alcatraz day tour reviews

Our Comparison Of The Alcatraz Island Day And Night Tours

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: September 2, 2020

Updated: August 27, 2024

Alcatraz Island has a story so intriguing that it draws in over 1.5 million visitors each year making it one of the most visited attractions in San Francisco. But there are a few different tour options and only one authorized seller of tickets so you’ll need to plan ahead to make the most of your visit. In this guide we compare the Alcatraz day and night tours to help you decide which one is a better option for your trip. Having been on both, we show you what we liked and didn’t like about each tour.

Our Experience

We’ve visited Alcatraz Island twice. The first time we included it as part of an epic 3 month road trip from New York to California during our 18 month honeymoon towards the end of 2019. For this trip, we took the Alcatraz day tour option because it was our first time in San Francisco and we didn’t have much time. The day tour was very interesting and offers a good base of information for those interested in the island.

The second time we visited Alcatraz in 2022 when we stopped in San Francisco before flying to Asia for 6 months. We spent several days in the city and had more time so we booked a night tour to Alcatraz. We wanted to compare the difference in the day and night tours. Overall, we think both options were done well and all of the photos in this guide we’re taken by us during both visits. Read more  about us .

What Is Alcatraz?

Alcatraz is located in the San Francisco Bay and it has an extremely colorful past. So before we get into all the tour details, it’s important you know a little bit of background information about this mysterious island.

The first man to sail into what we now know as the San Francisco Bay was Juan Manuel de Ayala. He was the first person to lay eyes on the original island and mapped the entire bay in 1775, naming the tiny island Alcatraces. The name has since been slightly altered to Alcatraz.

Following the Gold Rush in the 1850’s, the US military built a fortress at the top of the island to protect the bay from naval invasion known as Fortress Alcatraz. On June 1st, 1854, the Alcatraz Lighthouse became the first lighthouse built on the west coast. By the late 1850’s, Alcatraz received its first military prisoners.

In 1909, the US army demolished the Alcatraz Fortress and military prisoners built the prison we can visit today. Following rampant crime in the late 1920’s, the Department of Justice changed Alcatraz to a maximum security prison. This new prison officially opened in 1933.

Sadly, Alcatraz prison was eventually closed on March 21st, 1963 after almost 30 years of operation due to financial problems. Millions of gallons of fresh water had to be shipped to Alcatraz weekly and eventually the government decided it simply just wasn’t cost effective to maintain the prison any longer.

The island was left abandoned for 6 years and in 1969, a group of Indigenous activists set up base to raise awareness about the troubles they faced. Eventually Federal Marshalls intervened and removed all people from Alcatraz in 1971.

Alcatraz As A Tourist Attraction

In 1973, Alcatraz was opened to the general public as a museum under the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, it’s one of the most popular park service sites receiving well over one million visitors every year.

Since Alcatraz Island is managed by the NPS, there is only way one visitors can reach it. You must use Pier 33, often known as Alcatraz Landing. Pier 33 is located about halfway around San Francisco’s Embarcadero between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. Here’s the Google maps location .

There is only one company that owns the sole rights to ferry crossings from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island under contract with NPS. You need to book all tours with Alcatraz Cruises because the docks on the island are only accessible to this one ferry line.

Travel Tip : It’s essential you book with Alcatraz Cruises if you want to go inside Alcatraz. No other tour company is allowed access to the museum grounds. Always read the fine print before booking any tour. Even if you charter a private boat, you won’t be able to enter.

If you plan to drive your own vehicle, there is no parking available directly at Pier 33. Nearby parking meters may not give you enough time for your Alcatraz tour, but sometimes you can find on-street parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

The closest parking facility is the Pier 35 Lot at 2 Bay Street with over 100 spots, but it can be expensive on weekends. We used a combination of walking and public transportation to get to the pier. You can also use the historic San Francisco streetcars, look for the MUNI F Line and stop at Bay Street.

READ : The prefect San Francisco itinerary

Tour Options On The Island

Alcatraz is open for tours everyday except on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s day. The Alcatraz ferry is also run on a winter and summer schedule. No matter the time of year, the earliest tour always begin around 8:45am. The summer season will have more ferry crossings later as daylight lasts longer.

When you purchase a tour ticket, you’ll pick a time which corresponds to when your ferry departs from Pier 33. You can check the City Cruises official website here for the ferry departure schedule after you know what tour you want to book.

There are four different types of tours available with varying costs and access privileges. We booked the day and night options, but you can also opt for more with a Behind the Scenes Tour or a combo tour with Alcatraz and Angel Island.

Here are the options :

Just by looking at the graph, you can see the day tour is the shortest option making this a good choice for visitors who don’t have a lot of time. We liked the night tour because it offered a few more extras for just a little bit more money.

All tours include a round trip ferry service to Alcatraz Island and the Cellhouse audio tour. We’ll show you exactly what to expect for the guided audio tour around the main cell blocks on the island. You’ll then have the chance to explore the island further and this is where the tours begin to differ.

The behind the Scenes Tour of Alcatraz is a unique opportunity and limited to a maximum of 30 people. It’s a small group tour led by a NPS Ranger or expert historical educator to off-limits areas most visitors don’t get to see. Afterwards, you can choose to participate in the full Alcatraz Night Tour experience or return to Pier 33 on any departing vessel.

Travel Tip : If you collect the National Park Passport Stamps , you’ll be able to pick up a few during your visit. There are two stamps to collect including one for the Alcatraz Island Lighthouse and one for the Golden Gate Recreation Area.

Our Alcatraz Island Day Tour

The Alcatraz day tour is a 2.5 hour long option and it gives you the chance to freely explore on your own. As you investigate, rangers are stationed throughout the island to answer any questions. Inside the complex, there are also many informational signs and exhibits.

We took the day tour of Alcatraz in the fall of 2019 and don’t want to give too much away. So we’ll simply give you an idea about what to expect and then you can decide if this is the tour for you.

1. Ferry Ride And Arrival

After waiting in line at Pier 33, we boarded the ferry and sailed straight to Alcatraz Island. It took about 15 minutes so it’s a short ride. Onboard, there is a small snack bar and we decided to get two hot dogs to fill up.

To be honest, our hot dogs were pretty good and fairly priced considering we were on a tour. But water on the ferry is extremely expensive so look for the water bottle filling station to save yourself some cash. The ferry had many other snacks available and while the line was quite long, it moved quickly.

Upon arrival to Alcatraz Island, we disembarked and a large crowd gathered in front of Building 64. These were the residential apartments housing prison officers and it was first building constructed on Alcatraz. From here, a guide explained important information about where to go before we could explore freely.

Make sure you stay long enough to see what special programs are offered on that day. There will also be a ferry schedule sign nearby so check what time the ferry is headed back to Pier 33. From here, our large group was lead to the cellhouse.

Travel Tip : After you hear about the special programs, beeline it for the cellhouse audio tour so you can spend the rest of your time exploring the island (you’ll see plenty of signs directing you where to go).

2. Cellhouse Audio Tour

Follow the walkway as you head straight to the main prison entrance. There should be a sign outside indicating the start of the cellhouse audio tour. This will be your first real taste for the prison of Alcatraz. As you cast your eyes on the rusting grey-blue metal doors, you’ll immediately feel your insides crawl and shudder.

Once inside, make your way to the long narrow and very open shower room. Imagine taking a shower with some of the most hardened and creepy criminals in the history of the United States.

“Hey Mr. Scarface, could you please pass me the soap?”

Line up here until you reach the front to pick up your audio headset which is available in 10 different languages. This is where the tour officially begins. But keep an eye on the time if you want to see any special programs. If you have any questions about timing, feel free to ask the rangers because they’re incredibly helpful and want you to have to good time.

The cellhouse audio tour runs on a one way system and each location has a number. All you have to do is input that specific number when you get to the next location and the tour will start playing automatically. All devices come with a headset so you can easily listen.

You’ll slowly begin making your way around the cell blocks hearing the stories from the past. We thought it was fascinating to learn what happened here between these walls.

3. Sounds Of The Slammer

The Sounds of the Slammer was a special program from our day tour. It discussed what a typical cell looked like along with how the different prison blocks were arranged.

Alcatraz housed four main cell blocks (A,B, C and D) each with three tiers of cells. Some cells measured no more than 9ft by 5ft wide so just imagine a bed, toilet and sink inside these tiny dimensions. It certainly doesn’t leave a lot of room for maneuvering.

Cell blocks B and C were the longest rows and contained the most cells. In between cell blocks, each corridor was a given a famous street name such as Broadway, Michigan and Park Avenue. Cell block D is where misbehaving prisoners were sent. If they had a particularly serious offense, they would find themselves in one of the six segregation units known as the Hole.

Each hardened steel cell door was operated by a series of levers and mechanisms located at the end of that particular row of cells. Individual or multiple cells could be opened at the same time using this mechanism. It was innovative technology at the time, replacing the traditional lock and key method.

We enjoyed the Sounds of the Slammer because this program discussed the opening and closing of cell doors. It also included a practical demonstration plus stories from during and after the operation of Alcatraz prison. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to open the cell door using bed sheets and a wheel to lasso the level like Sean Connery in the Rock !

4. Escape Attempts

Alcatraz was officially dubbed the inescapable island but there were a series of escape attempts over the years. Did anyone make it out successfully? Well, that still remains a mystery.

Are you a romantic who wants to believe that someone managed to escape, despite the fact they were in prison for committing a serious and heinous crime? Or are you a firm believer of facts, logic and physics that suggest no one made it out alive?

In a nutshell, there were 14 escape attempts made by a total of 36 inmates throughout Alcatraz prison history. Some of the stories are sad while other stories are downright hilarious and full of ingenuity.

During our day tour, there was an escape attempts special program taking place in the dining hall next to the cell house. It was a highlight for us thanks to some fantastic storytelling by the park ranger who led the program.

We won’t divulge any more information here so you can hear all about these wild stories for yourself when you visit. Or if you can’t wait, you can read more about the escape attempts here .

5. San Francisco Views From Alcatraz

For the remaining part of our day tour, we explored the island on our own. As you can see in our photo, certain outdoor spaces were closed, but there was still so much to see. We visited the Recreation Yard, Rose Garden, Officer’s Club, Water Tower, Warden’s House, and Model Industries Building.

The views of the San Francisco Bay were absolutely stunning and we found numerous viewpoints to soak it all up. Depending on the time of day and positioning of the sun, you can snap photographs of Oakland Bridge, San Francisco city and the Golden Gate Bridge.

READ : Best Golden Gate Bridge photo spots

Our Alcatraz Night Tour

When we revisited San Francisco in 2022, we wanted to see what the island was like at night. So we took the Alcatraz Night Tour on October 11th which fell during the seasonal change schedule (typically around Oct 11th to Nov 5th). This time of year is the best of both worlds because we had the chance to explore areas usually closed at night due to increased lighting from daylight savings time.

Overall we think the Night Tour at Alcatraz offers a little more bang for your buck. But it’s only only available Tuesday to Saturdays so you’ll have to plan around these days. Similar to the day tour, a round trip ferry service is included in the ticket.

1. Better Ferry Experience

The first thing we instantly noticed about the night tour was the detailed live narration on the ferry as we sailed to Alcatraz Island. During the entire crossing, we learned about the history of San Francisco and the Bay.

Travel Tip : If you choose to stay for the night tour, you’ll be on Alcatraz Island for about 5 hours. There is food available on the Alcatraz ferry, but not on the island so you might need to plan accordingly.

Another highlight was the route the ferry took after leaving Pier 33. We completed a full circle around Alcatraz Island which is not done on the day tour. The narration on the ferry explained additional information we had not previously learned about.

As we circled the entire island, we got to see some of the sea caves which were used in one prisoners escape. If you look closely at the buoys in the water, you may also get a glimpse of a sea lion sunning himself.

Travel Tip : The water around Alcatraz Island has an average temperature of about 54°F (12°C) with little variation that would prove challenging for escapes. However, avid open water swimmers do swim across the bay regularly.

2. Arrival On Alcatraz

The boat was split into two groups of about 100 people and two tour guides met us right at the the dock. After both groups were on land, we headed in opposite directions. We liked that there was only one boat on the island during our entire night tour and it was a welcome relief from the large crowds we experienced during the day tour.

Our group headed to the right and the tour guide spoke about various points of interest on our 20 minute walk. We ended at the entrance of the cell house audio tour. And similar to the day tour, we picked up our audio guide headsets in the shower room and listened to the familiar voices once again.

After we ended our audio tour and handed in our headsets, we were met by a docent who was was about to give a special program in just a few minutes.

Perfect timing, we stayed for the special program and chatted with the park ranger. We won’t be disclosing the special programs on the Alcatraz night tour so you can be completely surprised. The best advice we can give you is to speak with the rangers and tour guides because they always know the ins and outs of the island.

Following our own advice, the ranger we spoke to gave us some great advice about how to maximize our time on Alcatraz Island. However, this won’t pertain to every night because programs and experiences are constantly changing.

As long as you attend the cellhouse audio tour, one or two of the special programs and spend a little time exploring on your own, we think you’ve done extremely well. So anything else will be a bonus!

3. Hospital And A Sunset

In between the two special programs we chose to attend, we learned the old Alcatraz hospital was to be opened at 5:30pm which is an area we had never seen. So we hot footed it to the hospital just in time to see the the remnants of the old Alcatraz operating room, exam rooms, pharmacy and sick wards.

As former scientists, we enjoyed seeing how the hospital operated. This experience alone was certainly worth our visit. Not that many people knew about the opening of the hospital so always ask the rangers when you get to the island.

Another great part about the night tour is that you have a little more time to explore the island compared to the day tour. So even after our audio tour, two special programs and the hospital visit, we still had time to see a few other areas.

Many of the same outdoor areas were open, but it was interesting to see the buildings on Alcatraz light up as the sun started to set on the horizon. The colors in the sky slowly transitioned to bright pink and orange. At this point, we started to watch our time a bit more closely because we certainly didn’t want to be spending the night on the island if we missed the ferry.

Our ferry was scheduled to leave the dock as the sun was setting behind the Golden Gate Bridge. This night tour was the perfect ending to a day in San Francisco. And that concludes our comparison!

Before visiting Alcatraz, you might want to watch some of these old movies to get in the mood:

• Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
• Point Blank (1967)
• The Enforcer (1976)
• Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
• The Rock (1996) – Our personal favorite!
• The Book of Eli (2010)

Even the Harry Potter Franchise created by JK Rowling features Azkaban prison which can only be based on one place…

READ : PCH road trip from San Francisco to San Diego

How To Get Tickets

City Experiences are the official provider of Alcatraz Island tour tickets. The best way to book tickets is directly with them on the official website here . But you can also book combination tickets if you want to see more of San Francisco.

Each tour we mention is an authorized seller of Alcatraz Cruises through City Experiences and these can be a great option if you can’t get tickets too. Here are highly rated options:

While Alcatraz is run by the NPS, ticket prices include roundtrip ferry transportation, the cellhouse audio tour provided by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and a Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee. Since there is no federal entrance fee, unfortunately America the Beautiful passes don’t give you free entry.

Our Alcatraz Island Photos

We took hundreds of photos on the island for our Alcatraz day and night tour comparison. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Morgan Conclusion

What we like : We were genuinely surprised at how well the Alcatraz day and night tours were put together. Each tour option offered something unique and it’s nice to see many different options. We also really enjoyed the special programs run by park rangers because we learned so much. Even with two visits, we’d visit Alcatraz again because it’s such a fascinating place.

What we don’t like : There are a few downsides to visiting Alcatraz. Depending on the tour you book, it can be pricey, but we do think it’s a fair price point for what you get. Our day tour was also packed because there were a few boats on the island at the same time which made it very crowded. And since Alcatraz tours will take at least 3 hours, it can be hard to add to your itinerary if you’re short on time.

Is Alcatraz worth visiting?  Yes, visiting Alcatraz is worth it. But overall, we’d recommend the night tour over the day tour for a few reasons:

• Onboard ferry narration and circling around the entire island is worth it
• Smaller tour sizes make for an intimate experience
• Ability to see San Francisco Bay as the sun sets from Alcatraz Island
• Chance to explore bonus areas often closed to general public
• More information is offered with docent guided tours and talks

However, if you can only fit one Alcatraz tour into your schedule, the day tour is still a great option and it’s slightly cheaper.

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• How to visit the San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden
• Tips for saving money with the SF CityPASS
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• Unique things to do in San Diego
• One to three day Itineraries for Yosemite National Park
• Perfect day trip to Joshua Tree from LA and San Diego
• One day in Death Valley Itinerary

Want more California content? Head to our California Travel Guides to explore National Parks, popular road trips and things to do in major cities of the Golden state.

We hope our day and night tour comparison to Alcatraz helps with planning your visit!

Please let us know if you have any questions about visiting Alcatraz in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

6 thoughts on “Our Comparison Of The Alcatraz Island Day And Night Tours”

Thank you so much for this post! I didn’t realize the website I almost bought tickets on was not the official tour company, so I saved money and was able to book the behind the scenes tour that the website I was looking at said wasn’t available!

You’re very welcome, Elizabeth. We hope you have a fantastic trip to San Francisco and enjoy the Alcatraz tour!

Alcatraz is easily one of our favorite San Fran attractions. We’ve been 2x. I’m always blown away by the walking tour. Absolutely love the step by step information. I always highly recommend visiting Alcatraz.

Yes we thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Alcatraz and would do it again. Highly recommend for first time visitors to SF!

Alcatraz seems like a great place to visit, so much history in one place. It must of been a harsh place to serve time but also to work, not your average commute.

You’re right, not a typical commute! We were worried the Alcatraz tour wouldn’t hold up to our expectations but it did with room to spare. Definitely recommend it if you get a chance to visit San Francisco.

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Alcatraz Day Or Night Tour – Which Is Better?

Planning a trip to San Francisco and wondering which is better, the Alcatraz day or night tour?

As one California native and frequent travelers to the state, we’ve got all the expert info on San Francisco and Alcatraz prison.

While both the day and night tour of Alcatraz are good and definitely worth doing, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option (though our favorite was the night tour).

➡️ Our Top Pick: For last minute Alcatraz tickets or just a combo tour of the prison and San Francisco, we recommend Dylan’s Tours .

🌉 Overview: Alcatraz Day Or Night Tour?

👉 We spent time out on Alcatraz island during our last Northern California visit so we can share all the differences between the day and night tour, pros & cons of each, what to expect, and tour & last minute ticket options for the prison.

✅❌ Alcatraz Day VS Night Tour (Pros & Cons)

There are pros and cons for both the day and night tour options on Alcatraz, so which one is better comes down to personal preference . Both are consistently busy, but each has its own perks.

🌞 Alcatraz Day Tour Pros & Cons :

• Early mornings (first boat) are less crowded
• Explore the island for as long as you want
• Tickets are slightly cheaper
• Sometimes warmer outside
• Peak visitors at midday
• Can’t access same areas as night
• Less spooky in the sunlight

*️⃣ Tip: During the day, it’s better to do the Alcatraz tour in the early morning vs afternoon to avoid the largest crowds (unless you plan on staying through to the night ferries).

🌚 Alcatraz Night Tour Pros & Cons :

• Spookier at night
• More access to other parts of the prison
• Fewer tickets sold
• Beautiful SF city light views on the way back
• Better picture opportunities when waiting to be one of the last to start the audio tour
• Less time to explore the island
• Much colder
• Tickets are more expensive
• Tickets sell out fast

*️⃣ Tip: The Alcatraz tour (day or night) is better and less crowded during the middle of the week, Tuesdays through Thursdays, compared to weekends or holidays.

👉 Alcatraz is worth visiting day or night, but we think the night tour is best to access other parts of the prison, avoid the largest crowds, and have a beautiful, spookier setting at the prison.

🌁 What To Expect On The Alcatraz Tours

Besides a few modern updates like bathrooms and a gift shop, it looks like nothing has changed at Alcatraz prison and it’s definitely one of the most interesting places to tour in San Francisco (day or night).

🌞 What To Expect On The Alcatraz Day Tour :

• Depending on where you’re staying in SF , you can walk, cable car, or Uber to Pier 33 where the Alcatraz tour (both day and night) starts
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to get in line and get a good spot on the ferry (outside at the front of the boat is best for views)
• The ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes
• Off the boat, a short guided tour starts as everyone walks uphill to the main prison (there’s a decent amount of walking at Alcatraz)
• Once inside, the whole tour is a self guided audio tour done by former guards and prisoners (it’s very interesting)
• After the audio tour, wander open areas until the last ferry leaves (but at least 3 hours is recommended)

*️⃣ FAQ: The Alcatraz day or night tour includes a roundtrip ferry, self guided audio tour, access to all open areas, and the permanent exhibit (The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States).

🌚 What To Expect On The Alcatraz Night Tour :

• Like the day tour, the Alcatraz night tour also leaves out of Pier 33
• Alcatraz night tours start in the winter at 3:50 pm, and in the summer at 5:55, 6:30, and 7:05 pm (we suggest eating dinner before to be able to explore the island until the last ferry leaves )
• The Alcatraz ferry ride, short guided tour, and self guided audio tour are all the same at night as day
• After the audio tour, explore until the last ferry leaves and see other areas of the prison (they had the hospital open when we visited)
• As crowds head back, the island gets even spookier as it empties out, and though it’s not “scary”, the eerie feeling is why we prefer the night tour

*️⃣ FAQ: The Alcatraz self guided audio tour, day or night, is about 35 minutes long straight through (though we paused it often to look more deeply at things).

🪨 Best Alcatraz Tour

Alcatraz tickets should definitely be purchased in advance, they often sell out (especially night tours), but for those that can’t get them ahead of time or need them after they’ve sold out, there are options .

Normal pre-purchased tickets for Alcatraz are sold through City Experiences (all others go through a middleman) while combo tours, last minute tickets, or sold out dates can be bought through tours ⬇️.

⭐️ Alcatraz Tour Tickets:

• San Francisco, Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Alcatraz add on
• Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Express (cheapest option)
• Private San Francisco with Alcatraz add on
• Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz pass by tour (Golden Gate or whale watching type tours pass by Alcatraz but don’t tour the island)

🤑 Alcatraz Tour Ticket Prices :

The cost for just an Alcatraz tour ranges from about $45-100 depending on time and type. Last minute or combo tour prices range from $100 to $400 depending on the type of city tour.

📔 Alcatraz History (Know Before You Go)

While the Alcatraz audio tour explains plenty about the prison, it makes the tour (day or night) even better with some extra knowledge :

• Alcatraz was where the worst of the worst ended up, but what really made it so bad was the isolation (we went in “the hole”, the hospital wing, and the “mentally ill” room and could see how that’d make someone crazy)
• Guards and other prison employees did live on Alcatraz with their families
• The Birdman (Robert Stroud) was one of the worst prisoners at Alcatraz

• Al Capone was moved from Atlanta to Alcatraz prison in 1934
• Aside from sharks, the cold temperatures, strong currents, and long distance to shore made swimming out of Alcatraz almost impossible
• No one knows if the 3 Alcatraz escapees survived , but some believe they may have gotten away with it
• There are no prisoners still serving time at Alcatraz, as the prison shut down for good in March of 1963

*️⃣ Tip: For more info, watch Alcatraz movies like Escape From Alcatraz , Birdman of Alcatraz , and Murder in the First before a day or night tour.

🔁 Wrap Up: Alcatraz Day Or Night Tour?

Both the Alcatraz day tour and night tour are worth doing, but we personally prefer the night tour because it’s spookier, there’s more access to other parts of the prison, the city light views are beautiful, and less tickets are sold.

Haley is the owner and author of Fernweh Foreigner, a travel blog that helps users explore the world while eating healthy & staying active. When she isn't writing blog posts about her favorite destinations, she is out playing or watching soccer, getting inspired by books & film, or cooking (because there is so much cooking with a clean lifestyle!)

The 7 Best Alcatraz Tours [2024 Reviews]

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

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

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

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

Best Guided Tours of Alcatraz

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

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Alcatraz Tours For 2024

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

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

Alcatraz Tour Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Information & Tour Booking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Alcatraz Island Tour Packages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tour Guides

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

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 7 best key west snorkeling tours [2024 reviews], the 8 best maui & molokini snorkel tours [2024 reviews], 🚁 the 7 best oahu helicopter tours [2024 reviews], top 15 things to do in maui.

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Stepping Into Alcatraz – A Review of Alcatraz Island Tour, San Francisco, USA

Alcatraz in San Francisco , if you don’t know already, used to contain the baddest-ass prisoners. It is one of the most tightly secured prisons in the world. That and the fact that it’s in the middle of the sea makes it nearly impossible for prisoners here to escape.

Yet, even the baddest-ass prisoners would be driven crazy to be locked up for their whole lives, and so 2 crazy, infamous inmates, popularly known as Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud, established their reputation trying to escape Alcatraz. 

We took to following their footsteps via an Alcatraz Day tour . 

P.S. Did you know you can combine an Alcatraz Island tour with a San Francisco Bay cruise , with views of Pier 39’s sea lions, the waterfront area, and the city’s skyline?

Stepping into the ticket line for this cruise at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing gave me a spurt of excitement as one of my favourite films “The Rock” had been based in San Francisco and on Alcatraz itself.

Being overwhelmed by emotions and nervous ticks, I turned to my one consolation, Isabel, and she already knew that I was ecstatic about this trip.

The vessel was clean and spacious with places to sit or stand on any of the decks. We decided to be outside on the top floor where we were treated to an amazing view of the waters around us.

The closer we got to Alcatraz, the more I couldn’t sit still, pulling out the camera and switching to our long zoom lens as we took turns standing and shooting the views of the island and its instantly recognisable structures.

I didn’t know where to look or turn as this was all too real to be true, but Isabel took the lead and led us to begin the tour with the documentary film on the history of Alcatraz itself.

As the room dimmed, the black-and-white documentary began. I had already known quite a bit about this place, but I still gained valuable information such as the Native Americans fighting for freedom and respect, and that today, Alcatraz is quite the sanctuary for wildlife and nature to thrive. 

Going from there, we headed to the main prison facility, of course stopping along the way to snap photos as much as possible for there was a fixed ferry schedule, leaving us with limited time. 

Walking into the actual large building was daunting, especially with the dark history we just learned about, the wind chill flowing through the halls, and the echoing of footsteps in the confined compound.

Inside the quarters where former inmates used to shower once a week, we found ourselves gathering up headsets for the guided audio tour. which is actually pretty informative. 

I was eager to hear and see firsthand the cells and the actual physical evidence of the riot that become quite an event back in those days. While it may have been just a regular audio tour narrated by a monotonous tone, once you immerse in the full story and audio effects of clanging metals from cages and inmates gathering for meal times, it’s as if you were transported back in time, watching it all happening. 

Listening to the history of infamous inmates spending time here, walking on the same corridors as them and cooping myself in the same dark cages that once drove them to multiple crazy attempts to escape, this was the most sensory and real audio guide tour I’ve ever been on.

I tried to immortalise this once-in-a-lifetime experience, snapping pictures of cells and the compound as much as I could. 

We had admittedly gotten lost more than a few times around the prison as my walking pace is a bit faster than the audio tour was, but the friendly staff around the island was more than helpful at getting us back on track. 

That aside, the view of downtown San Francisco from out in the middle of the sea was also as captivating. 

We missed the boat back to the mainland which left us a few extra minutes to regroup and have a sit by the docks while waiting for the arrival of another boat. The sun had begun setting and the weather was getting chillier by the minute. 

Once you’ve booked your tickets, plan to arrive at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. There is no parking on the pier so do allow for extra time to look for a place to park. Parking lots and garages can charge up to USD 50 per car near the pier, so try to take public transportation if you can!

The main prison building

You can read more of Alcatraz’s history here , which I highly encourage you to if you’re planning a tour there.

Did you know, there are Night tours and Behind The Scenes tours to Alcatraz too?

Read other useful posts about USA!

At A Glance

Unique Stays In The USA: Explore Extraordinary Hotels & Vacation Rentals

9 must visit family-friendly indoor spots in pigeon forge, tennessee, discovering the world’s top foodie destinations, [2024 guide] summer in the ozarks, missouri, usa, 5 best cities for sports fans & best time to get there, why kentucky should be your next travel destination, 8 family-friendly activities to do in los angeles, california, usa, 50+ must-do things to do in downtown dallas, texas, usa.

Special thanks to Alcatraz Cruises for this experience! All opinions remain my own.

14 Jan 2020, Tue

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.

Hi! I'm Isabel, a full-time traveller and digital nomad from Singapore. In the past 10 years, I've lived in New Zealand , Japan , Kauai Hawaii , Mexico , Costa Rica and Bali , while traversing 55+ countries. Pulling from my travel adventures and life lessons, I share my tried and tested tips, so that I can get YOU to work LESS and enjoy MORE!

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The Best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: A Locals Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco 2024

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

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

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

Alcatraz City Cruises

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

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

1. Alcatraz Day Tour

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

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

2. Alcatraz Night Tour

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

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

3. Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

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

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

Best Combo Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

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

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

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

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

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

✅ Book your Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. San Francisco: Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise

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

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

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

✅ Book The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise here

Why You Should Book a Combo Tour to Alcatraz

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

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

Tips for Booking Alcatraz tickets for Sold-Out Days

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

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

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

What Tours I Wouldn’t Suggest

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

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

How Much is an Alcatraz Tour

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

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

Night Tour:

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

Behind the Scenes:

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

Can I Visit Alcatraz Without a Tour

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

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

What to Wear Visiting Alcatraz

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

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

In Conclusion: Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

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

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• Top 12 Monte Rio CA Restaurants & Where to Eat Nearby Or you can check out my California Travel page for all of my California content including Death Valley National Park , Paso Robles , Palm Springs , & more!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is Alcatraz? Prison Island’s Troubled History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Practical Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

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

How to Book Alcatraz Tickets

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

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

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

Alcatraz Tickets Price (all includes ferry)

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

Alcatraz Hours

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

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

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

Alcatraz Booking Tip

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

How to Get to Alcatraz Island

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

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

Alcatraz Cruise & Ferry Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

Self-Guided Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Things to See on Alcatraz Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unique Alcatraz Tour Offerings

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

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

Is Alcatraz Island Scary for Kids?

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

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

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

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

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

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Alcatraz Tour Options

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises offers in-depth visits to Alcatraz. Your visit includes round-trip transportation to the Island and outdoor National Park access.

Alcatraz Tour Options Overview

Pertinent information.

At Alcatraz City Cruises, our guests’ well-being is our number one priority. We have proudly implemented new COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Age Policy Adult- 18-61 / Junior- 12-17 / Senior- 62+ / Child- 5-11 / Toddler 4 and under are Free

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.

Group Tours If booking a group of 20 or more people, please contact the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361; or e-mail  [email protected]

Ticket Price

Please refer to our  Fee Breakout FAQ  for complete overview of Alcatraz Island ticket prices.

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

Alcatraz City Cruises is a Proud Partner and Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service

Alcatraz tours faqs, is alcatraz open for tours.

Yes it is! Alcatraz tours with City Experiences are one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, offering visitors a chance to explore this historic island and learn more about its rich history. Whether you’re looking for Alcatraz tickets or just want to tour the island on your own, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this unique destination.

How long is the Alcatraz tour?

The Alcatraz tour typically lasts around 2 hours, although the exact duration will depend on the type of tour you choose. Some options include a self-guided audio tour that gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, while others offer more in-depth guided tours with knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the history and architecture of Alcatraz Island.

Can you tour Alcatraz?

Yes! Alcatraz tours are available year-round, and there are several different tour options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a self-guided audio tour or an in-depth guided tour, there are plenty of ways to explore this historic island with City Experiences.

What is the cost of an Alcatraz tour?

Alcatraz tour prices vary depending on the type of tour you choose. Self-guided audio tours start at $41 per person. Family packs are also available! Alcatraz ticket specials are also available for children, juniors and seniors.

What is the best time of year to visit Alcatraz?

There is no definitive “best time” to visit Alcatraz, as the weather and crowds can vary depending on the time of year. However, some visitors may prefer to avoid the busy summer tourist season when Alcatraz tickets are typically in high demand. If you’re planning a trip during this time, be sure to book your tickets well in advance as this is one of the most popular attractions at City Experiences!

What is the best way to get to Alcatraz?

The best (and only way!) to get to Alcatraz Island is with City Experiences. Several different Alcatraz tours are available for purchase online. Check them out today!

Is the Alcatraz tour worth it?

Absolutely! Alcatraz is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich history and architecture. Whether you’re looking for an exciting day trip or simply want to see this unique destination, the Alcatraz tour is definitely worth it.

Are dogs allowed on Alcatraz tours?

Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on Alcatraz tours. This is due to a number of safety and health restrictions that have been put in place. To learn more about service animals on Alcatraz Tours, please visit this link .

How early to arrive for the Alcatraz tour?

It’s always a good idea to arrive at least an hour early for your Alcatraz tour, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer season. Be sure to leave plenty of time to account for any unexpected delays or transportation issues. Remember that it is also important to be respectful of fellow visitors!

Where to buy Alcatraz Tickets?

You can purchase Alcatraz tickets online through City Experiences. Our website offers a wide range of tours and activities for visitors exploring San Francisco and the surrounding area, including popular attractions like Alcatraz Island. Simply visit our website to learn more and book your tickets today! City Experiences is the official provider of tickets to Alcatraz Island.

Are Alcatraz tickets refundable?

Our tickets are fully refundable up until 72 hours prior to the departure time, or 24 hours if ticket assurance has been purchased. Within these timeframes, tickets can also rescheduled, but that is based on availability. Refunds can be processed via the Manage My Booking portal .

What if I miss my Alcatraz tour?

If you miss your Alcatraz tour, we will do our best to accommodate you on the next available tour. However, we cannot guarantee that tickets will be available. Be sure to arrive at least an hour early to avoid any delays or transportation issues.

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Alcatraz Night Tour: What to Expect from this Popular Tour of The Rock

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: March 18, 2024

The Alcatraz night tour offers a more personalized option for visiting this top San Francisco attraction. This is also a great option for anyone who has already visited during the day and is looking to experience something a little different. 

I love visiting Alcatraz at night because the groups are smaller and the only people on the island are the people from your ferry. This way, you can get around quite a bit better and squeeze in more photos that aren't crowded with other visitors. 

One question I get a lot is if I like the day or night tour better. My response is always the Alcatraz night tour.

It's such a cool feeling to be on the island at night, as you get a better idea of what it was like to be a prisoner here. I also like it better because there are fewer people around.

It costs a little more than the Alcatraz day tour and does not run as frequently, so it's a little more difficult to fit it into most people's schedules. 

However, if you do have the choice between the two, go on the night tour. I know you will have a great time and LOVE it! 

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

What to Expect on the Alcatraz Night Tour

Two perks that are not offered on the day tour are the boat taking you around the island before you dock and the simultaneous live narration on the ferry ride.

After you get off the ferry, the Alcatraz night tour starts with a brief overview of what to expect given a park ranger. This is the same as during the day but includes information on additional things to do that evening.

Tip: It can get pretty windy and chilly on the ferry and island at night, so bring a warm jacket or windbreaker. I also recommend wearing long pants and comfortable shoes.

Even though they call them night tours, they are really evening tours as you will arrive on the island before it gets dark and leave shortly after dark.

Special Programs at Night

As you walk up the steep hill to the main cell house, additional rangers are on hand giving details on the history of this old federal and military prison and its famous prisoners .

Just to give you an example of what to expect, during my last visit, they had a very informative talk about Al Capone ( learn more about him and why he ended up here ) at a stop along the steep hill to the cell house. 

After two or three stops for these talks, you will reach the main cell house. This is where you will pick up your self-guided audio tour headset for your walk around this iconic landmark.

Self-Guided Cellhouse Audio Tour

Once you pick up your audio you will head to the main floor of the cell hours on a self-guided tour at your own pace. The audio tour takes you on a designated path where you will learn even more about Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelley, and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. 

On the Alcatraz Island night tour, you will explore this former federal prison to see what it was like to be a prisoner here. You will walk past and get the chance to enter a few of the solitary confinement cells. 

You will see the cell block and the cells where Frank Morris, John Anglin, and his brother Clarence Anglin plotted and attempted their escape. Learn more about this and other escape attempts here before your visit .

Along the way, you will see the library where books were stored for the inmates. You will also spend some time in the food service area where they ate all three meals daily. 

Even though it's a self-guided tour, it usually takes about 45 minutes. 

Want to learn more about the history of Alcatraz before you visit? Check out this page  which talks more about the prisoners and life in this maximum-security prison in the middle of San Francisco Bay.

Finishing Up Your Tour

Once you complete your audio tour, you will have some time to explore on your own. You will find a few more special programs given by the forest rangers. You will also have access to a few special areas that aren't open during the Alcatraz day tour.

During my last Alcatraz night tour, they opened some of the rooms in the medical area upstairs, where many prisoners stayed when they were ill. Rangers were also on hand to answer questions and provide additional information about these areas.

You can also roam around outside. You will get some great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco city lights, and all around the San Francisco Bay Area.

They don't publish which additional area will be open during these tours, but you can usually expect to see more of the island on the Alcatraz night tour than by day.

Alcatraz Night Tour Tickets

The challenge with the night tours is getting tickets. They only run a few nights a week and only one or two ferries a night.

Not only do they run on a limited schedule, but they also only allow around 300 people per tour. This creates a more intimate visiting experience, but it also creates a high demand for these tickets.

Limited access to these tickets and this tour also make it a more special trip. 

Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service. However, you cannot visit with your National Parks Pass. You must purchase tickets before your visit.

Winter Schedule: Early November - Early March

During the winter months, Alcatraz City Cruises only runs one tour a night to the island, only Tuesday through Saturday. This means that only 300 people a day can take this tour. 

The departure time is 3:50 pm from Pier 33 and the return time is 6:40 pm from the island. 

They do offer a second tour at 4:45 pm only during the busy holiday weekends. 

Summer Schedule: Early March - Early November

In the summer, they run three ferries. The first one usually leaves at 5:55 pm, the second at 6:30 pm, and the third at 7:05 pm. 

The return ferries leave the island at 7:55 pm, 8:40 pm, and 9:25 pm.

They will tell you all of this when you arrive, so you don't have to worry about writing it all down or bringing it with you.

I just want to give you an idea of how long you get to stay on the island during the Alcatraz night tour.

>> More about taking the ferry to Alcatraz

Tickets for the Alcatraz Night Tour

In the past, tickets would only go on sale 90 days in advance. Right now, they are releasing them about six months in advance so you can book them earlier.

I don't know when or if they will switch back to the 90-day lead time, but wanted to make you aware in case you don't see any tickets for your time frame.

Here is the current pricing (subject to change at anytime):

• Adults: $56.30
• Juniors, 12 - 17 Years: $55.15
• Kids, 5 - 11 Years: $33.00
• Seniors (62+): $52.25

The only place to purchase these is directly through the official site on Alcatraz Cruises ( find tickets ). Book them as soon as you can, so you don't miss out on the amazing adventure!

Your Alcatraz night tour will leave from Pier 33 at Alcatraz Landing, which is an easy walk from San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf district .

Other Alcatraz Tickets

In addition to the Alcatraz night tour tickets, you will also find these other official ticket options. You can purchase all of these directly through the official website for Alcatraz City Cruises. There are some retailers that are also allowed to sell Alcatraz combo tickets that I explain in the section below. 

Day Tours : The day tour is the most popular Alcatraz cell house tour. They run daily (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Several tickets are available each day. All Alcatraz Prison tickets include roundtrip ferry transportation. Learn more about this tour here . 

Behind-the-Scenes Tour : The Behind-the-Scenes tour is another great option. This one offers a personally guided tour that lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. It's also a small group tour with only about up to 20 people per tour. It runs during the day, costs a bit more, but is an amazing way to really get to see a lot of Alcatraz.

Note : I get questions all the time about purchasing Alcatraz day and night tours from other venues. There are a handful of designated resellers that will allow you to find tickets when they are sold out (a few are recommended below). However, not all tickets are legitimate. If you are unsure, please reach out to me and I'll help you decide if where you plan to buy is offering real tickets. I usually answer back within 24 hours.

More Alcatraz Combo Ticket Options

If you find that the Alcatraz night tour is booked or you would prefer to go during the day, then check out some of the great combo tour tickets available. These are also great for last-minute purchases or if the day tours are sold out as well.

The one I recommend often is the one through GetYourGuide. This Alcatraz tour package includes the day trip to Alcatraz as well as a 1-day ticket for their Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. You can see several of our most popular attractions with the ease of their bus tour that takes you right to each one. Find out more about the tickets on GetYourGuide .

Other combo tickets are available on GetYourGuide. They've created a round-up of the best offerings from agencies all around town. Some include a visit to Alcatraz as well as a ferry ride to Sausalito, a wine tour, or a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Find their ticket selection here .

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Alcatraz Tours: Day, Night, and Behind the Scenes – Which is the Best Way to Visit The Rock?

Alcatraz Island is known worldwide for its infamous federal prison that formerly housed some of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century. It’s lesser known for the national park unit that now protects, preserves, and shares these stories, and so many others.

That’s right: Alcatraz Island is a national park unit. It became a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, opened to tours in 1973, and it is one of the most unique national parks you can visit.

Haunted by the ghosts of its dark past, Alcatraz Island lures millions of people to its rocky shore every year hoping to get a glimpse of what life was like for notable criminals like Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson and more inside their cramped and secluded cells.

There are three main Alcatraz tours offered to explore Alcatraz Island: the Day Tour, the Night Tour, and the Behind the Scenes Tour. Each tour offers different experiences, along with some similarities, and raises one main question: which is the best?

We’re going to break down all three and give you all the inside information so you can decide which is right for you and/or your group for your trip to the Rock.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Overview

California is teeming with national parks , and a cluster of them are located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Established in 1972 to bring parks to the people of urban settings, Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects numerous diverse ecosystems in and around the city of San Francisco.

It is the third most visited park unit in the country, regularly seeing more than 12,000,000 visitors annually, and for good reason! Sprawling more than 80,000 acres of land, featuring beautiful beaches and captivating coastlines, gorgeous groves of Coastal Redwoods, magnificent military history in old fort structures, and so much beyond, this park is an urban oasis that has something for everyone who recreates here.

There are several individual sites inside of this park, including Alcatraz Island, the Presidio, and more.

The Bay Area features other national park sites outside of Golden Gate as well, like San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Muir Woods National Monument , John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, and Point Reyes National Seashore .

Overflowing with opportunities for exploration, education, and adventure, the most highly trafficked of these park sites is Alcatraz Island.   

When to Visit Alcatraz Island

Most people would expect summer to be the ideal time to visit any national park, Alcatraz Island included, but it’s vital to know the weather in San Francisco often does what few would expect.

Here’s a sample of what you might expect during the seasons in San Francisco.

While the temperatures never normally go below freezing, winter in San Francisco often see’s a lot of precipitation and gloomy overcast skies. More than 75% of the Bay Area’s annual rainfall occurs in winter.

Despite the higher rain chances, San Francisco has a very stable climate, and winter can actually be a pleasant time to visit.

The main perk is that the city and its attractions will be much quieter as winter is not peak travel season, and it may be the easiest time to score tickets for Alcatraz.

The early stages of spring have a chance to see some rainy days, but winter eases its grip on the region as spring blooms and bursts into life.

The historic gardens in particular really shine in the springtime, and you’ll be able to beat the onset of the massive summer crowds that are sure to follow.

Summer in San Francisco usually brings the cooler times of the year. While pleasant temperatures/days can and do appear, there is often an overcast of fog and blustery winds.

Locals tend to refer to the summer months as “no sky July” and “Fogust.” It’s common to see a chilly, breezy, overcast morning, with a clearing in the early afternoon, and fog returning by early evening.

Aside from the temperatures, summer on Alcatraz Island is also the fly season. Thousands of pesky flies inhabit the island, attracted to the Brandt’s Cormorants colonies.

These flies are completely harmless, though they tend to be extremely annoying, and many visitors find this to be an unpleasant surprise, but the bottom line is the flies are unavoidable.

If you’re looking for great views from the island, a lack of bugs, and less crowded times, summer may not be the peak time of the year to visit Alcatraz Island.

This is also when tickets tend to be booked up months in advance, so if you are planning to visit in the summer, book as early as you possibly can.

It may seem odd, but Autumn is what most consider to be San Francisco’s true summer season. This is due to an abundance of warmer days and sunnier skies.

Autumn is also the end of the fly season, meaning a much more enjoyable experience in the city, and on Alcatraz Island.

Autumn just may be the best season to visit Alcatraz Island for the warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and dispersing of the summer crowds.

No matter when you visit, you’ll want to keep a jacket with you. You never know when the chill of the Pacific Ocean air will creep in.  

A Brief Timeline of Alcatraz Island History

A majority of the people who come to Alcatraz from around the world tend to have only one thing on their agenda when visiting “The Rock,” and that’s to tour the Alcatraz Cell House.

Yet, when these visitors arrive on the island every day, most are stunned to see Alcatraz has far more layers of history than just an old cell house. 

In the year 1775, ​​Spanish naval officer and explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala became the first man to document the rocky island in San Francisco Bay.

He dubbed a neighboring island, “La Isla de Los Alcatraces” after observing the immense seabird population dominating the craggy isle, but the name was later applied to what we now know as Alcatraz Island, which also is home to large colonies of seabirds.

Decades later, in 1846, the United States purchased Alcatraz Island for $5,000. 

A Civil War Fort

Little known fact: Alcatraz Island did not begin as a prison, but rather as a stronghold created during the American Civil War as a defensive strategy.

You read that correctly: Alcatraz Island began as a Civil War fort, designed to protect the Bay as the Gold Rush ran its course.

The original fortification was designed with bunkers, tunnels, 111 canons, a fort on the summit, and several cells throughout the island to discipline disorderly army recruits, but the original intent was never to become a prison.

As the Civil War ended, and advancing war technology outran the fort’s capabilities, the future of the island seemed uncertain, until the commanding officers realized Alcatraz had great potential as an actual prison.

The island’s citadel was torn down by its then-current military prisoners, who then built the iconic Alcatraz Cell House atop its remaining dry moat and basement.

This was when the brutal military prison era of Alcatraz began, and the legends and lore of the mysterious and horrifying prison on Alcatraz Island were born.

This military prison operated until the Federal Bureau of Prisons took over in 1933. 

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

Beginning the era the island is most known for, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary opened in 1934. The reign of the federal prison saw some of the most dangerous criminals locked up behind its walls.

Seeking the stories of those men and the conditions in which they lived is what attracts most visitors to the island today.

The federal prison years of Alcatraz Island lasted for a mere 29 years, before rising costs and other factors finally shut the prison down for good, and its remaining prisoners were sent to other institutions to continue their sentences. 

It was over six years after the federal prison closed when Alcatraz Island reclaimed the world’s attention, but as a sanctuary rather than a penitentiary.

Indigenous Occupation of Alcatraz

On November 20th, 1969, a group of Native American activists calling themselves the Indians of All Tribes claimed the island for all American Indians in a fight for Native American sovereignty.

Their protest and plight reached all corners of the world, drawing support for the Red Power Movement and fueling their fight for over 19 months.

When the occupation dwindled and came to an end on June 11th, 1971, the world wondered, What would come next for Alcatraz Island?

National Park Service

And what came next was the birth of a new national park attraction. Alcatraz Island was added to Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and opened to tours in 1973. 

Today, visitors come in search of answers to questions about this mysterious place, then discover this place truly is so much more than just a notorious old prison.

It takes advance planning to get to what’s been called “the most infamous island in the world.” Step one of your trip to The Rock is securing tickets to the island.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sticker

Tips for booking alcatraz tour tickets.

Book With the Correct Company

First, you want to make sure you’re buying tickets from a legitimate source. Alcatraz Island is federal land, and those allowed to dock on its shores are strictly supervised.

Simply put, no random person is allowed to drive a boat up to the island, and not every Bay cruise company has permission to come.

PRO TIP : There are several different vendors that will promise you “the Alcatraz experience,” but be wary; there is only one concessionaire company authorized to sell real Alcatraz tickets and to bring visitors to Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz City Cruises.

Whether you’re trying to book a Day Tour, Night Tour, or Behind the Scenes Tour, you need to purchase your tickets online from Alcatraz City Cruises . You can also call (415) 981-7625 to make your reservation.

If you purchase tickets from another source claiming to be “Alcatraz Island Tickets,” you are risking buying tickets that will not actually get you to Alcatraz Island, but possibly just a boat ride around it.

Some third-party sellers will actually buy and resell tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises, but for a hiked-up price. There’s usually no way to know if the risk you’re taking will actually pay off and get you on any of the Alcatraz tours.

We know it’s tempting to try to outsource because it’s common to see Alcatraz tickets “sold out” on the City Cruises website, but just be aware you may not make it to the island.

Check Current Conditions

Check the island schedule before you book. Generally, it is open daily from about 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

It’s also a good idea to check Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s current conditions and the weather .

Fees and Park Passes

For National Park Pass holders, your annual pass is not a ticket for Alcatraz Island. You will need to purchase tickets from the authorized concessionaire to bring you to Alcatraz.

Why is there no discount? There is actually no park entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. You are paying for the boat ride over and the audio tour. Your annual pass does not grant you a discount for these non-entry fee purchases.

Reserve Tickets as Early as Possible

Here’s the best and most important tip for securing Alcatraz tickets : BOOK EARLY!

Tours are often sold out weeks or months in advance. Especially during the busy summer season, tickets tend to be sold out several months ahead of time.

If you’re trying to book last minute, your best chances will always be on weekdays or in slower travel seasons like winter.

Are Alcatraz walk-up tickets available? Are there ever last-minute tickets?

The short answer is maybe. There are times when hopeful visitors are able to buy walk-up Alcatraz tickets from the ticket booth on Pier 33.

This is not a guarantee, though, and more often than not, people are turned away. If you’re planning to gamble on the chance of being a walkup, prepare to be disappointed. 

Lastly, if you check Alcatraz City Cruise’s website early enough, and plenty of tickets seem to be available on your preferred date, don’t hesitate! Buy them at that moment. There is a strong chance they will sell out.

Don’t risk missing out on your chance to tour Alcatraz Island. Buy them as early as you can.

Comparing the Different Alcatraz Tours

Each of the three Alcatraz tour experiences can be vastly different, with some similarities. Knowing the details of what each offer will help you choose which tour is right for what you want to get out of your visit to Alcatraz Island.

Every Alcatraz Tour Includes: 

• A round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• Access to the award-winning Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour (available in 11 different languages)
• Optional, free park ranger/docent-led programs and/or walking tours
• Entry into other island exhibits, like the award-winning “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States” Cell House exhibit
• Free access to use S.E.A.T, the accessibility tram that can take anyone with mobility needs or health conditions to the top of the island should they need it
• The option to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program and earn an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger badge

Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz Day Tour Rates :

Adults : $42.50

Children (ages 5-11): $25.80

Juniors (ages 12-17) $42.15

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $39.80

Family Pack (2 adults and 2 children): $123.10

The most common and easily accessible of the Alcatraz tours is the Day Tour, and while this may seem unexciting compared to the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour, this particular adventure offers nothing short of incredible opportunities on Alcatraz Island. 

During the daylight hours, Alcatraz Island gives off an entirely different impression from what one may think. The true beauty of the island is in full sight during the daytime. This includes the chance to explore and truly appreciate the colorful flowers and diverse plants of the historic gardens.

You’ll also see the breathtaking views of the City of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay, plus the chance to observe nesting seabirds all across the island. 

Once you arrive at Alcatraz and step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by a park ranger who will give a mandatory orientation to the island and will tell you all of the things you can experience on your day there, like what exhibits are open, which programs are happening and when, etc.

Some days, programs may not be offered on the island due to low staffing or other reasons, so there is never a true guarantee for walking tours or programs on the Day Tour. If you see a park ranger, know they’re happy to answer any question you may have about the island and its history.

From there, you get to decide how you want to organize your time on the island. More sections of the island are open to the public throughout the day as opposed to the Night Tour and/or the Behind the Scenes Tour.

If you want to go straight up to the cell house for your audio tour, you can. If you want to take some time and explore different parts of the island, you can do that as well. 

Alcatraz Island has so much to offer during the day, and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours on the island. You can make your trip last as long as you want.

Return ferries will run throughout the day, and you’re free to choose any boat at whatever time you wish to return. 

Certain sections of the island are only open during the day, and these places are inaccessible to those who go on the Night or Behind the Scenes tours, like the North Road and upper level/exhibits inside the New Industries Building (the workshop where the prisoners of the island were sent to work labor jobs).

As of September 2022, the exhibits inside include one that educates about prison labor while the other commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Native American Occupation of Alcatraz (installed in 2019), though these exhibits are subject to change. 

The two best features of the Day Tour are that these tickets are the cheapest option to visit Alcatraz, and they provide you the most freedom to explore more of the island on your own and at your own pace.

Book official Alcatraz Day Tour tickets

Alcatraz Night Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour Rates : 

Adults : $52.70

Children (ages 5-11): $31.00

Juniors (ages 12-17) $51.55

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $49.00

When the sun starts to set, a creeping feeling of the mystique of Alcatraz Island and its dark past comes to life. The cell blocks barely illuminated by a darkening sky give visitors the true sense of the desolate feelings of Alcatraz prisoners who were trapped behind the bars.

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers its guests a firsthand look at the gloomy cell house at dusk and dark. 

When you make it onto Alcatraz Island for the Night Tour, the boat you’re on will be divided into large groups (usually up to 100 people), and you’ll exit the boat with whichever group you find yourself in.

Your group will be greeted by a guide (either a park ranger or expert tour guide), and they’ll guide you up the hill to the infamous cell house telling you stories along the way.

You cannot leave the group and go on your own; you must stay with your group until you get all the way to the top of the hill.

Once your group makes it to the main prison entrance, your guide will depart and leave you to take the Cell House Audio Tour. 

After the groups finish the audio tour, the real fun of the Night Tour begins. Unlike the Day Tour, when you may or may not have ranger/docent-led programs throughout the day to choose from, the Alcatraz Night Tour is chock full of different talks and walks you can attend.

Visitors have the option to check out various topics, like daring escape attempt stories, history talks, and everything in between.

Don’t forget to take some time and explore the West Road of the island to try to catch the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge!

You do have the option to traverse down the hill on your own when you’ve had your fill of adventures, but there are also guided treks down if you’re looking for more stories to hear along the way.

If you go on your own, keep in mind you’re in for a straight shot back to the dock area, as sections and paths on the island open during the Day Tour remain closed at night for safety reasons. 

When you look at the Day Tour compared to the Night Tour, the key difference is the freedom to explore more of the island vs. having more interpretation of the island and its stories from an expert guide. While programs like this can be available during the Day Tour, you are guaranteed them at night.

You’ll also have the chance to see Alcatraz Island settle down as the sunlight fades and the darkness takes hold of the infamous and spooky island.

Book official Alcatraz Night Tour tickets

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour Rates : 

Adults : $97.70

Juniors (ages 12-17) $93.55

  Seniors (ages 62 and up): $91.00

The hardest Alcatraz Island tour to obtain is, without a doubt, the Behind the Scenes Tour, and it’s for good reason, too.

These tickets may be the most expensive of any tour option, but you’ll also get the most bang for your buck.

The Behind the Scenes Tour allows you to not only experience the lesser seen parts of Alcatraz Island but to really dive in-depth into the stories of this place through the experience of an expert guide in a small, intimate group. 

Limited to a group size of 30 or less, your tour will start right as you step off the Alcatraz ferry and are greeted by your guide. Your guide will either be a park ranger or an expert tour guide.

From there, you’ll be brought to several exclusive areas of the island, like the last remaining communication tunnel, the lower level of the industries building, the prison chapel, a gun gallery overlooking the cell blocks, the A-Block of the prison, the citadel (often called the “dungeons”) and the prison hospital (some of these areas, like the hospital or the A-Block, may open during the Night Tour, but there is never a guarantee).

The exclusive access you get to these secluded areas as well as the unforgettable stories you’ll hear from your guide are just the beginning of this tour. 

After you’ve visited all these exclusive areas, you will have the option to leave on an earlier departure ferry or stay on the island for longer.

If you need to get back to San Francisco for other reservations or you’ve just had enough, that early departure ferry is a nice option.

Should you choose to stay, you’ll also get to experience all the features of the Night Tour.

This makes for a longer time (an additional two hours at least) spent on Alcatraz Island, but it is absolutely worth it to experience the most of what you can get out of your Alcatraz Island tour tickets. 

You’ll get to do the famous Cell House Audio Tour and get involved in other programs given throughout the Night Tour as well. 

All-in-all, the Behind the Scenes Tour can be a hefty time commitment and a pricey ticket endeavor, but it’s undoubtedly the best way to experience the private and closed-off sections of Alcatraz Island that very few people get to see.  

Book official Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour tickets

The Verdict: Which is the Best Alcatraz Tour?

Every tour of Alcatraz Island offers something exciting, and no matter which you choose, you’ve made a good choice.

It can be hard to say which Alcatraz Tour is truly the best, as they all offer something special and exciting for anyone who’s able to secure tickets, and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

If we had to pick one overall, we’d say the best tour you can take on Alcatraz Island is the Behind the Scenes Tour. This not only allows you to get a firsthand experience viewing areas that are not open to the general public, but you’ll also get to partake in the full Night Tour experience as well (audio tour included).

It gives you the most of Alcatraz and the most guidance on the island, and it’s an experience well worth the price of admission.

It is important to remember the Behind the Scenes Tour, because of its limited space, is often sold out months in advance. Walk-up tickets are never available for this private tour of the island.

If you’re hoping to snag a spot on an upcoming date, start trying to book as early as you can for your best chance to go. 

If you don’t manage to book a spot on the Behind the Scenes Tour, remember the Alcatraz Day Tours and Night Tours are also incredible ways to visit an incredible island.

The Day Tour offers you the most openness and freedom to explore the island, and the Night Tour will offer you the most stellar stories and guidance into The Rock’s past. 

Pin Our Guide to Alcatraz Island Tours

Alcatraz Island is a fascinating and haunting place in our national park system. The stories and legends about this place are sure to make any visit to the island unforgettable.

A little time spent planning your trip in advance can mean the difference between seeing the island from afar, or actually stepping ashore and getting to dive head first into an endlessly fascinating place. 

Have more questions about visiting Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz tours, its history, or more? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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Alcatraz night tour – tickets, prices, ferry timings, what to expect

The Alcatraz night tour is a unique activity limited to just a few hundred tourists per evening and includes special activities and presentations not offered during the day.

Alcatraz Island night tour is one of the fascinating things to do in San Francisco.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Alcatraz Night Tour.

Top Tickets

# Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise # Muir Woods, Sausalito & Alcatraz Night Tour

Table of contents

Alcatraz night tour tickets.

Since the night tour of Alcatraz is a limited-edition activity, there is enormous demand, and the tickets sell out soon.

During the peak summer months of April to September, night tours get booked several weeks (if not months) in advance.

As a result, only combo tours such as this are available. For instance, this ticket includes nightly access to Alcatraz and a Bay Cruise any day later.

This night tour to the prison off the city of San Francisco starts at three times – 5.55 pm, 6.30 pm, and 7.05 pm.

Once on the island, expert historians host nightly talks covering various topics.

This night tour includes a special “around the island” route, an experience not offered during daytime tours of Alcatraz.

Alcatraz night tour ticket price

Adult ticket (12+ years): US$159 Youth ticket (5 to 11 years): US$149 Child ticket (up to 4 years): Free entry

If you are trying for an Alcatraz night tour ticket at the last minute, rest assured it will be difficult. Check out how to buy Alcatraz Island tickets at the last minute .

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What to expect on a night tour

The night tour starts with a scenic ferry ride against the glittering San Francisco skyline.

Wander through the penitentiary walls under the haunting glow of lamplight, where former inmates’ tales take on an eerie layer of intrigue.

The award-winning audio tour, narrated by those who lived it, echoes through the dimly lit cells, sharing secrets of escape attempts and the penitentiary’s storied past.

What the night tours include

Your Alcatraz night tour includes the round-trip ferry ride to and from the Island.

Before you land on the island, you enjoy a guided tour around Alcatraz Island.

The onboard narration points out the hidden spots used for attempted prison escapes and prison structures unreachable by foot.

Once the ferry docks, a Ranger will lead you up a steep 400 meters (1312 feet) uphill walk.

The walk up to the Cellhouse includes many stops to explore the history from pre-Civil War, Military cannon, family life on the Island, etc.

You will also stop for breathtaking views of San Francisco city and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Once you reach the Cellhouse, you explore it at your own pace using the Alcatraz audio tour.

The Award-winning audio presentation ‘Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour’ helps you learn about the Cell House, the inmates, the living conditions, the escape attempts, and the riots.

Once the audio tour is over, you can explore the optional programs and exhibits at the Alcatraz Cell House.

As a bonus, you see the Bay Area all lit up in its glory during your return.

Some visitors who have been to Alcatraz Island during the day and at night found the night tour a bit spooky.

The nocturnal guided tour of Alcatraz is open to a limited set of tourists every day.

You must hurry if you want to book your seat on the nighttime ferry.

Where do night tours start from

Both day and night tours to Alcatraz Island start from Pier 33, also known as Alcatraz Landing.  Get Directions

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

Alcatraz Landing has a ticket booth, waiting area, and finally, the boarding area from where you get on the cruise boats.

Alcatraz night tour timings

During the peak months of March to October, Alcatraz Island night tours sail out at 5.55 pm, 6.30 pm, and 7.05 pm, and from November to March, the ferry departs at 3.50 pm and 4.45 pm. 

Visitors can book night tours from Thursday to Monday during the summer months and during the winter months from Tuesday to Saturday.

How long does the Alcatraz night tour take

Most visitors spend three hours on the Alcatraz night tour.

Since only two ferries leave the island after the night tours are over, you can’t cut short the time.

Most of the days, the first ferry that leaves Alcatraz island after dark reaches capacity.

Tour duration in summer

During the summer months, the Alcatraz cruises designated for the night tour depart Pier 33 at 5.55 pm and 6.30 pm.

The return trips start from Alcatraz island at 8.40 pm and 9.25 pm.

If you start from the earliest cruise departing at 5.55 pm and return by the last cruise departing the island at 9.25 pm, your Alcatraz tour will be over in three and a half hours.

And if you depart at 6.30 pm by the second available cruise, the maximum duration of your Alcatraz night tour will be three hours.

Tour duration in winter

During winter, only one cruise makes the trip to  Alcatraz island , taking tourists on their night tour.

It departs at 3.50 pm from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing and reaches the island at 4.05 pm. The same cruise then returns to the mainland at 6.40 pm.

In short, a night tour of Alcatraz in winter also lasts three hours.

Occasionally, there may be a second cruise, depending on demand.

Night tour vs day tour

There are four significant differences between the Alcatraz day tours and after-dark tours – the night tour is costlier, exclusive, scarier, and offers better views on the horizon.

Cost of the tour

One of the significant differences is in the cost of the night tour ticket. An adult’s night tour ticket costs $7 more than the day tour tickets.

The higher price tag is because of the limited availability and access to special programs.

Exclusivity of the tour

The night tour is more exclusive than the day tour because of the lesser number of tickets.

For instance, during the summer months, 14-15 ferries start from Alcatraz Landing to take the tourists on day tours.

In sharp contrast, only two ferries depart for Alcatraz Island carrying the night tour ticket holders.

The creepiness factor

The creepiness factor of Alcatraz multiplies manifold at night.

The fact that there is a lesser number of people touring with you makes it scarier.

The human guides who take you through the Alcatraz night tour capitalize on the ‘darkness’ factor.

They give special presentations, such as making all the steel doors close together as they would when Alcatraz was a real prison.

The loud sound of these doors closing is disturbing and stays with you even after returning from the tour.

Exceptional views

During the summer months, the Alcatraz night tour starts at Alcatraz Landing Pier 33 at 5:55 pm or 6:30 pm.

In the winter months, there is only one ferry at 3.50 pm.

Since you are on Alcatraz Island during sunset, you see exceptional views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco city when the sun goes down.

During the return ferry, visitors get to see the glittering San Francisco skyline.

What to wear for night tour

Since you will be walking on all kinds of roads – gravel, mud, paved – and climbing stairways, it is better to wear comfortable and covered walking shoes during your night visit to Alcatraz.

Sandals, high heels, open-toe shoes, etc., are a strict no-no.

The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and subject to change at short notice, so it is better to dress up in layers and bring along a light jacket or sweater.

If you are visiting during winter and early spring, be prepared for rain.

Alcatraz night tour reviews

According to TripAdvisor, Alcatraz Island is the number one landmark in San Francisco.

It is rated 4.5, with some very positive reviews.

The Alcatraz Night tour has also got some great reviews. Here are two such reviews –

Night tour – a little chilly but lots of fun

We did the night tour during the summer and it was amazing. We sailed into the fog and arrived on the island, and after about an hour or so, the fog had dissipated, leaving some amazing views of the city. – Maxsimmo

Night tour was stunning!

Simply amazing! The audio tour was awesome, esp. listening to former wardens and prisoners caught my heart. Recommend the night tour so u can watch the sunset. The best viewpoint is from the entrance to the courtyard. It is completely worth the money and is highly recommended. DominikaSVK

Sources # Alcatrazislandtickets.com # Cityexperiences.com # Inside-guide-to-san-francisco-tourism.com # Parksconservancy.org 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 .

Popular attractions in San Francisco

# Alcatraz Island # San Francisco Zoo # California Academy of Sciences # Monterey Bay Aquarium # San Francisco MoMA # San Francisco aquarium # Exploratorium # De Young Museum # San Francisco Bus Tours # Madame Tussauds # San Francisco Bay Cruise # San Francisco Ghost Tour # The Tech Interactive # San Francisco Dinner Cruise # SFO Go Car Tour # Legion of Honor Museum # Walt Disney Family Museum # Museum of 3D Illusions # 7D Ride Experience

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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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Savvy Travel Advice

Alcatraz Night Tour: Our Visit to The Rock with Alcatraz Cruises

Last updated: May 19, 2019 - Written by Jessica Norah 32 Comments

After over 3 years of living in the San Francisco Bay area, we finally made it to Alcatraz Island last week and did the Alcatraz Night Tour and explored the famous prison. While primarily known and visited because of the 29 years it served as the home for the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, the tiny island has a rich and varied history.

Long ignored by native people, the island would in turn serve as a strategic place for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, a federal maximum-security prison, the site of a 19-month occupation of Native American protesters, and finally a national recreation area and top tourist destination in San Francisco.

Ironically, while for many years people would have done almost anything to get off and escape from Alcatraz, Hollywood celebrities now come here to shoot films and paying tourists line up in droves to come over and take photos in empty penitentiary cells. We were two of those travelers and were very excited to come finally have the opportunity to visit the former prison and explore Alcatraz Island.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information on Visiting Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is located 1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco. It is accessible by boat from Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 in San Francisco. Pier 33 is at the foot of Bay Street on the Embarcadero. The boating area is a short 6-minute walk from the popular Pier 39 or a 10-minute walk from The Exploratorium at Pier 15.

Getting there?

Public transit : Taking public transportation is the best way to get here. The closest line is the MUNI F Line streetcars that stop right across from Pier 33. You can also take public transportation to Pier 39 and then take a short walk to Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33. Click here for more information on San Francisco public transportation options.

By Car : There are several paid parking garages available within walking distance. The nearest parking garage is 1 block away at 80 Francisco Street. There is limited accessible parking at Pier 33, available on a first-come, first-served basis for individuals with disability placards.

Tour times?

Tours run daily (except major holidays) throughout the year several times a day. Day and evening tours to Alcatraz are approximately 2.5 hours in length. Please check the Alcatraz Cruises  official website for the latest schedule as the tour times change seasonally.

The regular day tours are currently (as of May 2019) $39.90 for adults and youth (age 12 – 61), $24.40 for children (age 5-11), $37.65 for seniors (age 62+), and free for children age 4 or younger.

Night tours are $47.30 for adults, $46.25 for youth (age 12-17), $28.00 for children (5-11), $44.00 for seniors (62+), and free for children age 4 or younger.

The seasonal Alcatraz Island and Angel Island combination tour is 5.5 hours long and costs $78.65 for adults and youth (age 12 – 61), $52.40 for children (age 5-11), $76.40 for seniors, and free for children age 4 and younger.

Special family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are also available, but need to be purchased in advance by phone.

The Alcatraz Day Island Tour can be included as a combo pass with the San Francisco City Pass or the 3 or 5-day Go San Francisco Card . But you have to follow specific directions at purchase to be able to use it for Alcatraz. The combo passes can be purchased at the Alcatraz Cruises Ticketbooth, located at Pier 33 in San Francisco, or by phone at (415) 981-7625.

Booking Reservations?

If you plan to visit Alcatraz Island during your visit to San Francisco, you should make reservations in advance as tickets can sell out several weeks in advance. While you may get lucky with same day or next day reservations in the less crowded winter months (January through March), it is always good to book in advance.

**Please use caution when purchasing tickets as Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers to and from the island. Several other companies in San Francisco offer narrated cruises around Alcatraz Island; however, only Alcatraz Cruises has permission to actually land on the island.**

On-line: The easiest and quickest way is to book directly through the Alcatraz Cruises website. Purchased tickets can be conveniently printed at home or picked up in-person.

In-Person: You can purchase tickets in person by visiting Alcatraz Landing ticket office at Pier 33, The Embarcadero.

By Telephone: Phone reservations can be made by calling the Alcatraz Cruises ticketing center at 415-981-7625.

San Francisco CityPass: If you plan to purchase the  San Francisco CityPASS  you will have the option to book a Alcatraz Island day tour (subject to reservations and availability). However, you must purchase and reserve the tour in a specific way. See the instructions here .

San Francisco Go Card:  If you plan to purchase a 3 or 5 day Go San Francisco Card directly from Alcatraz Cruises, you may visit Alcatraz Island (subject to reservations and availability). The Go San Francisco Card including an Alcatraz Tour may ONLY be purchased through Alcatraz Cruises directly. The Alcatraz Tour is only available on 3-day and 5-day cards.

Can I eat on the Island?

There is no food service available on the island and only water is available. Eating, drinking, and smoking is only allowed at the dock level. Public bathrooms are available.

Can I stay overnight at Alcatraz?

Generally no. There is an evening tour of Alcatraz, but you are not permitted to stay overnight. However, each year several hundred people are allowed to stay overnight at Alcatraz after having applied for a permit and been granted one.

Given the high demand and limited resources, currently only non-profit organization groups are eligible to apply for permits. You can find out more information here .

Day tour versus Alcatraz night tour?

There are pros and cons of taking a Alcatraz Night Tour over a Day Tour. Some pros for taking a night tour are there are fewer people, you get great views as the sun is setting, you get a free brochure, and there is extra programming available in the evening that is not available during the day. It is also perhaps easier to appreciate the isolated and eerie nature of the prison in the dark than during the day.

While the night tour has a lot of benefits over the day tour, I do wish we had had more time to explore other parts of the island. We would have liked to see more of the museum displays, seen more of the buildings, and hiked some of the short trails to see more of the plants and gardens on the island. Part of the issue is a lack of time as coming over for the evening tour you must leave when the last boat leaves, but the other issue is that some areas are closed during the evening that are open during the day.

The other factor to take into consideration when deciding is that the night tour is more expensive than the day tour.

Where can I find out more information?

You can visit the National Park Service  official website on Alcatraz Island for tons of information regarding planning your visit, accessibility, history of the island, educational materials, how to request permits for events or overnights, and other information.

As noted earlier, to check the boat schedule, make reservations, or book tickets you can visit Alcatraz Cruises . While the island is maintained by the National Park Service, Alcatraz Cruises is the official and only boat service authorized to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.

 Our Experience doing the Alcatraz Night Tour

Ethan and I had been wanting to visit Alcatraz since we first moved to San Francisco over 3 years ago. We came very close to going in October while my family was in town for a visit. We had all purchased a San Francisco CityPass and scheduled an Alcatraz day tour with Alcatraz Cruises.

Unfortunately, the U.S. government decided to shut down during their stay so we had to settle for a Bay cruise instead. While lovely, we were all disappointed by not being able to visit this infamous prison, especially since my father actually works for a federal prison. We were however given complimentary photos at the end of our Bay cruise despite not having visited Alcatraz.

Several months later, however, Alcatraz Cruises provided us complimentary tickets as travel writers to finally do this tour. We chose the night tour as we went with a large group of Ethan’s friends and co-workers. We took public transportation, taking the MUNI F Line street car to the stop (Embarcadero &  Bay Street stop) across from Pier 33.

The Alcatraz Landing area is well marked and hard to miss. We collected our tickets and met up with our group before getting into the line. They begin allowing people onto the boat about 10 minutes prior to departure and the line moves somewhat slowly as they take pictures of each person or group before they board (photos are available for purchase after the tour).

Once aboard, we chose to go to one of the upper decks and sit to check out the views. After safety instructions, a narrated history of Alcatraz Island is provided as the boat cruises around the island. It was a great time for some pictures of the island and a good way to get oriented to the island’s layout prior to our visit.

It was a pleasant 15-20 minute ride and there are snacks and drinks available for purchase in the bottom part of the boat.

Once docked, we all got off and stood near the dock to listen to one of the park rangers give some instructions and go over the evening’s programming options. We were also given souvenir brochures that provide some information on the Island and a helpful map (normally $1.00 on day tour), which are particularly useful if you plan to explore parts of the island outside the dock area and Cellhouse.

We then slowly made our way up the winding path of the hill with a few short stops as the ranger provided us with information about the buildings along the way.  The path is paved but is 1/4 mile long and uphill, so it may be particularly difficult for those with mobility issues or small children. A free electric shuttle helps escort anyone who is not able to make the climb.

As we passed the ruins of the old social hall and Officers’ Club, one of the more interesting pieces of information to us was about the guards and their families that lived on the island. A number of the officers’ families lived here with children taking a ferry to San Francisco each day to attend school. Many of the children report this as having been an idyllic place to grow up and few families even bothered to lock their doors, having almost no contact with any of the prisoners.

After making our way up the hill, we were finally standing in front of one of the entrances to the prison. You stand in line as people make there way inside and are each given an audioguide which contains the Cellhouse Audio tour “Doing Time”, which is available in a number of languages.

The tour was not guided by any rangers, but the audioguide makes for a very clear and structured tour and helps point out things as you walk along. It is also nice that you can pause the narration at any point. The audioguide contains the voices and stories of several prison guards and several former inmates at Alcatraz which adds richness to the narration.

The cell blocks are interesting to see up close and a few are open so you can walk inside. They are very small with nowhere to sit except on the cot or these little metal seats/shelves bolted to the wall. Most prisoners spent the vast majority of their time in their cells and you can get a brief sense of what it must have been like to sit in these tiny little cells for such long periods of time.

As you walk around you’ll hear the history of the prison, tales about the most famous inmates, the daily routine of prison life, attempted escapes, and the 1946 bloody Battle of Alcatraz. We both learned a lot of interesting information about the prison and discovered that some of the information we knew from films was inaccurate (e.g., famous inmate Robert Stroud known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz” was never allowed to keep any birds at Alcatraz).

After vising the solitary confinement cells, library, guards’ rooms, and warden’s office, you’ll walk outside. This is a great place to pause the narration and take some pictures of San Francisco and the Bay. We were lucky to have a particularly clear day with minimal fog.

After coming back indoors, you’ll return to the Cellblock for some more information and eventually end the tour in the Dining Room. The Dining Room is a dangerous place in a prison given the number of prisoners and potential weapons available (dishes, silverware, trays, etc.). After the narration ends, you can then return your audioguide and head to other parts of the island for further exploration. There are staff and a program guide here that can tell you what other tours and videos are available.

During our visit, the hospital (stairway is located near the entrance to the dining room) was open so we headed upstairs before leaving the Cellhouse. Everyone in our group was a health care worker of some type so this was particularly interesting. You can see the operating room, X-ray room, room for hydrotherapy, and cells for those prisoners housed in the hospital. Many of the items are not original but are from the same period. All medical care for prisoners was provided here, from surgery to dental care, so that prisoners would never need to leave the island.

After returning our audioguides, we had a few options regarding what to do next which included Cellhouse cell demonstrations (this is where you can actually experience getting locked in a cell), a talk titled something like  “Murder and Obsessions”, and a talk related to the Native American occupation.

We chose to do the talk on “Murder and Obsessions” where a guide related the tale about the relationship between two prisoners that led to one murdering the other. It was interesting but definitely not appropriate for children with themes of murder, violence, and sexuality. Finally, we finished our tour with watching a short 17-minute video “Alcatraz: Stories from the Rock” before it was time to board the boat back to the dock for our pleasant 15 minute cruise back to Pier 33.

Whether you choose to do a day tour of night tour of Alcatraz, here are our top 5 reasons you should consider including Alcatraz in your San Francisco trip itinerary:

• Learn the history of the island
• Experience the infamous prison up close and personal
• Capture some great views of the Bay and San Francisco
• Appreciate the flora and fauna of the island
• Enjoy the short Bay cruise and the fact you have the privilege to escape from this isolated island.

Have you done the Alcatraz Night Tour or a day tour to Alcatraz? As always, we’d love to hear any questions, thoughts, or tips you may have.

**Disclaimer: As travel writers, we were provided free tickets from Alcatraz Cruises to review the cruise and tour; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. We did not receive any financial compensation for the writing of this post, do not work for Alcatraz Cruises, and receive no commission for any sales of these tours.**

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Hannah Renton Post author

October 8, 2015 at 3:19 am

This looks like so much fun! If I ever get round to visiting San Francisco, I will definitely try and get tickets for Alcatraz! Great Post!

travelcats Post author

October 12, 2015 at 3:01 am

Hi Hannah, yes Alcatraz is one of my favorite tourist attractions to recommend to visitors in San Francisco. The audioguide is really good and having to take a boat ride over makes it a fuller experience I think. Tickets can sell out, especially in the summer months, so do plan ahead if you are in SF.

Postcards from Rachel Post author

March 12, 2014 at 12:01 pm

We did a tour during the day but I’d love to go back at night. I bet it’s so creepy!

Great photos!

March 12, 2014 at 7:37 pm

Thanks Rachel, I think the day and evening tours are both totally worth it! I think Alcatraz is one of those places you could definitely re-visit.

Meredith Post author

March 11, 2014 at 2:48 pm

Sounds like this tour is definitely worth going on the “must-do” list for San Fran! I always found it kind of amusing that they managed to turn one of the most notoriously difficult prisons to escape into a tourist destination. That said, I’m totally on board for checking it out – hopefully sooner than later! It’s great to know some of the pros and cons to day versus evening – always helpful when trying to plan out an itinerary 🙂

March 12, 2014 at 3:16 am

Yes, I definitely think it is a great place to add to your SF itinerary!

Karen Peterson Post author

March 11, 2014 at 12:22 pm

I’ve been to San Francisco so many times and I have never once been to Alcatraz. Looks like such an amazing place to see!

March 12, 2014 at 3:12 am

It is amazing to me how many people living in the Bay area have not been to Alcatraz (or really lots of famous sites). I think when you live close to a place or visit often you take things for granted until you leave. I know I was like that in OH and NM.

Ashlee Post author

March 10, 2014 at 11:30 am

Holy crap! This is on my bucket list. And that picture of San Francisco from the island is INCREDIBLE. My number one goal in life is to travel so I’m definitely subscribing to your blog! : )

March 11, 2014 at 11:51 am

Yes, the views of San Francisco are fantastic from the island on a clear day. You can also get some good ones of the Golden Gate Bridge from the boat if you have a good zoom on your camera. We’d love to have you as a new reader, you can subscribe to the blog by email for post updates on the sidebar!

Nicki Lewis Post author

March 10, 2014 at 10:57 am

Great pictures. I have always wanted to go see Alcatraz. Maybe will have to make the trip. Will keep your tips in mind

I am having a link up on Thursday, and would love you to stop by to join in

March 11, 2014 at 11:48 am

Thanks, and sure I’ll try to stop by on Thursday!

Meghan Post author

March 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

I’ve only ever been one one of those boats that goes around the island, but never ashore. What a chilling experience, especially at night! Will definitely have to do the tour.

It was really fun to actually be able to walk around the island go inside the old prison. I would definitely recommend it!

AwesomelyOZ Post author

March 10, 2014 at 7:17 am

That’s so cool – regardless, they had quite a view from that island! That “hospital’ looks trippy and I’m not sure on the quality of care those inmates probably received. Either way what a great experience to have visited that spot! 😀 Have a great one Jessica! -Iva

March 11, 2014 at 11:47 am

Thanks Iva for stopping by. Supposedly the medical care (and food) was pretty good for the time, but who really knows!

Michelle Post author

June 28, 2019 at 5:36 am

Hi we are visiting this September and really want to do the night tour but my mum has limited mobility. Do you know if the SEAT bus runs for the night tours? Thank you

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

June 29, 2019 at 11:39 am

Hi Michelle,

I believe that the SEAT tram should be running for the evening tours to Alcatraz. I had another reader ask this and it was running for her evening tour. I would of course double check to make sure it is scheduled to be running on the date you want to visit (I’d give them a call or send them an email), but we have heard from a reader a couple months ago that it was running for the night tours. You can find out more here: https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/accessibility/seat-transportation/

Enjoy your visit to Alcatraz!

Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

March 10, 2014 at 6:43 am

I really enjoyed my tour when we went. I thought it was well organized, and very interesting. The whole idea of Alcatraz just stirs the imagination. I frankly didn’t even know there was a night tour, but I imagine being out there when it is dark would really help you identify with the anxiety of being incarcerated there. I always recommend people go when visiting SF.

March 11, 2014 at 11:29 am

Yes, the night tours are really interesting and have a bit of extra programming, but don’t have the advantages of being able to see as much of the nature on the island as the day tours. I definitely agree that this is a great must-see place for visitors who are spending more than a few days in SF.

Sammy Dorn Post author

March 10, 2014 at 6:02 am

This is a place I would be really interested to visit. You wrote a really great review. I find old prisons such great places to see. There is one in Australia called the ‘Old Dubbo Jail’ and I have memories of walking into the complete darkness of an isolation cell as a kid and running straight back out to my mum!

March 11, 2014 at 11:28 am

Hi Sammy, that prison sounds like a great place to check out whenever we get to Australia! That is a fun childhood memory:)

Erica Post author

March 10, 2014 at 3:06 am

Looks so interesting… and kind of creepy or eerie too!

March 11, 2014 at 11:27 am

It was a very interesting tour, and I think it has that appeal for some people of being a bit morbid and creepy:)

Kaelene @Unlocking Kiki Post author

March 10, 2014 at 2:36 am

When we visited San Fran last summer we tried to go to Alcatraz. Of course I hadn’t even thought of booking tickets early, big mistake they were sold out until the next spring!

March 11, 2014 at 11:25 am

Oh wow, yes, the Winter (Jan. – March) is the best time to try to get last minute reservations, but the tours (especially night tours) sell out weeks in advance normally. Hopefully you will get to visit on your next visit to SF!

Anja Post author

March 10, 2014 at 2:10 am

What a great article! I visited Alcatraz 8 years ago during the day and really enjoyed it for all the reasons you mention in your post. Hats of for the detailed, informative and structured way you give information about this site!

March 11, 2014 at 11:24 am

Thanks Anja and I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to Alcatraz as well.

Johlet Post author

March 10, 2014 at 2:07 am

Woah I got some freaky goosebumps while watching your photos! I loved the Alcatraz series, too bad it only lasted for 1 Season. 🙁 I would love to one day visit Alcatraz!

March 11, 2014 at 11:23 am

Some people find it really creepy at night. I would actually love to do an overnight here:)

Louisa Post author

March 9, 2014 at 11:46 pm

I would find this tour fascinating! Great review Jessica. You covered what I wanted to know.

March 10, 2014 at 12:41 am

Thanks Louisa, yes the tour is really interesting and informative! A few people in our group had already been a few times before so I think it is one of those places you can revisit every few years and learn something new.

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U.S. News Insider Tip: Depending on what time of year you visit, tours to Alcatraz can sell out months in advance. Play it safe by not waiting until the last minute to reserve your spot. – Alissa Grisler, Associate Editor

While riding a cable car and getting a snap of the Golden Gate Bridge is a must when visiting San Francisco, both visitors and travel experts tend to argue the same for Alcatraz. This is because Alcatraz is rich with history. Sitting on a small, rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz is best known as being a former federal prison that housed some of society's biggest offenders, the most famous of which was Prohibition-era mob boss Al Capone. Before that, it was a military prison that housed prisoners from the Spanish-American War and Civil War, as well as the site of the West Coast's first operating lighthouse. The prison closed down both times due to high operating costs and was handed over to the National Park Service in 1972 after the island experienced a short occupation from Native American activists. Today, the attraction welcomes more than one million visitors per year. 

In addition to touring the inside of the prison, visitors can also peruse exhibits about the history of mass incarceration in the United States and the occupation of the island by Native American activists. 

Recent visitors said Alcatraz is truly a can't-miss attraction. Travelers enjoyed being able to get up close to cells and said the audio tour (complimentary with ferry tickets) voiced by former inmates and prison guards made the visit that much more fun and informative. What's more, travelers say the view of the bay from The Rock (the nickname given to Alcatraz) is breathtaking. 

Hours and Tickets

To enter Alcatraz, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to get to the island. Ferries depart from Pier 33 at Fisherman’s Wharf . There are several public transit stops nearby, including the Embarcadero streetcar line. Ferry tickets are not cheap (starting at about $45), but most travelers say the price offers great value.

Tickets include a scenic boat trip to the island and the audio guide. Tours depart every morning at 8:40 a.m. and return throughout the day. Night tours depart before sunset and start around $56 for adults. You can book up to 90 days in advance via Alcatraz City Cruises . Set aside at least three hours to enjoy the attraction.

Several of the city's top guided tours also include stops at Alcatraz. And though some of San Francisco's best boat tours don't actually stop on the island, many sail around it, offering a unique perspective and insight. For more information, visit the NPS website .

Tours & Tickets

Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

(729 reviews)

from $ 125.10

Inside Alcatraz Tour Including Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit

(407 reviews)

from $ 99.99

Inside Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge Bay Cruise

(172 reviews)

from $ 133.99

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Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio Tunnel Tops is the nation’s newest national park space and reconnects the city to the bay. The 14-acre park, which was designed by James Corner Field Operations (the same team behind NYC ’s High Line ) bridges over the newly tunneled Presidio Parkway. The parkway (formerly Doyle Drive) separated the historic Main Post from the waterfront. Connecting pathways, bluff landscapes and overlooks have made the park a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. 

One of the park’s largest areas, the Golden Gate Meadow, is a popular spot for families for picnics, kite-flying and other outdoor activities. Gardens and accessible cliff walks border the meadow, which also offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge , the bay and the Marin Headlands. A 2-acre play space called the Outpost features huge play structures built from fallen tree trunks, boulders and other things inspired by nature, allowing children to swing, crawl and climb. 

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