,url-https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripexpert.com%2Fimages%2Fmarker-fade%402x.png(-122.47868,37.819946)/-122.45099008083344,37.82344386912592,13.522007423371884/1280x214@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidHJpcGV4cGVydHdlYiIsImEiOiJja2Fud3l2MDcwbXZ0MndyeGF3eGI3ZWhzIn0.zLqNa1RECyZZadF8zfQM5w)
Alcatraz IslandvsGolden Gate Bridge
Both Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge are rated very highly by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Golden Gate Bridge ranks slightly better than Alcatraz Island. Golden Gate Bridge is ranked #5 in San Francisco with praise from 9 sources such as Frommer's, Travel + Leisure and Fodor's.
Alcatraz Island
Concierge
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Condé Nast Traveler
National Geographic
Where
Atlas Obscura Condé Nast Traveler
Afar Magazine Show All Reviews
Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33, Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
From $0/night
Concierge "Enjoy a chilling tour of the jail, closed in 1963, and while strolling the exercise yard, imagine how the dazzling view of San Francisco must have tantalized inmates."
Fodor's "Thousands of visitors come every day to walk in the footsteps of Alcatraz's notorious criminals." Full review
i
The audio tour, highly recomended
Travel + Leisure "The island itself has remained more or less the same since the Park Service first opened it to visitors in 1973, but the tours of the world-famous prison have been getting better and better." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"The federal maximum-security penitentiary known as the Rock... in 1972, Alcatraz was designated part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area." Full review
i
Tours of the ruins have been fascinating visitors ever since.
Condé Nast Traveler Editor's Pick
"Enjoy a chilling tour of the jail, closed in 1963, and while strolling the exercise yard, imagine how the dazzling view of San Francisco must have tantalized inmates." Full review
National Geographic "Home to infamous federal prison (until 1963), first West Coast lighthouse, and wildlife sanctuary; ferries from Fisherman's Wharf; daytime self-guided audio tours and nighttime guided tours." Full review
i
Tip: Tours sell out, so buy tickets online in advance. Tel. 1 415 981 7625. www.nps.gov/alca
Where "Once a prison for the most dangerous of criminals, Alcatraz Island now sits sleepily in the San Francisco Bay like a pearl inside an oyster, waiting to share its stories. " Full review
Atlas Obscura "In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Alcatraz is a famous San Francisco attraction, dynamic in its offerings for visitors." Full review
Afar Magazine "Alcatraz—the very name conjures dark images of impregnable prisons, infamous criminals, and daring escape attempts." Full review
Golden Gate Bridge Fodor's Concierge
Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure Condé Nast Traveler
Not For Tourists Michelin Guide National Geographic Where
U.S. News & World Report Show All Reviews
Lincoln Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94129
From $0/night
Fodor's "With its simple but powerful art-deco design, the 1.7-mile suspension span that connects San Francisco and Marin County was built to withstand winds of more than 100 mph." Full review
Concierge "Opened in 1937, Golden Gate Bridge is named after the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to the San Francisco Bay."
i
Instead of driving or cycling (or jumping), walk across the bridge to savor the majestic views—but be sure to dress appropriately.
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"San Franciscans have passionate perspectives on every subject, but especially their signature landmark." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Do yourself a favor and see the Golden Gate Bridge the way it was meant to be seen: from below." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Perhaps the world's most beautiful bridge." Full review
i
Walk across the bridge to savor the majestic views—but be sure to dress appropriately. It can get chilly up there.
Not For Tourists "The one and only. Sublime beyond all accounting."
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"This elegant Art Deco suspension bridge remains one of San Francisco's most beloved symbols." Full review
i
Cross to the Vista Point on the Marin County side for lovely views of the bridge from the north.
National Geographic "Iconic red suspension bridge spanning "Golden Gate" of San Francisco Bay; outstanding views from Fort Point overlook on south side and Vista Point on north; fee if going south." Full review
Where "One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, let alone San Francisco, the magnificent international orange Golden Gate Bridge defines the city." Full review
U.S. News & World Report2.0
"The Golden Gate Bridge's vaulting, orange arches amidst the rocky seascape of the San Francisco Bay have made it one of the West Coast's most enduring symbols." Full review
