Alcatraz Island: Visitor's Guide
Escape to Alcatraz – one of San Francisco's essential attractions
Alcatraz Prison on 'The Rock' of Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco's 'must see' attractions. Make the most of your time at Alcatraz with this visitor's guide
Alcatraz. Prisons need a good name to be memorable, and there's no harder name than Alcatraz. It sounds like its nickname, The Rock, and reminds you of one of its most famous residents, Al Capone. Everyone's heard of The Birdman of Alcatraz too, so no wonder Alcatraz Island is high on the list of San Francisco's most popular visitor attractions.
WHY GO?
Before it was a prison, Alcatraz was a military post, till the army left in 1933. Next year it became a maximum-security prison, thought to be escape-proof. Over the years it housed some of America's toughest offenders, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, better-known as the Birdman of Alcatraz. The prison was closed in 1963 after an escape attempt by prisoners, none of whom was ever found. Did they perish in the waters? Take the tour to find out.
From 1969-71 Alcatraz Island was occupied by Native Americans, to reclaim the island as land belonging to them, but they were eventually forcibly removed. In recent years, the wildlife has started to return to Alcatraz, and part of the attraction of a visit is to learn about this, as well as the island's more notorious history. An audio tour of the prison is provided, and it's wonderfully well-done, with the voices of former guards and inmates recollecting life on 'The Rock'.
THE BOAT RIDE
Takes about 15 minutes and on a fine day gives you beautiful views of San Francisco, the bay and of Marin County too.
HOW LONG?
Allow 2-3 hours for the whole experience, more if you have a particular interest in the island. There are also ranger-led nature tours as well as the prison tour, and if you get talking to some of the Alcatraz staff you might find yourself staying a long time. They can tell some fascinating stories.
WHEN TO GO
Take one of the evening tours if you can. Most people visit during the day, but an evening tour is more atmospheric and includes a few extras. It is also considerably colder than a daytime tour, so dress accordingly. In fact take along an extra layer whenever you go, as it can get mighty cold even in 15 minutes in a boat on the Bay. Wear comfy shoes too – there are hills to climb. Alcatraz is bigger than it looks.
GETTING THERE
You should reserve a tour in advance. Although you can turn up at Pier 1 on Fisherman's Wharf and go, Alcatraz tours are so popular that even in the off-seasons they book up ahead and you might be disappointed. Phone (415) 773-1188 for boat schedules and general information; phone (800) 426-8687 to make a credit card booking.
You can also book tickets online by clicking here. Have your credit card ready and be prepared for an email confirmation of your booking. Take this to Pier 41 about an hour ahead of your booked departure time. The price includes the boat trip and admission to the island.
Visit the Alcatraz website by clicking here.
