounded with the scent of redwood and damp earth, and the sound of rustling leaves, this will be your ideal spot for relaxation and reflection. Enjoy the breathtaking and mystical sceneries of this botanical wonderland, since this is an essential stop to experience the majesty of California's natural landscape.
TOWN OF SAUSALITO
After visiting Muir Woods National Monument, you will continue toward the town of Sausalito. This coastal town offers a charming waterfront with wooden boats and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. You can also visit a hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay, which includes all of the local river deltas. Follow your guide to learn about the fascinating history and community of Sausalito. When in Sausalito, you’ll first notice the town’s vibrant art scene. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to visit some of the galleries showcasing works from local artists to pick up a beautiful keepsake. Sausalito is also known for its eclectic Sausalito Houseboats, located along the waterfront. As they are very photogenic, you will surely make a bunch of snaps there. This charming town is a true Californian maritime gem that you’ll surely enjoy exploring.
ALCATRAZ ISLAND
Your visit to Alcatraz Island starts at Pier 33. Once on the ferry, prepare yourself for a completely different experience, filled with fascinating historical facts about dark, criminal geniuses and their lives in prison. On the island, you’ll be able to explore Alcatraz and the infamous prison located there. Listen to your audio guide and learn about the hardships inmates faced while on the island. You can even visit the cells of notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
The prison was famous for being nearly impossible to escape from. With your audio guide, listen to the stories of failed escape attempts and learn why it proved so difficult. Strict rules and constant inmate checks by guards made it almost impossible for prisoners to prepare for such a feat. If they managed to escape the island, they would face another major obstacle - the cold, turbulent water and strong currents, which made swimming across virtually impossible.
Interesting facts about Muir Woods and Alcatraz
HOW MUIR WOODS GOT ITS NAME?
Originally, President Theodore Roosevelt had considered naming the National Monument after William Kent, the congressman who donated the land. However, Kent proposed that it be named in honor of John Muir, the naturalist who had advocated for the protection of such natural spaces. Roosevelt accepted Kent's suggestion, and thus the area was named Muir Woods National Monument.
HOW MANY INMATES WERE IN ALCATRAZ?
Alcatraz prison was never at full capacity. The largest number of inmates was 320, while the average was around 260. The lowest number was as few as 222. So, contrary to certain movie depictions, the prison was not overcrowded.
WHAT WAS ALCATRAZ BEFORE IT WAS A PRISON?
Long before Alcatraz became a prison, it served as a lighthouse. In 1854, the first-ever Pacific Coast lighthouse was built on the island. It served as such until a larger one was constructed in 1909.
THE ORIGIN OF THE ALCATRAZ NAME
The name Alcatraz comes from pelicans. In 1775, the island was named “La Isla de los Alcatraces” by Spanish Lieutenant Juan Manuel de Ayala. The name translates to “The Island of Pelicans”.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Please bring an ID or passport in case you are asked for identification.
- Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, as conditions can change, especially when transitioning from the forest to the waterfront.
- Bring sunscreen, as you'll be exposed to direct sunlight during parts of the tour, and drink sufficient water to stay hydrated on your journey.
Meeting Point
Depending on your selected tour schedule, your meeting point will be either 488 Post St. (Cafe Encore) where a Mercedes Sprinter van will be waiting for you across the street, or at Pier 33, where you will go directly to the Alcatraz boarding line.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
FAQ - Muir Woods and Alcatraz Tour
Are there any toilets available during the Muir Woods and Alcatraz tour?
Do I need to bring my own lunch for the Muir Woods and Alcatraz tour?
What kind of transportation is provided during the Muir Woods and Alcatraz tour?
What other tours should I book while in San Francisco?
Don’t wait! Book now!
- Transportation included
- Small group
- Easy & fast booking process
- Free cancellation
- Reserve now & pay later