3 Skip-the-Line Tickets in San Francisco, Compared

1.Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,483 reviews · 1 hour · from $38Our pick

Board a 60-minute Blue and Gold Fleet cruise at Pier 39 for a narrated loop past the sea lions, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco’s waterfront. Choose indoor or outdoor seating, listen in one of eight languages and buy snacks or drinks on board. The cruise returns to its starting point and does not stop at the sights.

“It was both enjoyable and very informative. We have booked again with visitors for Memorial Day.”

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2.Skip-the-Line Escape from The Rock Bay Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,393 reviews · 1h 30m · from $47

Blue and Gold Fleet’s 90-minute cruise circles Alcatraz and passes beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, with recorded commentary on the prison, escape attempts, and Bay Area landmarks. Your mobile ticket skips the box office line, but the boat does not stop on Alcatraz. Meet west of Pier 39, and bring a charged, WiFi-enabled phone for the audio guide.

“This boat ride was so informative and very interesting! Myself and my friend loved it. Would recommend!”

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3.SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $39

Your mobile ticket covers daytime admission to San Francisco’s Exploratorium at Pier 15. Explore six galleries at your own pace, from perception and bubbles to the Tinkering Studio, Bay Area science, and Bay Observatory views. The Tactile Dome is a separate experience and costs extra.

“We took our son, his wife & children. It was particularly fun as he has 2 very curious kids but totally different curiosities. The 3 year old had never seen so many things to try & figure out how they worked. The 6 year old danced her life away making all sorts of cool shadows etc”

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