Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island
4.5
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. Catch the ferry on Pier 33 to Alcatraz and explore the island at your own pace as you soak up the views of San Francisco and the bay. You can take a guided tour with a park ranger to learn more about the intriguing anecdotes about the facility’s fascinating history. But book your spots early—tickets sell out fast. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- joanie30735Dalton, Georgia3,896 contributionsA must to visit when in San Francisco!!Bought our tickets online weeks before we went. Good thing we did! They were completely sold out when we arrived for our 11am scheduled tour. We bought our parking in advance to and only parked 4 blocks from pier 33. The boat ride over was very nice! NOT crowded and they told some history of Alcatraz. On the Island itself we enjoyed ourselves! Taking our own time learning things! We loved the audio tour! Definitely do NOT miss that!! We spent about 3 hours here and enjoyed every moment! Great family time and learning history together!!Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 19, 2023
- BrummieMoBirmingham, United Kingdom93 contributionsChilling Iconic SiteThoroughly enjoyed this trip to this iconic place. The ferry trip over is excellent and the island itself very interesting. It is a chilling place and you really wouldn't have wanted to have been incarcerated there. Views from the island back to San Francisco are great.Visited April 2023Written April 30, 2023
- Anna-LenaFrankfurt, Germany9 contributionsVery fascinating trip to a historical iconWe loved the boat trip from Fishermen's Wharf and the lovely view of San Francisco. The island itself is an iconic landmark that is dedicated to give you an insight in the old times and famous prisoners such as Al Capone and many more. The coolest part was to see the real cells and the walking areas that the prisoners used long time ago. Everything is very well prepared and informative.Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 1, 2023
- HoustonScott76 contributionsTake the tourVery good tour. Be sure you purchase tickets in advance because they sell out quickly. Wear comfortable shoes and take a jacket as it gets cold although we did the night tour. The ride over and back on the boat takes about 15 minutes. The people who work there are very knowledgeable and helpful.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 5, 2023
- SummershirazWarrington, United Kingdom179 contributionsAbsolute “must do” if in San FranciscoBooked online before we travelled to San Francisco and spent half a day with Alcatraz Island Tours exploring the island. A short boat trip to the island. What a great opportunity. Definitely a worthwhile experience.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2023
- momandarmywifeAtlanta, Georgia20 contributionsEvening tour - great time!We enjoyed the self-guided audio tour but really loved the stories John told us. The national park service is amazing! Impressed with how they teach about the failings of our country's prison system too.Visited April 2023Written May 6, 2023
- KirashPalmerston North, New Zealand14 contributionsI did escapeI booked for the 11 am boat and came back on 2pm boat. Very short boat trip to the island on a beautiful sunny day. When you arrive there is an orientation talk and after that our guide did a walking tour for about 45 mins. I don't think they are always available but I would have missed so much if I hadn't done it. The audio tour of the jail house takes about 45 mins. The hospital was open and was very interesting. I think if I'd only had the audio tour it would have been a bit underwhelming. It is pricey and busy as they can have 5000 people per day.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 13, 2023
- 5cindyFort Myers Beach, Florida55 contributionsVery interesting and informative tour.The ferry trip to the island was great with wonderful views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Liked the narrated tour. The gardens were my favorite part. Disappointed that the hospital was not open during the day. Park ranger said due to staffing, it is usually only open for night tours.Visited May 2023Written May 18, 2023
- WikumjBromley, United Kingdom327 contributionsBest tourist attraction in SFEasily the standout tourist attraction in SF. You arrange a time for a ferry boat, then after a short 15 minute ride (drinks and snacks available to Biu on board) you arrive at the island and are free to explore. The main highlight on the island is the prison cell tour - this self guided audio tour is fantastically well done, interesting, informative, with a clear path through the building. So interesting to learn about conditions in the prison, it’s more notorious inhabitants, and in particular the prison break attempt. There is also a really interesting exhibit at the moment on mass incarceration in the USA - very eye opening. We stayed for about two hours on the island before getting a ferry back.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 18, 2023
- ekelleman88Hammond, Indiana171 contributionsI'd consider this a must visitI would consider Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge the two must visit places on any trip to SF. They give you headphones for the self guided audio tour. After you can stay as long as you want to roam the island. There are lots of flowers and plant life to see which I didn't expect. Overall I spent around 2 hours here.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 18, 2023
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Cathy E
8 contributions
Jan 2020
Exploring Alcatraz was fascinating. I debated paying the extra $ to take the cruise that docks on the island & am glad I did! The tour guide gave us a great overview when we arrived & then took us on a basic tour to get us started, after which I went to the current exhibit marking the 50th anniversary of the Indian Occupation of the island.
The Indians of All Tribes occupied the abandoned island and began the Red Power movement that has continued through Standing Rock and more. The art, photos, & personal stories were powerful.
Next was the traditional Alcatraz exhibits and audio tour. It's all self-paced after the tour guide's beginning tour, so I wandered around for about four hours to see everything. There were two small booklets available for $1 each about the island and escape attempts that I was happy to buy. It's easy to imagine it as an active prison, especially with the audio tour that included the voices of actual former Alcatraz guards & prisoners. The contrast of the warm community of Indians of All Nations and the harsh prison was hard to wrap my head around, but in either case, the grounds themselves were absolutely beautiful, filled with greenery and flowers of all kinds, and the views of the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge were amazing.
I highly recommend visiting Alcatraz. They say the average visit is around two and a half hours, but if you don't have kids rushing you along, I'd plan to stay longer - there is just so much to absorb!
The Indians of All Tribes occupied the abandoned island and began the Red Power movement that has continued through Standing Rock and more. The art, photos, & personal stories were powerful.
Next was the traditional Alcatraz exhibits and audio tour. It's all self-paced after the tour guide's beginning tour, so I wandered around for about four hours to see everything. There were two small booklets available for $1 each about the island and escape attempts that I was happy to buy. It's easy to imagine it as an active prison, especially with the audio tour that included the voices of actual former Alcatraz guards & prisoners. The contrast of the warm community of Indians of All Nations and the harsh prison was hard to wrap my head around, but in either case, the grounds themselves were absolutely beautiful, filled with greenery and flowers of all kinds, and the views of the city skyline, the Bay Bridge, and the Golden Gate Bridge were amazing.
I highly recommend visiting Alcatraz. They say the average visit is around two and a half hours, but if you don't have kids rushing you along, I'd plan to stay longer - there is just so much to absorb!
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dobsandlu
4 contributions
Jan 2020
My daughter and I visited Aalcatraz in January this year. Such a beautiful spot with stunning views of San Francisco. We had thought we might be a bit underwhelmed by the tour of the actual prison but the Audio Tour was superb. Being narrated by former inmates and prison guards the Alcatraz experience was really brought to life for us. We would recommend catching the ferry in the morning so you have plenty of time to explore the island before the final ferry leaves in the afternoon.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah H
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, England243 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
Alcatraz was the first thing I booked (after flights) for our whole USA trip, you def have to book months in advance otherwise you will really miss out!
It was one of the highlights of my whole trip, we absolutely loved it. We went on the first trip across, i would 100% recommend doing this as you are then the first on the island and don’t have to queue to start the tour! When we came out the queue to get in and get your headphones and pack for the tour was super long!
The tour itself is fab, I love that it was self guided and told by former inmates, I learnt a lot and felt that nothing was missed.
I would a million percent recommend visiting, but remember to bring a jumper and don’t wear shorts (even in summer as it’s chilly!!)
It was one of the highlights of my whole trip, we absolutely loved it. We went on the first trip across, i would 100% recommend doing this as you are then the first on the island and don’t have to queue to start the tour! When we came out the queue to get in and get your headphones and pack for the tour was super long!
The tour itself is fab, I love that it was self guided and told by former inmates, I learnt a lot and felt that nothing was missed.
I would a million percent recommend visiting, but remember to bring a jumper and don’t wear shorts (even in summer as it’s chilly!!)
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
307leven
Stroudsburg, PA284 contributions
Sep 2020
Not being able to visit inside the cell block, or any building on the island except the restroom was disappointing - thanks to the virus. Passengers on the ferry were limited to 150, which takes about 15-20 minutes each way. But all you can do is walk outside the buildings which kept my visit to just over an hour, including a 5 minute stop at the gift shop. They could have discounted the tickets or allowed smaller groups to enter the buildings for a limited time, but that was not an option. Although it was nice to see the island, if you want to fully enjoy your tour experience and get your money's worth, consider waiting until after this virus mess is over.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Sico
Calgary, Canada214 contributions
Jan 2020
Incredible experience, from beginning to end. The ferry ride was very enjoyable and scenic, about 5-10 in duration. They had a departure every 20 minutes I believe. The line was not long at all, and the wait was not tremendous as they allow lots of people on the ferry at once. Once you arrive on the island, it is a self guided tour, they provide you with a audio recording to listen to. It is very very well made and full of interesting facts and details. You are allowed to see pretty much everything and you are free to wonder around the entire island, in and out of the building for as long as you like. I strongly recommend that you do not only limit yourself to the inside of the building. The basketball court and the outdoor facilities were very interesting to see as well. I was lucky enough to visit on a very beautiful afternoon, therefore the views of the city and the golden gate from certain parts of the island are truly jaw dropping. Worth every penny!
Written November 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy Trails, Mary
Indianapolis, IN287 contributions
Oct 2020
I'd really give 3.5 stars, but this is a must see attraction/bucket list, so I'm giving 4.
First, I went during the pandemic so it was an outside tour only. The only building we could go into was a large empty one where the prisoners used to make things. The rest of the buildings were closed. The island is smaller than I'd expected. The buildings are in disrepair and it's clear a few have been torn down. The weather has taken a toll on the buildings and the birds have destroyed the prisoner playground area. I really wish groundskeepers could try to keep the area free from all the bird poop, but that might be too much of a cost. The original light fixtures outside the buildings are still there, which was cool to see and made you feel like you were back in time. In a way, it's sad to see that island is not being more preserved since it is a part of history. I enjoyed exploring the island, the garden, and the playground where prisoners used to walk around and get exercise. As for the cost to visit, during the pandemic, they should reduce the cost since you can't go into the buildings. At least they took temperature checks before they let you into the waiting area for the boat and most people did social distance. Masks are a requirement, thankfully. The boat crew sanitized the rails before and after the boat ride, too. One hour was plenty to explore the island. If the buildings would've been open to the public, it probably would've taken closer to 2 hours.
First, I went during the pandemic so it was an outside tour only. The only building we could go into was a large empty one where the prisoners used to make things. The rest of the buildings were closed. The island is smaller than I'd expected. The buildings are in disrepair and it's clear a few have been torn down. The weather has taken a toll on the buildings and the birds have destroyed the prisoner playground area. I really wish groundskeepers could try to keep the area free from all the bird poop, but that might be too much of a cost. The original light fixtures outside the buildings are still there, which was cool to see and made you feel like you were back in time. In a way, it's sad to see that island is not being more preserved since it is a part of history. I enjoyed exploring the island, the garden, and the playground where prisoners used to walk around and get exercise. As for the cost to visit, during the pandemic, they should reduce the cost since you can't go into the buildings. At least they took temperature checks before they let you into the waiting area for the boat and most people did social distance. Masks are a requirement, thankfully. The boat crew sanitized the rails before and after the boat ride, too. One hour was plenty to explore the island. If the buildings would've been open to the public, it probably would've taken closer to 2 hours.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom16 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Excellent, well done experience on Alcatraz Island from the National Parks.
The boat trip is what you actually pay for (the island is technically free) - and I felt it was overpriced for the length of the trip (comparing it to the similar, slightly longer ferry to Incholm Island and Abbey near me in Scotland. That is £14 at full price for an adult, about half what an Alcatraz ticket is.) Shame if the boat has been privatised as I think NPS could probably do a better, more interesting ferry at a lower price.
If you are going at a quiet time of year buy your tickets on the day, at the window and you can get a “buy on get on free” deal which makes the price a bit better.
We were there mid February and it was really quiet (no awful crowds!) and the weather was sunny and in the 60s f. We were able to get the half price ferry tickets, it was very quiet.
The main building is well preserved (much better than Mansfield Penitentiary, where Shawshank Redemption was filmed, in Ohio). And the audio tour is one of the best I have ever been on, and I have done a lot at castles and things in the UK. It has past guards and prisoners on it and their input is very informative. They direct you around really clearly and keep you moving, slowly enough to see things, but insuring you don’t get bogged down in one place for too long. Really interesting and I can’t recommend it enough!
We had someone with a double stroller / buggy for towing with us and they were able to do everything we were. The staff were really nice about helping them to the elevator and then taking them to where the start for the tour was etc. The double stroller fit everywhere too.
The boat staff were friendly and helpful to the double stroller too.
Food is available on the boat but it wasn’t great. It was fine though and good to eat something before you get on the island where no good is sold. There is a picnic area and if I went again I would take one and eat something there when we got there.
The gardens and the view on the island are great too.
Overall an interesting experience I would recommend.
The boat trip is what you actually pay for (the island is technically free) - and I felt it was overpriced for the length of the trip (comparing it to the similar, slightly longer ferry to Incholm Island and Abbey near me in Scotland. That is £14 at full price for an adult, about half what an Alcatraz ticket is.) Shame if the boat has been privatised as I think NPS could probably do a better, more interesting ferry at a lower price.
If you are going at a quiet time of year buy your tickets on the day, at the window and you can get a “buy on get on free” deal which makes the price a bit better.
We were there mid February and it was really quiet (no awful crowds!) and the weather was sunny and in the 60s f. We were able to get the half price ferry tickets, it was very quiet.
The main building is well preserved (much better than Mansfield Penitentiary, where Shawshank Redemption was filmed, in Ohio). And the audio tour is one of the best I have ever been on, and I have done a lot at castles and things in the UK. It has past guards and prisoners on it and their input is very informative. They direct you around really clearly and keep you moving, slowly enough to see things, but insuring you don’t get bogged down in one place for too long. Really interesting and I can’t recommend it enough!
We had someone with a double stroller / buggy for towing with us and they were able to do everything we were. The staff were really nice about helping them to the elevator and then taking them to where the start for the tour was etc. The double stroller fit everywhere too.
The boat staff were friendly and helpful to the double stroller too.
Food is available on the boat but it wasn’t great. It was fine though and good to eat something before you get on the island where no good is sold. There is a picnic area and if I went again I would take one and eat something there when we got there.
The gardens and the view on the island are great too.
Overall an interesting experience I would recommend.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy S
Ramsey, MN552 contributions
Jun 2022
We booked the night tour. We got to the pier early and the line waiting to board was already very long. If you want to get the best seats on the ferry I'd recommend getting there more than 45 minutes early. They are requiring you to wear masks even while waiting in line. We forgot one mask, they charge $2.25 for a mask! (Don't forget yours!) I wasn't happy being told we had to wear a mask the whole time but when we got to the island I saw a sign that masks were required inside and recommended outside. We spent a lot of time outside and lots of people left their masks off. The audio tour in your preferred language was awesome. Besides telling us what we were seeing they had voices from inmates and guards in the audio. There were no restrictions on what you could take photos of. Read the stories on the walls in the solitary confinement and in the mess hall where you return the audio players. Very educational about the men locked up there and how they were treated. I get motion sickness easy but was prepared. I'm glad I was ready with ginger candy, dramamine and sea bands. They had no ginger ale on board which surprised me as that can help too. I avoided motion sickness! Perhaps the short ride helped too. If you have never been to Alcatraz it is not to be missed!
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fazzers
Milton Keynes, UK76 contributions
Jan 2020
This was the highlight of our visit to San Francisco and we booked our tickets well in advance to ensure we weren't disappointed. This may be necessary at some times of the year, but when we visited we were able to take an earlier tour.
It is a 30 minutes boat trip and although it was a misty morning it did clear and we got some fantastic pictures. We opted for a self-guided tour so we could go at our own pace, but for us the best part was the audio tour of the cell block, which is included in the admission price. It was really interesting covering many aspects of former residents and daily life. Our tickets also included two days on one the hop-on/off bus tours, and evening bus tour. Also included was a visit to Mdm Tussauds.
It is a 30 minutes boat trip and although it was a misty morning it did clear and we got some fantastic pictures. We opted for a self-guided tour so we could go at our own pace, but for us the best part was the audio tour of the cell block, which is included in the admission price. It was really interesting covering many aspects of former residents and daily life. Our tickets also included two days on one the hop-on/off bus tours, and evening bus tour. Also included was a visit to Mdm Tussauds.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim M
Greater Manchester, UK239 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
When I visited San Francisco, I wasn’t that keen on going to Alcatraz but figured that it was something you “had” to do while there. I was surprised at how good the audio tour was, with sound effects and good voice acting. I really felt like I was there.
If would recommend dedicating most of the day to this, take some lunch and walk around the island if the weather is good enough. Seeing San Francisco over the water is a decent view.
If would recommend dedicating most of the day to this, take some lunch and walk around the island if the weather is good enough. Seeing San Francisco over the water is a decent view.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LJB0710
London, UK11 contributions
Hi, we want to do the Alcatraz tour. Is it best to do the day tour, the night tour or is what you see - make it worth doing both?
Jim S
Nottingham, UK3 contributions
We only did the day tour which was great, basically stay as long as you want and get the boat back when your ready as you are free to roam the jail and the island.👍
daphne g
Brooklyn, NY2 contributions
If I go at 3:50 is there enough time to visit before the last ferry at 6:30?
themontanatravelgirl
Great Falls, MT81 contributions
I would go earlier. Give yourself half a day. Have fun.
S B
Uk South Coast40 contributions
Hi, how much was the behind the scenes tour please?
F W
6 contributions
My husband and grown kids did the Behind the Scenes when we were there in May. It was about $100-ish each, but they said it was well worth it. My daughter and I did the regular Cellhouse Tour and that was great, but the others saw so much more cool stuff and had their own NPS tour guide.
A Geek Dad
London, UK13 contributions
Where is the best place to get tickets?
F W
6 contributions
There are a lot of places that sell tickets, but unless you go through City Experiences, you are paying extra for unnecessary fluff. They are the official NPS-designated ferry and you will ride their ferries no matter who you go through. You'll just pay more if you don't book through them.
campbell s
Bishopbriggs, UK31 contributions
Last time I visited you could do a garden tour. Is that still available?
Steve V
2 contributions
I didn't see any garden tour at Alcatraz. There were some pretty garden areas but not enough to support any kind of a tour. There were combination tours of Alcatraz and Golden Gate Park though offered by outside tour groups
paulmaria136
Bristol, UK3 contributions
Night or day tour which is the best for someone very unlikely to visit again?
04charmermacaws
Buffalo, NY3 contributions
I only did the day trip. One of the best parts was the view of both San Francisco and Alcatraz on the approach. You would miss that on a night tour.
smorris1960
Carrabelle, FL56 contributions
Is there parking near the pier?
ingiGimli_Manitoba
Gimli159 contributions
Yes there are several public parking spots where the tour starts and the pier
Hi,
Me and my wife are visiting SF for 3 days in Dec (26th). We want to visit Alcatraz, will it be busy during end of December? What’s the best place to book the tickets?
Lisa G
Aurora, IN586 contributions
Check out the NPS site for details to plan your tour. The link to buy tickets is also on this site.
Hi,
Me and my wife are visiting SF for 3 days in Dec (26th). We want to visit Alcatraz, will it be busy during end of December? What’s the best place to book the tickets?
publiussulla
Seattle, WA273 contributions
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