Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz
A former federal prison island in San Francisco Bay, once home to Al Capone and billed as the 'escape-proof island'. Audio tours narrated by former guards and inmates bring the history to life, and ferry tickets must be booked in advance.
Alcatraz Island sits on a rocky outcrop in San Francisco Bay, 2 km from Fisherman's Wharf. In the 1850s it was first used as a military fort and home to the first lighthouse on the West Coast. From 1934 to 1963 it was the most heavily guarded federal prison in the United States. Its inmates included Chicago gangster Al Capone and the notorious 'Birdman' Stroud. In 1962, three prisoners dug their way out of their cells and disappeared without a trace, the story portrayed in the film Escape from Alcatraz. From 1969 to 1971, the island was occupied by Native American activists for 19 months. Today it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a nesting site for seabirds. The core of the visit is the audio tour of the main prison building (about 45 minutes, with a Chinese version narrated by former guards and inmates). It takes you through Cellblocks B and C, the D Block solitary confinement cells, the dining hall and the cells where escapees were held. The island also has a lighthouse, the ruins of the warden's house, gardens, and excellent views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Ferry tickets are sold by the official operator, Alcatraz City Cruises, which departs from Pier 33. Daytime tickets cost about USD 45–47 (including the round-trip ferry and audio tour). Night tours cost about USD 56 and have more atmosphere, with additional commentary. The 'Behind the Scenes' in-depth tour costs about USD 100. Tickets for peak season (May to October) and weekends often sell out 1 to 2 months in advance, so book on the official website, alcatrazcitycruises.com. 'Combo' tickets sold on other websites are usually resold at a markup. The crossing takes 15 minutes, and there is no time limit on the island. Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3 hours there. The island is steep, roughly equal to climbing 13 floors, so electric shuttle carts are available for visitors with mobility difficulties. Bring a jacket, as it is colder and windier than in the city. There are no restaurants on the island, only water and snacks at the pier.
Opening hours
First boat approx. 08:40, last return approx. 18:30 (later in summer); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Nearby sights
- Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39
- Ghirardelli Square
- Lombard Street
- Coit Tower & North Beach
- Angel Island
- San Francisco Cable Cars
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Exploratorium