Depart from the official Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing — fully accessible and equipped with restrooms and comfortable boarding zones — and set sail across San Francisco Bay with round-trip ferry service. As you approach, take in breathtaking views of the skyline before stepping onto the windswept shores of the island that once served as a Civil War fort, a military prison, and America’s most notorious federal penitentiary. Your adventure includes admission to the iconic Alcatraz Cellhouse, where you can immerse yourself in the award-winning audio tour, “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse”. Hear chilling stories of infamous inmates as you walk the same halls that once held them. Explore outdoor historic sites like 'Eagle Plaza', the Recreation Yard, the blooming Rose Garden, and the storied Sallyport. Visit the New Industries Building to discover thought-provoking exhibits on the 1969 Native American Occupation and the history of mass incarceration in the U.S.

Discover San Francisco’s top sights and hidden gems with this flexible 2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour. Ride in comfort on open-top double-decker buses and take in panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies. With 16 convenient stops across the city, you can hop on and off as often as you like to create your own customized adventure. Explore Golden Gate Park, stroll through Chinatown, admire the architecture of Alamo Square, and shop at Union Square - all at your own pace.

STOP 1: Big Bus Tours Visitors' Center 99 Jefferson St(corner of Jefferson and Mason Streets) The first stop at 10 AM and the last stop at 6 PM. For the best choice of seating, we suggest guests redeem their tickets at this stop. Still, tickets may be redeemed at any stop with Big Bus staff available on board.

STOP 2: North Beach / Chinatown 329 Columbus Ave (white zone next to The Baked Bear, just NW of Broadway & Columbus) First stop: 10:07 AM | Last stop: 6:07 PM Discover two of San Francisco’s most colorful neighborhoods! In North Beach (Little Italy), visit Coit Tower for sweeping views, relax at Washington Square Park, browse the famous City Lights Bookstore, and enjoy Italian cafes and landmarks like Saints Peter & Paul Church. Just steps away, Chinatown offers sights like the Dragon Gate, bustling Grant Avenue, hidden alleys with the Fortune Cookie Factory, and historic sites like Old St. Mary’s Cathedral and Tin How Temple. Don’t miss authentic dim sum and local shops!

STOP 3: Embarcadero Center Clay St (between Battery & Front Streets) The first stop at 10:13 AM and the last stop at 06:13 PM. Here’s a simple list of things to do at Embarcadero Center in San Francisco: Shop: Explore a variety of stores, from fashion and gifts to specialty shops. Eat: Enjoy restaurants, cafes, and bars offering everything from quick bites to fine dining. Relax: Walk around the open plazas and gardens with nice seating areas. See Public Art: Discover sculptures and art displays around the center. Catch a Movie: Watch the latest films at the movie theater inside the center. Fitness: Visit gyms or take a fitness class at one of the wellness centers. Enjoy Events: Look out for seasonal markets, live music, and special events. Explore Nearby: It’s close to the Ferry Building, the waterfront, and views of the Bay Bridge.

STOP 4: Ferry Building 30 Steuart St (Between Steuart & Market Streets) The first stop at 10:16 AM and the last stop at 06:16 PM. Here’s a simple list of things to do at the Ferry Building in San Francisco: Shop at local markets: Find fresh fruits, cheeses, breads, and handmade goods at the farmers market and small shops. Eat delicious food: Try local favorites like oysters, sandwiches, tacos, and sweet treats like ice cream and chocolates. Drink great coffee and wine: Stop by for a cup of famous Bay Area coffee or enjoy a glass of California wine. Enjoy the bay views: Walk outside and see beautiful views of the Bay Bridge and the water. Take a ferry ride: Catch a ferry to explore nearby places like Sausalito or Oakland. Buy souvenirs: Pick up unique gifts, books, and San Francisco-themed items.

STOP 5: Union Square South 280 Geary St (opposite Macy's entrance, next to steps) The first stop at 10:26AM and the last stop at 06:26 PM. Here’s a simple list of things to do at Union Square South while you're on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in San Francisco: Go shopping: Explore big-name stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and luxury shops like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Visit Union Square Park: Relax, people-watch, and see the famous heart sculptures around the square. Try local food: Grab a bite at nearby cafes, bakeries, or restaurants offering everything from burgers to fine dining. See art galleries: Check out local galleries and pop-up exhibits in the area. Ride the cable car: Hop on the Powell Street cable car line nearby for a classic San Francisco experience. Take photos: Snap pictures of the busy square, tall palm trees, and surrounding city views.

STOP 6: Hilton Hotel Mason Street, between O'Farrell and Ellis Streets (outside Hilton Hotel entrance) The first stop at 10:30 AM and the last stop at 06:30 pm. Here’s a simple list of things to do near the Hilton Hotel on Mason Street (between O'Farrell and Ellis Streets) while you’re on a hop-on hop-off bus tour in San Francisco: Explore Union Square: Just a short walk away, perfect for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Visit Westfield San Francisco Centre: A big shopping mall nearby with stores, a food court, and movie theaters. Ride the Cable Car: Catch the Powell Street cable car for a fun ride through the city. Grab a coffee or snack: Plenty of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants are close by for a quick break. Check out local shops: Look for souvenirs, clothes, and gifts at nearby stores. Take photos: Capture the busy city streets, classic architecture, and urban energy of downtown San Francisco.

STOP 7: Civic Center 350 McCallister Street (White Zone outside Earl Warren Building) The first stop at 10:40 AM and the last stop 06:40 pm Here’s a simple list of things to explore at Civic Center, San Francisco while on your hop-on hop-off bus tour: San Francisco City Hall: Admire the beautiful dome (even taller than the U.S. Capitol’s) and take a free look inside this historic building. Asian Art Museum: Explore one of the largest collections of Asian art in the world. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium: Check out the schedule — sometimes there are concerts, shows, or events happening. UN Plaza: Visit this open square with fountains and sometimes local markets. Main Library: A peaceful place to explore books, exhibits, and local history. Take photos: Capture the grand architecture around Civic Center Plaza, including beautiful government buildings. Relax in the plaza: Sit back and enjoy the open space, often lively with street performers or small festivals.

STOP 8: Alamo Square 944 Fell Street (next to Mosaic wall near corner with Pierce St) The first stop at 10:50 AM and the last stop at 06:50 PM. Here’s a simple list of things to explore at Alamo Square while on your hop-on hop-off bus tour in San Francisco: See the Painted Ladies: Take photos of the famous row of colorful Victorian houses with the city skyline in the background (also known as the "Postcard Row"). Relax at Alamo Square Park: Enjoy green lawns, walking paths, and beautiful views — perfect for a short break or picnic. Capture city views: Get great shots of downtown San Francisco and the surrounding neighborhoods. Walk around historic homes: Explore the charming streets with more Victorian and Edwardian-style houses. Spot filming locations: Fans of TV and movies will recognize this area from shows like Full House. Enjoy the fresh air: Take a peaceful stroll through the park before hopping back on your bus.

STOP 9: Haight Ashbury 1816 Haight Street (opposite Cha Cha Cha restaurant) The first stop at 11:00 AM and the last stop at 07:00 PM. Haight-Ashbury is the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement, known for its vibrant street art, vintage clothing shops, and historic music landmarks like the former homes of Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead. Stroll along Haight Street for eclectic boutiques, record stores like Amoeba Music, and iconic eateries. Just nearby, you can easily access the scenic trails of Golden Gate Park for a relaxing break from the city's energy.

STOP 10: Golden Gate Park (Monday - Saturday only) 55 Music Concourse Drive (outside California Academy of Sciences) The first stop at 11:07 AM and the last stop at 07:07 PM. At 55 Music Concourse Drive in Golden Gate Park, you can explore top attractions like the 'California Academy of Sciences', which features an aquarium, planetarium, and a living roof; the ''de Young Museum'' with American art and stunning city views from its tower; the peaceful ''Japanese Tea Garden''; the historic ''Spreckels Temple of Music'' for free concerts; and the beautiful Conservatory of Flowers. Don't miss the charming ''Shakespeare Garden'', vibrant ''Rose Garden'', and ''Stow Lake'' for pedal boating, or visit the ''Bison Paddock'' to see American bison.

STOP 100: Golden Gate Park (Sundays and Public Holidays only) Bus stop on Lincoln Way at 9th Avenue. (Sundays + Public Holidays only) The first stop at 11:07 AM and the last stop at 07:07 pm. On Sundays and public holidays, when your hop-on-hop-off bus stops at Lincoln Way at 9th Avenue in Golden Gate Park, you can explore the park's peaceful and scenic spots. Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden with its diverse plant collections, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the Conservatory of Flowers to admire tropical plants. Nearby, the De Young Museum offers fine art exhibitions, and the California Academy of Sciences provides a fascinating blend of science, nature, and live exhibits. For a more relaxed experience, you can visit the Japanese Tea Garden or take a rowboat out on Stow Lake. On weekends, expect vibrant park life, including live music and picnickers enjoying the surroundings.

STOP 11: North Vista Point / Golden Gate Bridge North Vista Point, Sausalito, CA 94965 (lookout parking area off highway) The first stop at 11:22 AM and the last stop at 07:22 PM. At North Vista Point near the Golden Gate Bridge, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and the Bay. It’s a popular spot for photos, offering clear perspectives of the bridge's Art Deco towers and the water below. You can take a walk along the nearby Golden Gate Bridge Trail for more scenic views, or explore the Fort Point National Historic Site, a Civil War-era fort located directly beneath the bridge. There are also informative plaques about the bridge’s history and construction, making it a perfect stop for both sightseeing and learning.

STOP 12: Palace of Fine Arts 1105 Gorgas Avenue (south corner of Richardson Ave and Gorgas Ave) The first stop at 11:32 AM and the last stop at 07:32 PM. When your hop-on-hop-off bus stops at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, you can explore its stunning neoclassical architecture and take in the picturesque views of the grand rotunda, impressive columns, and serene lagoon. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the park, perfect for relaxing or photography. You can also visit the nearby Exploratorium for interactive science exhibits or check if there are any performances at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. It’s a great spot to soak in both the beauty and history of this iconic landmark, offering a quiet escape with beautiful surroundings.

STOP 13: Marina / Cow Hollow 2101 Lombard Street (SW corner of Lombard and Fillmore Sts) The first stop at 11:37 AM and the last stop at 07:37 PM. When your hop-on-hop-off bus stops at Marina / Cow Hollow in San Francisco, you’re in one of the city’s most scenic and vibrant neighborhoods. Begin with a leisurely walk along Crissy Field, a former airfield turned waterfront park offering stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Nearby, the Palace of Fine Arts stands as a beautiful remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll. For a taste of local culture, explore Union Street in Cow Hollow, lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you're interested in history, visit the Octagon House, a historic eight-sided building offering a glimpse into 19th-century architecture. Whether you're into outdoor activities, shopping, or history, Marina and Cow Hollow offer a delightful mix of experiences.

STOP 14: Lombard Street (outside Buena Vista Motor Inn near corner with Gough St) The first stop at 11:39 AM and the last stop at 07:39 PM. At Lombard Street, you’re at one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. Known as the “crookedest street in the world,” this section of Lombard Street features eight tight hairpin turns designed to reduce the steep incline of Russian Hill. As you stroll down the 600-foot stretch, you’ll pass through beautifully manicured flower beds and enjoy panoramic views of the city and bay. It’s a popular spot for photos, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours. The street is one-way downhill, and while it's free to walk, there are no public restrooms or amenities directly on the street, so plan accordingly. For a quieter experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. After exploring, you might want to visit nearby attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts or Coit Tower, both within walking distance.

STOP 15: Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal 1454 The Embarcadero (outside Pier 35 cruise terminal entrance) The first Stop at 11:45 AM and the last stop at 07:45 PM. When your hop-on-hop-off bus stops at Pier 35 / Cruise Terminal (1454 The Embarcadero) in San Francisco, you're at the heart of the city's waterfront attractions. From here, you can explore Fisherman's Wharf, home to the famous sea lions at Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay, and the historic ships at Hyde Street Pier. For a scenic bay experience, consider taking a Red and White Fleet cruise to view landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Nearby, Ghirardelli Square offers boutique shopping and the original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. For a unique ride, hop on the Boat Tram, a vintage streetcar offering a scenic journey along the Embarcadero. Whether you're into history, shopping, or scenic views, this area has something for everyone.

STOP 16: Pier 39 The Embarcadero, bus stop outside the entrance to Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf First stop at 11:52 AM and last stop at 07:52 PM. At Pier 39, you're in the heart of San Francisco's vibrant waterfront. Begin by visiting the famous sea lions lounging on the docks, a must-see attraction for all ages. Nearby, the 'Aquarium of the Bay' offers immersive exhibits featuring local marine life, including touch pools and underwater tunnels. For family fun, explore Magowan’s Infinite Mirror Maze, a psychedelic labyrinth of mirrors and lights. Don't miss the Carousel, beautifully hand-painted with scenes of the city, and the interactive Musical Stairs, where each step plays a note. Check out the 7D Experience, combining motion seats with interactive gaming. If you're interested in history, visit the nearby Musee Mecanique at Pier 45, a museum housing vintage arcade games. After that enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants offering fresh seafood and stunning bay views.