Alcatraz has been infamous since its earliest known occupation - called "Evil Island" by Native Americans. Today, the infamous island is notoriously difficult to get tickets for, often requiring visitors to book months in advance. We've taken away the uncertainty, booking them for you in advance and pairing them with another one of San Francisco's top sites - a guided tour of Chinatown. This experience grants visitors a perfectly planned day in the city, with an expert local who knows all the ins and outs to ensure you get an insider's look at San Francisco and its two most popular sites.

If only the waters between San Francisco and the lonely island in the midst of the bay could talk. The stories they would tell of dark boats moving dangerous prisoners to and from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, the once-notorious maximum security prison. On this incredible one-of-a-kind experience, take to the waters of San Francisco Bay on a local ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore at your leisure before returning to reconvene with your expert guide and wander the neighborhood of Chinatown including a visit to the legendary Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

Begin your experience at a meeting point near Alcatraz Landing where your local guide will greet you. They will begin by sharing the best ways to experience the island - what to expect, secret spaces to check out, and how to plan your day. (Please note, Alcatraz does not allow tour guides to accompany anyone to the island). Then, after your fill of wandering the small island and taking the (excellent!) audio guide tour of the Cellhouse, return at your leisure to find a great spot to eat lunch based on the recommendations of your guide.

In the afternoon, reconvene with your local expert near Chinatown for an incredible stroll through this eclectic, historic neighborhood. Instead of sensationalizing the past (true history is sensational enough) your expert guide will lead you through the rise of the Gold Rush with its brothels and opium dens but also bring you to sites like a local pharmacy to see how Chinese medicine is still prominent. Along the way, they will point out the strictly local spots and dive deep into the past.

During your time in Chinatown, visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to see how for decades, fortune cookies (a San Francisco invention) have been handmade in this legacy business. If we are extra lucky, (on certain days) meet the owner who is honoring his mother’s legacy and striving to keep this beloved business alive. And you won’t leave empty-handed! Enjoy warm samples and take home a specially customized box with some very special treats inside made just for you.

As you weave your way to the closing of the tour, your guide will prepare you for your evening - departing at the crossroads of three “foodie” neighborhoods where you can easily walk to some incredible places to enjoy dinner based on their experience and local knowledge. What a perfect day!

***Please note, Alcatraz Cruises policy is strict. Alcatraz Island tickets sell out year-round. This tour must be booked at least 10 days in advance. Booking as soon as possible ensured securing your space. Due to Alcatraz policy, you must provide the name and birthdate of each person attending this tour. Anyone who does not supply these names and birthdates will need to be canceled. These names must match the ID (over 18 years of age) presented to Alcatraz Island on the day of the tour. Without ID on the day of the tour, Alcatraz will not release your tickets.***

Please arrive at the meeting point ready for your tour - prior to arrival use the bathroom and ensure you have eaten.
San Francisco is a notoriously chilly city with micro-climates. It is best to wear/bring layers for all of our tours, even at the height of summer.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

Required to bring: Valid photo ID