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Cellhouse Audio Tour – Alcatraz City Cruises

Doing time: the alcatraz cellhouse tour.

The award-winning Alcatraz audio tour, “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” is offered using traditional audio tour equipment provided onsite.

If you do not wish to visit the Cellhouse, refunds for the Cellhouse Audio Tour are available on the Island. For more information, please inquire with a Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy supervisor on the Island at the entrance to the Cellhouse. These refunds cannot be requested through the Alcatraz City Cruises Ticketbooth or the Call Center.

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Alcatraz Tours

Escaping to Alcatraz ? Enjoy the trip. And make sure to check out the Parks Conservancy's award-winning "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour." The audio tour is included with the purchase of an Alcatraz tour ticket. Get your Alcatraz tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises here  or call (415) 981-ROCK (7625). 

Also try our unique Alcatraz Night Tours  and Behind the Scenes Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same, perfect for a birthday or other special occasion. Get tickets today from Alcatraz City Cruises  and find more info about how you can Escape to Alcatraz !

To purchase Alcatraz tour tickets and for tour schedule information, call (415) 981-7625 or visit Alcatraz Cruises .

Be sure to buy tickets several days in advance (up to several weeks in summer), as tours sell out quickly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and get ready to have an exciting and memorable visit to The Rock!

Guided tours are offered each day by park rangers and other staff. You’ll learn about:

• The island’s natural history
• San Francisco Bay
• Civilian life of correctional officers
• Escape attempts
• Restored historical gardens

Alcatraz Tour Features

Fresh-air ferry ride Speed across the bay through the wind and salt spray as the ferry takes you from Pier 33 to one of the most infamous island prisons of all time. The make-believe home of Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz, the prison housed many a bad guy in its heyday.

Walk-in prison experience Step behind bars into the depths of a maximum-security cell house. See where prisoners ate, slept, exercised, or did time in the isolation of the “Treatment Unit,” or worse still, in the complete darkness of the “Hole.” Learn how some of the convicts made their escapes.

Sound and light Take advantage of the audiovisual aids to learn some history: the cell house audio tour features voices and stories of actual inmates and guards, and a video exhibit explains the birth of the Native American Red Power movement at Alcatraz.

Special Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Historic Gardens Tours Join a garden docent for a walk through the restored historic gardens and learn about the softer side of the Rock. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock every Friday and Sunday at 9:30 am. On Wednesdays from 11 am–2 pm, have your questions answered by a gardener at the Officer’s Row overlook and enjoy a personal tour of these gardens.

Alcatraz Night Tour You can also experience the island at night on the Alcatraz Night Tour , a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors each evening. Called the “best tour of the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle, it includes special programs, tours, and activities offered only to the island’s night visitors.

The Alcatraz Night Tour operates year-round, Thursday-Monday evenings. The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. To purchase tickets visit Alcatraz Cruises or call (415) 981-7625.

Proceeds from the Alcatraz Night Tour support preservation and restoration projects on Alcatraz and throughout the Golden Gate National Parks. For general (non-ticket) Night Tour information, please call (415) 561-4926.

Become an Alcatraz Night Tour volunteer —Volunteers with the Alcatraz Night Tour work in one of America’s most famous sites. Activities include welcoming and orienting arriving visitors, showing them some lesser known areas of the island as well as performing resource protection duties. If you would like to join our team as a VIP, please call the NPS volunteer hotline at (415) 561-4755, the Night Tour directly at (415) 561-4927.

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All Alcatraz tour options

Explore San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf with a local guide. Then board your ferry for Alcatraz Island. Each of these tours includes your roundtrip ferry ticket, Alcatraz admission, and an audio guide on the island as you visit the cellhouse, exhibits, gardens, and more.

Upgrade your experience with more SF attractions, including the SkyStar Wheel and a scenic bay cruise.

The 7 Best Alcatraz Tours [2024 Reviews]

Alcatraz, the notorious prison situated on an island in San Francisco Bay , is a must-see for Bay Area visitors. Tour operators offer visitors unique experiences by combining a visit to Alcatraz with additional outings.

Each of these tours includes the self-guided audio tour offered by the National Park Service, plus the addition of an exclusive adventure.

Adding extra excitement to your Alcatraz trip isn’t just fun. There’s another benefit – accessibility. Tickets to Alcatraz are in high demand, and waiting until the last minute to reserve may leave you in the lurch.

If you find yourself in this situation, booking a combo tour will ensure you get to see this legendary icon of American History and have some extra fun in the process.

Best Guided Tours of Alcatraz

Be sure to see our reviews of wine tours to Napa & Sonoma Valley . Yosemite Tours and Muir Woods tours .

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Alcatraz Tours For 2024

• Best Budget Tour: Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Boat Cruise
• Best Small Group Tour: San Francisco Small Group City Sightseeing and Alcatraz Tour
• Best Full Day Tour: Alcatraz Tour plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip
• Best Half-Day Tour: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise
• Best Combination Tour: Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz
• Best Alcatraz & Bridge Tour: Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit
• Best Bike & Alcatraz Tour: Alcatraz Island Tour Packages

We have reviewed the 7 top guided tours of Alcatraz, providing overviews and highlighting the details of each.

Alcatraz Tour Reviews

1. best budget tour: alcatraz inside and golden gate bridge bay boat cruise.

• Departure Point : Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33
• Departure Time : 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Duration : 3 hours (approx.)
• Includes : Alcatraz Island Cellhouse Admission, Alcatraz Audio Tour, Golden Gate Bridge Bay Cruise

We recommend this tour for someone who is looking looking to take in two of San Francisco’s attractions: Alcatraz and a cruise of the bay.

The first part of the tour starts with the ferry ride to Alcatraz where departs from Pier 33. Enjoy the views and listen to the captain tell you about the history of the infamous Alcatraz island, or “The Rock” as it was called when it was a prison.

The intriguing audio tour of Alcatraz runs approximately 2.5 hours and goes into detail about some of its most notorious inmates and their crafty attempts to escape the well-guarded penitentiary.

Next up is the bay cruise where you will go under the Golden Gate Bridge, see the Transamerica Pyramid from the bay, Treasure Island, Coit Tower, Angel Island, and the Sausalito waterfront.

See the sea lions on sunning themselves on the rocks, pelicans flying overhead and if you are lucky you may even see whales in the bay! The onboard guide will give you the history of all the landmarks and of the city.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best small group tour: san francisco small group city sightseeing and alcatraz tour.

• Departure Point : Hotel pickup offered / Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33
• Departure Time : 9:30 AM
• Duration : 7 hours
• Includes : Round-trip ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, audio walking tour of Alcatraz, Sightseeing tour of San Francisco in an open-air Jeep

We recommend this tour for those who want to make the most of their day. You won’t waste your time figuring out what’s worth visiting; and you won’t have to deal with public transport or fighting for a parking space because this tour offers hotel pick-up and drop-off.

This outing is limited to a maximum of 10 people, so if you enjoy individualized attention, this is definitely a tour to consider.

This tour is great for adults and kids alike. The guides are skilled at adapting their tour to captivate and inform everyone in the group.

If you’re the adventurous type who’s interested in getting the inside scoop on all things San Francisco, as well as touring Alcatraz, this tour will definitely exceed your expectations.

The initial leg of this tour begins with a 4-hour tour of San Francisco in an open air jeep- safari style. You’ll be sure to enjoy all the must-see areas like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.

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During the jeep portion of the tour you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask your driver/guide about insider tips for restaurants and entertainment.

This safari-styled urban tour of will keep you entertained while your guide shares wacky facts about the area, driving you through quirky neighborhoods, and taking you off-the-beaten path into areas only the locals know about.

During your city tour, you’ll stop for lunch (not included in price of tour) at a locals-approved locale, such as Gus’ Market.

After finishing the city portion of your tour, you’ll be dropped off at Pier 33 where the 15-minute ferry ride will deliver you to Alcatraz Island. Before starting your 2.5 hour audio tour of Alcatraz, you’ll be given a brief history of the Island.

When you finish the Alcatraz tour, you’ll take the ferry back to Pier 33 where the jeep will pick you up for a convenient hotel-drop off.

3. Best Full Day Tour: Alcatraz Tour plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip

• Departure Point : 478 Post St or 2805 Leavenworth Ave.
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Includes : Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach & Professional Tour Guide, admission to Muir Woods, round-trip ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, audio walking tour of Alcatraz

We recommend this tour for those who are short on time but want to see as much as possible during their stay in the Bay area. It’s also a good choice for those who don’t mind larger groups.

The Muir Woods/Sausalito leg of your tour will include transport by coach (free wifi and restroom on board).

Make the most of your day by consolidating three different experiences into one day. Tour Alcatraz, see the spectacular redwoods of Muir Woods, and make a stop to explore the picturesque town of Sausalito.

The three legs of this tour can make for a long day, so if time isn’t a consideration during your stay, consider breaking this into a 2 day venture.

Please note, this isn’t a tour in the tradition sense, as you won’t be picked up and dropped off at your hotel by a guide, or in between the ferry and bus. It involves more DIY action than most.

This excursion starts with your arrival at the ferry to Alcatraz. After enjoying the audio tour there, you will then make your way to Gray Line Buses at Union Square for departure to Muir Woods and Sausalito.

When you return to San Francisco you will arrange your own transport back to your lodging/hotel.

4. Best Half-Day Tour: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

• Departure Time : Variety available
• Duration : 2 to 4 hours (approx.)
• Includes : One Day Hop-on Hop-off Ticket, round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island, audio tour on Alcatraz Island, 60-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise

This tour is geared more for families with younger children as if they are 4 and younger they go for free!.You need to check in 30 minutes before departure so use this time to wander the waterfront and explore the shops.

You have three start options available of 9am, 10am or 2pm offering you lots of flexibility. The ferry ride to Alcatraz gives you some good views of the bay and the captain will give you some background on the former prison.

Once on Alcatraz you’ll enjoy the self-guided audio tour that you can do at your own pace. The audio guide will give you all the background of the notorious prisoners and their escape attempts. You have seen it in the movies but there is nothing like being there and seeing it for yourself and standing in the prison cells!

Next up is the bay cruise. Once on the ship, you’ll cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, which offers amazing angles for unique pictures. You will cruise past historic pier 39 and see the sea lions sunbathing. Take pictures of San Francisco’s iconic skyline from the bay.

The ship has a guide that will give you all the history and background the landmarks as you sail by them making this an informative as well as beautiful cruise of the bay .

5. Best Combination Tour: Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz

• Departure Point : Start anywhere on bus route
• Departure Time : Anytime
• Duration : All day
• Includes : Hop on – hop off bus, ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island, audio walking tour of Alcatraz

We recommend this tour for adults and families alike, and for those who feel comfortable touring with a larger group of fellow visitors.

Participants explore the city in an open-air bus, allowing for better views of the sites. Enjoy being a very important person during this full-day tour. Beat the crowds with an early entry to Alcatraz and enjoy the prison and its surroundings, minus the commotion that can come with hordes of tourists

During your early-entry tour of Alcatraz you will wander around the legendary prison and its grounds with an audio tour that gives great detail about his history and some of its most infamous inmates.

After you wrap up the Alcatraz portion of this tour, you’ll head back on the big bus and sit comfortably while you make your way through the windy streets of the city.

The animated tour guides are well-versed in the offbeat details and history of the area, and they really seem to enjoy sharing this knowledge with visitors. They make sure to tailor your experience to the group, including kids, if you’ve got your little ones along for the ride.

There is an array of options for touring Alcatraz, lots of them offering combinations with other fun activities. These combinations offer the opportunity to spend time with a local tour guide who can give insider tips and share interesting information about the area.

6. Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit

• Duration : 3 hours
• Departure Time : Varies
• Departure : 250 Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133
• Includes : Alcatraz ticket, ferry ride to island, roundtrip Fisherman’s Wharf mini bus seat, Golden Gate Bridge stop for photos (SF side only)

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities on the planet, and to fully take advantage of its splendor, I highly recommend this next tour. Alcatraz may not be all glitz and glamor, but it plays a significant role in the history of the city.

The Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit Tour is a great way to get acquainted with the city and see two of the most important landmarks in a way most don’t get to experience.

Clocking in at 3 hours and with various start times, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest of schedule. It departs right from Fisherman’s Wharf which is already a big tourist spot, so it’s easy to access as well.

Set off on the included ferry ride as you make your way to Alcatraz Island, surrounded by both manmade and natural beauty.

Upon arrival, you’ll be instantly transported back in time and get a glimpse into how prisoners were treated. Some very notorious people were locked up here, including famous mafioso, Al Capone, and you’ll learn all about him and more during the 45-minute audio presentation of the cellhouse tour.

After that, you’ll head back to Fisherman’s Wharf and board a mini bus as you make your way to the impressive Golden Gate Bridge. I was actually shocked at how big it was, and seeing it on our way to Alcatraz made me realize just how enormous it really is!

We were allowed a 30-minute stop at Vista Point where we were able to take plenty of videos, which ended up being fantastic mementos.

Oh, and we even got to see the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, which was just as impressive as the other sites we saw that day! It looks like something from ancient Rome, and it was very interesting to learn that it was built in just a couple years!

7. Alcatraz Island Tour Packages

• Duration : 2 to 3 hours
• Departure : 571 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
• Includes : Official Alcatraz ticket, ferry ride to the island, audio tour of the Alcatraz Island inside the prison, bike rental for 24 hours (includes helmets and locks)

If you ask me, two of the best ways to see San Francisco are by two modes of transportation: the ferry and by bike. The Alcatraz Island Tour Packages experience combines both of them, leaving you with all-new insight into this magical city filled with history and mind-blowing architecture!

They even include the natural beauty surrounding the bay, offering expert guidance to further enhance your time spent exploring!

I absolutely loved how lively and entertaining the guides were, right from the very beginning! Our tour started with a guided bus tour over the Golden Gate Bridge, which was so impressive to me!

Learning about the history of the massive structure and the events that have taken place on and around it was fascinating.

Our first stop was at the Muir Woods National Monument, which had quite possibly even larger structures than the bridge! To call the Redwood trees “towering” doesn’t even do them justice – you just have to see them in person to believe it!

The average age of these beauties are anywhere from 600 to 800 years old, with the oldest reaching over a whopping thousand years old!

After taking photos of the trees and the stunning city skyline, we then headed out to the island of Alcatraz by ferry. This was a really fun trip, and we were grateful to have been able to secure tickets as I know it’s common for them to be sold out!

We got to really see a lot of the island and learned even more, thanks to the intriguing 3-hour audio tour!

After that, we headed back to the mainland where we were informed we had access to a free 24-hour bike rental to explore the city even further. Just be aware of the intense hills – my quads were definitely burning after!

Tour Guides

The San Francisco Helicopter and Alcatraz Tour is our Editor's Choice as the best Alcatraz tour with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

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Honest Alcatraz Island Tour Review: Tips for Visiting Alcatraz (2024)

One of America’s most infamous maximum security prisons on an island with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Alcatraz Island is one of the best things to do in San Francisco, whether you’re interested in its history as a fort and military barracks or you’re really here for the Al Capone stories.

Not only will those who visit Alcatraz experience a bleak and unforgiving cellhouse, but they’ll also discover the beauty of the lighthouse and Military Chapel, as well as awesome views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge from this island in the middle of the bay.

Alcatraz prison tours (currently self-guided) will take you behind the cells that housed dangerous criminals throughout the years as well as show you the recreation areas, the cafeteria, intake room, and more.

Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife as well, as an absence of four-footed predators has made this a haven for birds who want a more peaceful life and today it houses mice, salamanders, and insects as well.

💰 Top tip: our favorite way to see Alcatraz is this combined Alcatraz and San Francisco Bay tour .

Check it out here to save time and money (fast-track lines and discounts that you’ll need once you see the price of the rest of SF!)

What is Alcatraz? Prison Island’s Troubled History

From the dark pasts of prisoners like Al Capone and Robert Stroud to what life was really like on this foggy, mysterious island, Alcatraz Island has a fascinating past.

The island, just over a mile away from San Francisco and situated in the heart of San Francisco Bay, has been used for everything from a fort to a prison.

In the early days, native people in the Bay area would paddle to Alcatraz to hunt and fish from its shores, but it wasn’t until the Gold Rush that Alcatraz was used as a fort in a defensive strategy for San Francisco Bay.

At this point, more than 400 soldiers were stationed here and it was all about weapons and defense, not prisoners (though there were prisoners on the island at this time, in the basement of the fort).

The history of Alcatraz as a prison as it was known in the 1900s began around 1915, when objectors to World War I were inmates here.

By 1934, it had opened as a federal penitentiary for over 1500 men until it closed down in 1963.

Alcatraz functioned well as a prison for security reasons, as the cold and unforgiving currents of the bay meant that escape from the prison, much less the island, was practically impossible.

Today, Alcatraz escapes are something of lore, and on the island you can see replicas of how prisoners attempted to escape, the most famous being the escape of 1962 when three men got out of their cells and used raincoats as flotation devices to attempt to make it to the mainland (their bodies were never found).

Today, the history of the actual cellhouse as well as the other buildings on the island like the Warden’s House, Guardhouse, Post Exchange and Officers Club and the military chapel are all on display at this National Park.

Practical Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

To get to Alcatraz, the foggy island in the bay, you’ll have to do some prior planning to make sure that your journey there and back goes off without a hitch.

How to Book Alcatraz Tickets

The easiest way to book Alcatraz tickets is to do it online on the Alcatraz Island website if you’re looking to do the Alcatraz Day Tour (the most popular one), the Alcatraz Night Tour (where you are on the island in the dark!), or the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes tour (a guided tour).

This review and experience below is of the popular Alcatraz Day tickets entry.

However, if you want to combine Alcatraz with some other San Francisco sights or get unique Alcatraz tour options, read below where I’ve got more ideas of how to make your time on Alcatraz memorable.

Alcatraz Tickets Price (all includes ferry)

• Day tour: $49 for adults, $33 for children
• Night tour: $56.40 for adults, $36.60 for children
• Behind the scenes tour: $101.40 for adults, $97.35 for children

Alcatraz Hours

The island hours range from 9 or 10am to around 5pm or 6pm depending on the time of year.

What’s most important is the ferry hours, which for the day tour typically depart from around 8:50am to 2:00 or 3:00pm (giving you a couple of hours to explore the island before coming back).

Again, you can’t just waltz onto the island by yourself without taking the ferry, so it’s the ferry booking time that you should concentrate on.

Alcatraz Booking Tip

Book one of the earliest ferry times you can. This way, you can explore as long as you want without worrying about needing to come back for the last boat.

How to Get to Alcatraz Island

The only way to get to Alcatraz Island is by ferry, and the sole ferry operator licensed to take you there is Alcatraz Island cruises.

Other tours will either use this ferry to get you there while bringing their own guides along, or they will take you past Alcatraz without stopping on it.

Alcatraz Cruise & Ferry Experience

When you arrive for your ferry to Alcatraz island, you’ll join a line that wraps around quite a few times.

They recommend arriving at least 30 minutes prior to departure time, and this rang true for us in order to make sure you’d actually make it onto the ferry you meant to (if you miss it, you’ll have to wait for the next one which will probably be in another 30 minutes).

When it’s time to board, you’ll show your ticket and hop on.

Spread out and sit or stand wherever you’d like.

We stood outside to get some amazing pictures of the island and of San Francisco from a vantage point that you probably hadn’t seen it from before.

The ferry doesn’t take long, about 12-15 minutes each way.

Self-Guided Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour Review

Tours around the cellhouse are done via audio guide with the Alcatraz audio tour, narrated by some past Alcatraz prisoners and officers.

While much of what you look at is very stark and, well, prison-like, the audio guide really brings everything to life and helps you imagine what life would have been like behind these walls.

At the time it was built in 1912, the cellhouse was the largest steel-reinforced concrete building in the world, largely built by unskilled inmates.

With easy-to-read signs and the audio guide telling you exactly where to go, you wind your way through the rows of cells (you can even go in one), learn the stories of the prisoners who attempted to escape, explore the outside grounds with actually beautiful views, and see where the prisoners ate.

This was a maximum security prison, and there were also areas of the prison for even more dangerous prisoners who needed to be in complete solitary refinement.

This was known as the D Block, and one step inside one of these completely pitch black rooms will give you a tiny glimpse of the psychological anguish that these prisoners would have felt.

Other Things to See on Alcatraz Island

In addition to the actual cellhouse and prison area, you can walk around the island to explore other areas.

Make sure to check out the bookstore and exhibits at the old military barracks near the dock, which were used to house soldiers and cannons.

The guardhouse is the oldest building on teh island, built in 1857, and was one of the areas that held Confederate sympathizers and U.S Army prisoners in the late 1800s.

What is now left of the Post Exchange and Officers Club (it was destroyed by fire in 1970) shows the remains of an area where soldiers and their families would buy food and personal items.

During the federal prison days, it was a recreation hall with a dance floor and bowling alley for the prison officers (yes, they and their families lived on the island too!)

In fact, you can see where these officers would have lived, which was the barracks and apartments about halfway up the hill to the prison.

There was a tiny post office and small market, and this part of the island was fenced off for security of the families during the federal prison days.

Don’t forget to see the lighthouse, first lit in 1854 to help guide ships through the Golden Gate.

It was the first one in operation on the Pacific Coast, and the keeper often lived in a home at the base.

The lighthouse keepers left the island when the island was home to the prison, and the lighthouse was automated from that point.

There are also some beautiful gardens to explore, especially on the western slope below the cellhouse and at the warden’s house, as well as beautiful views.

These historic gardens have been restored by efforts from the National Parks Conservancy and others.

The southern part of the island is closed during bird-nesting season to make room for the animals who now call the island home.

Unique Alcatraz Tour Offerings

If you want to combine a visit to Alcatraz with other things to San Francisco, check out some of these awesome tours.

• One Day in San Francisco with Alcatraz Tour – if you only have one day in San Francisco and want to “do it all,” the best thing you can do is take this tour which takes you all around the city in the morning, then off to Muir Woods to see the redwoods, and finishing up at Alcatraz for the afternoon. Genuinely, this is the best way to work in Alcatraz to an itinerary that would be hard to manage on your own.
• Alcatraz Inside with Fisherman’s Wharf lunch – this tour allows you inside Alcatraz to explore around the island, but it also includes lunch credits for restaurants at the popular Fisherman’s Wharf area (near where the ferries depart). Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun, vibrant, and popular place for visitors to hang out, and this way you can have both your lunch and your Alcatraz tour planned.
• Alcatraz Tour with a San Francisco Bay Cruise – this option , which allows entry into both Alcatraz and a San Francisco Bay cruise, lets you get up close and personal with the cellhouse and other buildings on Alcatraz while also allowing you to take a longer cruise on the Bay.

Is Alcatraz Island Scary for Kids?

Many parents wonder if Alcatraz is somewhere they should take their kids.

With such a history, is it all too much for the little ones to handle?

The historic part of it is really mostly appreciated by children old enough to understand the audio guide, so toddlers and early elementary aged will likely feel “dragged” around here.

It’s not that it is scary on its own, but it is a very intimidating structure and bleak-looking (it wasn’t built to be welcoming!), so take note if you have a particularly sensitive child who may be frightened at a replica of a prison cell or the cold and unforgiving nature of the place.

There are no “actors” or replicas of prisoners or people (besides one example of a prisoner who created a ‘copy’ of himself to try and trick guards into thinking he was in his cell), so nothing spooky will pop out at them during the regular tours, but you may want to avoid the night tours if your children scare easily.

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Alcatraz Island and the Alcatraz Tour

Alcatraz Tour Fascinates Visitors to Alcatraz Island

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

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

You can get a look at what you'll see on the Alcatraz tour by visiting the Alcatraz slideshow.

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 gives the times. The only guided tour is the audio tour, but you can also pick up a self-guided tour book 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. 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, take the Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour which will also take you to Angel Island .

Alcatraz Island Tickets

The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company called Alcatraz Cruises, leaving from San Francisco. Other bay cruise companies can take you by, but can't stop.  Find all the details and buy 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 fast. The official brochures say tickets sell out as early as a week in advance in the summer and on holiday weekends. When checked on a July Friday, they were sold out until the following Tuesday. 

Tickets not used by hotels are released to the Alcatraz ticket booth just before it opens. Be first in line you may get a same-day tour ticket. Your hotel's concierge or front desk may have tickets. Or consider taking the Alcatraz and Angel Island tour, which doesn't fill up as fast.

The boat ride to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes each way from San Francisco. Your tour can last as long as you like (or until the last boat leaves).

The Day Tour is the most popular. It includes round-trip transportation to the island and the audio tour.

The Night Tour includes extra activities — and is slightly more expensive. Taking it allows more time to visit other sights that close earlier, maximizing your sightseeing time. The only downside is that a few areas that are open during the day close after dark.

Get Ready to Visit Alcatraz

Most visitors spend at least a few hours on Alcatraz. Snacks and water are essential to keep everyone from getting "hangry" or thirsty.

If you don't know much about Alcatraz, stop to see the 17-minute introductory video before you go up the hill. You can also read up on these interesting facts about Alcatraz before you go and  explore the fascinating history of the Alcatraz lighthouse .

Watch the Clint Eastwood movie "Escape from Alcatraz" for a glimpse of how the prison operated during its busiest period.

Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Pick up an audio tour and use it. You'll get a lot more out of what you're seeing. Pay attention to the audio directions. Otherwise, you could end up gabbing away with your friends and not able to figure out where you should be going. If that happens, ask a ranger or tour guide for help.

If you miss your boat, don't despair. The ticket office can direct you to the standby line for the next one.

To see Alcatraz, you'll walk — a lot. It's easy enough if you're in reasonably good shape. They offer a tram to get you up the hill, but you still have to walk after you get there. 

The boats are quiet, clean and smooth riding. The trip is short. But if you need a Dramamine just to sit on the dock and watch a boat bobbing up and down, take your favorite remedy. 

Those white spots all over the island aren't paint. Rangers say several people a day acquire a "white badge of honor" as a gift from a seagull. DON'T look up if you hear birds. Also, watch where you put your hands to avoid touching those same white splotches of yucky stuff.

The gift shop has some very stylish and clever souvenir items. They also sell the book "Hollywood Alcatraz" which details all the films made at Alcatraz and where their scenes were filmed.

Alcatraz Tour Review

In a poll, more than 2,000 Tripsavvy readers rated Alcatraz, 48% rated it awesome and 10% great. However, 26% gave it the lowest rating.

Alcatraz is likely to bore children under the age of five and is more fun for kids who are old enough to understand what it is.

On the plus side, the views of San Francisco and the bay are eye-popping. History buffs enjoy Alcatraz. So does anyone who's seen the movies about it and feel like it's a must-see. The audio tour is one of the best anywhere, using voices of actual guards and prisoners to tell the prison's story.

On the downside, it takes almost half a day to go there and back. If your trip to San Francisco is short, that may be more time than you want to spend on one activity. And it smells like bird poop during spring seagull nesting season.

Getting to Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island San Francisco, CA National Park Website

Alcatraz Cruises leave from Pier 33. If you've been to San Francisco before, be aware that the ticket booth and departure dock moved several years ago.

To drive, follow signs for Pier 39. Pier 33 is a few blocks east. You can find more than a dozen commercial parking lots within a five-block radius. Street parking isn't practical because the meters have a two-hour limit and you'll be gone longer than that.

If you're staying in San Francisco, take a taxi, use a ride-sharing service or public transit. Muni's F Line runs past Pier 33 and the Powell-Mason cable car stops nearby. Find more ways to get around San Francisco .

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The BEST Alcatraz Tours

An essential stop on any San Francisco vacation, Alcatraz is one of the destinations on our San Francisco in a Day Tour. You’ll be able to see the views inmates saw as they planned their daring escapes. You’ll depart in the same area guards did at the end of their shift. You can walk the same halls as notorious criminals like Al Capone and the Birdman. Be sure to say ‘hi’ to the seals after your ferry ride back to the mainland. Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square provide a great stop for fresh fish and a drink after such a heavy tour.

Don’t miss a chance to walk the same halls as Al Capone during a tour of Alcatraz

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The Best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: A Locals Guide

Living in Oakland, California, and having toured Alcatraz three times, I can’t recommend it enough.

It’s a popular destination, yet far from a tourist trap. Everyone I’ve introduced to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco finds it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Choosing the right Alcatraz tour can be daunting with so many options, and not all offer good value.

To help you avoid disappointment, this guide provides essential tips for selecting the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You’ll learn how to secure last-minute tickets and which tours to skip for a memorable experience.

A local’s tips for booking the best tour of Alcatraz:

• To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the official website and will be the cheapest price.
• For the ultimate tour of the main sites in the city, the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz is the best Alcatraz tour in San Francisco . Also, it boasts many 5-star ⭐ reviews, so you can’t go wrong!
• It’s essential to secure your tickets well in advance! Tip tickets are released 90 days in advance.

Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco 2024

I’ve curated a list of the top Alcatraz Island tours and combo tours, offering you the best experiences to book.

Keep in mind, Alcatraz tickets sell out fast, so early booking is key! If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, don’t worry – I’ve got some handy tips to help you secure them.

Plus, at the end of this post, I’ve included a comprehensive FAQ section about Alcatraz, covering topics like tours to avoid, whether you can visit Alcatraz without a tour, ticket costs, recommended attire, and much more.

Alcatraz City Cruises

To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the most affordable and direct way to get your tickets for Alcatraz Island and Prison.

Alcatraz City Cruises provides three tour options: Alcatraz Day Tour, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour. Each includes ferry transportation, an audio-guided tour of the island and cell house, access to historic outdoor spaces, and views of San Francisco.

1. Alcatraz Day Tour

Discover Alcatraz Island’s rich history with an Alcatraz Day Tour. I have done this tour before, and I recommend it for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit. However, day tours tend to be busier than night tours. So I suggest you plan to arrive early for the ferry and expect a wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour to minimize crowding.

The Day Tour is popular for being the most affordable and frequently available option. Tip, you can book the Early Bird Tour, departing at 8:45 or 9:10 am, to experience the island before it becomes crowded.

2. Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night Tour is one of the more popular options of tours offered at Alcatraz, and will typically sell out quicker than the day tours because they are limited to only a number of people per night and offer many perks that the day tour does not.

It offers exclusive perks, including special programs and activities not available during the day. Additionally, it provides a stunning upfront view of the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

3. Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

The Behind the Scenes Tour is a small group tour with your own personal guide. They will take you behind the scenes to explore off-the-beaten-path areas of Alcatraz that are closed to the general public. You also have the option to stay for longer on the island and join the night tour.

The Behind the Scenes Tour involves a lot of walking up steep hills, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time. They also do not allow children under the age of 12 to participate in the Behind the Scenes Tour due to the physical and strenuous demands.

Best Combo Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

When you are visiting San Francisco, there is so much to do and see in such little time. A combo tour is a perfect way to see Alcatraz and experience other amazing Bay Area locations and attractions in San Francisco.

Also, a combo tour is a great option if the official tickets to Alcatraz Island are sold out.

Below is a list of the best combo Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco that I believe are worth the cost and from a reliable tour company.

Best Overall Tour 4. One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

As a Bay Area local who has visited Alcatraz multiple times, I find the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz to be the best combo tour. It’s a comprehensive, well-rounded experience, covering numerous incredible Bay Area locations in a single day.

Your One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz includes a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. You’ll stop in Sausalito for lunch with bay views, then visit the enchanting Muir Woods, famous for its towering redwoods. The tour concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island for a historic exploration of the prison.

• It is the perfect tour if you are on limited time
• You get to see Alcatraz, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and other famous San Francisco neighborhoods.
• Informative tour guide
• Many raving and 5-star reviews
• You do not get a lot of time at each location since you are squeezing in so much in one day.
• Muir Woods entrance fee is not included
• One of the more expensive tours on this list

✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here

5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

The Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour offers a similar experience to the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz, featuring three top Bay Area attractions.

The key differences are a shorter duration, lower price, and exclusion of the San Francisco neighborhood tour. This tour suits those looking for a full day’s exploration with a smaller group (maximum of 11 people) and without the guided tour of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

The tour begins in San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, and first stops at Muir Woods for over an hour of hiking among the redwoods. Next, you’ll visit Sausalito for lunch and exploration, including options like my favorite spot Lappert’s Ice Cream.

The day concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island, including an audio-guided tour detailing the history of infamous inmates like Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger.

• A packed day of touring three must-see Bay Area locations
• Extra time to spend at each location compared to other Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito tour
• You do not get a tour of San Francisco neighborhoods.

✅ Book your Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour here

Best Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco 6. Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion

The Bucket List Excursion is ideal for adding a shorter activity to your Alcatraz visit. This approximately 5-hour tour combines a trip to Alcatraz Island with a guided exploration of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods.

Starting at Alcatraz Landing, you’ll take a ferry to the island for a self-guided audio tour that vividly recounts its history as a federal prison. The tour includes the prison cells and stories of notorious inmates and escape attempts.

After Alcatraz, you’ll join your guide for a city tour, visiting key San Francisco sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Pacific Heights, with lots of opportunities for photos.

• Great opportunity to visit Alcatraz and do a city tour of San Francisco
• Shorter tour than some of the others on this list
• Many 5-star reviews
• Knowledgeable tour guides
• More of a sightseeing tour, you do not get to stop at each of these San Francisco locations.

✅ Book the Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion here

Most Unique Tour 7. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz

For a tour that is different and unique, I love this San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz . It is especially great if you’ve already explored San Francisco and want a differnt experience.

This 90 minute food tour starts at the historic Ferry Building, a bustling marketplace full of restaurants, specialty food stores, coffee shops, artisan meat and cheeses, specialty wine, and more.

Sample offerings from popular vendors and visit the renowned farmer’s market at the Ferry Building, known as one of the world’s best.

After your food tour, head to Alcatraz Landing, a short Uber ride or 20-minute walk from the Ferry Building, to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island, a must-see San Francisco attraction.

On “The Rock,” you’ll use an audio guide to explore the former maximum security prison, learning its history and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco.

• Unique combo tour
• 4 hour tour, less time than other tours so it won’t take up an entire day
• Transportation from the Ferry Building to Alcatraz Landing is not provided
• On the expensive side compared to other tours

✅ Book the San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz here

8. Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

Book an adventurous two-day combo tour and get the opportunity to check off some San Francisco bucket list attractions. The Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour takes place over two days, which is nice if you don’t want to cram everything into one day.

Day one features a guided bike tour through iconic spots like the Palace of Fine Arts and Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. There, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Bay and San Francisco. You can choose to bike back, return the bike in Sausalito, or ferry back with the bike.

Day two is dedicated to Alcatraz, including ferry transport and a 2.5-hour audio-guided island tour.

• Tour spread out into two days
• Get to see many must-visit locations by guided tour
• They also offer electric bikes to help with the hills
• You may not have enough time to dedicate two days to a tour
• Not the best tour for young children

✅ Book your Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour here

9. San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket

One of our favorite things to do is cruise the San Francisco bay by boat! You get a unique and incredible view of many iconic San Francisco sights. The San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Tour is the perfect combo tour, especially if you love to be on the water.

Your tour will begin at Alcatraz Landing, where you will catch a ferry to The Rock and explore the island that famously was a maximum security prison. The audio guide will transport you back in time as you learn about the history and the interesting stories of those who lived at Alcatraz.

After your tour, your will return to Alcatraz landing and begin the catamaran cruise. The catamaran provides an exciting and fun way to see San Francisco and the surrounding sights. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and other marine life during your cruise. Even on a sunny day, bring a jacket with you. The Bay can get very chilly and windy.

• Unique tour and way to see the city
• Get the opportunity to sail on the Bay with an experienced captain and crew
• There are two separate cruises, the catamaran does not drop you off at Alcatraz
• The exact time of the Alcatraz ferry departure may vary and you won’t be notified until 10 days before the tour.
• Weather dependant

✅ Book the San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket here

10. San Francisco: Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise

The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise is one of the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You can book a thrilling and adventurous tour and explore the waters by a high-powered Rigid Inflatable Boat. The inflatable boat provides a more exciting journey and the chance to get up close to wildlife and many iconic sights.

The tour starts with a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour, exploring prison cells and historic outdoor spaces. After Alcatraz, return to land and head to Pier 39 to join the Voyager Adventure Cruise. Your captain-guide will share insights about the area during this unforgettable sightseeing tour of San Francisco’s main attractions.

• You can get an up-close view of sights and marine life
• An adventurous and exciting way to see the Bay.
• Weather-appropriate gear is provided
• Numerous 5 star reviews
• Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under 5 years of age.
• There are two separate cruises, the voyager does not drop you off at Alcatraz

✅ Book The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise here

Why You Should Book a Combo Tour to Alcatraz

There are some benefits of booking a combo tour with a tour company. You get to see Alcatraz along with other top San Francisco locations. Planning a combo tour is perfect if you are visiting San Francisco for a short period of time and would like to do and see as much as possible.

Another perk of booking a combo tour is securing a ticket to Alcatraz. The tickets to Alcatraz sell out very quickly, and you typically need to book them months in advance. However, a tip for getting last-minute tickets to Alcatraz is by booking your tickets through an official Alcatraz partner.

Tips for Booking Alcatraz tickets for Sold-Out Days

If you are looking to see Alcatraz on a sold-out day there are some tips for scoring a couple of tickets. However, do not buy your tickets from a scalper.

It is illegal to resell Alcatraz tickets, but also at the departure gate, they may check to see if the name on the ticket matches yours. So to avoid all of this, I do not recommend buying your tickets from a scalper.

• Check for canceled tickets: You can do this by checking Alcatraz City Cruises
• Book a combo tour: Book one of the tours that I have listed above with a tour company
• Night tour standby tickets: Purchase a standby ticket at the box office during the day. It’s first come first serve. After they board the passengers for that night’s sailing, they allow the standbys on if there is room. You will be refunded if you do not go to Alcatraz.

What Tours I Wouldn’t Suggest

Choosing the right Alcatraz combo tour can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with San Francisco or the specific tour, you could be getting ripped off. Some tours significantly mark up prices, and in my experience, they may not offer value for the money.

An adult ticket to Alcatraz costs $45.00, and all tours include the same audio-guided experience. When considering tours with added extras like walking tours or restaurant discounts, ensure the additional cost is justified and provides good value.

How Much is an Alcatraz Tour

The cost of an Alcatraz Tour varies upon which tour you decide to do. Here is a breakdown of how much it is to book a tour to Alcatraz. This does not include any combo tours, only the cost of the Alcatraz Tour itself.

Adult & Junior: $ 45.25 Child: $27.55 Junior: $45.25 Senior : $42.65 Family Pack: $131.85 (2 adults 2 children)

Night Tour:

Adult: $56.30 Junior: $55.10 Child: $33.00 Senior: $52.25

Behind the Scenes:

Adult: $101.30 Junior: $97.10 Senior: $94.25

Can I Visit Alcatraz Without a Tour

No, you cannot visit Alcatraz without a tour. Alcatraz Island is open to the public, but Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.

To visit the famous Alcatraz Island and prison, you must book a tour in advance either with Alcatraz City Cruises or an approved tour company.

What to Wear Visiting Alcatraz

Even if the forecast calls for sunshine and clear skies, I always bring layers and warm clothes when visiting Alcatraz Island. The ferry ride and standing outside on the island can be very chilly and windy.

Also, the tour does require walking up some hills and walking up stairs. I suggest wearing a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes for your visit to Alcatraz as well.

In Conclusion: Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

I hope that my list of best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco will help you decide on which epic tour to book to see the famous Alcatraz Island.

Related Posts:

• Ultimate Day Trip Itinerary to Sausalito
• Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Why You Should or Should Not Visit
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Pescadero, CA
• Day Trip to Napa Valley, CA
• Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco
• Top 12 Monte Rio CA Restaurants & Where to Eat Nearby Or you can check out my California Travel page for all of my California content including Death Valley National Park , Paso Robles , Palm Springs , & more!

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Alcatraz

• What is Alcatraz
• Benefits of Visiting Alcatraz with Dylan’s

Reasons to Visit Alcatraz

• Things to Know Before You Visit Alcatraz

Getting to Alcatraz

Types of alcatraz tours.

• What To Do and See When Visiting Alcatraz
• Common Mistakes People Make Visiting Alcatraz
• What to Do After Visiting Alcatraz

The Best Way to See Alcatraz is with Dylan’s

If you want to visit Alcatraz, you can’t beat going with Dylan’s. Explore the best of San Francisco, Muir Woods, and secure official Alcatraz tickets at the end of our tour. Enjoy a hassle-free experience, including a drop-off right at the Alcatraz ferry!

View Tour Do you have what it takes to escape to Alcatraz?

If you have a free day to explore San Francisco, visiting the #1 landmark in the US should be at the top of your list. Once home to the world’s most notorious criminals, today Alcatraz is a top-rated attraction that includes gorgeous ferry views, striking prison ground walks, and an award-winning cell house audio tour. 

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Alcatraz — from landing ferry tickets, booking an Alcatraz day tour , learning interesting facts, and planning your great escape to and from the island. 

What is Alcatraz?

Alcatraz Island is the home of an abandoned federal prison located off the shore of San Francisco bay. With the powerful currents and freezing temperatures of the bay, this prison was believed to be inescapable. Although it was only in operation for about 30 years, Alcatraz built a name for itself that stands the test of time. 

Alcatraz Island held historical significance long before it was a federal penitentiary. From housing the first lighthouse on the West Coast to the grounds of an impactful American Indian Occupation, Alcatraz Island stories extend much farther than the walls of the federal prison itself. 

This tiny, rocky island is packed with interesting facts from history, amazing sights, and ghostly mystery . From stories about the famous criminals sent to Alcatraz to those that roamed the halls long after they passed, you’ll find mystery and intrigue around every corner. 

How Tours Began at Alcatraz

Today, Alcatraz is run by the National Parks Service and is an integral part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986, the island was opened to the public in a limited fashion in 1973. 

Due to its protected status, there are very specific procedures for visiting Alcatraz. Only one ferry company — Alcatraz City Cruises — has a contract with the National Parks Services to transport people to and from the island. Local tour companies, like Dylan’s, partner with Alcatraz City Cruises to offer Alcatraz Tickets as a part of a tour package.

Benefits of Visiting Alcatraz Through Dylan’s

There are two ways to get Alcatraz tickets with Dylan’s:

• You can book Dylan’s Famous Tour with Alcatraz , which includes exploring the city, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz Island all in one day. This tour is perfect for individuals or groups booking in advance for a one-day ultimate San Francisco experience. 
• You can book Dylan’s Famous Tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods , which includes the same options as above and you reserve Alcatraz tickets yourself directly through Alcatraz City Cruises. This is a great option if we have run out of our reserved Alcatraz ferry tickets. 

With both of these options, you get a more well-rounded experience than simply booking an Alcatraz ferry ticket!

Dylan’s Famous Tour with Alcatraz Allows You to Book 4 Tours in 1

People who have a limited amount of time in San Francisco but want to squeeze in all of the fun you possibly can — this one’s for you. 

Dylan’s Alcatraz day tour includes exploring four must-see San Francisco areas in one day. 

• Explore the most unique and interesting neighborhoods of San Francisco with a guide who will give you the inside scoop on all the facts and stories you should know. 
• Enjoy a delicious lunch and a quick stroll in the quaint and cute waterfront town of Sausalito. This sweet area tends to have a warmer, sunnier microclimate than across the bridge in the city, so you may even catch some rays during this break!
• Visit Muir Woods with direct transportation to the forest when you book a tour with Dylan’s. Enjoy over an hour of exploring the majestic redwood trees and gorgeous coastal and forest views.
• Have a convenient drop-off right at the ferry to Alcatraz to start your self-guided adventure of this historical prison. 

Essentially, we cover every popular checkmark on the “visiting San Francisco” bucket list. 

This tour will give you a valuable overview of all the must-see San Francisco spots in a single day. That way, you have a lay of the land and can spend the rest of your trip taking a deeper look at other areas of the city that caught your eye.

Have a Better Chance to Book Sold-out Alcatraz Tickets with Dylan’s

Tried to book a ferry ticket with Alcatraz City Cruises, but spots were filled during the entirety of your trip? That’s not an uncommon problem. Ferry tickets sell out fast, even months in advance. But if you can’t find a ticket on the official ferry site, fear not! 

Dylan’s reserves several tickets per month for their tours. So even if Alcatraz City Cruises says they are sold out of tickets, there is still a chance you can get a spot on the ferry to Alcatraz by booking a minibus tour with Dylan’s. Phew! 

Important note: Keep in mind that Dylan’s needs to reserve ferry spots at least 10 days in advance — so if you’re trying to book a tour with less than a 10-day cushion, contact Dylan’s directly for your options.

The Price of Alcatraz is Included in the Cost of Your Day Tour to Alcatraz with Dylan’s

If you choose the tour package option that includes the Alcatraz day tour , it is a one-and-done booking process for all of the amazing areas we explore. Skip the logistical mess of trying to match up tour schedules perfectly and count on our experienced guides to get you to the Alcatraz ferry right on time. 

If our reserved Alcatraz tickets are sold out during your visit, don’t fret! You still have the chance to book the Dylan’s Famous Tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods , with the Alcatraz add-on. Our booking process makes adding an Alcatraz ticket from Alcatraz City Cruises easy-peasy. 

You’ll get a Direct Ferry Drop-off and Can Skip Parking at Pier 33

If there is anything we can promise, it’s two things: 

• You’re going to love exploring San Francisco.
• You’re going to hate finding parking in San Francisco.

The area around Pier 33 is notorious for expensive, hard-to-find parking. So if you’re getting here on your own, opt for reserved parking ahead of time or arrive early to maximize your chances of getting lucky. 

When you book an Alcatraz day tour with Dylan’s, our comfortable minibus will deliver you a mere few steps away from the ferry — no parking, no long walks. Talk about an entrance! 

It is the Top Must-See Tourist Site in San Francisco

Visiting Alcatraz is at the top of every San Francisco bucket list you can find, and for good reason. Alcatraz Island will have you riveted from the moment you step on the ferry. The quick ride offers amazing views of San Francisco Bay, and that’s before you ever even step onto this chillingly, awe-inspiring island. Visitors spend hours exploring the grounds, navigating the different cell blocks, and listening to the legends of Alcatraz.

The Amazing Audio Tour

This tour may be self-guided, but you’re not alone in your exploration. The award-winning audio tour that the National Parks Service provides will transport you. You will learn facts about the history of the island, From Civil War days to its use as a Hollywood movie set. 

The audio tour is anything but dull and includes stories and perspectives from employees and inmates who lived on the island, as well as people who spent their childhood on Alcatraz. 

Perfect for History Lovers

It’s no secret that Alcatraz is a major part of San Francisco’s history. But even people who are very familiar with the prison are bound to learn a thing or two by hearing the first-hand perspectives offered during the audio tour. 

History lovers will learn more about the many phases that made Alcatraz what it is today. Alcatraz Island offers opportunities to learn more about what interests them, from ranger-led talks on American incarceration to a powerful presentation on the impact that the Native American Occupation had on the preservation of the island. 

Great for Movie Buffs

There are several reasons why Alcatraz is a household name – and one of those is its prominence in pop culture and the film industry. With big box office hits like X Men, Catch Me If You Can, and The Rock featuring this inescapable penitentiary, it has gained even more notoriety.

A Must-See for Believers of the Supernatural

A unique part of this tour is the chilling ghost stories that are told within the walls of the prison. 

As the final resting place of some of the world’s most notorious criminals, Alcatraz is known to be one of the most notorious haunted spots in the country. Many believe that mischievous or vengeful spirits haunt the halls that you will explore. If you listen carefully, you may even hear the moans of the inmates who never found their way out of the walls of Alcatraz – dead or alive.

Things To Know Before Visiting Alcatraz

Where is alcatraz.

Alcatraz Island is in San Francisco Bay, about 1.25 miles off the shore of San Francisco. The island is about 225 acres of jagged, rocky terrain, and is surrounded by choppy, icy-cold waters that made the penitentiary next to impossible to escape. 

How do you get to Alcatraz?

Alcatraz is only reachable by ferry, and only one ferry company has permission to bring tourists to and from the island. The Alcatraz ferry departs from Pier 33, a quick walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.

What is the history of Alcatraz?

The history of Alcatraz is a long and varied one. 

• In 1775, Juan Manuel de Ayala mapped and named the Island “Isla De Los Alcatraces,” or “Island of the Pelicans”.
• In the 1850’s, President Fillmore, reserved Alcatraz for military use, building a fortress with over 100 cannons installed across the island, as well as the west coast’s first lighthouse. It quickly became a holding place for military prisoners, confederate sympathizers, and American Indians fighting for land against the federal government. Inmate numbers continued to increase until the late 1800’s.
• In the early 1900’s, the inmate population built the 600 cell structure (which you can visit today) as well as a mess hall, hospital, and other concrete buildings. This was known to be the biggest reinforced concrete structure in the world at the time. 
• From 1934 to 1963, this island was in use as a fully functioning federal prison that housed some of the most infamous, dangerous, and hostile criminals including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. 
• The Penitentiary closed in 1963 due to higher than average prison expenses. 
• In 1969, a group of Native Americans claimed the island in hopes of building a university and museum on behalf of “Indians of All Tribes.” While the university was never built, their efforts protected Alcatraz from being purchased by private parties and it became a part of the Golden Gate Recreational Area in 1972, managed by the National Parks Service. 
• In 1973, the island was opened to the over 1 million tourists that visit Alcatraz each year. 

How much time does it take to visit Alcatraz?

You should budget for about 2.5 to 3 hours when visiting Alcatraz. Each ferry ride takes 15 minutes, and the overall trip takes 2-3 hours for the average visitor. 

When should you arrive for your Alcatraz tour? 

When visiting Alcatraz, you should arrive at Pier 33 earlier than you think. Budget at least an extra 30 minutes once you get to Pier 33 for grabbing your tickets, going to the bathroom, and viewing the 3D replica of the island as a functional prison. And if you need to find parking, allow even more time.

Good news – if you are visiting Alcatraz through Dylan’s, you don’t need to worry about parking and timing! We will get you to Pier 33 with no worry of being late or rushed. 

How much does it cost to visit Alcatraz?

Ticket prices for day tours are about $42 for adults, $25 for children, and free for infants 0-4 years old. There are also discounts for seniors and family packages. If you are visiting Alcatraz with a tour company like Dylan’s, the price of the tickets can be baked into the cost of the overall tour. 

Can I buy discounted Alcatraz tickets?

Do not trust third parties selling Alcatraz ferry tickets without a confirmed partnership with Alcatraz City Cruises! These are a scam, and you’ll end up monumentally disappointed. A good rule of thumb is to ignore any third-party company that isn’t selling Alcatraz tickets as a part of a tour package. This goes against the agreed-upon rules for tour companies selling Alcatraz tickets, so you know it’s shady at the very least!

When is the best time of year/day to visit Alcatraz?

The high season for visiting Alcatraz is between late spring and early autumn, due to the mild weather of the summer. Holiday breaks are popular as well. Tickets are extra hard to reserve during these times and tours can be sold out months in advance. 

As with most tourist attractions, the best time to visit to beat the crowds is by visiting during the workweek, as the weekends can get busy. Also, buying early bird tickets means you are the first group to pave the way for the rest of the tourists. So if feeling as alone as possible while visiting Alcatraz is important to you, being the first on a boat and the first off will put you ahead of the crowds – literally!

Can I use my National Parks Pass to visit Alcatraz?

Your National Parks Pass will not get you onto Alcatraz Island, as there is no price to enter this historical site. The price of the ticket covers the ferry ride to and from the island. 

What are the hours of Alcatraz?

Hours of Alcatraz vary depending on the season and the tour you choose, but the general hours are from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 6 pm on weekends. If you book a night tour, your tour will last until closer to 9 pm. 

Alcatraz is open every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day.

This schedule is dependent on the ferry departure schedule from Alcatraz City Cruises, so make sure to check that schedule for the most accurate times during your stay. 

How accessible is Alcatraz?

The Alcatraz prison cell house is at the top of a pretty steep hill, but don’t worry! From accessible parking stalls, ASL dock orientations, and trams to take people with mobility limitations to the top of the island, the National Parks Service has taken many steps to make the island as accessible as possible. 

The Following areas are completely wheelchair accessible:

• Alcatraz dock area
• Prison building main floor
• All bookstores
• Museum displays
• Island theatre
• Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
• All Alcatraz City Cruises vessels

Important note: The tram is not available for individuals with strollers – so don’t consider that a viable option for skipping the steep walk to the top of The Rock! 

Alcatraz Island is a bird sanctuary  — so there are no food opportunities on the island.

Most folks are surprised to learn that Alcatraz is one of the largest nesting grounds for waterbirds in the San Francisco Bay Area. This is taken pretty seriously considering Alcatraz is a National Park. This means there isn’t any food available on Alcatraz Island. There are a few picnic tables on the dock — in case you decide to pack a picnic. But aside from a few pre-packaged cookies in the gift shops, there isn’t much in the way of food on The Rock. Be sure you don’t head out to Alcatraz with an empty stomach! Luckily, if you’re visiting the island as part of the Dylan’s Famous Alcatraz Day Tour , you’ll have a lunch stop accounted for in the itinerary prior to exploring Alcatraz Island.

How to prepare for visiting Alcatraz?

Alcatraz is one of those tours where regardless of how much you know about the island beforehand, you will have a great time. But if you want to familiarize yourself before getting to the island, doing some light research may give you a stronger appreciation for The Rock and help you find things that you’ll be excited to see in person. 

When preparing you and your group for your tour, we recommend having something to eat before the excursion. As there are no opportunities to purchase food once you get on the island and the average tour lasts about 3 hours, you’ll have to sit with that empty stomach for quite a while. Skip the hanger (especially with young children) by eating a snack beforehand. 

What should you bring when visiting Alcatraz?

There are a couple of key things to bring that will make or break your trip to Alcatraz. Here are the things you should have on you when getting on the ferry:

• If you’re going to Alcatraz via a combo San Francisco Alcatraz tour , everyone over 18 will need to provide a photo ID to pick up their tickets. Please note, if you’re bringing printed tickets with you, or if you purchased tickets directly from Alcatraz City Cruises, then only the person who booked the tickets will need to show their photo ID to pick up the Alcatraz Island tickets.
• Bring layers for everyone. From a chilly ferry to the body-heating trek to the top of the island, you’ll constantly need to shed and add layers. Make sure you are always feeling comfortable to fully enjoy your exploration.
• Good walking shoes are important to enjoy your tour from start to finish. Those flimsy flats and easy flip flops may be cute, but leave them behind for sensible sneakers during this excursion!
• Some cash for exploring the big gift shop on Alcatraz will help you bring home some cool souvenirs from your adventure! 
• Having a bottle of water for everyone is crucial for an enjoyable trip. With all of the walking everyone will be doing and limited water stations, keeping your group hydrated will keep them happy and healthy!

How To Get To Alcatraz

Alcatraz was considered an inescapable prison at the time it was in operation. While it’s much easier today than it once was, getting to Alcatraz is still not very simple to do. The island is only accessible by a single ferry company, Alcatraz City Cruises. Ferries from Pier 33, a stone’s throw from Fisherman’s Wharf. City Experiences is the only company that has a contract with National Parks Services to transport visitors to and from Alcatraz.

Alcatraz City Cruises ferry tickets and Alcatraz tour tickets are in very high demand, and can be sold out months in advance . However, they have partnerships with different tour companies, like Dylan’s, in the city to reserve a certain number of ferry tickets to include in tour packages. 

Buying a direct Alcatraz City Cruises ticket or buying a ticket as a part of a tour package are the only two legitimate ways to get to visit Alcatraz — so avoid any scam tickets! Scams can look like scalpers, third-party companies selling tickets separate from tour packages, or “Alcatraz ticket websites” that aren’t Alcatraz City Cruises. These are scams that won’t get you on the island – so leave them alone! 

How to Get an Alcatraz Ticket with Dylan’s

We may be biased, but we think that visiting Alcatraz as a part of our Dylan’s Famous Tour is the absolute best way to get the most out of your San Francisco experience. While other tour companies may pair Alcatraz tickets with a Museum entrance or hop-on-hop-off bus, Dylan’s offers a quality experience of all the must-see areas of San Francisco. On top of that, booking a tour package with Dylan’s gives you a good chance of booking last-minute Alcatraz tickets ! 

There are a few parameters we need to work within to sell Alcatraz tickets. We offer amazing day tours that will drop you off right at the ferry entrance for your Alcatraz experience. However, we cannot sell tickets separately from a tour package. 

As a partner, we also have to send everyone’s name who booked our tour package to Alcatraz City Cruises 10 days in advance. Yes, 10 days! If you’re trying to reserve a spot for a tour within 10 days, there is still an option for you! By booking the Dylan’s Famous Tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods , you can opt to add Alcatraz tickets straight from Alcatraz City Cruises at the end of the booking process (if tickets are available).

If you want to get the most out of your day exploring San Francisco, then this is the best option for you. 

Parking at Pier 33 Can Be Tricky

If you booked direct tour tickets and are driving to Pier 33, make sure you reserve ample time to find a parking spot. Thanks to its close vicinity to Fisherman’s Wharf, this area can be pretty packed any day of the week. You’ll have the best luck reserving a parking spot in advance or giving yourself plenty of time to find those rare empty parking spots in the area. 

How to Get a Sold-out Alcatraz Ticket

It’s not unusual to find that your ideal time to visit Alcatraz is sold out through Alcatraz City Cruises. Luckily, you’re not quite out of luck! There are certain steps you can take to snag sold-out Alcatraz tickets and break into Alcatraz.

So your ideal direct tickets are sold out. Here’s what to try:

Booking with Dylan’s.

Getting a ticket for the night tour., refreshing the alcatraz cruises ticket page closer to your trip date., enjoy alcatraz from a distance..

Did you know that there are different types of Alcatraz Island tours to consider? While Dylan’s only offers tickets to the Alcatraz Day Tour, there are a few other tour options that you should know about. 

Alcatraz Day Tour

When someone mentions “Alcatraz Tour,” this is the one everyone thinks of. It’s the most widely enjoyed tour offered and has the highest capacity for Alcatraz visitors by far. This tour is offered year-round and will be your best bet on getting to the island.

Hours: The Alcatraz Day Tour is offered 7 days a week with the first ferry departing around 9:30 am and the last ferry leaving the island around 6 pm. 

Price: about $42 for adults and $25 for children., length: about 2-3 hours, but as it is self-guided, you choose how long you stay on the island. , what is included in the tour: a ferry ride to and from the island, a recorded audio tour for you to listen to during your self-guided exploration, and the option for different ranger-led talks around the island., alcatraz night tour.

The Alcatraz night tour is a great choice for those who want to feel even more spooked during their Alcatraz Tour. This tour is even harder to reserve than the day tour, as it only runs twice per day between March and November and 1 once per day during the winter months. 

If you want a more intimate, chilling experience visiting Alcatraz in the dark, we absolutely recommend this tour.

Hours : From March to November, this tour leaves Tuesday through Sunday, and the departure times are 6 pm and 6:30 pm. The return times are 8:40 pm and 9:25 pm. In the winter months, the ferry departs at 3:50 pm and 4:45 pm. The return times are 6:40 pm and 7:40 pm. Timing varies, so make sure to check the Alcatraz City Cruises site for the most up-to-date hours!

Price: adults tickets are a bit pricier around $52 with children tickets around $31., length: as this is a guided tour, the length of the tour is more set in stone. each tour is just under 3 hours including the ferry ride., what is included in the tour : a spookier look at the island with a guided tour around the island grounds, insider looks at parts of the prison closed off to the day tour, time to enjoy the self-guided audio tour, and behind-the-scenes demos exclusive to the night tour.

Behind The Scenes Tour of Alcatraz

The Behind The Scenes tour of Alcatraz is a bit pricier than the other options, but for good reason. This tour only takes groups of less than 20 people! You get an incredibly intimate experience and insider look at the island with seasoned guides and zero crowds to dodge. If you have a bigger budget and want an exclusive tour, the Behind The Scenes tour is a great option.

Hours: This tour is available Tuesday-Saturday at 2:15 pm. Timing may vary, so make sure to check the Alcatraz City Cruises site for the most up-to-date hours. Because it only leaves once per day with less than 20 people, you should book this tour far in advance!

Price: $97 for adults and $93 for juniors 12-17., length: about 3 hours., what is included in the tour: the ferry transportation, a 2-hour guided tour around behind-the-scenes areas with a national parks ranger or historian, the cellhouse audio tour, and exploring zones that are off-limits to the general public., alcatraz and angel island tour.

Want to get even more San Francisco Bay Island views in a single tour? Then the Alcatraz and Angel Island tour is a great option for those who want to add to their Alcatraz exploration. Angel Island is a gorgeous hidden gem of history and nature. The largest island in San Francisco bay, it was used as an immigration station during World War II. Today, it is full of hiking trails and the famous tram tour.

Hours: This tour is available daily during summer and on weekends in the spring, from 9:30 am to 3:15 pm. It is not available in the winter. This schedule varies even more than other tours from month to month, so make sure to check the Alcatraz City Cruises website for specific times!

Length: about 5 hours including ferry rides., what is included in the tour: a ferry to alcatraz for the cell house audio tour and daily exhibits, a ferry to angel island for a narrated tram ride around the island, and a returning ferry to pier 33. , what to do and see when visiting alcatraz .

Thanks to the self-guided aspect of the Alcatraz tour, you can make it your own! There is something for everyone here, so let’s chat about what to do when visiting Alcatraz. 

Visiting Alcatraz is a Self-guided Tour

This means that you have the freedom to decide on what you spend your time and brainpower! If the island’s pre-prison history isn’t calling your name but you’re really looking forward to learning about the famous prisoners, you can spend extra time contemplating the lives of Scarface and Machine Gun Kelly. The time is yours so you can allocate it how you like!

Explore the Grounds of Alcatraz

The inmates may not have been able to freely walk the grounds of the island, but you can! Visitors may have access to historic outdoor spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden, and learn about the uses of each space along the way. You will get to experience iconic, close-up views of the exteriors of the Cellhouse, Building 64, Warden’s House, Water Tower, the last remaining guard tower, Officer’s Club, and Model Industries Building – sights only people who make it on The Rock can get! 

Make Your Way to the Cell House

The cellhouse is one of the most memorable aspects of visiting Alcatraz, as you’ll have the voices of past Alcatraz inmates and guards to guide you through the chillingly eerie rows of prison cells. 

In 1987, a local non-profit theater company called Antenna Theater created an immersive walking tour of the Alcatraz cellhouse by interviewing former inmates of the prison, along with guards who patrolled the island and kids who grew up in the shadow of America’s most infamous prison. This award-winning audio tour can be listened to from a borrowed audio device or downloaded right onto your phone!

Find Graffiti from the American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz

Due to the famous occupation that happened in the late 1960s, there is tons of painted political messaging to spot on the Alcatraz grounds. Here is a clue to find your first one and our personal favorite: Look for the eagle above the entrance door – it’s perched on a shield with the American flag. Look between the stripes where you will find the word “FREE”.

Junior Ranger Program

The Alcatraz Island Junior Rangers Program is a must-do for children visiting the island! As the audio tour is more targeted towards older children and adults, having this activity for younger kids will keep them occupied and happy while you enjoy your tour. This packet will cover 

When your kids are finished, make sure you get back to the dock a little early so that one of the Alcatraz Park Rangers can go over the activity book with the kids in your group before they are sworn in as official Junior Rangers and given a special Alcatraz Island Junior Ranger Badge!

You can ask for this book when you get to the dock of Alcatraz, or download and print it out beforehand here .

Experience a Bonus Tour

Throughout the day there are various ranger-led tours, behind-the-scenes experiences with historic interpreters, and cell door demonstrations in the cellhouse. Once you’ve arrived on the dock of Alcatraz, there will be someone on a microphone greeting you. Right behind that person will be the daily schedule of Alcatraz tours around the island. Different tours begin at different locations throughout the day. Snap a photo of the schedule on your phone, that way you can refer back to it while you’re exploring around the island.

Learn About the Influential Occupation of Alcatraz by Native Tribes

A new exhibit will give you a better perspective on a lesser-known but incredibly impactful side of Alcatraz history. You will be able to access the New Industries Building, which includes a powerful exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the influential Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes. 

Learn About Famous Prisoners

You’ve heard of Al “Scarface” Capone, The Birdman, and Machine Gun Kelly (the Criminal, not the rapper). Did you know they once all spent time on The Rock for their crimes? You can walk past their cells and learn about how they spent life trapped in these walls. 

Al Capone, the infamous gangster that was used to having power even behind bars once said “It looks like Alcatraz has me licked.”

Check Out the Giant Gift Shop and Chat with Someone that Grew Up on Alcatraz

The cellhouse audio tour ends at the entrance to the biggest gift shop on the island. It’s easy to breeze through and pass up the most precious gem hidden in the Alcatraz prison. Someone who spent their childhood in the shadow of the cellhouse might be there. In between replicas of prison keys and old-timey tin mugs, is a small desk. This is where you’ll frequently find guest authors. Before his passing a few years ago, former Alcatraz inmate turned dedicated foster parent, Darwin Coon was a regular guest author on the island. These days, you can hear thrilling tales from prominent Bay Area author Jolene Babyak — whose father was acting warden during the most famous prison escape in the island’s history. Ya’know — the one that inspired the Clint Eastwood movie 😉

Common Mistakes When Visiting Alcatraz

Buying tickets from scalpers or scams.

This is #1 at the top of our list for major mistakes to avoid while visiting Alcatraz. Yes, tickets are hard to find. But the solution is not buying tickets from scalpers or non-legitimate sites. We promise you will end up feeling taken advantage of or scammed altogether when you never set foot on the island.

Not Reserving a Ticket Far Enough In Advance

Yes, this ferry runs from morning to night almost every day out of the year. That does not mean you can stroll on the boat at the last minute! 

These tickets (especially during the summer) can be sold out months in advance. So whether you’re booking direct or buying a tour package… reserve your tickets the moment you know when you’ll be spending time in the city!

If you’re cutting it close and don’t see ferry tickets available for when you want to visit, always make sure to check with us . We just may be able to get you on The Rock!  

Not Wearing Good Walking Shoes

While there is a lot to see and learn during your trek to the prison, the road to the Alcatraz cell house is a long and steep one. Stable walking shoes are a must for feeling comfy and un-blistered for the entirety of your tour.

Not Eating Beforehand

There may be a mess hall, but it’s unfortunately reserved for the ghosts of the inmates still on the island.

There are little to no food opportunities for tourists visiting Alcatraz. Aside from small cookie packets in the gift shop. Spending a 3-hour tour starving will not be great for your overall experience. So either bring a snack to enjoy on the picnic tables or eat beforehand!

Not Bringing Enough Layers for the Ferry

San Francisco is already a “never leave home without your raincoat” city. But, that is extra important when visiting Alcatraz. 

The last thing you want is to start your lengthy tour damp and chilled. So make sure to wear layers for both warmth and water protection. 

Missing the Ferry Back to Pier 33

Eventually, you’re going to want to escape from Alcatraz, and showing up early for the line to the ferry will give you the best chances for a quick and easy exit. 

You may have your ferry to the island set in stone, but getting back is more of a free-for-all. Because people can return to the city on any ferry they choose, you need to be strategic to get on your desired return ferry. It is very common for ferries to fill up — so if you have a time you need to be back, plan on being at the front of the line.

Of course, the same goes for getting there! Be safe rather than sorry by showing up for your ferry a little earlier than you think you need to.

What To Do After Visiting Alcatraz

Enjoy a well-earned dinner in north beach.

So, you just got off the Alcatraz ferry and are officially finished with a day of some serious exploration. Thanks to the lack of food opportunities on the island, you are sure to be hungry. Thankfully, you just jumped ship into one of the best foodie areas in San Francisco! 

North Beach is packed with delicious seafood and mouth-watering Italian fare. Yes, the restaurants near Fisherman’s Wharf tend to be busy and touristy. But, there are some local favorites mixed in that will be your future favorite as well. Just a few blocks away from Pier 33, you can find the locally-adored Soto Mare for oysters and seafood pasta. Park Tavern is great for seriously luxury cuisine. Or Original Joe’s for some upscale yet approachable eats. 

Explore the San Francisco Nightlife

Experiencing a second wind? If you have enough gas left in the tank for more San Francisco exploration, experiencing the San Francisco nightlife is something you can’t miss. From the endless speakeasies and bars to fun comedy clubs to riding a cable car at night, it’ll feel like an entirely new city. 

Rest Up for a Morning E-bike Ride around Golden Gate Park

Chances are after a full day of exploring, you’ll feel pretty beat. Getting off the Alcatraz ferry with nothing but food and your bed on your mind? We recommend resting up so you can take on the next day with vigor. As they say, the early bird gets the worm!

After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to take on day 2 in San Francisco in a major way. We recommend renting e-bikes for a morning cycle through Golden Gate Park! While we see the Golden Gate views from our Famous Tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods , there is something very exhilarating about being able to hop on an easy-to-use e-bike and explore the area up close and personal.  And, of course, you’ll be working up quite an appetite for a post-pedal brunch! 

Are you ready to escape to Alcatraz?

Make sure to check out Dylan’s minibus tours of San Francisco . You will get to experience the best of San Francisco and top it off with the chillingly amazing experience of visiting the #1 landmark in the US!

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Alcatraz guide: what to know before a trip to Alcatraz Prison

Alcatraz. The Rock. The most famous high-security prison in the world located on Alcatraz Island, only a mile and a quarter away from San Francisco. We’ve read about Alcatraz prison in books, we’ve seen it in movies (Clint Eastwood’s Escape from Alcatraz  is featured on our  Best movies set in San Francisco post!) and we’ve heard endless stories about its famous inmates.

Almost everyone visiting San Francisco has Alcatraz prison on their bucket list . To make it easier for you, I’ve created a complete Alcatraz guide, including important information and everything you need to know to plan your trip to Alcatraz.

1. Alcatraz history

Alcatraz Island is mostly known for its use as a high-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963. Before that however, it was a military fort, a military prison and even a lighthouse (the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast from 1854!). During its time as a federal penitentiary, it was home to not only inmates, but also to the correctional officers, the warden and their respective families.

Alcatraz was closed in 1963 by order of US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. The last prisoner off Alcatraz island was Frank C. Weatherman, a gun smuggler. The Rock was briefly occupied by American Indian activists (you can read more about this further down ). It’s now managed by the National Park Service and is part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservatory, holding a huge historical significance.

2. Famous Alcatraz inmates

Since its opening in 1934 until its closure in 1963, a total of 1,545 men did time in Alcatraz. The majority of them were incorrigible prisoners coming from other institutions, either violent or considered escape risks. They remained here an average of 8 to 10 years until they were no longer considered dangerous.

Some of the most famous Alcatraz prisoners include:

• Al “Scarface” Capone (whose exact cell is unknown)
• George “Machine Gun” Kelly
• Robert Stroud (aka the “Birdman of Alcatraz”)
• Alvin “Creepy” Karpis
• “Doc” Barker

3. Alcatraz Escape, June 1962

A total of 14 escapes from Alcatraz prison were attempted, but there’s one that stands out as the most elaborate. On the evening of 11 June 1962, prisoners Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin were able to escape from their cells and left Alcatraz Island thanks to a makeshift raincoat floating raft, homemade wooden paddles and life vests. They are thought to have drowned, but since their bodies were never found, the true result of the most famous Alcatraz escape remains a mystery!

Their plan consisted of escaping through a loosened air vent in their cell wall. This led into an unguarded utility corridor and up to a concealed area above the the cell block where they set up a secret workshop. To fool the night guards, they created dummy heads out of plaster, paint and pieces of their own hair and arranged them in a sleeping position on their beds.

• When in Alcatraz: See the cells of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, as well as their makeshift dummy heads inside the cellhouse.

4. American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz Island

After the prison closed in 1963, Alcatraz Island was occupied by a group of American Indian activists as a statement for the American Indian rights movement. In fact, The Rock was occupied a total of three times: once in 1964 for just four hours, and twice beginning in 1969 and ending in 1971.

They reclaimed Alcatraz Island in the name of the “Indians of All Tribes” and offered to buy it from the Federal Government for $24 in trade goods. However, they were finally removed from The Rock after the struggle to supply them with food and water became imminent.

• When in Alcatraz: Check out the Alcatraz Water Tower next to the Military Chapel to see this iconic graffiti:  “Peace and freedom welcome. Home of the free Indian land.”

5. Battle of Alcatraz

Also known as  The Battle of ’46 , it resulted in the death of three inmates and two prison guards. Prisoner Bernard Coy took advantage of Alcatraz prison’s security flaws, used a makeshift bar spreader to squeeze between bars and entered the gun gallery to access some weapons. Five other inmates joined him and helped hold guards hostage. By the time they located the key to the recreation yard (which would secure their escape), the door was jammed from trying the wrong keys. The recreation key had been previously concealed (against regulations) by officer Miller, later killed. This resulted in the prisoners being trapped in the cellhouse.

• When in Alcatraz:  Keep your eyes peeled for the grenade marks on the cellhouse floor and the spread iron bars leading to the gun gallery.

6. Important information for before you visit Alcatraz Island

How to get to alcatraz island.

The only way to access Alcatraz Island is through Alcatraz Cruises. This is the official ferry of the San Francisco jail and includes a roundtrip to The Rock and back, as well as a selection of tours to visit the island’s buildings.

The Alcatraz cruise leaves from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on The Embarcadero waterfront, just a stone’s throw from San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Alcatraz ticket prices

Alcatraz tickets can be bought either online or at the Alcatraz Cruises Ticketbooth and include the ferry ticket and access to Alcatraz. We recommend buying them online in advance, as Alcatraz cruise tickets can sell out and same-day tickets might not be available to purchase onsite.

Alcatraz ticket prices range from $24.40 for children to $39.90 for adults for Day Tours. Senior and family pack tickets are also available.

Visit www.alcatrazcruises.com for more information.

Alcatraz opening hours and departure times

Alcatraz opening hours vary between seasons – from around 8.40am to 6.30pm in spring/summer, and 9.10am to 4.45pm in autumn/winter. Make sure you check the Alcatraz Cruises website in advance to plan your trip.

Ferry departure times are available around every half an hour.

Alcatraz is open every day expect for Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s day.

What to wear to Alcatraz Island?

San Francisco’s weather is unpredictable and changes constantly. You can expect fog, clouds, rain and sun on the same day. We recommend bringing comfortable shoes, suncream, layers and a raincoat if possible. This also comes in handy when travelling on the ferry, as the cold water from the waves often makes its way onboard.

7. Visiting Alcatraz

How long does it take to see alcatraz.

We recommend allowing around 2.5h-3h to explore Alcatraz. The Day Tour is the best way to see Alcatraz at your own pace. It includes a round boat trip from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing to Alcatraz Island and back, as well as exploring the outside buildings and the prison cellhouse.

An Alcatraz Night Tour, Behind the Scenes Tour and a combo Alcatraz and Angel Island Tour are also available throughout the year.

What to see at Alcatraz?

Apart from the areas mentioned above, you’ll be able to explore:

• Guard Tower
• Guardhouse and Sally Port
• Military Chapel
• Post Exchange and Officers’ Club: Which included a recreation hall with a dance floor, gym, bowling alley and a soda fountain! Unfortunately, a fire in June 1970 destroyed several of the buildings but you can still see their remains.
• Electric Repair Shop
• Baracks/Apartments: Where the prison guards and their families lived.
• Alcatraz Water Tower
• Military Morgue
• Warden’s House:  A large Mission-Revival style house initially used by the military prison commandant was later occupied by the warden.
• Alcatraz Cellhouse
• Recreation Yard
• Model Industries Building
• The Gardens of Alcatraz: One of them, “The Children’s Garden”, was used to plant small pots to keep the children occupied. It’s now part of the historic Alcatraz Gardens project.

Cellhouse audio tour

Audio guides are available in different languages and are provided at the entrance of the cellhouse. The Alcatraz cellhouse audio tour is a great way to learn more about life in the prison thanks to excerpts narrated by former inmates and correctional officers. Once inside Alcatraz prison, you’ll be able to enter some cells and solitary confinement cells, as well as the showers, library, cafeteria, recreation yard and the warden’s office. You’ll also be able to see the cells of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. Also, the grenade marks on the cell house floor and the spread iron bars from the Battle of ’46.

Remember to also visit the Alcatraz shop to get a souvenir to remember your visit too. I bought a postcard to add to my postcard collection !

 Map of Alcatraz  

Have you been to Alcatraz before? Is there anything that I’ve missed and you would recommend or anything else you’d like to know about Alcatraz? I’d love to know! If you loved our guide to Alcatraz , please leave us a comment, pin some photos and show us some love on social media using the buttons below.

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Really interesting post with lots of good info! I would love to see Alcatraz at some point.

Thank you Alexis! Hope you get to visit Alcatraz soon – it’s a must!

Alcatraz has been near the top of my bucket list for most of my adult life. I am fascinated by it’s history, reading every book and watching every documentary that I have been able to find. To be able to walk around and see the location first hand would be amazing! Thank you for sharing – I loved seeing all of your photos.

Thanks Britt! Everyone visiting Fan Francisco should have Alcatraz on their bucket list. It’s definitely a place worth exploring. It’s strange walking around what was once a high-security prison; I’m sure it’ll make a huge impact on you as it did on us!

Excellent post. Really detailed and helpful. We went to Alcatraz years ago and I’d love to go again.

Thanks Graham! Alcatraz was always a place I was curious about. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting San Francisco.

Awesome post with a lot of interesting stuff to know. I was there when I was 17, I think. Loved the experience. I’d love to go back.

Thanks Dominique! So glad you liked the experience, it’s one I would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting San Francisco.

Alcatraz is one of the best tours I’ve taken. I usually hate the recorded tour with the headset but this was amazing, and loved the super creepy vibe of the island. Great informative post, and such great info on all the history. I’d love to do a night tour next time I’m there

Thank you Emma! I agree, Alcatraz is such a must for everyone visiting San Francisco. Great content and very informative audio guide!

This was cool but I think I’ll accept your tour as my visit… lol very interesting though I couldn’t imagine living there with my family like huh who?@&$ I love how the Indians tried to reclaim their land and left their mark! thanks for sharing,

Thanks for the comment! It can be quite sinister indeed, but definitely a place full of history!

Looks so charming like it’s not a prison. Really secluded island..

It’s actually pretty eerie inside! But a great place to explore nevertheless (now that it’s no longer a prison)!

I would love to visit Alcatraz if I ever get the chance, I hadn’t read anything about the escapees in 1962 before so I am going to have a little look online! Great post, really enjoyed reading it.

Thank you Sophie! You should absolutely visit Alcatraz when you get the chance. The audio guide is a fantastic way to learn more about the building and how it became to be what it is today x

Great post and pics!! We visited Alcatraz like 7 or 8 years ago and it was such an interesting experience!! The headset tour was very informative and we really liked the boat ride to and from!!

Thank you! Alcatraz is definitely worth visiting if you love learning about exceptional buildings!

Alcatraz is on my must visit bucketlist! I’ve known about it from series and movies and ever since learning about its history, I’ve wanted to go!

I’m so glad Alcatraz is on your bucket list! It’s an eerie place to visit, but it has so much history!

I got to visit Alcatraz a few years ago so loved reading your post! The audio guide was really informative.

The audio guide content was fantastic!

This is such an amazing place to visit.

It really is!

This is so informative! Enjoyed reading it and felt like I was there on tour too! Looking forward to more tours like this 🙂

Ann | http://www.annchoi.me

Thanks Ann! I’m glad you liked reading this post – hopefully it has inspired a little visit next time you’re in SF!

That’s a load of information and tips! Will be part of my itinerary when I visit SFO. Thanks for sharing the photos!

That’s amazing, glad you liked this post Vinn!

Wow! I didn’t even know this was an actual spot to visit. I thought it had been closed down and that was that. Very interesting and I loved all the facts that you mentioned.

Thank you! It’s a very interesting and eerie place to visit, but I’d absolutely recommend it if you have the time!

OMG! 😳What kind of punishment they give?

Being in prison is a punishment in itself!

I’ve lived in the Bay Area since I was 13 and have never gone, we never plan ahead and getting tickets day of never seems to work out. Gonna put this on my bucket list again to take my kids. Hopefully that will inspire me to get tickets in advance this time around.

Thanks for the great virtual tour!

Thanks for the comment Patty! We actually booked the tickets a couple of months in advance to make sure we had them. I’d recommend planning this trip beforehand and pick a day when you know you’ll be free!

Great post!! My husband and I traveled cross country and hit San Francisco right before Covid hit and that was one place we unfortunately didn’t get to visit. I heard about the escape however I never heard about the battle of Alcatraz. Very interesting! Next time I go to San Fran that’s on my list! I also thought I saw tickets for spending the night in Alcatraz 😶

Thanks Aslinn! I didn’t know you could spend the night there! But if that’s the case, I don’t think I’ll be doing it anytime soon lol!

Loved reading this post, Ive wanted to visit Alcatraz since I was little and makes me want to even more.

Thank you! Hopefully you can visit soon and tick it off your bucket list!

Wow! Never thought I’d say this but really want to visit this prison. LOL. Looks like such an interesting place to visit.

Thanks for sharing!

MagicandBliss | https://magicandbliss.com/

It’s a strange place indeed, but very interesting to to visit!

Good post! We really enjoyed our trip to Alcatraz when we went!

Thanks Tamra! Glad you had a great time exploring Alcatraz too!

Wow I’ve always wanted to go! Looks like such a good trip

It is! Definitely one to add to your bucket list.

Very interesting information in this post! I was unaware of a lot of the history. I’ve never been, but I would love to check it out one day!

Thanks Cheyenne! Alcatraz is definitely a place worth visiting!

If I ever visit the US, this is one of the places I would love to see. It looks like a great tour, if not a little spooky! You have packed so much information into this post, so it will definitely help with planning the trip!

Thanks for sharing! Aimsy xoxo Aimsy’s Antics

Thanks for the lovely comment, Aimsy! I’m glad you’ve found it helpful and inspiring x

Oh my gosh this was so interesting! If I ever went to San Francisco, this would definitely be up there on the top things I’d want to do. I can imagine it’s so interesting but also pretty eerie at the same time.

Definitely! It’s a bit spooky to be in a former prison, but it’s very well done and you always know you’re on a tour! Definitely worth visiting when you’re in San Francisco! x

This is a really interesting post! I know a little about the history, but not the same amount that is mentioned here x

Thank you Kayleigh! I’m glad you’ve found this post interesting x

So amazing! Sometimes with the lore of it all you forget it really existed! Great post!

Awe thank you!

This looks so cool! I love true crime and I would have to listen to a million true crime podcasts before taking a visit here haha. I’d love to go to San Francisco one day and this is definitely near the top of my list!

Thanks Kalin, I’m sure you’ll love visiting Alcatraz! Hopefully you get to do soon x

Wow!! This is an interesting article. You’ve put in all the information available quite efficiently.

Thanks so much!

Very cool and what creativity to escape! I’m surprised they allowed inmates to have ukulele’s in their cell?

Inmates were allowed some personal items, so I guess it was up to the prison to decide which ones they could possess!

I have always wanted to go to San Fran & Alcatraz! My sister went last year and told me lots of this stuff! I love films about escaping from prison and I love The Rock!

Thanks for the comment Rosie! Hopefully you can get to visit soon yourself! x

Somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. Even more so after reading this!

Yay! I’m sure you’ll have a great time exploring!

Isn’t it a little sadistic that we all want to go to Alcatraz

Very much so!

Thanks for sharing, this was a really interestijg overview of the history! Yiur advice in how to get there Nd what to see arw great. Maybe when travel opens up again we will get to visit 😊

Thank you! I’m glad you’ve found this post interesting!

very interesting and informative post.

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