Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. You can take a tour to the Federal Penitentiary, see the infamous prison cells and walk the halls where Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly spent time.
The tickets get booked out very fast, especially during the peak season (June, July & August). Therefore, it is best to reserve them at least 2 months in advance!
1. Arrive at Alcatraz Landing
Alcatraz Island is one of the most famous and iconic tourist attractions in San Francisco. A former federal prison, it's a must-visit destination for locals and international visitors.
The island is accessible via ferries from Pier 33 in Fisherman's Wharf, a stone's throw from the Embarcadero. Tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.
2. Take the Ferry to Alcatraz
Alcatraz is an iconic San Francisco attraction, and it’s a must-see when visiting the city. You can take the ferry from Pier 33 on The Embarcadero to reach the island.
Ferry departures are daily. Book tickets several weeks in advance for the best deal.
3. Get a Guided Tour
Getting a guided tour is an easy way to make the most out of your time on Alcatraz Island. There are many different types of tours to choose from, but it's important to make sure you pick one that is suited to your needs.
For example, you may want to consider taking a tour with a guide who has a background in art or history. They can provide a more in-depth look at the prison and its history.
4. Get a Guided Night Tour
If you’re looking to get a guided night tour, you’ll need to sign up well in advance. It can be a challenge to get tickets, especially during busy months.
The night tour takes guests to Alcatraz Island, where they are greeted by park rangers and are given a brief orientation before exploring the prison at their own pace. Guests are also treated to a 35-minute audio headset tour of the cell block.
5. Get a Guided Day Tour
A guided day tour of Alcatraz is one of the best ways to see this iconic San Francisco landmark. These tours take you to the prison on a ferry and guide you through its history.
There are also tours that include other activities in San Francisco, such as a hop on-hop off bus or a visit to Muir Woods. These are called "combo" tours and are a great way to get access to a few different attractions without paying extra for each ticket.
6. Get an Audio Tour
Alcatraz is on an island in the San Francisco Bay, so it's a good idea to get an audio tour before you visit. These are usually available as part of a ferry ticket or as an option to book with sightseeing tour companies in the city.
These tours are like podcasts that move with you, and they often include offline maps so they can be downloaded before your visit. They're a great way to get some background information before you walk around the attraction, and they also help keep your focus on what you're seeing.
7. Take a Self-Guided Tour
The best way to experience Alcatraz is to take a self-guided tour. This is the most popular option as it gives you full access to all of the facilities on the island.
The tours are also very informative and interesting. They cover places on the island that are rarely visited, such as hidden doorways and basement cells.
8. Get a Self-Guided Night Tour
Alcatraz Island, often called “The Rock,” is a fascinating place to visit. Not only is it a federal prison that houses the country’s most notorious criminals, but it also provides incredible views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
There are several ways to get a self-guided night tour of Alcatraz. You can purchase the tour directly from Alcatraz Cruises or you can combine it with a day trip to Muir Woods, Yosemite, Sausalito, and Wine Country.
9. Get a Self-Guided Day Tour
Getting a self-guided day tour allows you to explore Alcatraz at your own pace, which is great for history lovers. It also includes a ferry ride, a recorded audio tour and the option for different ranger-led talks around the island.
This tour is a great way to see Alcatraz and other must-see San Francisco spots all in one day! You’ll also get to spend time in Muir Woods and Sausalito.
10. Get a Self-Guided Night Tour
Alcatraz has become a popular tourist destination thanks to big-screen hits like X Men and Catch Me If You Can. The island has also gained notoriety in recent years due to the fact that it was once a maximum-security prison for some of the most notorious criminals.
If you’re looking for a way to get an authentic look at Alcatraz while taking in gorgeous views of the city, a self-guided night tour is a great option. This includes an audio tour and a bay cruise around the island.
