Planning a trip to San Francisco can seem overwhelming. The city is massive, the number of sites to see bordering on ridiculous. One thing you must not miss while visiting the enchanting city of San Francisco; Alcatraz.
Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the Island Of Alcatraz is now the tourist destination in San Francisco that requires the most advance planning. The numbers of tours to Alcatraz each day are limited and have been known to fill up weeks, even months in advance. Here are our tips to see, love and survive your trip to the Island of Alcatraz!
- Your first step in planning should be to visit Alcatraz Cruises and see if you are able to book a tour for your required dates.
- Keep in mind, if you can get a morning tour, they are less crowded.
- When you get to the site and find that all “official” tours are booked, don’t panic. This is when Google is your friend. We were unable to book an official tour so began a hunt through other Bus Tours. Some reputable, and fabulous, double decker bus tours offer combination tours that include a trip to Alcatraz. The only drawback with these is that you can not choose the time of your tour.
- All Alcatraz Island tours depart from and return to Pier 33 at Alcatraz Landing. (Walking distance from Fisherman’s Wharf)
- Worthy of note. It will be cold, very cold. Not just on the boat ride out to that island, but on the island itself. Prepare accordingly! (yes there is a T-shrit, sweater, and sweat shirt under that jacket. Layers are key!)
We took our tour in June and ended up buying toques, sweatshirts, and gloves not just for the ride out there but also for wandering around the island itself. Although it was a beautiful sunny day, that wind was chilly! - There is no food available for sale on the island, just bottled water. However, there is a cafe selling snacks and drinks before you board the boat and you are welcome to take those on your short journey.
- The boat ride over to Alcatraz Island is about 15 minutes and offers some wonderful opportunities for photographs.
- When you land on Alcatraz Island head straight to the top of the hill to take part in the self-guided audio tour.
This audio-tour is approximately 45 minutes in length and is mesmerizing. It takes you through the life of both the inmates and the guards who lived on the island. You do not want to miss this part of the tour, appropriate for most ages. Goosebumps will be acquired. - Is walking difficult for you? Keep in mind that the walk to the top of that hill is a steep one. If needed, there is an electric tram that will take you up to the top of the cell house. Accept the ride and don’t miss the chance to tour the Island Of Alcatraz.
- Boats home are at your leisure and leave approximately every half hour.
Don’t forget your camera and your sense of adventure. Walking into Alcatraz is like walking into a piece of history. It’s an almost haunting experience where for a brief moment you are transported back in time to the most famous prison in the world.
Happy Travels!
It’s so weird how the outside area and view is so beautiful but the inside is cold, ugly and haunting.
Really helpful article to plan holidays to San Francisco. Thank you! We were unable to see Alcatraz on our first trip to the city years ago because of lack of planning.
It has a very creepy kind of beauty. Definitely the kind of place I’d like to see.