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How to Visit Alcatraz Island in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More

Jessica Nemire Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Alcatraz Island is almost synonymous with San Francisco. Due to the island’s immense popularity, it can be hard to plan your visit. Never fear! That’s what we are here for. Here’s how to visit Alcatraz Island, plus all you need to know about tickets, hours, and more!

Pro Tip:  It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post along with our  San Francisco Guide  for more planning resources, our best San Francisco tours  for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in San Fran .

Alcatraz Island Hours, Tickets, Tours, And Facts: What We’ll Cover

Alcatraz Island housed the most infamous prison in the United States: the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Since shutting down in 1963 and sending its prisoners elsewhere, both the prison and the island have become one of the most popular tour destinations in San Francisco.

It’s also in the middle of the scenic San Francisco Bay, making it even more of an iconic place to visit to get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. You can learn more about the history of Alcatraz Island here !

• Hours and info
• Tickets and pricing
• Transportation and parking
• What to see and do
• Alcatraz tours
• Facts and history of Alcatraz

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if San Francisco tours are worth it .

How to Visit Alcatraz Island: Hours and Info

Hours:  Monday – Sunday, from 10 am until 9 pm.

Alcatraz Island is closed on the following days:

• Thanksgiving (4th Thursday of November)
• December 25

There are also various portions of the island that are closed off at certain times of the year to allow the island’s resident sea birds to nest. Alcatraz Island has been known to have special events, such as art exhibits, although there have not been any such events since 2019. If they resume events again, their events page can be found here . Currently, the island is hosting community building days to restore the the gardens on the island.

Tickets and Pricing for Alcatraz Island

Since Alcatraz Island is, you know, an island, it’s only accessible via a ticketed ferry. Due to the popularity of Alcatraz, we strongly recommend booking your tickets to Alcatraz Island at least a few weeks ahead of time! Especially during the summer and other high tourist times during the year, Alcatraz tickets can sell out even months ahead of your tour date!

Every ferry ride to Alcatraz Island departs from Pier 33 near Fisherman’s Wharf. The ferry ride from Pier 33 to the island typically takes around 15 minutes. Make sure you arrive at least 45 minutes before the ferry is scheduled to leave. There’s a lot to explore and views to take in from the island, so we recommend spending at least three hours there.

You can purchase your tickets online or in person at Pier 33, which is where the ferry departs. If buying directly from Alcatraz Island, they offer a day tour, a night tour, and also a behind-the-scenes tour. The prices listed below are for the daytime tour, as that is the most common option.

Admission:  $41 for adults, $25 for children (5-11 years), $41 for juniors (12-17 years), $38 for seniors (62+ years) Family Pricing: $119.60 total for 2 adults + 2 children 5-11years

Address:  31 San Francisco Pier 33 – Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, CA

Pro Tip:  Skip the line by booking your ticket online ahead of time or getting more out of your visit by joining our San Francisco in a day tour ! The tour includes a full access ticket to Alcatraz Penitentiary and Island, as well as a 4-hour guided tour of San Francisco in an open-sided van. The tour also stops by the famous Golden Gate Bridge, and includes pickup at your hotel!

Not ready to book a tour? Read more in our San Francisco Guide .

How To Get to Alcatraz Island

Please note that there is no parking available at Pier 33 (or the island) as you plan how to visit Alcatraz Island. The ferry landing dock at Pier 33 is about a 7-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from Pier 39, otherwise known as Fisherman’s Wharf.

Like most of San Francisco, parking is almost impossible to find at Pier 39. For this reason, finding another way to Alcatraz Island is advised. That’s a big part of the reason why we recommend booking our San Francisco in a day tour that includes Alcatraz. All logistics and tickets are included so you can enjoy your day without stress.

Here are a few transportation options to get to your Alcatraz ferry departure at Pier 33:

• Car/Rideshare Services

The exact timing of your journey to Pier 33 to pick up the ferry for Alcatraz Island depends on which hotel you are staying at, of course. Since most of our picks for the best hotels in San Francisco are near the Embarcadero waterfront , we calculated the times from there. We also calculated some times from Union Square, as that is another popular area to stay in San Francisco.

By Trolley:

We don’t mean the cable cars when we say trolley. Although it looks similar to a cable car, the F Market & Wharves trolley is a MUNI bus that runs from Castro St. Station to Fisherman’s Wharf. Standing for San Francisco Municipal Railway,” the MUNI system is San Francisco’s bus and underground train system.

From the Embarcadero, it takes around 8 minutes to get from the trolley stop to Pier 33. From Union Square, it takes around 24 minutes. A ride on the F trolley costs $3. You can pay by cash with exact change, or on the MuniMobile app. For more information about transportation in San Francisco, check out our helpful article about getting around San Francisco !

If you’re staying by the Embarcadero, the F trolley is your only public transportation option to get to Pier 33. If you are staying by Union Square, you can take the 8 MUNI bus. It takes around 24 minutes, and costs $3.

By Car/Uber:

It takes 10 minutes to drive from Union Square to Pier 33 and around 5 minutes or less to drive from Embarcadero. Since parking is next to impossible near the piers, if you need to drive, we suggest taking Lyft, Uber, or a taxi. With all 3 options, the one-way fare for a standard car fitting 3-4 passengers is likely between $10 and $12.

It takes less than 10 minutes to bike from both Union Square and the Embarcadero area to Pier 33. There are bike rentals all over the city, including handy electric bikes. Bay Wheels, an e-bike sharing program managed by Lyft, offers bike rentals through the Lyft app. For single rides, you will be charged an unlock fee of $3 and charged 30 cents a minute. So, a 10-minute bike ride would about cost $6. Despite being a difficult area to park in, there are frequently a lot of cars and traffic in this area, so watch out for cars if you are biking!

If you are staying near Union Square or the Embarcadero, it might be easiest to simply walk to Pier 33 to catch the ferry if you and everyone in your group is up for a walk. Walking from the Embarcadero Area will take around 15-20 minutes, depending on which hotel you are staying in, and walking from Union Square will take around 30 minutes.

What to See and Do on the Island

Throughout your exploration of the buildings left standing on Alcatraz, you’ll find hundreds of photographs and memorabilia from the time of its use. Some areas are off limits to tourists as they are unstable from neglect. The walkways are also quite steep in some areas, so wear sturdy shoes!

• The cellhouse and infamous escape room
• The gardens
• The courtyard or playground
• View of the bay and the city

Alcatraz Island Tours

A trip to Alcatraz Island is only possible by purchasing a ferry ticket to the island. The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the island, so you’ll find park guides available to help you explore the island. It’s a mostly self-guided tour, but there are also several tour options available throughout the day.

The most popular tour option is the Alcatraz day tour, but there are also night tours, behind-the-scenes tours, and combination tours with Angel Island and Alcatraz Island.

Since it’s extremely difficult to get tickets during peak tourist months, booking a combination tour with a local guide is a popular option. Most tourists prefer booking both Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge to see both of the top San Francisco attractions in one day.

Facts and History of Alcatraz

To get you excited about your trip to Alcatraz, here are some interesting facts about the history of Alcatraz from authors and eyewitnesses mentioned in our other article here .

• Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary housed prisoners during the Civil War.
• The army left Alcatraz in 1934, but it was only empty for a few weeks before the Bureau of Prisons put the most dangerous criminals here.
• Most of the criminals at Alcatraz had committed violent crimes or tried to escape their previous prisons.
• Famous Alcatraz inmates included Al Capone (for tax evasion) and “Machine Gun” Kelly (not the singer) convicted of kidnapping.
• Although the prison took up most of the island, there were also barracks, apartments, and a recreation hall, and at least 60 families with children lived there full time.
• The families who lived there called it  “the poor man’s Hawaii.”
• In 1972, the island became a part of the National Park Service, and it has been home to beautiful gardens since 2003.
• Currently, many species of animals call the island home, such as salamanders and cormorants.
• It’s referred to as “The Rock” because it is made up of mostly rock, and dirt was hauled in to make it livable.
• So far, it has appeared in 10 movies and TV shows, including the 2010 movies The Book of Eli and the 2006 movie X-Men: The Last Stand .

Where To Stay in San Francisco

Make the most of your visit to San Francisco by choosing to stay in the best neighborhoods for seeing all this iconic city has to offer. You’ll love our hotel recommendations.

About Jessica Nemire

Jessica Nemire has been writing about about travel since 2011. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 2016 with a BA in journalism. She loves the ocean, Mission District burritos, and amazing sunsets.

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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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Don't Miss These Great San Francisco Attractions

San Francisco Bay Cruises

Visitor Guide to Pier 39, San Francisco

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

10 Things To Know When Planning A Visit To Alcatraz

Sharon Odegaard

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• San Francisco
• United States

Alcatraz Island sits so close to the city of San Francisco that it’s as if it’s beckoning to you to visit. It’s visible from all along the wharf and from the high hills of the city, and it’s sure to pique your curiosity.

You’ve likely heard of its reputation as a maximum-security prison, but the island is more than old buildings with barred windows. Alcatraz provides hours of fascinating sights. And the boat ride there, with its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, makes the trip worthwhile before you even set foot on the island.

Tours of Alcatraz have grown in popularity, and you will want to book ahead to ensure you get a spot.

Here are 10 things to know before you go to ensure you enjoy your visit to the fullest.

1. Be Sure To Book Ahead

If you postpone making a tour reservation until the week you are visiting San Francisco, you may be disappointed. Book at least a few weeks in advance, if possible — you can order tickets up to three months in advance. Only one company, Alcatraz Cruises , sells tickets for island tours. Go online and choose a day tour, night tour, or behind-the-scenes tour. Your ticket will be for a specific time. Boats depart until mid-afternoon, so even the last boat of the day will allow for plenty of time to tour Alcatraz.

Some sites sell bay cruise tickets that include “seeing” Alcatraz from the boat, but not landing there. Be sure to book through the official site if you want to do more than a sail-by.

2. Wear Layers And Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be walking up steep hills and old steps, so wear flat-soled shoes. I wore tennis shoes that were nicely cushioned, which turned out to be perfect for the somewhat uneven paths and worn stairways.

San Francisco can be chilly even in the summer, and fog and rain are common. A windbreaker jacket is a good idea at any time of year. Dress in layers if the weather is iffy.

3. Arrive Early For Boarding At Pier 33

It’s tour day! With your pre-purchased timed ticket in hand, head for Pier 33 about a half-hour early to check in. The numbered piers on the wharf begin at the Ferry Building and go in order toward the popular Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf just beyond. You’ll have no trouble finding Pier 33.

Board the boat at your assigned time and settle in for a lovely 20-minute cruise with views of the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the city of San Francisco. Little white sailboats dot the water. It’s quite a picturesque ride.

4. Pick Up An Audio Tour At The Cell Block

Disembark at the dock, right next to the iconic guard tower. Listen to the brief orientation talk given by a National Park Service guide, then head up a hill to the main attraction of your tour: the prison cell blocks. Alcatraz is best known for its years as a federal prison (from 1934 to 1963), though in earlier years it served as a fort.

Enter the main building, just as the prisoners did. When a prisoner arrived, clothes were issued, along with shaving equipment and other basics. The receiving area is set up to show you how this looked. Move through the communal shower area to pick up an audio tour in your language.

I often pass on audio tours, since they can be more cumbersome and distracting than helpful, but at Alcatraz, the audio guide will tell you exactly how to navigate the large building. Hearing the stories told by guards and prisoners will enrich your experience of Alcatraz.

5. You Can Experience A Jail Cell

At Alcatraz, you can go inside a few of the cells and get a good feel for life behind bars. Look out at your fellow tourists wandering the hallways at leisure and envy them.

When I first visited Alcatraz, a guide would shut the door of the solitary confinement cell, leaving you in total silence and darkness. That’s no longer an option — I’m guessing it was too frightening! But it’s still a remarkable experience to stand in the place where prisoners spent months and years and imagine their lives.

6. The Island Has Its Own Lighthouse

After hearing the stories of the prisoners and guards and wandering up and down the cell blocks, you’ll emerge from the main prison building, and right in front of you you’ll see a tall lighthouse. Built in 1854 at the tip of the island, the lighthouse burned in 1970, but most of it survived, and it is operational today.

The shell of a large house next to the lighthouse, with its prime view of the city, once housed the warden and his family. It also burned in 1970, but in its heyday it was a mansion surrounded by ornamental gardens.

7. Look For Signs Of The Native American Occupation

A water tower rises above the north end of the island, and it tells of another era in the history of Alcatraz. Native American activists from San Francisco occupied the island for 19 months starting in 1969. They claimed the land for “Indians of All Tribes” (the name the occupiers gave themselves). When the last occupiers were removed from the island by government officials, graffiti on some of the buildings as well as on the water tower remained: It now reads Peace and Freedom .

8. The National Park Service Tour Is Worth It

Alcatraz Island is now maintained and run by the National Park Service , which offers informative free tours throughout the day. Check the schedule of tours when you arrive at the dock.

I took the tour on escapes from Alcatraz and learned about the cell area where one escape attempt happened. The guide explained the differences between bar shapes and which were easier to saw through. I ended up returning to the cell blocks to study the bars and cells: Some bars were flat, and others were rounded. Details like that are what make the National Park Service tours so interesting.

9. The Old Officers’ Club Has Quite A History

Take a few minutes to examine the large ruined building just above the dock. This was at one time the Post Exchange and Officers’ Club. It’s mind-boggling that during its time as a federal prison, Alcatraz also housed the families of the prison officials in close proximity to the prisoners.

Those who were raised on Alcatraz remember the Officers’ Club fondly, recalling that they were almost unaware of the prison that stood a few yards away. The club featured a soda fountain and a bowling alley, and dances and parties regularly took place there. The children hopped on a boat to San Francisco for school each weekday.

10. Plan To Bring Your Own Food

I spent about four hours on Alcatraz. There’s plenty to see in that much time, but I was there at lunchtime, and I got hungry. No food is sold on the island, but you can pack snacks or a lunch, and I was so glad I did. Visitors are only allowed to eat in the picnic area beside the dock, which sounds restrictive. But there is a good reason for this. The island is a bird sanctuary and nesting site. The mission of the National Park Service is finding a balance between the high volume of visitation and the impact on the island’s wildlife. And sitting on a picnic bench, gazing at the skyline of San Francisco while munching on a deli sandwich is a great experience. You just need to plan ahead.

A day tour of Alcatraz will live in your memory for a long time. Stand on the island with the prison looming ominously above and sailboats gliding peacefully on the water below. You’ll find yourself imagining what life behind bars here was like, knowing that beauty and freedom were tantalizingly close but just out of reach.

More on the City by the Bay:

How To Spend An Amazing Day In San Francisco

12 Amazing Hidden Gems In San Francisco

9 Interesting Things To Know About San Francisco’s Columbus Tower

8 Totally Free Things To Do In San Francisco

9 Tips For Riding Cable Cars In San Francisco

Visiting San Francisco’s Marin Headlands: 9 Things To Know

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

Visiting Alcatraz: How to do it right and get the most from your trip

By: Author Ginny Vail

Posted on Published: 13 Feb 2024  - Last updated: 27 Feb 2024

Visiting Alcatraz is one of the top things to do in San Francisco. The tour includes the Alcatraz Ferry to the island, the infamous prison audio tour, and more.

The island has so much to offer, it’s little wonder that visiting Alcatraz is a top San Francisco attraction . The infamous former federal penitentiary is on an island in San Francisco Bay, so the tour includes a short ferry ride with great views of the bay and city skyline. It also includes an excellent audio tour of the Alcatraz prison cellhouse, exhibits, and talks and tours led by National Park staff.

Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is operated by the National Park Service. In normal times, more than 1.7 million people visit Alcatraz each year.

When planning your visit to San Francisco, you can find more great sights in our San Francisco Itinerary article.

Here’s what’s in this article:

• About visiting Alcatraz
• Getting  tickets to Alcatraz
• Ticket types: Day Tour , Behind the Scenes Tour , Night Tour
• Getting to Alcatraz Landing (at Pier 33) to catch the ferry
• Ferry to Alcatraz Island
• About the cellhouse audio tour
• Brief mention of the great escape , famous inmates , and ghosts

Best time to go

• Bits of history
• Good things to know about an Alcatraz visit

About Visiting Alcatraz

A National Park Ranger meets each arriving ferry to welcome visitors to the island and to provide a brief orientation and review the day’s program schedule. In addition to the great cellhouse tour, there are permanent and temporary exhibits, ranger led walks and talks, a trail to take, gardens to see, and lots of interpretive signs around the island.

Although Alcatraz is open every day except for three major holidays, getting to and from the island depends on the ferry schedule, and it varies. Tickets are timed and coincide with a ferry going to the island. Once on the island, you can stay as long as you wish, just check the ferry schedule posted on the dock, and make sure you don’t miss the last boat back to Pier 33.

Days and hours open: Alcatraz is open from 10am to 8pm every day of the year except for three holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Time needed to visit: Allow about 3 hours for the ferry ride and Cellhouse Audio tour. Allow more if you also take the Behind the Scenes and/or Night Tour. Location: The tour begins (and ends) at Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero.

Tickets to Alcatraz

Purchase your tickets early because they often sell out days in advance. This is especially true during the summer months and holidays. The tickets are timed and dated.

Buy tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises . It’s the only concessioner authorized by the National Park Service . The price of the ticket is specifically for the ferry and the cellhouse audio tour. The National Park Service does not have an entry fee for the island.

There are three types of Alcatraz tickets and they all include the ferry to/from the island and the self-guided Cellhouse Audio Tour. The Behind the Scenes Tour and Night Tour are currently offered Tuesday through Saturday. Here are more details about each of the three ticket types:

What you get:  Access to all open parts of the island, the theatre, and exhibits and the self-guided Cellhouse Audio Tour. Time needed:  Most people spend about 3-hours (including the ferry), but you can spend all day if you wish, just don’t miss the last ferry back. Currently Offered: Daily

Behind the Scenes Tour

What you get:  This is a small group guided tour through parts of the island not normally open to visitors. It includes some underground locations that were created by the Fort Alcatraz military in the 1800s. The Behind the Scenes ticket also includes the night tour and the self-guided Cellhouse Audio Tour. Time needed: My recent Behind the Scenes Tour took 2.5 hours just for the tour. We boarded the 2:45p ferry from Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) and joined our guide on the Alcatraz dock at 3p. We finished the tour at 5:30p. If you also take the included Night Tour, allow 5 hours, and if you take the included Cell Block Audio Tour too, make it 6 hours. That should cover all tours and the ferry in both directions. Currently Offered: Tuesday through Saturday afternoons

A bit more about the Behind the Scenes Tour:

We walked from the dock up to the cell house and along the way stopped at several locations while our guide (Jim) shared historical details and stories about the locations and people. Jim has worked on the island for several years and had a lot of interesting stories to share.

Part way up the hill, we went through an underground tunnel that was built by the military on Fort Alcatraz and used to move munitions to gun placements. Alcatraz Island became Fort Alcatraz in the 1850s as part of the Triangle of Defense guarding San Francisco Bay.

At the top of the hill, we entered the cell block and went down a flight of stairs to an old underground jail. This was the Fort Alcatraz jail and was used for conscientious objectors and other men who would not follow orders. This area is now called the dungeon and the conditions were appalling: no bed, no bedding, no toilet, and not much food.

Alcatraz Night Tour

What you get:  A guided (Ranger or educator led) tour from the dock to the Cellhouse, and after the self-guided Cellhouse Audio Tour, a guided tour back to the dock. Time needed:  3-hours, including the ferry Currently Offered: Tuesday through Saturday afternoons

I’ve not taken the Night Tour, but I can certainly appreciate why it’s so popular. In addition to the Cell House Audio Tour and a variety of short talks and demonstrations, the Night Tour has these advantages:

• you get a more complete view of the entire island because the ferry circles Alcatraz Island before docking.
• you get an unobstructed view of the city skyline and might see the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge.
• the night tours are limited to a few hundred people, so the island is much less crowded.

Getting to Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) and Alcatraz Island

When you book your ticket(s), you select a specific date and time, and that’s the date and time your ferry leaves Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) and heads to Alcatraz Island. Here are three options for getting to Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 and a map with locations pinned:

Getting to Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33)

• Public Transit:  Take a historic F-Market & Wharves Streetcar. It stops on the Embarcadero at Bay Street, nearly in front of Pier 33. It’s my favorite way to get there.
• Walking:  If you’re in the vicinity of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, it’s an easy walk. It’s only about 1,700-feet (524 m) from Pier 39 to Pier 33.
• Parking near Pier 33: The Waterfront Plaza Parking Garage is the closest, and it’s open daily. It’s located at 80 Francisco Street. Check the Parkopedia website for times, prices, and reservations.

Alcatraz Landing and Island Map

Click the map image below to go to the expandable, interactive Google Map with pins for Alcatraz Landing, Alcatraz Island and other nearby sights and places of interest. The pins have brief descriptions.

Alcatraz Ferries

The ferry takes about 15-minutes to get from Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) to Alcatraz Island. Once on the island, you can get back to Pier 33 on any ferry departing the island. Check the schedule posted at the dock, so you don’t miss the last ferry of the day.

Ferry tips: On my most recent visit, the last Day Tour ferry left Alcatraz at 4:25pm. For the Night Tour, there is one ferry to and from the island.

Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour

Tip: It’s a ¼ mile (0.4 km) uphill walk from the boat dock to the cellhouse. Visitors with limited mobility are welcome to take the free Tram up and down the hill.

The excellent 30-minute audio tour guides you through the cellhouse and features former prisoners and guards telling their stories. It’s called  Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour . The audio tour is available in these 10 languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Download the National Park Service App

You can have more information about Alcatraz literally at your fingertips, if you Download the National Park Service App onto your smartphone. Search the app for Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and then select Alcatraz Island from the list of GGNRA locations. You’ll find descriptions and location information for 14 sights on the island.

Alcatraz Famous Inmates

Alcatraz was a maximum-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963. Among the 1,545 men sent there, a few were famous: Al “Scarface” Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Arthur “Doc” Barker, Alvin “Creepy Karpis” Karpavicz, Robert “The Birdman” Stroud, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, and Meyer “Mickey” Cohen.

Alcatraz Escape Attempts

There were several attempted escapes but only one that may have been successful. In 1962, three men, Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers tunneled out of their cells and slipped into the bay in a makeshift raft. They were never seen again, and their bodies were never found.

On the cell block tour, you’ll learn how Morris and the Anglin Brothers dug their tunnels and fooled the guards into believing they were asleep in their cells. Stay tuned for more: recent facial-recognition technology may have solved the case.

In the 1979 film,  Escape from Alcatraz , Clint Eastwood plays Frank Morris.

Is Alcatraz Haunted; Are There Ghosts?

There are reports of people hearing crying or moaning coming from the empty cells. It’s also claimed that a prisoner in Cell 14D died after screaming that he was being killed by a ghost. Some visitors have also claimed they felt extreme coldness after visiting Cell 14D. So, maybe there are ghosts on Alcatraz, or maybe it’s just the cold wind blowing through the cellhouse.

Weather-wise, mid-September through mid-November is best. The summer fog (nature’s air conditioner) doesn’t roll in as often and the winter rains haven’t yet started. The rest of the year, the weather is mixed: there are often gorgeous, sunny days in winter and spring, and summer days can quickly turn chilly if the fog rolls in. Dressing in layers is always a good idea in San Francisco.

Is it better to visit Alcatraz in the morning or afternoon? Early morning is best if you prefer to go when the island is less crowded. Midday is best if you prefer a warmer day and sunny skies. I took the photo below on the Agave Trail about 1pm in early December. It was a gorgeous sunny day with temperatures in the 60s.

Gardens on The Rock

Alcatraz is nicknamed  The Rock  for good reason: it’s a 225-acre rock. But beginning with the residents of Fort Alcatraz, people brought soil to the island and planted gardens. Now there are gardens scattered all over the island. Military families, and later prisoners and prison staff planted and tended them; now they are tended by volunteers.

Take the Agave Trail between the dock and the Parade Ground to see the Agave Garden and great views of the Island and bay.

Bits of Alcatraz History

• 1775: While mapping San Francisco Bay, Spanish explorers, observe a small rocky island occupied by a colony of brown pelicans; they name the island Alcatraces (strange birds). Overtime, the name was anglicized to Alcatraz. You’ll likely see flocks of pelicans flying by during your visit, and they are strange looking birds.
• 1850: The island became Fort Alcatraz as part of the Triangle of Defense to guard San Francisco Bay. First it was a military fortification and later became a military prison.
• 1854: California’s first lighthouse was built on Alcatraz.
• 1934–1963: Alcatraz was a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
• 1969: Native Americans took over and occupied the island from late 1969 to mid 1971.
• 1972: Congress created the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which included Alcatraz.

Native American Occupation

Notice the red graffiti above the bookstore by the dock and also on the water tower. These are remnants of the Native American occupation of the island from late 1969 to mid 1971. The Indians hoped to build a university and cultural center on the island, but they were never able to raise enough money to do so.

More Things to Know About Visiting Alcatraz

• Do wear sturdy walking shoes. Walking surfaces are uneven.
• Do bring a jacket or sweatshirt. When the fog rolls in through the Golden Gate, it heads straight for Alcatraz.
• Don’t bring more stuff than you can carry. There are no lockers or storage facilities.
• Please don’t eat anywhere on the island except in the picnic area by the dock. You can bring your own food or buy snacks in the bookstore/gift shop.
• Wheelchairs are not available for loan or rent at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island.

Who would have imagined that a 19 th  century fort and an old prison would become such a popular place to visit? Perhaps it’s the combination of a rugged small island with an interesting history, and the ferry boat ride on San Francisco Bay. It’s a great way to spend half a day, and I hope you enjoy it.

For more ideas about things to do and see in San Francisco, visit these articles:

• Seven Unique San Francisco Neighborhoods to Visit
• 12 Best Parks and Gardens in San Francisco
• 15 Best Museums in San Francisco

About the Author

Ginny Vail is a travel writer who loves travel planning, sightseeing, photography, and videography. She’s visited all 50 states and traveled around the world. Her articles focus on discovering places to go, sights to see, and details about when and how to visit them.

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• Alcatraz - Sunday, August 18 Current Conditions: Overcast and 61°F Same-Day Tickets Available. -->
• Experience Alcatraz: The Day Tour , the Night Tour , or if you have 4-5 hours: the Behind The Scenes Tour - See areas of Alcatraz previously unavailable to the public. Open a hidden doorway, go through a secret tunnel, visit an underground jail.
• Weekend Alcatraz Tours often sell out days in advance. A suitable alternative to an Alcatraz Tour is the Bay Discovery Cruise , a 90-minute San Francisco Bay Cruise with an app-based audio tour available in 20 languages. Learn more.
• Mobile E-Ticket Check-in: Book your tour now. Save time, skip the long ticket line. Popular Alcatraz tour dates can sell out days or weeks in advance.

Visit the legendary island that has been a civil war fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries.

An engaging evening Alcatraz experience with special programs. The Complete Tour.

Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care . This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.  

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Visiting Alcatraz Island

What to know before you visit alcatraz island, frequently asked questions, purchasing tickets, customer service, alcatraz behind the scenes tour faq, 3rd party tickets, group tickets, alcatraz legends & lore, technical support, alcatraz island ticket breakdown, how accessible is alcatraz.

Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared for walking long distances uphill. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the Island is about 1/4 mile (.4 km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is equivalent to climbing a thirteen-story building.

Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz’s roads may take advantage of S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram — an electric shuttle that meets each scheduled arrival at the Alcatraz dock and transports visitors requiring mobility assistance from the dock to the prison building. S.E.A.T. returns visitors requiring mobility assistance from the prison building back to the dock at regular intervals throughout the day. Visitors requiring mobility assistance may be accompanied by one attendant in their party if space is available. Families with small children and strollers cannot be accommodated on S.E.A.T. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. The S.E.A.T. schedule is listed on the  Accessibility  page. The following areas are completely wheelchair accessible:

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

How are the tours different?

The Alcatraz Island Day Tour includes round-trip ferry transportation to the Island. If you purchase the Alcatraz Day Tour, you can stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you like up until the last Day Tour return ferry. Allow at least 2 ½ to 3 hours for sailing to the Island, exploring and returning to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. The trip over to Alcatraz Island is 12-15 minutes each way and is factored into the suggested time of 2 ½ to 3 hours. Most guests spend approximately 2-3 hours total for the duration of the trip and tour. Alcatraz Cruises’ return ferries leave Alcatraz Island roughly every half hour from the time of arrival. Please be sure to check the departure schedule  to ensure you are viewing the proper season’s departures and returns.

How much time should I allow for my visit?

You can stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you like if you choose the Day Tour. Allow at least 2 1/2 – 3 hours for sailing to the Island, exploring the island and returning to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. The trip over to Alcatraz Island is 12-15 minutes each way and is factored into the suggested time of 2 ½ – 3 hours.

If you choose the Night Tour, your total experience is only 2 -3 hours.

If you choose the Behind The Scenes Tour, the guided tour lasts 2 hours. If you choose to stay afterwards for the Night Tour program, the complete experience including round trip boat ride, lasts 4 – 5 hours.

What time do we come back from the island?

The return trips are listed on the  Departure Schedule  page and also posted at the Island dock. You can stay on Alcatraz Island as long as you like if you take the Day Tour because multiple ferries depart the Island each day.

The ride from Alcatraz Island to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is approximately 12-15 minutes. Boats are loaded on a first-come first-serve basis.

Where can I park?

Please Note: There is no parking on Pier 33.

On-Street Parking: On-street parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area can be hard to find, and nearly every space has a parking meter. Parking meters take nickels, dimes and quarters, and credit cards. Rates range from $.25 to $6.00 per hour. Parking meters in the area operate 7 days a week. Automobile break-ins are frequent in the area so please do not leave any valuables in your car. We recommend taking  public transportation  or being dropped off.

Commercial Parking Lots: There are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. The closest and most convenient lots are located at 55 Francisco Street and 80 Francisco Street. Automobile break-ins are frequent in the area so please do not leave any valuables in your car. Rates can be as high as $40-$60 per day for parking. We recommend taking public transportation or being dropped off.

For more information on parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area visit  Plan Your Trip: Parking .

Where do I pick up my tickets?

If you do not have tickets already when you arrive at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, you can check availability and purchase tickets at the Ticketbooth. If you have already purchased tickets, there is a separate line for visitors to pick up prepaid tickets (Will Call) at the Ticketbooth. Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is at the foot of Bay Street on the Embarcadero, between the intersections of Embarcadero & Bay Streets and Embarcadero & Sansome Streets. Please arrive one half hour prior to your departure time to check in. You must present valid government-issued photo identification, along with the credit card used to purchase the tickets. A photocopy of a passport suffices as valid photo identification.

What is the best time of year to visit the island?

To avoid crowds, schedule your visit during the first two weeks of November, the first two weeks of December and anytime during the winter months of January through March. To  experience the nicest weather , plan your Alcatraz visit for April-May or September-October. (Surprisingly, summer actually brings cold and foggy weather to San Francisco and the Island.)

What can I see and do on Alcatraz?

Accessible areas on the Island and Alcatraz Day Tour features include:

• The historic Alcatraz Cellhouse as well as the Cellhouse Audio Tour
• Eagle Plaza, Recreation Yard, Sally Port, Rose Garden
• Iconic views of the Cellhouse, Building 64, Water Tower, Warden’s House, Officer’s Club, and Gardens
• Native American Occupation era political messaging on the exterior of many Island buildings Scenic City and Bay Vistas
• Special access to “ Red Power  on Alcatraz: Perspective 50 Years Later” –an extensive exhibit telling the story of the 19-month Native American occupation of the Island on display in the New Industries Building.

What months are best for viewing nesting seabirds?

February through August. Nest building and egg laying occur in April and May, and chicks begin to hatch in mid-June. Visit the National Park Service’s  birds of Alcatraz .

How should I dress when visiting the island?

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and liable to change unexpectedly, so be prepared by bringing along a light jacket or sweater no matter how nice the day starts out. The best advice is always to dress in layers. Wear rain gear during wet winter months. (Rain gear is available for purchase at the Island’s bookstores.) Wear comfortable walking shoes with grip-type soles. Avoid wearing sandals, leather-soled shoes, high heels and open-toe shoes. Visit our  what to wear  page.

What waterbirds can I see on the island?

Western gulls are seen all over the Island. Along the West Road, Brandt’s Cormorants can easily be viewed. Snowy Egrets and Black Crowned Night Herons can also be seen from the West Road. Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemots, Canada Geese, Mallards and several species of songbirds are also seen on the Island. Visit the National Park Service’s  birds of Alcatraz .

Are minors under the age of 18 allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult?

No. Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult. An adult must be with them at all times while on their tour of Alcatraz Island. Children under the age of 18 who are visiting Alcatraz Island unaccompanied by an adult will be sent back to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing and no refunds will be given.

Can I bring luggage/coolers/oversized backpacks or packages to Alcatraz Island?

No. Luggage, coolers, oversized backpacks or packages are not allowed on Alcatraz Island due to safety concerns. The National Park Service and Alcatraz Cruises comply with Department of Homeland Security guidelines. Ferry departure and arrival points receive a great deal of scrutiny from the United States Coast Guard and are regulated as closely as airports. For this reason luggage, coolers and oversized backpacks and large packages are not allowed on Alcatraz Island. The maximum acceptable size for a backpack is 16” x 20”. There are no storage facilities in the Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing area. Alcatraz Cruises does not store luggage for ticketed passengers. There is luggage storage at the  California Welcome Center at PIER 39, located approximately 1/3 of a mile north of Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Please make arrangements for the storage of luggage and over-sized items prior to arriving at Alcatraz Landing. Ticketed passengers arriving at Alcatraz Landing with luggage, coolers, over-sized backpacks and packages may not be able to visit Alcatraz Island. Please note that we cannot offer refunds to visitors who miss their ferry because of their luggage or any oversized bags. Thank you for your cooperation in this regard.

What is the weapons policy on Alcatraz?

For more information on the park laws and policies please visit  https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm

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Alcatraz Island

How to avoid hours of queueing, visiting when it’s not packed by choosing the right days and hours. All our insiders tips and time schedules for Alcatraz Island!

Tips to avoid crowds

First of all, you have to know that Alcatraz will never be super crowded since they limit the number of people on the boats. So crowds are always pretty manageable, even though some periods will attract more crowds than others.

Tickets can sell out weeks in advance in high season, make sure you buy your tickets online . It will also avoid you some queuing at Pier 33 ticket booth (there is a separate line for visitors who have already purchased their tickets).

Once inside, the prison can be easily packed with visitors, preventing you from visiting comfortably. The Early Bird ticket from Alcatraz Cruises is probably the best option to avoid crowds when visiting the island. As it is the first Alcatraz trip of the day (departing at 8:45 AM), you will be able to get a head start on your visit and avoid the crowds that arrive later in the day.

Mondays to Thursdays are usually the best days to visit the island if you want to avoid peak crowds of tourists that prefer to visit the place during the weekend.

If your plan is to visit during the federal holiday weekend, be prepared for bigger crowds than usual, as you won’t be the only person with this idea in mind. That applies to most US public holidays.

The least crowded months are January, February and March. However, rain is very common during winter and early spring.

Fog is always a problem when you visit San Francisco and it can definitely ruin the view when you’re visiting Alcatraz. The climate there is unpredictable and can change suddenly. If you want nice weather for your visit, plan your trip in April-May or September-October. Surprisingly, summer months actually bring cold and fog to the island. So one of the best options might be to visit Alcatraz in September-October as there might be less people than during the summer and the weather will be even better. However, be aware that they are not the best months to admire nesting seabirds.

You can also consider the Night Tour as there are usually fewer people and the prison is much less crowded. In addition, the return trip to San Francisco at night offers an amazing view on the city with all the lights on. Just be aware that the Night Tour is more expensive than the Day Tour ($42.50 instead of $35.50) and only operates from Thursday to Monday (while the Day Tour is open daily).

Even though you’ve bought your online tickets, we recommend to arrive a bit before the departure, so that you can be among the first in the queue for the boat. You will then be able to seat on top and at the front of the boat if you want to admire the view of the Bay and the island when you’ll arrive. Or seat inside if the weather is bad and stay warm!

Alcatraz Tour Schedules

Departure Times

Early Bird / Day Tour: 8:45 AM, 9:10 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:10 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:20 PM, 3:50 PM

Night Tour: 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM

Behind the Scenes: 4:20 PM, 4:50 PM

Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour: 9:30 AM, 9:40 AM

Return Times

Early Bird / Day Tour: 9:55 AM, 10:25 AM, 10:55 AM, 11:25 AM, 11:55 AM, 12:25 PM, 12:55 PM, 1:25 PM, 1:55 PM, 2:35 PM, 3:10 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:15 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:15 PM, 5:55 PM, 6:30 PM

Night Tour: 8:40 PM, 9:25 PM

Behind the Scenes: 8:40 PM, 9:25 PM

You should allow 15 minutes to return to Pier 33 after departing from Alcatraz or 25 minutes from Angel Island.

Alcatraz Tour Prices

Early Bird / Day Tour

• Adult (18-61): $35.50
• Junior (12-17): $35.50
• Child (5-11): $21.75
• Senior (62+): $33.50
• Toddlers (0-4): Free
• Family Tickets (2 adults + 2 children): $107.50
• Adult (18-61): $42.50
• Junior (12-17): $41.50
• Child (5-11): $25.25
• Senior (62+): $39.50

Behind The Scenes

• Adult (18-61): $87.50
• Junior (12-17): $83.50
• Senior (62+): $81.50

Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour

• Adult (18-61): $69.25
• Junior (12-17): $69.25
• Child (5-11): $46.50
• Senior (62+): $67.25

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Alcatraz Island tours – tickets, prices, discounts, ferry timings, duration

Alcatraz Island is a small island in San Francisco Bay, California, USA.

The island is best known for its former prison, which operated from 1934 to 1963 and housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

In addition to its history as a federal prison, Alcatraz Island has been used for military purposes, as a lighthouse station, and as a site for Native American activism.

More than one million tourists book an Alcatraz tour and visit Alcatraz Island annually.

The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

This article covers everything you must know before buying an Alcatraz Island ticket.

Top Tickets

# Tickets for San Francisco: Alcatraz + 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus # Alcatraz Inside Tour with Bay Cruise

Table of contents

Where is alcatraz.

Alcatraz is a rocky island 2 km (1.5 miles) from the San Francisco shore. ( Get Directions )

This island occupies 22 acres (9 hectares).

Can you visit Alcatraz?

Yes, the Alcatraz prison and island grounds are open to the public.

Tourists can plan to visit Alcatraz any day of the year except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day – the three days it is closed.

All you need to do is book an Alcatraz island tour.

What to expect at Alcatraz

Take the ferry ride starting from the famous PIER 39 and immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline en route to Alcatraz island.

Dive deep into the rich history of the notorious Alcatraz Penitentiary, where infamous criminals like Al Capone were once held.

Step into the cells that once housed some of America’s most notorious criminals and feel the chilling atmosphere of “The Rock.”

Engage in the award-winning audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards, providing a gripping narrative of daily life behind bars.

Explore the prison’s iconic features, including the ominous Cell Block D and the haunting exercise yard with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Listen to the captivating tales of escape attempts and prison life as you traverse the cold, echoing corridors.

Beyond the penitentiary, discover the island’s natural beauty, featuring diverse wildlife, gardens, and stunning vistas

Where to book tickets

Tickets for San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour  are available online and at the tour agency office.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

Because the Inside Alcatraz experience sells limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Visit the ticket  booking page for San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour  , select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

You will show your smartphone tickets to your tour guide, who will then give you the Alcatraz Island tickets.

Please carry a valid ID with you.

Alcatraz Island ticket price

For San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise , the general ticket for all ages above 12, costs US$135.

Children aged between five and 11 get a US$10 discount and can participate in the tour for US$125.

Kids under five years old are not charged any fee.

For Tickets for San Francisco: Alcatraz + 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus , the general ticket for all ages is priced at US$120.

Alcatraz Island tickets

This ticket is the most popular way to explore Alcatraz Island and the penitentiary.

This ticket covers:

• Round-trip Ferry transportation from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• The on-board narration during the round-trip ferry ride
• The Cell House audio guide
• The tour of the prison (using the audio guide)
• Other programs and exhibits going on in Alcatraz
• Passage under the Golden Gate Bridge during the San Francisco Bat Tour.

This tour will last for four hours and is accessible to wheelchair users.

Ticket Prices

Adult ticket (12+ years): US$135

Child ticket (5-11 years): US$125

Kids up to four years old can participate for free.

Tickets for San Francisco: Alcatraz + 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

This ticket provides you with a round trip to access to and from Alcatraz Islands and its exhibits via a ferry.

You will have an audio guide at Alcatraz, but not the Cell House Audio tape that has a running commentary from Alcatraz inmates.

You will also have two-day access to a Hop-on-Hop-Off bus tour of San Francisco that loops around attractions such as Lombard Street, Haight Street, Embracadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Bridge, among 15 other stops.

You will have an audio commentary on the bus in a language of your choice.

The Hop-on-Hop-off tours run every day from 10 am to 5 pm, with buses departing every 60 minutes.

You will also get a Chinatown guided walking tour and have the option to pick from a half-day bike rental tour or USS Pampanito

Ticket Price (All ages): US$120

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Alcatraz combo tours

Combo tickets help you save a lot of money and time by pairing up tickets to attractions that are relatively close by at a highly discounted price

Every day, a limited number of Alcatraz tour tickets get allotted to tour operators in San Francisco to be sold as Alcatraz combo tours.

Below, we share our favorite combo tours, including a visit to Alcatraz Island.

Or you can see all the  available Alcatraz tours .

Since even Alcatraz combination tickets get sold off fast, it isn’t easy to get your preferred dates.

You may have to search for a suitable Alcatraz combination tour with your preferred dates available.

Can’t afford so much? Try this tour, where you  cruise around Alcatraz Island for 90 minutes for only US$47 per person.

If these combo tours didn’t excite you, check out these time-tested tricks to buy  Alcatraz tickets last minute .

How to reach Alcatraz Cruises

Alcatraz Island tour ferries depart from and return to Pier 33, also known as Alcatraz Landing .

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is along San Francisco’s northern waterfront promenade, also known as The Embarcadero.

Pier 33 is near the intersections of Sansome Street, The Embarcadero, Bay Street, and Embarcadero.

It is just 400 meters (a quarter of a mile) from Fisherman’s Wharf .

The Alcatraz Landing area at Pier 33 includes the Ticket booth, waiting, and boarding areas.

How to reach Pier 33

You can use BART or MUNI to get to the Pier 33, two mini-bus and light-rail mass transportation services in San Francisco.

North Point St & Kearny St bus stop is just a three-minute walk away.

Powell St & North Point St is a ten-minute walk away.

Bay St. and Midway St. bus stop is a six-minute walk away.

LOWL bus lines stop near the Pier.

By Cable Car

The MUNI F line stops at The Embarcadero & Stockton St , a one-minute walk from the pier.

All odd-number piers on San Francisco’s waterfront are north of the city’s famous Ferry Building , at the foot of Market Street, and all the even-numbered piers are south of the Ferry Building. 

Many tourists don’t realize this and land up at Piers 30, 32, or 34, which are miles from the spot from where they must board the Alcatraz Island ferry.

Cars for rent and Taxis for hire are easily available in San Francisco.

Put on Google Maps to navigate to Pier 33.

If you plan to board an Alcatraz ferry to the Island, we don’t recommend driving to Pier 33.

Parking is difficult to find and very expensive in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, especially in the summer and spring months.

You may miss your scheduled departure if you don’t find parking in time.

It is better to get dropped off at Pier 33 or take public transport.

A list of parking spots can be found here.

Alcatraz tour times

Alcatraz Island opens for tourists as early as 8.45 am.

The first ferry of the day is the ‘Early Bird Tour,’ which is available for booking throughout the year.

The rest of the Alcatraz tour timings change with the season.

Ferry timings in Summer

Ferry timings in winter.

Alcatraz & Angel Island Combo tour happens at 9.30 am all through the year.

Best time to visit Alcatraz Island

Early morning is the best time to visit Alcatraz – if you get the ‘Early Bird Alcatraz ticket’ and board the ferry departing Pier 33 at 8.45 am, you can avoid the crowd that comes in later.

The next best time to visit Alcatraz Island is 6 pm in the summer and 4 pm in winter – on the night tour ferry.

Only some people opt for the night tour of Alcatraz Island , making it seem personalized.

As a bonus, you will see amazing views of a lit-up San Francisco skyline when you return from the Island.

Mondays to Thursdays are the best days to visit the island because weekends get crowded.

Best month(s) to visit

The late winter months of January, February, and March see the least crowd at Alcatraz.

The weather is less pleasant than expected, and there is always a threat of rain.

However, since the ferries have covered seating, rains don’t affect the travel to Alcatraz Island.

If you want to avoid the crowd and prefer good weather, look at September and October at the latest.

Note:  San Francisco weather is unpredictable. It can get sunny, foggy, or chilly at an hour’s notice, so it is better to dress in layers.

How long does a tour of Alcatraz take?

The Alcatraz Island day tour includes the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, the Cell House audio tour, the optional exhibits, and the ferry ride back, all of which take approximately three hours.

The ferry rides take 12-15 minutes each way, allowing for two and a half hours on the island.

If you love history, like to get into the details, and prefer to take many photographs, you can easily spend four to five hours exploring Alcatraz.

Here are the three factors which impact the duration of Alcatraz tours most:

• Once you get down at Alcatraz Island, a steep 400 meters (1312 feet) climb takes you to the Cell House. This elevation change is 40 meters (130 feet). Some visitors prefer to rest in between, while others manage this distance faster.
• While some tourists stop to catch their breath, others stop for the breathtaking view during this climb. The sights are so alluring that many tourists take it easy and spend extra time.
• The Cell House audio tour at Alcatraz is 45 minutes long. However, you can pause it at regular intervals and pace your exploration.

Alcatraz night tours also tend to take three hours.

Save up to 45% on ticket prices of the top 25 attractions in San Francisco. To save time and money during your SFO holiday, buy San Francisco’s Go Card

Map of Alcatraz Island

During your visit, it will help to have the Alcatraz Island map.

Even though you are not likely to get lost, you will know where the facilities are, where the Agave trail is, where the bird-watching space is, etc.

We recommend you save this map (pdf) on your mobile or bookmark this page to return to it later.

What to wear for the Alcatraz tour

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and subject to change at short notice.

However bright the day begins, dress up in layers and bring a light jacket or sweater.

Once you reach Alcatraz Island, you must climb 400 meters (1312 feet) to the Cell House.

While exploring the San Francisco attraction, you will also get exposed to stairways and gravel walkways, so wearing comfortable and covered walking shoes is an absolute must.

It is better to avoid sandals, high heels, and open-toe shoes.

The sunlight reflecting off the bay’s surface can be dangerously bright on the water and the island. We highly recommend sunglasses and sunblock.

Rain is a high possibility if you are visiting during winter and early spring.

Alcatraz audio tour

The Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour is at the core of the Alcatraz experience and is included with every Alcatraz ticket. 

Visitors can tour the Cellhouse at their own pace with the award-winning audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.”

The 45-minute-long tour introduces four former Alcatraz officers and four former inmates, who narrate the tour.

You will be shown a photograph of each man in one of the first prison cells, with a short biography, and having a face to each personality adds that extra zip to the narration.

This audio tour also covers escape attempts, the Battle of ’46, food riots at the jail, how the prisoners survived solitary confinement, etc.

Besides English, the Cell House audio tour is available in ten other languages. 

You can use the traditional audio tour equipment provided at the attraction or download the mobile app on your device (bring your earbuds). 

You can check out a sample of the Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour  here .

Alcatraz tickets FAQs

Tourists have a lot of questions before they buy their Alcatraz Island tickets.

Should Alcatraz tours be booked in advance?

Tickets to Alcatraz Island can sell out much in advance. Please secure your tickets on the Alcatraz ferry as soon as you finalize the plan.

Alcatraz tickets get sold out 75 days in advance during the peak summer months.

During the months with moderate tourist activity (September and October), Alcatraz tour tickets get booked 45 to 50 days in advance.

Where is the Alcatraz Cruises ticket booth?

Alcatraz ticket booth is at  Pier 33 , The Embarcadero, San Francisco.

The office is open seven days a week from 7.30 am to 5 pm Pacific Time.

Where to buy Alcatraz Island tickets?

You can buy the tickets at Pier 33, but we recommend buying tickets online to avoid hassle and last-minute disappointment.

When Alcatraz tickets are all sold out, how to book an Alcatraz Island tour?

Alcatraz tickets get sold out very fast from the official website.

If you are searching for Alcatraz tickets at the last minute, your only option is to  book a combo tour , which includes a ferry ride to the Alcatraz prison island and back

Can we buy same-day Alcatraz tickets?

Every day, guests can purchase a limited number of same-day Alcatraz tour tickets from the Alcatraz City Cruises ticket office at Pier 33.

The authorities sell it to the tourists on a first-come, first-served basis, so you may have to line up at 5 am. 

We suggest  Alcatraz Combo tours  instead.

What is the Alcatraz haunted tour?

The  Alcatraz Night Tour  is also often called the Alcatraz Haunted Tour.

This is because the guides who lead the Alcatraz night tour use the darkness and fewer visitors at night to create a ‘haunted’ experience.

Can I cancel Alcatraz tickets?

Wherever you buy your Alcatraz tour tickets from, there is no refund. There will be no compensation for no-shows as well.

Does the Alcatraz ticket include the ferry?

Yes, all Alcatraz tickets include the full experience – ferry transportation both ways, access to the Alcatraz prison on the Island, and the Cell House audio tour.

What are Alcatraz boat tickets?

Alcatraz tour tickets are sometimes referred to as ‘Alcatraz boat tickets’ because they include the ferry to Alcatraz Island and back.

Sources # Alcatrazislandtickets.com # Tripadvisor.com # Alcatraztoursf.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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• Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers

Want to make the most of your 24 hours in San Francisco?

You’ve landed at the right spot! In this article, I have curated a concentrated itinerary based on my many trips to this Californian city. Just a step down from full-on living there, I dated an SF local long enough to form a solid lay of the Bay Area land. 

While San Francisco itself is not particularly large, the Bay Area is, and the many neighborhoods within SF can prove overwhelming. One day in San Francisco will not be enough time, but you can still see the highlights and get a feel for the city. 

So, let me take you on a city tour covering the famous landmarks you can’t miss, including a sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge and the history of Alcatraz Island. I’ll also include extra recommendations for those with a little more time on their hands, along with travel information to help your trip planning.

Sample One Day in San Francisco Itinerary

So, here’s everything you need for a jam-packed day trip itinerary, all in one scroll.

Travel Tip!  Parking is just abysmal. If you opt for public transportation, be ready for things to take a bit longer, even though they have awesome public transport. 

• Start your day with a  sunrise view at the Golden Gate Bridge
• Visit the  Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field.
• Walk down  Lombard Street,  the “Crookedest Street in the World.”
• Take in the  view from Coit Tower.
• Head to  Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39  for a (somewhat overpriced) meal looking out onto the water.
• Will take a large chunk of time:  Depart for  Alcatraz Island;  take a guided tour of the former prison and its grounds.

Late Afternoon:

• Arrive back onto the mainland for a  cable car ride to Union Square.
• Gasp for breath on the hills of  Chinatown and eat Dimsum  or do  tacos in the Missions District.
• End the day with a nightcap at a rooftop bar with views of the city skyline, the LGBTQ-friendly Castro neighborhood, or a rave at Bill Graham Civic Center.

Recommended hotel options for the night :

• Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel at Embarcadero (Union Square)
• Mid-range: Hotel Zephyr (Fisherman’s Wharf)
• Budget:  Cow Hollow Inn and Suites (Marina District)

Yes, it’s a full day. 

Personally, I thought visiting Alcatraz was totally worth it, but if you’d rather stay on the mainland, then you can swap it with Golden Gate Park and Haight-Ashbury Street instead.

Quick Facts to Visiting San Francisco

We’ve all seen pictures of those crazy steep streets in San Francisco. With 43 hills and 220 parks, SF is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, bustling Chinatown, and those cool red cable cars.

Coming from the California Gold Rush and through the memories of the Summer of Love, this city is now a thriving hub for innovation. The city attracts lots of tech bros, hipsters, and a wonderfully diverse international crowd.

What to Do in San Francisco in One Day

Sunrise at the golden gate bridge.

Wake up early, like real early. I mean the ‘get ready to catch the sunrise’ kind of early. You’ll want to watch as this iconic bridge lights up with hues of orange and pink and pray that the fog is at bay. 

Located at the mouth of San Francisco Bay, the bridge is open 24/7, and the most popular spots include Battery Spencer (for a front-and-center view), Crissy Field (if you fancy a morning jog with a view), and Fort Point (for a unique, underneath-the-bridge perspective). 

You can also walk or cycle across the bridge, but it does stretch for a whopping 1.7 miles.

Not everyone may be into waking up for the sunrise, but here are a couple of perks: free parking until 8 am, and if you come later, it can get very crowded.

Pro Tip : The weather here can be quite unpredictable, often chilly and foggy, even in the middle of summer.

The Palace of Fine Arts

After watching the sunrise at the Golden Gate Bridge, head over to the Palace of Fine Arts. This stunning architecture was built in 1915 and survived two major earthquakes. 

Once you enter its rotunda, be ready to be blown away by the grandeur of its Roman-style dome and intricate sculptural details. 

The nearby residential buildings are some of the most expensive in SF, so take a walk around to see how the other half lives.

Crissy Field

From there, walk along Crissy Field, a former airfield transformed into a park with views of the bridge and the bay. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely morning stroll or a cycle ride along the beach.

Side Trip:  I once went to House of Air, a trampoline park on the west end of Crissy Field. They’ve got different sections, like a room full of trampolines, a trampoline dodgeball area, and parkour obstacles. It was so much fun!

Lombard Street

Next up, drive 10 minutes or walk for 40 minutes to the one and only Lombard Street, known far and wide as the “Crookedest Street in the World.” This quirky street is a part of many classic SF postcards. Its eight sharp turns are set against a steep hillside, flanked by beautiful Victorian mansions and blooming hydrangeas.

Located between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, this block is often swarmed with tourists taking pictures and cars slowly driving down. 

Since 2020 , you need to pay and make reservations to drive down this one-way street. But you can always walk it up for free. Climb up the stairs on either side of the street for an even better vista, especially when it’s clear, and you can see Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid. 

Walk through the North Beach neighborhood to Coit Tower, a 210-foot landmark on Telegraph Hill, to some of the city’s best panoramic views and beyond. Built in 1933 at the bequest of Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify the city she loved, the tower is also a tribute to the city’s firefighters.

Inside the tower, admire the beautiful murals painted during the Great Depression, depicting various aspects of life in California during the 1930s. 

To reach the top of the tower, you can either brave the stairs or take a two-minute elevator ride (there is a  small fee  for both options). Once you’re up there, you get 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island.

Pro Tip : The area around the tower is a residential neighborhood with very limited parking. Also, make sure to spot the  wild parrots of Telegraph Hill , a flock of colorful and noisy birds that have made the area their home!

Afternoon: Alcatraz Island

Fisherman’s wharf and pier 39.

By now, you must be getting hungry. Head to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 for some delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, freshly shucked oysters, or crab from the many seafood vendors.

Walk along the pier to see cute sea lions basking in the sun and enjoy street performers while you work towards Pier 33 to catch your ferry to Alcatraz Island. 

Alcatraz Island

This infamous island was once home to a federal prison and housed notorious inmates like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The prison has been closed since 1963, and the island is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

Note!  Adding this attraction will take a large part of your San Francisco day trip itinerary.

To get to Alcatraz, you’ll need to take a ferry ride from Pier 33. Alcatraz Cruises is the official ferry provider, and it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance  here  because they sell out quickly, especially in the summer. The short journey on the Pacific Ocean passes bay views, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. 

The audio tour of the prison (included with your ferry ticket) is highly recommended. You’ll get a glimpse into the lives of prisoners, and it takes you through the eerie cells and hallways while sharing chilling tales about the prison’s most infamous inmates.

The narration is exceptionally well done, with stories from ex-prisoners and guards but also of the Native American occupation.

Alcatraz Island also has a dark, mysterious beauty outside the prison. You can wander around the prison’s exterior and the island’s gardens.

Planning Tip!  The tour can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours, not including the 15-20 minute ferry ride. 

Book your Alcatraz tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly. You can check availability  here  and purchase them directly from their website. 

Evening: Chinatown or Mission District

After returning from Alcatraz Island, I’d pick between these two neighborhoods to end your day trip to San Francisco. And I would entirely base this on food preference, Mexican or Chinese fare.

The largest Chinatown outside of Asia, San Francisco, is bursting with color and culture. The entrance at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is marked by the Dragon Gate, an Instagram-worthy spot.

Walking down Grant Avenue, you’ll find endless antique shops, dim sum restaurants, and traditional Chinese pharmacies. Don’t miss Portsmouth Square, where locals practice Tai Chi and play mahjong.

With the steepest streets, you’ll catch the most amazing views of the red cable cars cruising down the hills in Chinatown in this perfectly organized city grid.

Fun fact:  did you know that the fortune cookie was actually invented here, not in China? You can also take a fortune cookie factory tour and see how they are made!

Mission District

A district with a strong Latino influence, Mission District has become one of the trendiest areas in San Francisco. Its streets are lined with colorful murals, taquerias, and trendy cafes.

Valencia Street is packed with boutiques and home decor stores, while 24th Street features many specialty shops for spices, herbs, and sweet treats. Dolores Park is a hub for youth on the rare sunny summer days.

Finally, Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley have some of the best murals in San Francisco. From political statements to abstract pieces, these alleys are constantly changing, so even if you’ve been before, it’s worth stopping by again.

Here, you can find the best burritos in the city at taquerias like La Taqueria or El Farolito. If you’re a fan of baked goods, Tartine Bakery is known for its mouth-watering pastries and fresh sourdough bread.

Safety Tip!  At night, it’s definitely not the safest area.

San Francisco Nightlife

Honestly, this is what I did the most while in this city. There are just so many options, and where you decide to go really depends on the kind of nightlife you’re into. 

As a techno lover, famous DJs always play, from big venues like Bill Graham to more club-like experiences like Halcyon, Temple, and Audio.

You can go club-hopping the eclectic Mission Street for salsa clubs, DJs, and tons of dive bars. The Castro is also full of life at night if you’re looking for a gay-friendly experience.

There are also plenty of rooftop bars with views and an abundance of live music from jazz to hip-hop.

Places to Visit with Extra Time

Other places around san francisco.

• Golden Gate Park:  This sprawling park spans over 1,000 acres and features numerous attractions, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, the De Young Museum, and the California Academy of Sciences. You need a half day just for this park!
• Haight-Ashbury : Known for its link to 1960s counterculture, today this area is filled with boutiques, vintage clothing shops, eclectic eateries, and the constant stench of weed.
• Muir Woods National Monument : Just outside San Francisco, this forest is home to towering, ancient redwood trees.
• Sausalito : This beautiful town across the Golden Gate Bridge is known for its waterfront views, charming boutiques, and gourmet dining.
• The Painted Ladies : A famous row of Victorian houses, a great photo opportunity with the San Francisco skyline in the background.
• The Exploratorium : This hands-on science museum is immersive and fun for all ages. It’s located on Pier 15, just a short walk from the Ferry Building.
• Land’s End:  A scenic hiking trail that takes you along the coast and to some of the best views of Golden Gate Bridge.
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art ( SFMFO ): This museum has diverse collections of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo.
• Twin Peaks : A popular spot for tourists to get panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Oakland!

Day Trips from San Francisco

• Napa Valley and Sonoma:  Less than two hours away, these world-renowned wine regions are a scenic escape from the city. Explore wineries, enjoy tastings, and take in the beautiful countryside.
• Silicon Valley:  Visit the headquarters of some of the biggest names in tech, such as Google, Apple, and Facebook. You can also explore the Computer History Museum and learn about the evolution of technology.
• Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea : Drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to see some of California’s most beautiful coastal landscapes, including the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
• Yosemite National Park : Enjoy hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking vistas of one of California’s most famous landmarks.
• Santa Cruz : A coastal town famous for its beach boardwalk and surf culture. Visit the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum or take a stroll along Pacific Avenue.
• Sacramento : The capital city of California, it’s packed with historical sites like Old Sacramento, the California State Capitol Museum, and the Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
• Big Basin Redwoods State Park : California’s oldest state park, home to ancient redwoods, beautiful waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Where to Stay in San Francisco

For first-time visitors to San Francisco, Nob Hill and Union Square are highly recommended for their proximity to major attractions. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Marina District, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Hayes Valley are also considered safe and deliver a mix of shopping, dining, and residential experiences.

Safety Tip!  It’s no secret that San Francisco has a homelessness and increasing crime problem. While the city is still generally safe, I would avoid the Tenderloin district, SoMa (South of Market Street), and parts of Chinatown, especially late at night, due to higher incidences of street crime.

Best Hotels in San Francisco

Is 1 day enough for san francisco.

San Francisco has a lot going on, and it would be tough to fully explore it in a single day. I recommend planning for at least three days. This doesn’t even include the time to see the entirety of the Bay Area.

San Francisco is a city full of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Trying to explore them all with such little time won’t do them justice. If you’re short on time, prioritize the must-see sights and think about hopping on a bus tour or city tour to cover more ground.

Best Time To Visit

San Francisco is famous for its cool, foggy weather and microclimates, but it’s a great place to visit any time of the year. The city has so many microclimates that it can be super foggy here while being completely sunny across the Bay Bridge in nearby Oakland!

That said, most people find the best time to visit is during September and October when temperatures are warmest and there’s less fog. If you are okay with slightly cooler weather, spring (March-May) can be a good time to go to San Francisco without the high tourist crowds. 

Contrary to popular belief, summer (June to August) is not the hottest season. The weather is cool, often draped in fog (known as the famous “Karl the Fog”). This is, however, the peak tourist season, so expect more crowds, especially at popular attractions.

Getting to San Francisco

San Francisco is possibly one of the most accessible cities in America. The city itself has an efficient public transportation system, including the historic cable cars, buses, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) metro system.

The city is served by three major airports. The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the largest and closest to the city, with direct flights from most major cities around the world. Oakland International Airport (OAK) and the San Jose International Airport (SJC) are also viable options and are well-connected with domestic flights.

By Public Transportation

Amtrak runs a network of train routes linking San Francisco with cities nationwide. The California Zephyr route, for instance, has scenic rides between Chicago and San Francisco.

Numerous bus companies, including Greyhound and Megabus, operate regular services to and from San Francisco’s main bus terminal, the San Francisco Transbay Terminal.

San Francisco is well-connected by a network of highways for those who prefer to take a road trip. If you’re coming from the south, you’ll most likely take the US-101 N, the beautiful coastal route that starts from Los Angeles. The I-5 S is the most direct route from the north, and the I-80 W is your best option from the east.

The Port of San Francisco welcomes domestic ferries from nearby cities like Oakland and Vallejo and international cruise ships.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip to San Francisco

While San Francisco has its fair share of problems and may not be my top pick to live, I think it’s an iconic city that tourists, both domestic and international, should add to their USA trip plans. This is especially true if you love going out.

If you’re planning other adventures in California, check out our comprehensive guides to other exciting destinations in the state.

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Feared Alcatraz bank robber’s seven-word description of notorious prison

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Once home to the US ’s most evil criminals, Alcatraz now only opens its doors to tourists looking for a taste of the darker side of history.

On August 11 1934 – 90 years ago today – Alcatraz welcomed in the first prisoners who once ran riot across America.

The maximum security jail was marooned on a remote island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, and house more than 1,500 prisoners in the 30 years it ran.

Inmates only had the right to food, shelter, clothing and medical care, everything else was deemed a luxury, and had to be earnt under the strict regime.

So who were the most notorious people housed between its walls?

Alvin Karpis

Karpis, once officially public enemy number one, was the leader of a gang of robbers, hijackers and kidnappers.

The group killed anyone who got in their way, including innocent bystanders, and even pulled off a train robbery in Garrettsville, fleeing with a £27,000 fortune.

He was eventually captured and sentenced to life in prison in 1932 for ten murders, six kidnappings and a robbery.

Karpis served out the longest sentence of any other prisoners at 26 years long.

One former guard Al Bloomquist described him as a ‘mild nuisance’ and said he often complained about the prison’s poor conditions and fought with other inmates.

He was transferred to McNeil Island Penitentiary in Washington as Alcatraz began closing down in 1962, where he died.

Alphone Gabriel Capone – also known by his nickname ‘Scarface’ – was an infamous gangster and criminal mastermind.

He had strong political connections meaning he was able to evade justice for a long time, until he orchestrated the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre which saw the killings of seven members of a rival gang.

His capture became a priority for newly inaugurated President Hoover, and in 1934 Al Capone was sent to Alcatraz.

He experienced harsher prison life in Alcatraz after coming from Atlanta Jail, where he bribed guards to bring him home comforts.

Two years into his time at Alcatraz, he was stabbed in the back by a fellow inmate, but he recovered quickly, and hevaed well during his incarceration.

He even formed a prison band called ‘Rock Islanders’ in which he played the banjo.

Capone spent the last year of his sentence in a prison hospital as his health detiorated, and he died at one of his mansions in 1947.

George ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly Barnes

Barnes became a bootlegger during prohibition to avoid financial ruin.

But after meeting and falling in love with fellow outlaw Kathryn Thorne, he became increasingly notorious.

After he attempted to kidnap and ransom oil tycoon Charles Urschel, Kelly received a life sentence – but boasted to the press he will break out in time for Christmas.

The authorities took him seriously, and he was sent to Alcatraz, where he remained for three years.

But he boasted to inmates about a range of crimes he never committed.

He took a job as an alter boy in the prison chapel, with guards saying he seemed to be remorseful for what he had done.

He told guard James A. Johnston: ‘My family are good people. Only I turned out to be a heel.’

He died on his 59th birthday in 1954.

Robert Stroud, The Birdman of Alcatraz

Stroud was initially jailed for the murder of a bartender, who he claimed owed money to a prostitute he was pimping.

He was described as an ‘extremely dangerous and menacing psychopath’.

He was a violent prisoner, eventually stabbing a guard in Leavenworth Prison, Kansas, before being placed into solitary confinement.

He dedicated his alone time to studying and breeding canaries, even publishing books on the subject.

However Stroud was eventually sent to Alcatraz after he was caught using his ornithological equipment to brew alcohol.

He spent 17 years there – with no birds – writing and illustrating books and died in 1963, the same year the prison closed.

Roy Gardner

Gardner committed a number of crimes throughout his life, but he became notorious after robbing a US Mail truck in 1920, fleeing with a substantial fortune.

He escaped prison multiple times, and even managed to over power his guards on a moving train.

Gardner was sentenced to 25 years on McNeil Island, but orchestrated a succesful escape, manipulating two other prisoners – Lawardus Bogart and Everett Impyn – into joining but ultimately sacrificing themselves for him.

As the three men made their escape during a prison baseball game, they were hit by bullets, seriously injuring Bogart and killing Impyn.

As Impyn lay dying, he revealed: ‘Gardner told us those fellows in the towers couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.’

The law eventually caught up to Gardner, who only suffered a leg injury in the escape, and he was sent to various prisons, with his final being Alcatraz.

He described it as ‘the toughest, hardest place in the world’ despite being one of the most hardened criminals there.

During his time there, his wife divorced him and he worked at the mat shop and was released in 1938.

In 1939 he published his autobiography ‘Hellcatraz’, detailing his time there.

Frank Lee Morris, Clarence Anglin and John Anglin

Morris and the Anglin brothers ‘escaped’ from Alcatraz after they were

sent there for committing a number of crime sprees.

The group stole tools which they used to dig tunnels off the island, and built a raft and dummies from their beds and raincoats.

They went so far as to create life-size paper dummies to trick prison guards into thinking they were asleep.

They escaped on June 11 1962, and were never seen or heard from again.

It was presumed they had all drowned in the strong current, but no bodies have ever been found.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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California News

California news | a look inside alcatraz, the world’s most famous prison, 90 years ago, the first prisoners arrived to this infamous prison.

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ON THE ISLAND Alcatraz held roughly 1,576 prisoners from 1934 to 1963, with an average population of 260 to 270. Its maximum capacity of 336 was never reached. Many of the prison staff lived on the island with their families.

THE GREAT ESCAPE In 1962, three inmates managed to break out of Alcatraz. However, no evidence of their survival was ever confirmed. Here’s how they did it:

• The three men carved an opening in the wall of their cell with metal spoons. On the night of their escape, masks made of papier-mache and human hair were placed on their pillows to make it look like they were asleep in bed.
• The three crawled through the opening and made their way along a corridor behind the walls and climbed out a ventilator on the roof.
• They slid down the bakery smokestack at the rear of the cell house.
• They climbed over a fence and dashed to the northeastern shore of the island, where they launched a raft made of 50 stolen raincoats

INSIDE THE PRISON The prison building was built between 1910 and 1912, when Alcatraz was a military facility. When the disciplinary barracks were transferred from military control to the Bureau of Prisons in 1933, the building was renovated at a cost of $260,000 into a cell house with four cell blocks and reinforced cell bars to prevent escapes. There were 336 cells in B and C blocks.

THE CELL Cells had a small sink with cold running water, a small sleeping cot and a toilet. Most men could extend their arms and touch each wall within their cell.

ALCALTRAZ’S MOST NOTORIOUS PRISONERS

 LIFE IN THE PRISON

Prisoners arrived on Alcatraz in handcuffs and ankle shackles. Daily life was harsh, and prisoners were given only four rights: medical attention, shelter, food and clothing. Recreational activities and family visits had to be earned through hard work.

6:30 a.m.: Morning whistle. Prisoners rise, dress and organize their cells. 6:45: Guards take position at mess hall and supervise prisoners. 6:50: Second morning whistle. Prisoners stand by doors. Guards take count and unlock cell doors. 6:55: Whistle signal is given and prisoners step out of their cells. 7: Third whistle signal. Prisoners proceed to mess hall and have 20 minutes to eat. 7:20: Prisoners proceed to recreation yard, inside detail or their work cells. 7:25: Guards count prisoners. 7:30: Shop foreman counts his detail, signs count slip and reports it to lieutenant. 9:30: Rest period. 9:38: Whistle signal is given and prisoners assemble for count. Count is reported and men return to work. 11:30: Prisoners assemble and count is taken, registered and reported to lieutenant. 11:35: Prisoners assemble in line and proceed to mess hall. 11:40: Dinner Noon: Lockup and cell count. 12:20 p.m.: Unlock; prisoners report to yard or shop for work. 12:30: Prisoners are counted. 2:30: Rest period 4:15: Work ends and count is taken. 4:25: Prisoners report to mess hall. 4:45: Prisoners return to cells. 4:50: Final lockup 5, 8, 9:30 (lights out), 12:01 a.m., 3, 5: Prisoners are counted.

Sources: National Park Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, History.com

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Ny instagram model maecee marie lathers blames party drugs and time travel for crash that killed 2 in miami.

A Mercedes-driving Instagram model from New York blamed party drugs and time travel for the reason she allegedly caused a three-car wreck and killed two people — including a father — in downtown Miami last week.

Maecee Marie Lathers, 24, confessed to police she was under the influence of “pink cocaine” when she ran a red light and crashed into a black Range Rover before trying to flee the area on Aug. 10, according to WPLG .

“Pink cocaine” also known as “tusi” or 2C is a synthetic drug concoction linked to a dangerous Venezuelan gang and blowing through New York City’s drug scene .

“She advised she was under the influence of “2C” a known party drug and that she was from the future and had a crystal ball,” Florida 11th Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer read from a police report, according to video obtained by the outlet.

Lather’s car and the Range Rover collided with a silver Suzuki sedan carrying three people heading to work.

The 24-year-old driver of the Range Rover suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the Suzuki, identified as Abraham Ismael, had to be extricated from the car and died at Jackson Memorial Hospital, the outlet said, citing the arrest report.

The rear passenger was killed instantly.

Ismael’s wife, Juanita Hernández was in the front passenger seat and survived the crash.

Hernández was hospitalized and said she was unable to work due to her injuries. She also said that her husband left behind a 16-year-old son.

“I am now unable to work due to my injuries, and the boy’s life has been turned upside down,” the heartbroken wife wrote on GoFundMe. “His mother, who lives in Nicaragua, suffers from Parkinson’s disease and is now not only grieving but also left without the financial support her son provided.”

Lather, whose license has been suspended since January, attempted to flee the crash scene but was stopped by bystanders who grabbed her and brought her back to the crash, Local10 reported .

Police found Lather vomiting as she later admitted to being under the influence of the party drug.

Lather, whose Instagram account features her posing in revealing clothes and bikinis, was fitted with a green anti-suicide vest during her court appearance Friday.

Her social media account, with only 11,000 followers, claims she is affiliated with two modeling agencies and her bio reads “(money) on my (brain)” and “dope in real life.”

The Instagram model, originally from Fort Plain, NY, has reportedly been living in the Sunshine State since 2022,

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Prosecutors called Lather a “potential flight risk” because of the felony charges she faces, and could face.

Lather was charged with four counts of driving without a license resulting in death or serious injury and four counts of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death or serious injuries, all felonies, according to court records viewed by The Post.

“She’s an absolute danger to the community based on killing or driving when she shouldn’t have been in a car and she’s clearly impaired based on her statements,” Glazer said. “And if it wasn’t for the citizens or witnesses nearby who stopped her, she would have completely fled.”

Glazer ordered Lather be held on a $140,000 bond.

If the reduced bond is paid, Lather would be placed on house arrest with a “No Driving Order.”

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Chicago crime boss Al Capone transferred to Alcatraz 90 years ago this month

Island prison played host to array of infamous criminals, including mobsters bumpy johnson and whitey bulger.

Depression-era mobsters and outlaws often found themselves locked up in undeniably unpleasant jails and prisons, but being sent to Alcatraz was said to be “the end of the line.” Widely recognized as one of the most iconic correctional institutions in America, and possibly the world, Alcatraz earned the unflattering nicknames of “The Rock” and “America’s Devil’s Island.” The 90 th anniversary of the arrival of the prison’s most infamous criminal presents an opportunity to address some of the facts and myths surrounding Alcatraz.

Becoming a federal prison

Long before it joined the Bureau of Prisons, Alcatraz was a desolate island jutting from the San Francisco Bay. The island showed little promise in the eyes of early observers, but by 1854, the island proved otherwise.

In a detailed 1979 report, National Park Service historian Erwin N. Thompson highlighted Alcatraz’s pre-penitentiary years: “On the island stood the first lighthouse on America’s Pacific shores. A light that has guided ships in and out of the magnificent bay for almost 125 years. For nearly 75 years, the island served as a military prison for Army convicts from both the western states and overseas possessions. And for 50 years, Alcatraz played a key role in the defenses of San Francisco.”

Eventually the economic drain on the Army’s budget led to discussions of transition. According to Thompson, the Army “seriously considered abandoning Alcatraz Island” twice in the early 20th century, first in 1906 and again in 1913. But on October 13, 1933, “the third time counted.”

After an agreement was made, the Justice Department began renovations. Some Bay Area residents were not thrilled about having a maximum-security prison in their backyard, but the press and public outcry failed to convince the government to abandon the plans. Alcatraz was officially handed over on June 20, 1934.

When the Justice Department took over, 32 of the Army’s prisoners (described as an “unsavory lot”) remained on Alcatraz. In early August 1934, the first load of federal transfers arrived from the McNeil Island Penitentiary in Washington. Authorities tried to shroud the entire process. The “freight” was described as “pieces of furniture,” but the local press quickly deciphered the code and even managed to confirm the identities of some convicts.

Putting the Al in Alcatraz

The next big shipment of “53 crates of furniture” required additional efforts at secrecy, primarily because of one inmate in the lot. That, of course, was Alphonse Capone. Nobody wanted the security risks nor the chaos that the press and general fanfare would create. Trying to minimize the exposure, authorities played a logistical game of cat and mouse. The train from Atlanta did everything but travel the most direct path. The train arrived in Tiburon, California, where two passenger rail cars were placed on a barge and floated south to Alcatraz on August 22. The men were processed, photographed, inspected for contraband and assigned numbers and cells.

Capone, registered as No. 85, quickly made headlines and thrust Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary into the larger public psyche, which may have been exactly what the bureau hoped. “The feds never explained why Capone was assigned to Alcatraz,” wrote Jonathan Eig in his 2011 book Get Capone , “but it seems fairly clear it was a public relations move.

“It (the federal government) wanted everyone to know that Alcatraz was the toughest slammer in the land.”

Eig contends Capone’s presence in the new prison was publicity gold. “The man got headlines.” They also made a point to treat him just like the other inmates. Unlike his fully furnished cell at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Al Capone did not enjoy any special amenities in Alcatraz.

Although he was noted as a “model prisoner,” his stay at Alcatraz was not without incident. He was assaulted at least once. The attack occurred in June 1936, when inmate James “Tex” Lucas stabbed Capone in the back with shears from the barbershop. The injuries were minor, but the story took on a life of its own, including a version in which Al broke a banjo (sometimes said to be a mandolin or mandola) over Lucas’s head.

Records state that Capone did return a push or punch before a guard intervened. Capone certainly played musical instruments at Alcatraz, but stories of him smashing one over his assailant’s head are most likely false. The story gained traction following the writings of former inmate A.W. Davis in 1937. Other arguably embellished stories about Capone were pushed in paroled inmate Roy Gardner’s tell-all book, Hellcatraz: The Rock of Despair , published in 1939.

Four years into Capone’s term, the effects of improperly treated syphilis were taking a toll. He was treated in the prison hospital until January 1939 when he was transferred to Terminal Island in Los Angeles for a stint, then to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He was released on November 16, 1939, and sought treatment at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. In March 1940, Capone drove with his family back to their Palm Island, Florida, home. Capone died at home on January 25, 1947.

Other residents of “the Rock”

Aside from Capone, Alcatraz was home to many other infamous criminals over the course of its service to the Bureau of Prisons:

• Harlem kingpin Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson served most of his heroin trafficking sentence there from 1952 to 1963.
• Before he ascended to the leadership of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang, James “Whitey” Bulger was transferred to Alcatraz while serving an armed robbery sentence. He was there from 1959 to 1962.
• After escaping from federal prison in New York City, con man and counterfeiter Robert V. Miller, aka Count Victor Lustig, served his sentence at Alcatraz from 1935 to 1946. He used more than 60 aliases during his career, although Alcatraz booked him under his birth name.
• George “Machine Gun” Kelly, mastermind of the 1933 Urschel kidnapping, arrived a month after Capone and was there until his transfer to Leavenworth in 1951.
• Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, co-head of the Barker-Karpis Gang, was incarcerated at Alcatraz from 1936 to 1962. He was there longer than any other prisoner in its history.
• Arthur “Doc” Barker, member of the Barker-Karpis Gang, was transferred to Alcatraz in 1935. He was shot and killed during an attempted escape from the island in 1939.
• Los Angeles mobster Mickey Cohen served two stints at Alcatraz between 1961 and 1963, separated by a seven-month reprieve while out on bail.
• Convicted murderer Robert “The Birdman” Stroud spent 17 years in Alcatraz from 1942 to 1959. While imprisoned at Leavenworth, he was permitted to breed birds, but Alcatraz denied him that privilege.
• Roy Gardner, aka “King of the Escape Artists,” served his time on the island from 1934 to 1938. He was the first inmate to write a book about his life in Alcatraz.

Contrary to the long-held belief that only the worst were sent to the island prison, some inmates were not particularly dangerous nor incorrigible. Some were white-collar criminals, and a few were federal inmates who asked for a transfer to Alcatraz for its better living conditions. Capone, while having a reputation for violence, was convicted of tax evasion, which normally would not warrant serving time in a maximum-security prison.

Alcatraz was not a first-stop facility, nor was it an inmate’s last stop — unless he left in a body bag. One had to be transferred to Alcatraz from another facility. Inmates usually transferred to another facility when leaving.

While Alcatraz was known as one of the strictest prisons in the correctional system, there was one upside to living there: Most former prisoner accounts concur the food was much better than at most other facilities.

Escaping the “inescapable” island

Escape attempts, successful and not, have occurred at Alcatraz since its years as an Army detention center. Although it was rumored that Alcatraz had secret tunnels that could have aided prisoner escapes, Park Service historian Thompson reported that a communications tunnel from its fortification days had been sealed up in advance of transitioning to the Bureau of Prisons.

The post-military era documented 14 escape attempts by 36 inmates from 1934 to 1963. The most famous and still controversial one occurred on June 12, 1962. The plot involved John and Clarence Anglin, Frank Morris and Allen West.

As summarized by the FBI, “the routine early-morning bed check turned out to be anything but. Three convicts were not in their cells: John Anglin, his brother Clarence and Frank Morris. In their beds were cleverly built dummy heads made of plaster, flesh-tone paint, and real human hair that apparently fooled the night guards. The prison went into lock-down, and an intensive search began.”

The escapees had spent months chipping away (with stolen and makeshift tools) deteriorating concrete surrounding the vent in the back of each cell to access the utility corridor. West remained behind as he couldn’t squeeze through his vent hole on the eve of the escape. None of the three escapees have been found, only some remnants of the makeshift rafts and other items they had upon entering the turbulent San Francisco Bay waters.

Investigators kept a look-out for the escaped convicts for more than 15 years, but eventually it was time to move on: “The FBI officially closed its case on December 31, 1979, and turned over responsibility to the U.S. Marshals Service, which continues to investigate in the unlikely event the trio is still alive.”

Alcatraz officially closed on March 21, 1963. The last prisoner to walk out of Alcatraz was 29-year-old Frank C. Weatherman, who had been transferred there in 1962 for trying to break out of an Alaskan prison.

The Bureau of Prisons states: “It did not close because of the disappearance of Morris and the Anglins” but rather, as with the Army’s decision decades earlier, had everything to do with economics. “An estimated $3-$5 million was needed just for restoration and maintenance work to keep the prison open. That figure did not include daily operating costs – Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other federal prison.”

Christian Cipollini is the author of  Murder Inc.: Mysteries of the Mob’s Most Deadly Hit Squad  and  LUCKY , a gangster graphic novel.

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How Boston mobster Whitey Bulger helped with the escape from Alcatraz

The 1962 escape from alcatraz by three prisoners immediately became the stuff of legend – and quickly film – that has never been fully explained. a new book about brothers john and clarence anglin, who planned the caper to freedom with a third felon, claims the trio survived and made it to south america. it’s co-authored by the anglins’ nephew, who tells sheila flynn the family secrets, article bookmarked.

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T he letters came to a Georgia PO box, 17 of them in all, missives written behind bars by an infamous Irish mob boss to the nephew of history’s most legendary jailbreakers.

James “Whitey” Bulger had sought out correspondence with the family of John and Clarence Anglin, two brothers he’d met in prison who went on to escape Alcatraz with a fellow felon in 1962. The trio were never found but presumed dead by the FBI, which closed the file in 1979 – the same year Clint Eastwood’s Escape from Alcatraz added further celeb status to the already famous tale of breaking for freedom from The Rock.

Bulger reached out through an emissary to the Anglins during the 50th anniversary events being held on the California island, now a national park and no longer an operating correctional facility; among the relatives attending in 2012 was Ken Widner, son of Marie, one of the Anglins’ 12 siblings.

He and the numerous other Anglin cousins had grown up among hushed whispers, winks and quickly-changed subjects; their relation to the notorious and colourful Alcatraz escapees had always been the only reality they’d known. Widner had been a baby on his mother’s knee as she watched news reports of her brothers’ jailbreak but now, decades later, his  curiosity was growing – along with a desire to more three-dimensionally set the record straight about his uncles’ lives.

That included how they grew up, who they were as men, how they fooled authorities and, most importantly, how the family says they secretly succeeded in their escape– eventually making their way to South America, where they carved out lives and families in Brazil.

Widner and his family have the picture they believe can prove it – as they work to hunt down long-lost relatives in the bowels of the world’s seventh most populous country.

And Boston mobster Whitey Bulger – the man Widner calls “James” who spent 16 years as a fugitive before his 2011 recapture saw him charged with 19 murders – would prove invaluable in doing so.

“He thought very highly of John and Clarence,” Widner says of Bulger, who first met the pair in prison in Atlanta in 1958 and ended up serving time with them again in Alcatraz. “We became these really good penpals. And I started to ask him about what life was like in Alcatraz with John and Clarence, and could you tell me anything about my uncles that I wouldn’t have known?

“He shared a lot of things – and then, eventually, he says: ‘I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told anybody.’ And he goes into great detail about his involvement in the escape and how he helped them,” Widner tells The Independent .

Bulger had first met the Anglins in prison in Atlanta in 1958, Widner writes with co-author Mike Lynch in their new book Alcatraz: The Last Escape. The brothers, who grew up poor in Florida and showed an early aptitude for petty crime – much to their parents’ chagrin – had ended up behind bars yet again after being sentenced for an Alabama bank robbery pulled off with a third sibling, Alfred.

John and Clarence Anglin were transferred separately to Alcatraz, where they began plotting their escape with fellow inmates Frank Morris and Allen West. Furtively hoarding materials, they began implementing a multi-pronged plan: digging out behind the grates in their cells with spoons and other implements to tunnel to freedom, hiding their progress with touched-up paint and fake replacement grates; creating dummy heads for their beds to fool guards on the night of the escape; and fashioning life preservers and a raft from raincoats gathered from other inmates.

The men planned to hitch the raft to a prison transport boat, then get picked up in the freezing San Francisco Bay by a waiting vessel arranged by another underworld contact, Mickey Cohen, who’d been released from Alcatraz months before the planned escape.

Bulger was advising throughout, he told Widner in his letters, offering expertise he’d picked up from his unexpected hobby of scuba diving.

“He showed them how to make wetsuits,” Widner tells The Independent . “What’s so crazy is that all of what he told me backs up what was in the FBI files; they didn’t take any of their clothes with them out of their cells … they took rubber cement and they painted the inside of the legs of trousers that they were keeping up on top, along with their shirt, and then they tied off their ankles with a black cloth tag, which they found inside of John’s cell.

“They were painted black so they couldn’t hardly be seen, and it also prevented the water from flowing in and out of their clothes very fast, so it kept them warmer longer – and then, of course, he taught them about how to survive if they ever go into the current. He shared a lot of what a scuba diver would do.”

In the end, only the Anglins and Morris would make a break for it; West couldn’t widen the hole in his cell enough on the night of June 11, 1962, as his co-conspirators desperately tried to help but eventually were forced to abandon the effort. West could reportedly be heard sobbing in his cell afterwards.

The others, however, made it out of the complex and to the water, though Morris badly cut his leg and was bleeding into the raft as they attached it with an electrical cord to the intended boat – surreptitiously hitching a ride into the dark waters, where they were then plucked from the water by a waiting white boat, according to the book.

That boat piloted them to land, where the trio were met by a friend and one of the Anglin sisters before scurrying to a small airport, where their childhood buddy, Fred Brizzi, sat behind the controls of a small plane. They took off for Mexico, where they spent some time before relocating to Brazil, where they’d likely be safer and less threatened by discovery.

Bulger took quite a bit of credit for that coup, too.

“The biggest piece of information he gave them, he told them: ‘When you get out, go to Brazil, marry a local woman, have children, and they can never bring you back,’” Widner tells The Independent .

And that’s exactly what his uncles did, he insists – including in the book firsthand accounts from at least one relative and one friend who claimed they visited the pair.

Brizzi, who knew the family from back in Florida, paid a visit to the Anglins in 1992 with a trove of photos and stories – even acquiescing to being recorded as he shared how he’d not only flown the brothers to safety but also visited them at their eventual home in South America.

Widner’s other uncle, Robert – affectionately known among the family as Uncle Man – had also been peculiarly coy in the decades after his brothers’ escape. According to the book, he’d visited them in Mexico and reported on their life there to still-imprisoned Alfred back in Georgia – sparking a notable change in the mood of that brother, who sadly later died behind bars under mysterious circumstances.

Robert was the only member of the Anglin family repeatedly polygraphed, and authorities clearly believed he knew more than he was letting on – rightly, it turned out, given the 2009 deathbed statements he gave to family.

“The final confirmation came from Man himself in 2009 shortly before he died,” Widner writes in the new book. “He shared these words with my mom and sister: ‘Your brothers are fine and I have been in constant touch with them for over twenty-five years.’”

Widner didn’t find out about his uncle’s admission until the 50th anniversary of the escape in 2012, though there had been indications for years within the family – who’d felt “hounded” by authorities – that the brothers had gotten free and clear. Christmas cards, annual presents of roses for the men’s mother and even a pair of mysterious, veiled, “large” stranger women attending her funeral certainly pointed towards their survival.

So would Widner’s deep-dive into public and family records, which turned up even more supporting evidence of the Anglin escapees’ thriving life elsewhere. The escapees’ nephew credits his career as an IT specialist with Georgia Pacific with making him “really good at data analyzing and just seeing the bigger picture, digging into details.”

The book includes details of a deathbed confession from a man who claimed to have been on the boat that picked them up on the night of the escape; it also details how searchers found a raft filled with blood on an island near Alcatraz – blood that likely came from Morris’ gushing leg.

Most compellingly, of course, is a picture Widner took special notice of among the photos Brizzi left with the family – a photo of two men posing in Brazil who, though ageing, look remarkably like John and Clarence. The childhood friend, incredibly, never flagged the photo to family or identified the men pictured as the Anglins; Widner was aghast when he re-discovered it and made the connection while doing research. So was everyone he showed it to; unrelated facial recognition experts have insisted the image does, in fact, show the two jailbreakers.

“Once we find their families, they’re going to have photos with either their granddad or their dad – and I think we’ll get some more information,” he says.

He’s cagey about how far that search has gotten – but confirms “we have somewhere down there that is a specialist in tracking people down.”

He doesn’t say what will happen when they find the long-lost family; he’s certainly hoping for perhaps a reunion and/or more details about his uncles’ lives.

“There is a small, small, slim chance that John is still alive …. I doubt both of them, for sure, but it’s a possibility.

“I love the fact that we’re keeping the story alive,” he says. “It’s been a mission.”

It might sound romantic to believe his uncles escaped the impenetrable Rock, evaded authorities for decades a forged a fantasy life in South America; Widner, however, points not only to family whispers and admissions but also to the trove of clues he’s outlined – and an absence of proof to the contrary.

No bodies have ever turned up; while floating debris surfaced in the immediate aftermath of the escape, Widner writes in the new book, it was all part of the plan. The trio felt the detritus would throw searchers off the scent, supporting a conclusion that they drowned … and that’s exactly what transpired.

While the FBI closed its file in 1979, the case remains open for the US Marshals, who continue to search for fugitives until they’re captured or dead.

“I’ve had people who have told me they don’t believe any of this and I always ask them the same question, just like I ask the US Marshals: What piece of evidence have you ever seen that supports your theory?” Widner says. “There is none – so it’s just a theory.

“And I’ve challenged the US Marshals many times: You bring all of your circumstantial evidence, I’ll bring all of mine, let’s get before a group of people [and] see who has the best story.”

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Frugal Traveler

From Nova Scotia to Montreal: Driving Solo (and on a Budget) in a ‘Relocation’ R.V. Rental

When rental companies need to move their vehicles, they frequently offer one-way trips at a steep discount. Our Frugal Traveler snapped up a deal that took her through eastern Canada.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Quebec City was designed to be imposing. On a steep hill above the St. Lawrence Seaway, behind 17th-century ramparts, the city’s streets are narrow and cobbled — no place for a road-hogging, 21st-century recreational vehicle.

Or so I thought, as I planned an ambitious solo R.V. road trip across eastern Canada — from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Montreal — that would take me through one of the oldest European cities in North America.

Colonial streets weren’t my only mental roadblock when I set out in May to take advantage of a six-night “relocation” deal on an R.V. rental for 39 Canadian dollars a night (about $28) from the Canadian company CanaDream ; its trips normally start at 136 dollars nightly.

When R.V. companies need to move their vehicles to satisfy seasonal demand, they frequently offer relocation or one-way trips at discounted prices. The R.V. rental company Cruise America calls them “one way specials,” which recently included 75 percent off a trip in July from Las Vegas to Orlando. One-way sales from El Monte RV recently listed departures from 30 to 90 percent off.

Based in Calgary, CanaDream shuffles its fleet among seven locations across Canada. With relocation itineraries, the company stipulates the vehicle and departure and arrival dates. Renters pay for gas, food and campsite access in addition to the discounted vehicle.

Travel by R.V. took off during the pandemic as North Americans discovered the convenience and privacy of taking a home on the road. As someone who makes a living traveling light, I considered that style of travel freighted, sluggish and spontaneity-sapping.

What I got over six nights and nearly 800 miles on my maiden R.V. journey was an adventure in driving, a test of self-sufficiency and an introduction to slow-lane travel.

Driver’s ed

Before setting foot in Halifax, I had watched a video about my vehicle — the 22-foot-long Deluxe Van Camper — introducing the many indicators that monitor electricity, waste and water. My sense of responsibility only grew when I got the keys and set out on my journey.

While small for an R.V., the two-person Deluxe Van Camper was taller, longer and less nimble than camper vans I’d driven in the past, which you might expect from a vehicle that you can comfortably stand upright in (its interior height was 6 feet, 3 inches).

The apartment on wheels contained a bathroom with a hose extension on the faucet that doubled as a shower head; a galley kitchen with a microwave, stove and small refrigerator; and a sofa in the back that converted into a firm queen bed. Storage areas, cabinets and drawers contained removable window shades and amenities that seemed essential to me — namely bedding, towels and kitchenware, which cost 175 dollars. A roof hatch and ceiling fan kept air circulating overnight.

Setting out after stops for food and drinking water (the water on board is not potable), I was immediately met by what I came to consider the “R.V. Symphony,” a soundtrack of clattering dishes and tinkling utensils punctuated by the squeak of wood cabinets.

Aware of the extra space needed to brake in an R.V., I drove like an A student fresh out of driver’s training, distant from vehicles ahead, going under the speed limit and, when it was time to park, picking remote, traffic-free spots.

Though I would become more comfortable driving with each passing day, my pace was deliberate as I stuck by my instinct to never drive more than 90 minutes straight. Sightseeing breaks relieved the concentration required of driving.

Tidal adventures

Over the first two days, I skirted the Bay of Fundy, where the highest tides in the world vary up to 53 feet. A few hours from Halifax, I followed the signs to Joggins Fossil Cliffs (free), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where tides have exposed the fossil remains of a 300-million-year-old forest along cliffs roughly 100 feet high.

Crossing into New Brunswick, I continued along the north shore of the bay to a campsite at Ponderosa Pines Campground (70 dollars). It neighbors Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park , one of the province’s biggest attractions, with its tide-carved sea stacks.

My quiet lakeside campsite, like all the R.V. parks I visited, included power and water hookups, a fire ring and picnic table.

In the morning, awakened by honking Canada geese, I took a mile-long forest trail from the campground to Hopewell Rocks (admission 15.85 dollars).

High tide peaked just before the park opened at 9 a.m., surrounding the park’s more than 20 free-standing sea stacks — monoliths that had eroded from the mainland cliffs — in water. As the tide rapidly receded, a park interpreter pointed out the resemblance of the rock profiles to humans.

“There are a lot of native legends of people turned to stone,” he said, echoing the Indigenous Mi’kmaq legend in which an angry whale transforms runaway slaves into rock.

From Hopewell Rocks, a rural half-hour drive passed barns and fields in route to shoreside Alma just outside of Fundy National Park . Tiny Alma has a string of restaurants near its working marina. At Alma Lobster Shop , I savored a briny lobster roll and seafood chowder combo (29 dollars) from a bayside picnic table near sun-bleached whale bones.

With about three hours to visit Fundy National Park (admission 9 dollars), I stopped at the ranger station for advice on a speed tour. The staff seemed accustomed to the question, sending me first to Dickson Falls Trail to hike a nearly mile-long loop through a lush, fern-filled gully split by the stone-carving cascade. Farther down the shore, I followed the pine-shaded Shiphaven Trail along an estuary where shipwrights once built schooners on a gravel bar.

Back in the R.V., I settled in for a two-hour drive — punctuated by a few bird-watching stops — to my next campsite in the provincial capital of Fredericton . On the St. John River, Hartt Island R.V. Resort was quiet in spring, its water park still awaiting warmer weather (60 dollars). Several riverside sites away, my closest neighbors were a pair of backpacking cyclists from England.

I stoked a campfire with dried leaves and watched diving ospreys, soaring eagles and paddling loons as the temperatures dropped with the sunset.

Local encounters

A former British garrison, Fredericton is filled with intriguing 19th-century buildings that made me long for a ride that was a bit more agile on city streets. But I braved them the next morning to hit the city’s renowned Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market at 7 a.m. when parking was available.

The weekly Saturday event draws more than 200 vendors of everything from local produce to food-truck samosas. The best provisioning of the trip turned up aged Cheddar from neighboring Prince Edward Island (10 dollars), a loaf of sourdough (8 dollars) and spinach pies (2 dollars each) from a Lebanese vendor.

Before leaving town, I arranged to meet Cecelia Brooks and Anthony Brooks, a mother-and-son team who guide forest walks with an Indigenous point of view through their company, Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours (60 dollars). We met at Odell Park , a 400-acre swath of old-growth forest just minutes from downtown and began by burning small amounts of sweetgrass in homage to the giant hemlocks, some of which are over 400 years old.

We meandered through the forest for more than two hours, stopping to discuss plants and fungi that were used by First Nations people as medicine or food and to sample the balsam fir tea and homemade acorn cookies that Ms. Brooks, who is Mohawk and Wolastoqiyik, toted along in a basket.

“The elders say the Creator gave us everything we need,” she said.

Quebec, plugged and unplugged

In Rivière-du-Loup , on the south shore of the St. Lawrence, a seasonal Christmas castle and its giant Santa sculpture came between my site at Camping du Quai (39 dollars) and the water.

In search of better views, I joined locals in camp chairs awaiting sunset at Parc de la Pointe , a boulder-filled beach park a 30-minute walk down the shore.

The next morning, I topped off the water tank and made the drive in a little over two hours (with a short rest break) to Quebec City and Bassin Louise RV Parking . I reached the public lot in Old Port near the city walls by skirting the traffic-knotted center of town.

Bassin Louise offers “ boondocking ,” or R.V. camping, without services like electricity and water. As a woman sleeping in her vehicle in a city, I closed the window shades for the duration. So did the occupants of dozens of R.V.s and vans around me. The lot seemed quiet, but having met the French Canadian couple in a truck camper next door, I knew that — if needed — help was a honk away (overnight parking costs 75 dollars, according to the lot’s website, but the on-site kiosk only asked for 16 dollars).

Short of spending 10 times more for a hotel within the walls, I couldn’t imagine a better location, just five minutes on foot from the tourism office where I joined a two-hour walking tour I booked through GetYourGuide ($26).

“I love my city,” said Hélène Lemieux, the guide who ushered our group of 12, most of them from the United States, among landmark buildings while relating the city’s history as of 1608 when the French explorer Samuel du Champlain arrived to set up a trading post.

The British took over after a pivotal battle in 1759 and Ms. Lemieux helped us distinguish French buildings — with small windows, rough stone facades and dormered roofs — from English ones, made with rectangular stones. She seemed to delight in leading us where other groups weren’t, including the rear of the 17th-century Quebec Seminary .

She ended the tour in a deserted alley, saying, “If you see a little passage, go inside!”

City traffic

The final frontier was getting the R.V. safely to Montreal, a roughly three-hour trip — with a break worked in — through rush hour. It was the last, stomach-churning challenge.

I didn’t miss the R.V. Symphony as I rode toward the airport in an Uber. But I missed my mobile home in the way you miss a great campsite. Taking all the conveniences of home — including a bed, bathroom and kitchen — on the road seemed indulgent. And it was; gas, which came to about $285, cost nearly as much as the vehicle, $290.

In total, the relocation offer saved more than $400 and the R.V. itself forced me to slow down, stop frequently and, possibly, see more.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .