Celebrate Earth Day in San Francisco with Alcatraz Cruises and Hornblower Cruises’ Respect Our Planet promotion. Join free, family-friendly activities on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alcatraz Landing on Pier 33.
Alcatraz Cruises plays a long-standing role in the city’s sustainability efforts. It was one of the first maritime operators to run hybrid ferry services, and the company maintains a zero-waste policy, green certification, and a consistent recycling rate of about 90 percent.
In partnership with local environmental organizations, Alcatraz Cruises is hosting an Earth Day celebration open to the public and visitors. The event combines hands-on learning, conservation-focused activities, and family entertainment.
Highlights of the festivities include Discover the Bay, an interactive climate-education experience where participants examine bay water samples and microorganisms under a large-display microscope and learn about local marine ecosystems. Visitors can also create eco-friendly arts and crafts, collect stamps at activity booths to win prizes, enjoy live music, get face painting, and explore eco-art and sustainable farming stations.
Numerous local and regional organizations will host booths and demonstrations. Participating groups include the San Francisco Zoo, Aquarium of the Bay, Beekeeper Station, Tree Frog Treks, NorCal Bats, Marine Mammal Center, California Academy of Sciences, Hilton/Park 55, USGS California Water Science Center, Garden Conservancy, and the National Park Service, among others.
This Earth Day event is designed for all ages and emphasizes hands-on education, community engagement, and practical ways visitors can support sustainability year-round. Bring family and friends to learn about bay ecology, meet local conservationists, and discover resources for reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Alcatraz Landing’s central location on Pier 33 makes the celebration easy to reach for both residents and visitors. With a mix of science demonstrations, artistic activities, and informational booths, the event offers meaningful experiences that highlight regional conservation efforts and practical steps people can take to reduce their environmental footprint.
Attendees should plan to arrive early to participate in popular activities and to make the most of the festival’s program running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a day of learning, music, and community action that supports a healthier bay and a greener San Francisco.