Our Favorite Tours: Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison!
We offer the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Prison as our two main tours for visitors.
Imagine riding a bicycle across the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge
The ride is mostly flat, 8 miles long (13km), with a pleasant 35 minute return by ferry to San Francisco. Once you’ve crossed the nearly 2 mile-long bridge, you’ll descend down the Marin hills into the charming town of Sausalito. More information below.
Equally spectacular is the journey to famous Alcatraz Prison
Alcatraz Island sits in the San Francisco Bay is and only accessible by boat. The tour includes a ferry ride and landing on the island with a full visit of all the amenities (Administration building, Guards Quarters, Cell House, Yard, Morgue, etc…) Full description of the tour is given below. This tour can only be sold as a package per agreement with our partner Alcatraz Cruises.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE SELF-GUIDED BIKE TOUR
Typically you leave the shop mid-morning.
In a matter of minutes You will be riding on the bicycle path starting at Aquatic Park!
This will lead you through Fort Mason and its breathtaking views of Alcatraz, down to the Marina and the Palace of Fine Arts. Before you know it, you will be biking in the middle of Presidio Park heading to the Warming Hut Café for a quick break next to the beautiful bay.
Note: Bike path a few blocks away from the shop.
On to Fort Point and the GG Bridge entrance!
Next you will ride along the path to Fort Point which marks the very entrance of the Pacific ocean. You’ll see daring wind and board surfers interweaving with huge cargo ships in the bay waters.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Up the hill and before your eyes stands the majestic 1.7 mile length Golden Gate bridge. Spectacular views of the City, the Bay and the Bridge awaits you at Vista Point – just after the crossing. At the end of the bridge is an easy 10 minutes glide downhill to the beautiful Sausalito, with its water front cafes, gardens, art galleries, floating houses, etc.
The journey ends in Sausalito
You then have the option to hop on a ferry to come back to San Francisco (bike is free on the Ferry), or explore further the area for a later departure. As a trip advisor, we recommend bringing along a jacket.
Included: nHelmet, Lock, Front Bag, Flat Repair Kit, Map
Call for pricing
ALCATRAZ PACKAGE “ALCATRAZ NOW”, with actual landing on the island
Our package “Alcatraz Now” includes a self-guided bicycle tour across the Golden Gate Bridge (described above) and a bay cruise with a walking tour of the famous Alcatraz Island. YES, our package includes an actual landing on the island, where you can set foot, visit the cells, prison yard, etc., like a convict!
Note: Bike Tour Self-guided only. Bike path a few blocks away from the shop.
The only way to reach Alcatraz is by sea!
Ferries leave from Pier 33 at scheduled times to take you to Alcatraz Island. You can see Alcatraz from Fisherman’s Wharf – located just 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) from the wharf. “The Rock”, as it is known covers 25 acres.
Since Alcatraz is under the umbrella of the National Park Services, you will be welcomed upon arrival by a National Park Ranger. At that time, a brief orientation will be given to you. You can visit the island and its jail house at your own leisure and rhythm.
Watch historical footage in the Alcatraz theater!
Visit the theater with its continuous video orientation with historical footage of the major events that took place at Alcatraz.
Watch the 45-minute audio self-guided tour
It is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Dutch, Mandarin, Russian, Portuguese and Korean. This tour will take you through the cell block and narrate various stories that took place there. You will hear testimonies of former inmates and guards. You’ll have a chance to see the inmates cells, the solitary confinement area, the yard and dining area, and more… After the audio tour, we suggest that you take a look at the buildings on the island. You’ll want to visit the guards accommodations, the Alcatraz Museum, its bookshop, and the gift shop to grab a few Alcatraz souvenirs before heading back to the mainland.
No Reservations Needed for your Self-Guided Bike Tour
While your Alcatraz tour leaves on a specific day and time, you can do your bike ride ANY DAY within 24 hours of your Alcatraz trip, meaning the day before, same day or day after. Typically, you leave our store mid-morning. You ride to Sausalito in about 90 minutes at a slow pace. No reservation needed. Once in Sausalito, you are free to either spend more time there or hop back on a Ferry to San Francisco. You have the bike until 6:00pm.
Bike Tour Self-Guided all year round.
Just call us the evening before, and your bike will be ready the next day for you to pick up. It is important to reserve your bike. Open 7 Days from 10am to 6pm. NOTE: ALCATRAZ TOUR & BICYCLE TOUR CAN BE DONE ON DIFFERENT DAYS. All our bikes come with a lock, a helmet, a map and a flat repair kit. As a trip advisor, we recommend bringing along a jacket.
Call us for pricing.
Method of Payment:
Tickets for “Alcatraz Now” can be purchased directly at our store 7 Days a week from 10am to 6pm at 2011 Mason street, or securely online.
Front Desk Sales [7Days 10am-6pm]
Columbus Cyclery LLC., 2011 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
Tel : (415)561-9999.
To further explore our “Alcatraz Now” package, or to purchase online, click here
Recent Reviews:
“My family really enjoyed the bike ride. The kids thought it was the best part of our trip. The guys who helped us in the shop were great! The took a lot of care in preparing the bikes for us and even attached a pouch to my bike to hold our things. I got to ride a brand new bike.” Becky Young.
“This was a awesome day! My family loved this tour.” Ginnie Banks.
“Great service for Alcatraz and the Biking Tour.” Jan R. Remco.
“The tickets were easy to get and the bike ride was awesome. Thanks.” Amir Hossein.
