I've been to Alcatraz many times and as a kid and now adult it never gets old. This tour with its history and stories behind it are amazing to hear and learn. The boat ride over is windy & cold if you are outside but it's all so beautiful to take photos of the city as you are being shuttled over. Worth it every visit!

I had been to Alcatraz a number of years ago but decided it was time to go back. You need to book online and you might want to do it days or even weeks before you head to SFO just to make sure you get the day and time you want. It was very busy when I went and I was glad I did.

After the ferry out to the island there is a "mandatory" orientation. Since I had been there before I decided to skip it and head straight to the top where the prison block is located. You pick up an audio tour which will guide you through the prison with stories from both convicts as well as guards. You will also see some cells and solitary confinement that demonstrates just how terrible it must have to have been incarcerated on Alcatraz. As you walk through the island you can only imagine how beautiful the location was and how awhile the situation was to be there......it is a tour well worth taking.

It is a tour well worth taking.

There are many ways to get to Alcatraz, though nowadays you have to pay to get in! Book in advance if you. Can, but if not, there are many and various ways to buy tickets. Don’t give up though, if you are told it is sold out, it never is....

The place is full of history and facts regarding the things you always wanted to know. But being there is way better than imagining it. Without giving too much away, this is something we all should experience. Well worthwhile, both the audio narrative and the gardens.