Summary:
Alcatraz Tour Fascinates Visitors to Alcatraz Island
Fact checked by
Michelai Graham
It’s a former federal prison on a rocky island in the middle of the bay, steeped in legend and a popular tourist stop.
Spanish Explorer Manuel de Ayala named this barren rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay Isla de los Alcatraces (Island of the Pelicans). The island called Alcatraz has been used as a Civil War fort, a Federal prison, and a symbol of Native American plight. Today, the National Park Service runs Alcatraz Island as a tourist attraction.
Things to Do on Alcatraz
The National Park Service schedules activities to help you learn about Alcatraz Island, including lectures and special tours. The schedule board at the ferry landing provides the times. The only guided tour is the audio tour, but you can also pick up a self-guided tour booklet near the boat dock.
Barracks from Alcatraz Island’s stint as a military base, the cell house, lighthouse, and a few others remain. Many of the Alcatraz Island prison buildings are gone. Some burned during the American Indian Alcatraz occupation in the 1960s, and the guard’s residences, deteriorated beyond repair, were torn down in the 1970s.
If the hospital area is open during your visit, don’t miss it. It’s a fascinating look at medical care during the prison’s heyday.
To see two San Francisco Bay islands in one day, consider the Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour.
Alcatraz Island Tickets
The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company called Alcatraz Cruises, departing from San Francisco. Other bay cruise companies can take you by but cannot provide landings. Find all the details and purchase tickets at the Alcatraz Cruises website. Anyone else selling an Alcatraz Island tour is re-selling tickets and may charge a processing fee.
Alcatraz tour tickets sell out quickly. The official brochures indicate that tickets can sell out as early as a week in advance during the summer and on holiday weekends. On a July Friday, tickets were sold out until the following Tuesday.
Tickets not utilized by hotels are released to the Alcatraz ticket booth just before it opens. To increase your chances of obtaining a last-minute ticket, be first in line. Your hotel’s concierge may also have tickets available. Alternatively, consider the Alcatraz and Angel Island tour, which generally fills up at a slower pace.
The boat ride to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes each way from San Francisco. You can enjoy your tour for as long as you like (or until the last boat departs).
The Day Tour is the most popular, including round-trip transportation to the island and the audio tour. The Night Tour features additional activities and is slightly more expensive. This option allows more time to visit other sights that close earlier, enhancing your sightseeing experience. However, some areas open during the day are not accessible after dark.
Get Ready to Visit Alcatraz
Most visitors spend at least a few hours on Alcatraz. Snacks and water are crucial to keep from getting “hangry” or thirsty.
If you’re not familiar with Alcatraz, consider watching the 17-minute introductory video before you go up the hill. You can also read interesting facts about Alcatraz to enrich your visit.
Watching the Clint Eastwood movie “Escape from Alcatraz” provides insights into how the prison operated during its peak years.
Tips for Visiting Alcatraz
Utilize the audio tour for an enhanced understanding of what you’re seeing. Pay attention to the audio directions to avoid getting lost. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask a ranger for help.
If you miss your boat, don’t worry. The ticket office can guide you to the standby line for the next available boat.
Expect to do a lot of walking while exploring Alcatraz. It’s manageable if you’re in reasonably good shape. A tram is available to get you up the hill, but you’ll still have to walk after you arrive.
The boats offer a quiet, clean, and smooth ride. If you experience motion sickness even while sitting, consider taking your preferred remedy beforehand.
You may notice that the white spots around the island aren’t paint. Rangers often advise that several visitors acquire a “white badge of honor” due to seagull droppings, so be cautious and watch where you walk.
The gift shop features stylish and clever souvenir items, perfect for capturing your memories of Alcatraz.
Alcatraz Tour Review
In a poll, more than 2,000 GoTravelDaily readers rated Alcatraz: 48% rated it as awesome and 10% as great. Nevertheless, 26% provided the lowest rating.
Alcatraz may not captivate children under five. It’s generally more engaging for older kids who can understand the significance of the site.
The views of San Francisco and the bay are spectacular, making Alcatraz a must-see for history enthusiasts and movie lovers alike. The audio tour is among the best, featuring voices of actual guards and prisoners sharing the prison’s narrative.
On the downside, the round trip can take nearly half a day, which might be a lot if you have limited time in San Francisco. Additionally, during spring seagull nesting season, the smell can be off-putting.
Getting to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA
National Park Website
Alcatraz Cruises leave from Pier 33. If you’ve previously visited San Francisco, be aware that the ticket booth and departure dock have relocated a few years ago.
To drive, follow the signs for Pier 39. Pier 33 is situated a few blocks east. There are numerous commercial parking lots within a five-block radius. Street parking is often impractical due to the two-hour limit on meters, and you will likely be at Alcatraz for longer.
If you’re staying in San Francisco, consider using a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transit. Muni’s F Line operates near Pier 33, and the Powell-Mason cable car stops close by.
