One way to visit the most popular destinations in San Francisco is to take a sightseeing tour of San Francisco and Alcatraz. The federal prison that once housed infamous inmates such as Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert Franklin Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz," is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. Whether you choose a self-guided tour, a guided charter bus or a hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tour, the trip may include stops in Chinatown, downtown, Golden Gate Park and Fisherman's Wharf, in addition to a ferry ride to Alcatraz.
Alcatraz
The former federal penitentiary has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco and is now managed by the US National Park Service. A tour of "The Rock," set on an island just off the coast from the city, includes a scenic ferry ride. Many guided tours feature narration by a knowledgeable guide, but an audio guide is also available on-site. The audio tour features interviews with inmates and guards who lived on Alcatraz. The prison was closed in 1968 after an escape attempt; today, visitors walk through some of the cell blocks and have an opportunity to stand in one of the cells. They can also see the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast and view the gardens, tide pools and bird colonies on the island.
Fisherman's Wharf
Since a tour of Alcatraz includes a ferry ride out to the island, Fisherman's Wharf is a logical stop on a sightseeing tour. In addition to numerous shops and cafes, the Wharf features an array of street performers such as magicians, musicians and jugglers. Depending upon how much free time your tour allows at the Wharf, you might be able to see one of the iconic San Francisco cable cars, Ghirardelli Square or the sea lions on Pier 39. Alcatraz is visible from anywhere along the Wharf's shoreline.
Golden Gate Park
On the way to the park, many sightseeing bus tours pass by the rows of Victorian houses in the Haight Ashbury district, known as the "Painted Ladies." A stop at the park may include visits to the De Young Museum and the Japanese Tea Gardens. Also situated within the park, the California Academy of Sciences features an aquarium, a planetarium and a natural history museum. In addition to the park attractions, visitors may also enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns outside of Asia, as well as the oldest Chinatown in the United States, the area features traditional Chinese architecture, shops, restaurants, Old St. Mary's Church and the Transamerica Pyramid. Pass through the Gateway to Chinatown at the southern entrance to the area and stroll down Ross Alley to enjoy the sweet scent of freshly baked fortune cookies. Known as the "Heart of Chinatown," Portsmouth Square features historic statues, markers and plaques as well as classic Asian landscaping.
Union Square
After the great earthquake of 1906, Union Square became one of the most popular shopping districts in San Francisco. In addition to upscale shops, restaurants and boutiques, there is a spacious central plaza with a performance stage. Since Union Square is a regular stop on the cable car route, visitors can easily travel throughout San Francisco or return for a longer visit to explore the area after their sightseeing tour.
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