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Aquatic Park

Aquatic Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

1. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar. Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years. With 8-14 departures daily from Fisherman's Wharf, you will sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and close to the notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's fascinating history, brought to life through audio commentary broadcast in 16 languages via personal headphones. Look out for wildlife along the way, including pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins and whales. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park, before heading west towards Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio, before cruising under Golden Gate Bridge. Steam back into the Bay, traveling past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, cruise around the infamous Alcatraz. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 1/2. A full bar with drinks, snacks, and merchandise, including logo wear, is available at reasonable prices on board the iconic red and blue sea vessels.

San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

2. San Francisco: Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket

See the best of San Francisco on an English speaking walking tour and learn the history behind each turn from your guide. Take in the views of the skyline on your ferry to Alcatraz before exploring this notorious prison. Meet your guide at the north end of Fisherman's Wharf and start your experience by taking in the amazing views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Hear how San Francisco transformed from a sleepy village to a booming port city when gold fever swept the nation in 1849. Learn about the life of the Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli at the famous former chocolate factory in Ghirardelli Square. Stroll along the fog-lined waterfront and drool over the numerous stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. Walk a portion of the historic Barbary Coast trail while your guide tells you about its colorful past. You and your group will then make your way to Pier 39 and admire historic ships in the harbor. Witness the colony of sea lions that have taken over many of its docks. Continue along the Embarcadero Promenade and learn about its evolution from a traditional maritime port to a modern urban waterfront filled with trendy restaurants and amusement piers. The walking tour concludes at Pier 33, where you will present your photo ID to receive your Alcatraz tickets. Board your ferry and enjoy a self-guided tour of Alcatraz upon the island.  Learn about the history of the cell house and its former residents with an award-winning audio tour available in multiple languages. You can expect to be done with the whole experience in the late afternoon.

San Francisco: 2.5-Hour Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour

3. San Francisco: 2.5-Hour Wharf & Waterfront Segway Tour

Explore San Francisco’s historic waterfront from the back of a self-balancing, eco-friendly Segway on this 2.5-hour tour, including a 30-minute training session on how to safely operate your Segway. Your fully narrated route features spectacular views of San Francisco Bay, including Fish Alley, Fisherman's Chapel, the World War II Liberty Ship, and Submarine Pampanito. Go behind the scenes to see where the fishing industry, fleet, and seafood processing are located, and catch the scent of the Dungeness crab stands in Fisherman's Wharf. Your route also includes a loop through North Beach San Francisco's Little Italy and Telegraph Hill. See the picturesque lanes, cafes, restaurants, and other highlights of the city during the tour.

Golden Gate Bridge: 3-Hour Sausalito Cycle Tour

4. Golden Gate Bridge: 3-Hour Sausalito Cycle Tour

Enjoy this 3-hour guided tour that departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll be outfitted with a current model bike, front handlebar bag, lock, helmet, rear gear rack, and takeaway map, and then be ready to head out on tour! With your guide you’ll follow the San Francisco waterfront past Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the Marina, and the Presidio, through Crissy Field and to Fort Point. You’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge on a wide bike path, and then proceed to Vista Point and on to Old Fort Baker. The cycling tour comes to an end in Sausalito where you’ll have time to enjoy the shops, the many art galleries, and the delicious food. You can return to San Francisco right after the tour ends, with the ferry, at your own cost, or choose to bike back. Alternatively, you can keep the bike until the shop’s closing hours and enjoy additional time exploring this fascinating area on your own. Note that the tour follows bike paths and the riding is mostly on flat terrain.

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

5. San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Golden Gate Bay Cruise

Make your way around San Francisco with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Hop off to explore the city's best highlights or stay on the double decker to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city for two hours. Combine your ticket with a 1-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise to sail around the famous San Francisco Bay. Golden Gate Bay Cruise Arrive at Fisherman's Wharf and look for the red and white colors of the "Red & White Fleet" to find your boat. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach and take advantage of the bar onboard with drinks, snacks, and merchandise. Admire the famous swimming clubs of the Aquatic Park and the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier. Enjoy idyllic views of Crissy Field and The Presidio of San Francisco before the stunning image of the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Cruise straight under the bridge as the sun shines and waves lap against the boat. Travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands to reach the shores of Sausalito, once home to the Flower Children. With Angel Island State Park to your left, finish your cruise outside the infamous Alcatraz prison. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Exchange your voucher at any of the bus stops and get ready to discover the city of San Francisco. Discover local parks and architecture as you listen to the digital commentary, available in 10 languages. The route of the hop-on hop-off bus includes stops at iconic landmarks from Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, and Little Italy. This flexible approach to sightseeing allows you to enjoy your day at your own pace.

Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour

6. Streets of San Francisco Electric Bike Tour

Enjoy a half-day electric bike tour around the back alleys of San Francisco, exploring North Beach’s Little Italy district up-close. Get panoramic views of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid building, and much more. The flat route takes in the Barbary Coast and San Francisco’s historic supper clubs. Find out how the neighborhoods have transformed from scandalous to sparkling. Cycle around the Giants’ Oracle Ball Park, and into the culturally rich Mission, Castro, and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods. Look at the ever-changing street art scene, and see the locals who rule each area to make their communities unique. Go to Nopa, and take in the charming Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, before visiting the Civic Center. Pedal to Polk Gulch, San Francisco’s original gay neighborhood. Finish your tour with at look at Aquatic Park, before cycling to Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

7. San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour

Experience San Francisco with the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin on this stunning city tour that takes you on a ride across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Truly the best way to see the bay, this tour is perfect for families and individuals seeking an up close and personal look at the city’s most celebrated landmark. Start the tour at the picturesque Aquatic Park in Fisherman’s Wharf, and then ride through the mostly flat National Park and through to Fort Mason, the Marina, Presidio National Park, and then onto the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, your local guide will share entertaining and educational information with you, including the history behind the Golden Gate Bridge and the city itself. Marvel at the stunning views across the bay as you cross the bridge on the sidewalk, followed by a 10-minute downhill ride into the charming bay side town of Sausalito. The tour ends here but your all-day bike rental allows you to explore the area at your own leisure and return the bike once you’ve explored it all. Why not grab a bite to eat, relax, shop, and enjoy Sausalito’s famously wonderful weather before taking your bike on the ferry back to San Francisco.

San Francisco Self-Guided Bike Rental

8. San Francisco Self-Guided Bike Rental

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and Tiburon. The most popular route will begin at Fisherman’s Wharf by the Powell/ Hyde cable car turnaround. Cruise along the car free national park bike path on a mostly flat bike ride through the Aquatic Park, Fort Mason, the marina and Presidio National Park to the base of the bridge, where historic Fort Point is located. You’ll cross the bridge on the sidewalk with stunning views of the city and bay. Then just a 10 minute downhill ride will take you into the charming bayside town of Sausalito. Once there, most people choose to grab a bite to eat, relax, shop and enjoy Sausalito’s famously wonderful weather. From there, the ride will only get better. Cruise by a funky houseboat community through the marshlands and into historic Old Mill Park in Mill Valley, where you will be able to see California’s famous Redwood trees at the base of Mount Tamalpais. Continue along a gorgeous waterfront bike path to the quaint fishing town of Tiburon, where you’ll find more great bayside restaurants and shops. From Tiburon or Sausalito, you will be able to hop on the ferry with your bike and come right back to San Francisco.

San Francisco: Alcatraz Entry Ticket and E-Bike Street Tour

9. San Francisco: Alcatraz Entry Ticket and E-Bike Street Tour

Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of San Francisco on a guided e-bike tour on the first day and on the second day travel by ferry to the island of Alcatraz. Discover the island's dark secrets with an audio tour. Uncover the best of the city on this 2-day tour.  Meet your guide and get set up with your e-bike, lock, and helmet. Store your things away in the handlebar bag and rear gear rack. Peddle through the back alleys of North Beach’s Little Italy and have up-close views of the iconic Transamerica Pyramid Building.  See the Barbary Coast and San Francisco’s historic supper clubs. Find out how the neighborhoods have transformed from scandalous to sparkling. Ride around the Giants’ Oracle ball park and into the culturally rich Mission, Castro, and Haight Ashbury neighborhoods View the ever-changing street art and the locals make each community unique. Cruise to Nopa and take in the charming Painted Ladies of Alamo Square before visiting the Civic Center. Ride through Polk Gulch and finish your tour at Fisherman’s Wharf. Cross San Francisco Bay on a journey to the notorious Alcatraz Prison by ferry. This world-famous prison served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and housed infamous criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman.  Take the award-winning audio tour and hear the tales of those who lived in Alcatraz. This tour brings history alive through the recounting of tales from correctional officers and prisoners.

Golden Gate Bridge: Electric Bike Guided Tour to Sausalito

10. Golden Gate Bridge: Electric Bike Guided Tour to Sausalito

Set off for an unforgettable bike ride across the world's most famous bridge. Pedal easy onboard an e-bike and just take in the spectacular views. Pick up insights into the local area from your guide. Hang out in Sausalito as long as you'd like and then take the ferry back. The tour begins at the picturesque Aquatic Park of Fisherman’s Wharf. The mostly flat National Park Bike Path will take you through Fort Mason, the Marina, and Presidio National Park. Then use your throttle for an effortless ascent up to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, a local guide will share entertaining and educational information with you, including the history behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Pedal across the bridge on the sidewalk with stunning views of the city and bay. Then just a 10-minute downhill ride will take you into the charming bayside town of Sausalito. Once there, choose to grab a bite to eat, relax, and enjoy Sausalito’s famously wonderful weather before hopping on the ferry and returning to San Francisco. These electric bikes will make your adventure fun, easy, and eco-friendly.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Aquatic Park

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What people are saying about Aquatic Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 2,592 reviews

My experience was great! The team was friendly! We departed at 1 which was great because the sun was just doing through. I’d suggest travelers to book afternoon departures if they want better views. However, the bay is beautiful in any weather condition. Checking in is quick and mindless and onboarding is easily accessible, especially for families with strollers. Parking and surrounding eateries are also easily accessible. 10/10 recommend!

Judy guided us through the coastal park of San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. She was very knowledgeable and funny with some great stories. We were lucky enough just to be on the tour by ourselves. Check in was very easy and equipment and explanation on how to use our bikes was good. Can highly recommend this tour.

Adam is absolutely the best. It was just my girlfriend and I on the tour and we were struggling but Adam was extremely patient and kind to us both. Would recommend him above all others! And I highly recommend going with an electric bike especially for hills.

We had the nicest tour around the SF harbor area with Robert. Lot´s of interesting information and stories with a very friendly and easy-going way. Thanks!

The cruise was excellent!! Great views and audio tour, and the hot chocolate that was available for purchase was delicious. Highly recommend