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Alcatraz, a former prison, is now a national park and one of the city's most popular attractions. Learn all about visiting "The Rock." Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco's most iconic sights. Alcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse in the Western United States but became a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing famous ...
Oct 28, 2021 · Things To Do. Visiting Alcatraz is partially a self-guided experience which you can do at your own pace. National Park Service staff and volunteers offer free interpretive programs throughout the day. Once on the island, you can stay as long as you wish. Ferries about every half hour and you can return to San Francisco on any ferry.
Apr 27, 2021 · Park Home. Plan Your Visit. Welcome to Alcatraz Island! Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Plan on spending at least a few hours on Alcatraz exploring the exhibits, checking out the video presentations or audio tours. Jr. Ranger books and programs are often available, and ranger tours are available every day!
- Sharon Odegaard
- Be Sure To Book Ahead. If you postpone making a tour reservation until the week you are visiting San Francisco, you may be disappointed. Book at least a few weeks in advance, if possible — you can order tickets up to three months in advance.
- Wear Layers And Comfortable Shoes. You’ll be walking up steep hills and old steps, so wear flat-soled shoes. I wore tennis shoes that were nicely cushioned, which turned out to be perfect for the somewhat uneven paths and worn stairways.
- Arrive Early For Boarding At Pier 33. It’s tour day! With your pre-purchased timed ticket in hand, head for Pier 33 about a half-hour early to check in.
- Pick Up An Audio Tour At The Cell Block. Disembark at the dock, right next to the iconic guard tower. Listen to the brief orientation talk given by a National Park Service guide, then head up a hill to the main attraction of your tour: the prison cell blocks.
Alcatraz Island. 56,182 reviews. #2 of 1,033 things to do in San Francisco. Historic SitesIslands. Write a review. About. Alcatraz Island was once the most secure federal prison in the U.S., and held notorious inmates like Al Capone. After being decommissioned in 1963, the prison is now a museum, welcoming millions of curious travelers every year.
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- San Francisco, 94133, California
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Aug 4, 2019 · To see two San Francisco Bay islands in one day, take the Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour which will also take you to Angel Island . @ Didier Marti / Getty Images. Alcatraz Island Tickets. The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company called Alcatraz Cruises, leaving from San Francisco. Other bay cruise companies can take you by, but can't stop.
Feb 13, 2024 · Ticket types: Day Tour, Behind the Scenes Tour, Night Tour. Getting to Alcatraz Landing (at Pier 33) to catch the ferry. Ferry to Alcatraz Island. About the cellhouse audio tour. Brief mention of the great escape, famous inmates, and ghosts. Best time to go. Bits of history. Good things to know about an Alcatraz visit.
