Want to check out a cool spot in San Francisco Bay? Head over to Alcatraz Island, the old stomping grounds of some seriously bad dudes like Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly. The joint used to be a federal prison, and now you can take a peek inside to see how life was on “The Rock.”
But wait, there’s more! Alcatraz has some pretty sweet gardens, tide pools full of critters, and killer views of the San Francisco skyline. It’s like a postcard come to life. From the top-notch tours to nearby crash pads and how to get around, this guide has everything you need to plan a trip to one of America’s most famous (or infamous) landmarks. Trust me, it’ll be a blast!
The Best Alcatraz Tour
The Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour
Hands down the single best way to experience Alcatraz is through the award-winning cell house audio tour. Included with ferry tickets to the island, this innovative self-guided tour utilizes a headset and narration from former prisoners and guards to bring the island’s history to life.
As you wind through D-block and stand inside solitary confinement, the audio tour perfectly sets the scene for an impactful walk through time. Hear alarming escape stories, experience the dining hall during a riot and come face-to-face with personal artifacts left behind in cells. No history book or tour guide can quite compare to actually standing inside America’s most notorious prison listening to first-hand accounts.
Along with the cell house, the audio tour also covers the island’s other historic sites like the hospital, New Industries Building and Officer’s Row. Vivid narrations reveal intriguing details that easily make this tour a can’t-miss Alcatraz experience.
Getting Tickets
Alcatraz Cruises is the official concessionaire for transportation to Alcatraz Island and tickets often sell out up to two to three weeks in advance.
It’s recommended to purchase ferry passes and reserve your cell house tour time at least 2-3 weeks ahead of your planned visit date for the best availability. Same-day tickets sometimes open up if cancellations occur, but don’t rely on last-minute tickets on busy travel weekends or holidays.
When reserving the all-in-one ferry/audio tour tickets online, you’ll select both your departure time going to Alcatraz as well as your re-entry time coming back to San Francisco. Keep in mind the last return ferries leave the island around 6:30 pm. You can take the audio cell house tour at your own pace once on the island. The ferry ride itself takes just 15 minutes each way, but plan to spend 2.5-3 hours exploring to fully experience Alcatraz.
Getting There
The Ferry System
Alcatraz Island sits 1.25 miles offshore from Pier 33 along San Francisco’s bustling Embarcadero. Since the island has no bridges or tunnels, the only transportation to Alcatraz is via ferry. The official Alcatraz ferry departure point leaves from Pier 33 near Fisherman’s Wharf. Upon arrival, follow the paved path inland towards the island’s most recognizable structure: the four-story cell house. This prison building housed notorious inmates like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly from 1934 to 1963. Buy your ferry/tour tickets ahead of time since they often sell out weeks in advance.
Alcatraz Cruises is the National Park Service’s official ferry concessionaire providing transportation to and from Alcatraz Island. The outfitter runs an accessible, user-friendly and eco-friendly vessel fleet complete with outdoor and indoor seating options. Ferries leave approximately every 30 minutes from Pier 33. The ride only takes 15 minutes, allowing visitors ample time to experience the island’s main attractions once docked. In total, plan to budget roughly 3 hours minimum exploring Alcatraz from start to finish.
Arriving Early
Aim to roll up to Pier 33 about 30-45 minutes before your ferry’s supposed to take off. This way, if you hit some gnarly traffic or your ride falls apart, you’ve got some wiggle room. Oh, and if you’re bringing your wheels or bike, they might let you squeeze ’em on the ferry if there’s space.
On the ferry, it’s a free-for-all when it comes to seats. Early birds get the best spots! While you don’t need to sprint like a maniac from your car to the boat, give yourself enough time to deal with parking, tickets, coat check (if it’s freezing out), and bathroom breaks. Trust me, showing up early saves you from having a meltdown later!
Exploring By Foot
Once you’re on The Rock, get ready to stretch those legs! The old prison is only accessible by foot, so you’ll be hoofing it on sidewalks, dirt paths, gravel roads, stairs, and hills. Leave the fancy footwear at home and slap on some comfy kicks!
The audio tour of the cell house covers a whopping 1,260 feet, taking you through four floors of prison awesomeness. If you want to catch some killer views, you’ll have to huff it up some hillside steps. But trust me, on a clear day, it’s totally worth the workout!
Shuttle Services
Note the uphill path from the ferry dock to the cell house covers about a 500-foot elevation gain. So while the terrain is walkable for most able-bodied visitors, visitors requiring assistance can request a shuttle ride up the steep road to the cell house. Just ask an on-site ranger for more details once on island.
Getting Around
Main Attractions
Alcatraz Island only spans 22 acres total, but it’s crammed full of history. Below details some of the main attractions covered on the fascinating audio cell house tour.
The Cellhouse
The four-floor cell house served as the island’s main federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. This maximum-security prison had a reputation for being impossible to escape from due to its isolated locale.
As you weave through D and B cell blocks, you’ll come face-to-face with the damp, cold cells that once confined mobsters like Al Capone alongside notorious bank robbers. Stand inside solitary confinement or peer into the holes of the gun gallery where armed guards closely monitored inmates.
The Hospital
The on-site hospital treated both prisoners and guards who served time on the island. But when you listen to the eerie audio tour inside this medical facility, you quickly get the sense this hospital was lacking in bedside manner. Lobotomies and other experimental procedures took place here all in the name of reforming criminals through rehabilitation.
The Recreation Yard
Inclement weather and frigid cold waters kept inmates confined inside most days. But on rare sunny days, some prisoners accessed the expansive outdoor recreation yards for brief 60-minute exercise sessions. Outdoor time was a luxury rarely afforded though.
The New Industries Building
After closing as a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz later opened as a federal prison in an attempt to rehabilitate inmates through vocational work programs. The New Industries Building housed workshops like sewing and woodworking along with a dining hall, kitchen, library and more. But the prison struggled to maintain adequate funding and closed less than 2 years later.
The Lighthouse
Alcatraz Island opened as a military fortress in 1859 complete with early lighthouse facilities. Today that same lighthouse still stands restored on a bluff offering panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. The operational light serves as a memory of the island’s early history supporting defensive fortifications.
Officer’s Row
Stroll the remains of once vibrant Officer’s Row housing where privileged guards and their families lived separate from inmates. The contrast between these homes and the somber confinement of the cell blocks help convey the huge divide between the daily lives of prison employees and Alcatraz residents.
The Gardens
Flowers can bloom even in infertile places like Alcatraz. Officers and families tended lush ornamental gardens across the island that still wow visitors today. From clifftop views to behind the warden’s house, strategically cultivated plants provided vital therapeutic escapes. Beauty could thrive alongside bleakness thanks to the gardens.
Dungeons
More than 100 former prisoners and guards help narrate the award-winning cell house audio tour. But one voice hauntingly stands out echoing up from the dungeons below solitary. Intriguing acoustics surround an underground chamber of pitch black sensory deprivation used for only the worst offenders.
Avenue of Palms
Leading from the ferry dock to the main cell block, the Avenue of Palms features scenic views across manicured landscapes dotted with precisely planted palm trees. It creates a visually pleasing thoroughfare guiding new arrivals right to the heart of the former federal penitentiary.
Things to Enjoy
In addition to the cell house audio tour, several other activities make Alcatraz a dynamic offshore destination beyond just walking through an old prison. Consider adding a few other fun experiences to your island outing for a well-rounded visit:
Night Tours
For an extra haunting perspective, book a rare Alcatraz night tour. Offered only a few select evenings per month, small groups board the last ferry under twilight for a deeply evocative walk through the dimly-lit prison long after visiting hours. Eerie sounds, faded graffiti and city lights glittering through vacant cells reveal Alcatraz’s ghostly side. Night tours sell out extremely far in advance, but are incredible for repeat visitors.
Behind-the-Scenes / Extended Day Tours
Along with the award-winning audio tour, the park service offers a variety of specialty tours delving deeper into hidden corners of Alcatraz history. Extended day tours include bonus access inside the dilapidated hospital while behind-the-scenes tours feature off-limits staff spaces normally unseen by the public.
Gardens and Birdwalks
In addition to ominous cells, Alcatraz also features nurtured spaces bursting with life through blooming flower gardens. Several docent-led talks often highlight the island’s horticulture program initiated by officer’s families and certain inmates assigned gardening duties. Spring migratory birds also flock to the island making Alcatraz a prime urban birdwatching locale as well.
Junior Ranger Program
Kids can join tent talks, ferry quests and become honorary park ranger staff through the Junior Ranger program. Youth receive an activity booklet to start earning their official badge sticker and certificate once successfully completing various island programs tailored just for younger visitors. It makes learning history fun including Junior Ranger story times.
Special Events
Throughout the year Alcatraz hosts intriguing night tours, bird walks, theater performances and a variety of other special park events. These limited-time happenings let visitors experience the iconic island in wonderfully unique ways you might otherwise miss on a routine day visit. So keep an eye on the park’s event calendar covering extra opportunities to see Alcatraz shine.
Food
Dining options on Alcatraz are somewhat limited since it’s federal park land. But you still have a few good choices to keep your stomach satisfied while visiting America’s most notorious prison.
On-Site Dining Choices
The simple Alcatraz Island Café serves up no-frills sandwiches, snacks and hot beverages in an open-air pavilion near the dock. Outdoor bar-height tables frame views looking back across San Francisco Bay. It’s not fancy cuisine by any means, but does offer picnic-style sustenance like hot dogs, turkey wraps, chips and cookies. And when choices are limited, any food is welcome after hours of walking prison halls!
Indoor seating sprawls inside the cozy Officer’s Mess Hall perched on a bluff near iconic water tower views. The small canteen provides similar light snacks like packaged sandwiches and snacks plus wine and bottled beers. It’s one of the only places to also sit down indoors on chilly days.
Vending machines dispensing bottled water, soft drinks and candy are another easy food option scattered around the departure docks. But do bring extra cash or credit cards since vending/cafe purchases will be your only on-site food opportunity.
Offsite San Francisco Dining
For heartier breakfast options beforehand, Fisherman’s Wharf offers all types of restaurants along the bustling waterfront just steps from the Alcatraz ferry departure point. Grab a hearty crab omelet at Fisherman’s Grotto, sugary beignets at Cafe du Monde or split authentic clam chowder samples sourdough bread bowls with outdoor bay views at Boudin Bakery.
Later, continue exploring San Francisco’s vibrant food scene sampling Mexican moles enchiladas in the Mission District, pretend you’re in Italy slurping handmade pasta along Columbus Avenue or bite into a classic juicy burger in the Marina neighborhood. Simply exiting the ferry terminal places you in the heart of SF’s delicious restaurant collections showcasing Asian fusion, seafood, Italian trattorias, vegan bakeries and so much more.
Military Outpost
Initially established as a military base in 1850, Alcatraz protected early San Francisco Bay development prior to California achieving statehood just two years later. Strategically designed coastal fortifications secured Alcatraz through the Civil War, Spanish American War and the early 20th century. Remaining bulwarks, tunnels and firm island terrain continually reemphasized Alcatraz Island’s prime tactical location and early cultural influence as a defensive guardian protecting the burgeoning city.
Infamous Federal Penitentiary
But Alcatraz later redesigned its cultural role when converted into the nation’s first maximum-security penitentiary from 1934-1963 under well-known monikers like “The Rock” and “America’s Devil Island.” Suddenly, this tiny Pacific isle sheltered some of America’s most notorious Depression-era gangsters and criminals. Isolated Alcatraz was deemed escape-proof thanks to treacherous surrounding waters known for perilous riptides.
The US Federal Bureau of Prisons spearheaded extensive redevelopment erecting an imposing cell house, guard towers, workshops and other buildings supporting daily life for prison employees monitoring over 1,500 of the country’s most ruthless convicts sentenced to Alcatraz like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and the poetic “Birdman” Robert Stroud. Their rebellious schemes blacklist Alcatraz as one of America’s most recognized cultural icons.
From Notorious to Historic
Native American political prisoners occupied the abandoned island from 1969-1971 fueling cultural statements criticizing colonization and highlighting key civil rights issues. Today the island operates under the National Park Service welcoming 1.5 visitors annually exploring Alcatraz Island’s multifaceted past.
This diversity covering military fortifications, notorious felons, native protests and more create a culturally-rich visitor experience showcasing various snapshots of American history that continually renews Alcatraz as an evolving iconic landmark.
Hotels
Alcatraz Island has no hotels or lodging options for overnight guests. But San Francisco’s bustling waterfront district features endless accommodation choices for travelers wishing to visit Alcatraz and experience iconic city attractions.
Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay while touring “The Rock:”
Fisherman’s Wharf
Conveniently located right next door to the Alcatraz ferry departure pier, lodging options in Fisherman’s Wharf put the harbor, cable cars and other top attractions at your footsteps. The area bustles as a vibrant tourist center filled with restaurants, boutique shopping and entertainment venues. Accommodation choices range from larger full-service hotels like The Argonaut featuring an onsite restaurant down to smaller cozy inns perfect for short weekend escapes.
Union Square
In the heart of downtown, Union Square offers big city luxury lodging amid world-class shopping and acclaimed performing arts theaters. Catch a cable car to Fisherman’s Wharf or ride BART subway trains under the Bay towards Alcatraz ferries making this central district ultra-convenient home bas
Embarcadero
Stretching along the eastern bay harborside, San Francisco’s Embarcadero presents travelers waterfront lodging options just south of the ferry departure point facing gorgeous views across sparkling blue bay waters towards Alcatraz Island. New high-rise hotels here maximize scenic outlooks.
Soma
Just inland from the Embarcadero, San Francisco’s trendy Soma district delivers visitors contemporary boutique hotels intermixing high tech luxury alongside this neighborhood’s hip warehouse art spaces and popular cafes. Soma places you close enough to walk towards Pier 33’s Alcatraz terminal.
Marina District
North of Fisherman’s Wharf, the beautiful Marina neighborhood serves visitors low-key accommodations along the northern scenic bayfront beside the landmark Golden Gate Bridge. Catch transit downtown or unwind among colorful Victorian architecture in this serene residential area.
Expenses & Budget
From ferry tickets to food costs, here’s a quick breakdown of estimated prices when budgeting for an Alcatraz day trip:
| Transportation | $41- $44 – Roundtrip ferry ticket to Alcatraz Island including self-guided cellhouse audio tour. |
| Food & Drink | $12 – Basic lunch items like hot dogs, sandwiches, snacks at on-island café. $8 – Coffee, bottled drinks or canned beers at the island canteen. $10+ – Heartier breakfast, lunch or dinner in Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants. |
| Activities | $44+ – Extended day tours and behind-the-scenes specialty programs. $100 – Rare night tour tickets allowing after-hours access. |
| Shopping | $15 – Alcatraz logo souvenirs like t-shirts, magnets, hats as mementos. $5 – Historical pamphlets and educational books detailing intriguing prison lore. |
| Lodging | $150 – Budget hotel rates available in some Fisherman’s Wharf locations. $250+ – Mid-range downtown hotels and bayfront accommodations with views. $400+ – Luxury suites in iconic San Francisco locales like Union Square. |
So excluding extra costs like lodging and car rentals, the baseline price for a full-day Alcatraz trip generally hovers right around $65-$100+ per person depending on dining and tour choices. Add-on specialty programs or night tours can also increase costs more.
Rips and Triks
- Pack Strategically: Since Alcatraz means business when it comes to safety and security, certain items are prohibited on the island including alcohol, drones, tripods and large bags. Leave the picnic baskets, beach gear and big backpacks behind onshore. Pack light focusing on camera/phones, wallets, sunglasses and layers to withstand temperamental bay weather.
- Combo Tours: If visiting multiple National Park Sites around San Francisco, look into combo tour tickets. Single payments bundle discounted Alcatraz access with visits to the famous prison alongside city icons like Muir Woods redwood forests or historical ships docked around Fisherman’s Wharf. It saves money for travelers aiming to hit multiple attractions in one vacation.
- Saving Money: While bundled tours help lower costs, visiting during off-peak seasons also slashes prices due to discounted lodging rates and reduced crowds. Brave the foggy summer months or winter chill when airfares and hotels drop dramatically compared to warmer spring and autumn travel.
And finally, one of the best ways to economize your Alcatraz trip is simply to purchase ferry/tour passes directly from Alcatraz Cruises as far in advance as possible once firm travel dates are set. This avoids sold out shows and having to pay jacked-up resale rates from third party re-sellers down the road.
Conclusion
A voyage to Alcatraz Island makes for a truly unforgettable San Francisco adventure. Wandering among gloomy prison blocks once housing notorious Prohibition-era mobsters provides a haunting walk through American history that visitors won’t soon forget. Beyond the federal penitentiary’s cold steel doors, captivating audio tours relay intriguing accounts of life on “The Rock” from both past prisoners and guards who once called this lonely Pacific isle home for better or worse.
Yet Alcatraz reveals itself as much more than just an abandoned prison frozen in time too. Expansive bay panoramas showcase San Francisco’s glittering city skyline looking surprisingly close yet still completely unreachable from the isolated complex. Thoughtfully tended gardens burst with bright flowers seemingly defiant towards the island’s otherwise sterile confines. And observing docking ferry passengers today hints at the watchful eyes of former armed sentries carefully surveying these same windswept docks decades prior.