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Two kilometers off the shore of San Francisco, in the middle of the bay lies “The Rock” aka Alcatraz. Most famously known as the federal penitentiary that held notorious criminals like Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Alcatraz held prisoners who refused to cooperate or caused trouble at other prisons – a prison for prisoners essentially.
The island also served as a lighthouse, military fortification and military prison before it was occupied by aboriginal activists. Today the island is a National Historic Landmark and museum.
Each year, more than 1.3 million people make the trek out to Alcatraz for a look into the former prison. Tours of the island start from Pier 33, where a boat takes you to the island. The boat crossing offers great views of the city skyline.
Once on the island, you can pick up an audio guide which takes you through the cell block and comes included with your ticket to the island. I would highly recommend you listen through it all.
The commentators are former officers and prisoners offering their first hand perspectives and recollections which really enhances the experience. The sound effects that run throughout the tour make you really feel like you’re right there in the action.
Adelina’s note: While I didn’t go to Alcatraz on this particular visit to San Francisco, I had visited in 2010 and was completely blown away by the quality of the tour. This tour was definitely one of the best audio tours I’ve been on in all my travels so make sure you do it.
Alcatraz served as a prison for 29 years and was ultimately closed in 1963 due to increasing costs and a struggling reputation. During that time, the prison saw 1,576 inmates and no successful escapes. On the tour, you hear about one of the most notable escape attempts, the “Escape from Alcatraz” by Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin in June 1962 which later was turned into a movie starring Clint Eastwood.
Given the subject matter, the tour wasn’t overly creepy or eerie, instead offering lots of fascinating information about what life was like at The Rock. Beyond the audio guide, visitors can explore the gardens on the island, historic exhibitions and special installations. During my time there, Ai Weiwei had a special exhibit which allowed access to parts of the hospital wing which is otherwise closed to the public.
The tour is a fascinating look into a dark time in history and is a must visit to anyone in San Francisco.
Good to Know
Book early!
Be sure to book your tickets to the island as early as possible as they tend to sell out quickly. That said, the best time to go is January to March where the demand is not as high making it easier to nab tickets last minute. Even though it may be the off season, the weather can still be cooperative like it was the day I went.
There are also evening tours available which give access to areas not available during the day and has less people. To see what a night tour is like, check out this great post from my friends over at Independent Travel Cats. For the most up to date information on ticket prices and boat schedules, visit the Alcatraz Cruise website.
For the best value, get the San Francisco CityPass and pick the option to go to Alcatraz with it. Be sure to follow its special instructions for redemption. Also be sure to bring photo ID when picking up your tickets and at boarding.
Things to pack
The island offers great views of the San Francisco skyline and of the Golden Gate Bridge. Beyond the tour, there is plenty to explore around the island and many great view points so be sure to bring your camera. Even if the skies are clear, be sure to dress in layers to accommodate the ever changing weather in San Francisco made worse by being on an island in the middle of the Bay. No food is allowed on the island other than in the dock area. However, you can carry bottled water with you. Snacks are available for purchase on the boat to and from the island as well.
Be prepared to walk
Wear a comfortable pair of shoes and allow yourself 2-3 hours to fully explore the island. The audio tour took about an hour and there are other buildings and exhibits to explore (the exhibition on while I was there was for an architect, Ai Weiwei). Once you’re on the island, you can take any boat back to the mainland when you’re ready. The walk up from the docks is about ¼ mile (0.4 km) and is uphill with a change in elevation of 130 feet so be prepared to walk. However, there are electric shuttles that can take people up and down if you are unable to make the climb.
Alcatraz Cruises
Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
415-981-ROCK (7625)
Website
Where To Stay
Accommodation in the Bay Area can get quite expensive and budget options get booked up quickly. Book early to avoid disappointment or consider booking across the water in Oakland or further away in San Jose.
Please consider booking your San Francisco accommodations through the included links. There are no additional costs for you and it helps support this website.
Here are my top picks for where to stay:
- USA Hostels San Francisco (711 Post Street, San Francisco) – What hostel has its own movie theatre and yoga studio?! This one does! The hostel is centrally located a couple blocks from Union Square and walking distance to a number of tourist attractions. They regularly have activities where you can meet other travelers and organize daily excursions. They also provide breakfast! Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and book your stay at Booking.com.
- Green Tortoise Hostel (494 Broadway, San Francisco) – Self-proclaimed the #1 party hostel in San Francisco, this would be a great place to meet others. They’re located walking distance to Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf in historic North Beach. If you’re on a budget, they offer free breakfast every day and free dinner three times a week. However, just be aware that there are clubs in the area so it can get noisy. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and book your stay at Booking.com.
- Minna Hotel (509 Minna Street, San Francisco) – Located just a few blocks from downtown San Francisco, the Minna Hotel offers budget and clean accommodation in the heart of San Francisco. Included in the price is a continental breakfast. However, note that the washrooms are shared with other patrons. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and book your stay at Booking.com.
- Greenwich Inn (3201 Steiner Street, San Francisco) – This newly renovated inn is a great option for those seeking more of a hotel experience at a budget price. Located in the Marina District, it’s an easy walk to Fisherman’s Wharf or if you’re more ambitious, to the Golden Gate Bridge. Free breakfast is also included. Check out reviews on Tripadvisor and book your stay at Booking.com.
Have you visited Alcatraz or a former prison before? How did you like it?
Disclosure: Lily received a complimentary ticket from Alcatraz Cruises however all opinions as always are her own.
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I think Alcatraz is the most visited paid tourist site in SF and I would definitely recommend it. I would definitely recommend an evening tour of Alcatraz if possible as it is very atmospheric and has special adult-oriented programming: http://independenttravelcats.com/2014/03/09/alcatraz-night-tour-visit-rock-alcatraz-cruises/
I wouldn’t mind doing a night tour actually. Sounds much more atmospheric compared to the day tour. Thanks for the link – I added it to my post too 🙂
I can understand why it is such an attraction. There is something cool and mysterious about touring Alcatraz.
There really is! I’d definitely recommend it for any visitor to San Francisco.
I think Alcatraz is a must-see when visiting San Fran…love it!
For sure! It’s majorly touristy, but so so fascinating. Well worth it.
Lovely photos – I went there when I was really young and I’d love to get back now that I’m older & might actually pay attention to the tour!
Haha, funny the things you under appreciate when you’re younger. Definitely go the next time you’re in town.
I didn’t get the opportunity to visit Alcatraz during my last trip to San Francisco and was bummed out. I always like to tour old prisons. I think I would take a night tour so there would be less people.
Very true, the night tour has significantly less people and ups the creepy factor! Definitely go if you have a chance the next time you’re in San Francisco.
I would love to visit Alcatraz, since I’m always interested in historic sites – but it still seems a bit creepy to me.
I’m not sure if that’s actually because of the prison’s history, or because of that ‘The Rock’ movie where Sean Connery is a terrorist and Nicholas Cage has to stop him from melting everyone’s faces.
You would think that its creepy, but it really isn’t. Then again, I had visited when it wasn’t pouring rain so maybe that helps too. Regardless you’re in there with a lot of tourists so its all full of life. Definitely go if you’re in the city!
Hi Lily,
Wow, really nuts. I’d no clue so many top criminals – if I can use that term – were housed in Alcatraz. I knew it solely as the place in the middle of nowhere, where nobody escaped from because of its remote location and the sharks in the cold California waters. I have read that this is perhaps one of the great tours on the tourist circuit. People rave about the experience, so it looks like an add to my Cali trip when I head up toward San Francisco. I wish to visit the area anyway, with all the fun things to do in San Fran. Just gotta wrestle myself away from SE Asia lol…..
Thanks Lily!
Tweeting from Bali.
Ryan
It really is a great tour! I hope you get a chance to go when you’re in California 🙂
I’ve never been to Alcatraz but have always wondered about it. I’m always interested in visiting prisons and medieval dungeons and stuff (though a lot turn out to be cheesy, hehe). This one looks really cool. I bet the night tour is creepy!!
I haven’t worked up the courage to go on the night tour, but maybe one day! I imagine it to be rather creepy too. If you’re interested in prisons and all that, you should definitely check out Alcatraz the next time your in the Bay area. So good.
I completely agree that it is one of the best audio tours of anywhere and I would add one of the best places to visit in terms of fascination in all of the US.
Agreed! Alcatraz is soo fascinating. I was doing some reading after the fact and I just got so wrapped up in everything. Really really interesting stuff.
A good audio guide is indeed a thing of splendour. I don’t get to indulge much these days, but my favourite so far is the one at Windsor Castle in the UK, which is full of amusing little anecdotes about life there. Including one particularly memorable one about Prince Andrew and the big fire that caused the castle to be opened in the first place.
I missed Windsor Castle when I was in London last time, but hopefully I’ll get a chance to go back and explore some more. I’ll keep note of the audio tour!
I haven’t been in San Francisco but I’ve been in a couple of old prisons. I go because it’s interesting to learn about the history, but are not places I enjoy. Anyway I would most probably visit this one if I go to SF.
Generally I like to say away from prisons too because they’re just too creepy, but Alcatraz was really fascinating and that eliminated any unease that I had. Hopefully you get the chance to visit!
So many cool memories came flooding back for me reading this. We did this tour as a part of our honeymoon – not so romantic ha!