Alcatraz Tours – how to buy them, learn about famous prisoners and inmates, map, photos, the swim (is it for you?), and more right here! Everything you need to know about Alcatraz to make your visit incredible.
I have visited Alcatraz many, many times and here I will share with you all of my insider information to make your visit the best ever.
I don't look too happy below but really...I swear I didn't do it!
Patti In Jail At Alcatraz
To plan a visit to Alcatraz you need to know a few things – like what to bring, where to get tickets, and is it worth your time? After all – it is an empty prison in the middle of a chilly bay where nobody lives now!
I’d love to be your personal Alcatraz tour guide.
Alcatraz Tour Tickets
This is probably the most important information you need to know about Alcatraz. BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY! Alcatraz prison tours frequently sell out several days in advance – especially May through October so buy your tickets early! You don’t want to miss out.
Get Your Tickets Early
You can print them online and then avoid the hassle of buying them when you get there.
Visit Alcatraz – What You Need To Know
When you visit you need to bring a few things with you:
Very comfortable walking shoes.
Bottled water – they sell it there if you forget – it just costs you more.
Some snacks or a picnic lunch because the tour usually lasts about 3-4 hours total.
Several layers of warm clothing – long sleeve t-shirt, sweatshirts. Bring a warm jacket if you have one and the day gets chilly. You can always take something off if it warms up.
Alcatraz History
If you are like me and love learn about the history of places you visit you might want to go here and learn more about the Bird Man of Alcatraz and some of the other famous Alcatraz prisoners and inmates.
Warden’s House
Prisoners Of Alcatraz
Bird Man Of Alcatraz
There are lots of famous prisoners like Al Capone, the Bird Man and many more. Go see where they used to hang out.
Alcatraz Cruises
The only company that has access to dropping off tourists at Alcatraz Island is Alctraz Cruises. Alcatraz Cruises is the official concessionaire for Alcatraz Island commissioned by the National Parks.
There are other companies that will take you around the island but they are not allowed to let you off. There are several options to choose from if you don’t have the full 3-4 hours Alcatraz tours need.
Riding The Alcatraz Ferry
Alcatraz Prison Tours
Yes you can really go inside the prison and the prison cells on Alcatraz Island – and I love going into the solitary confinement cells especially. It always make me thankful for my freedom and I always think "Oooooh somebody really lived in this cold, dark cell with no clothes on at one time!"
There is an award winning tour that is included in your ticket price and will guide you all around the prison.
Inside Alcatraz Prison
Alcatraz Tours San Francisco
It is the #1 tourist attraction and for good reason. Who can resist a visit to “The Rock” at your own pace?
A Typical Alcatraz Prison Cell
Alcatraz Swim
Learn about the “Escape From Alcatraz” triathlon – what it’s all about and if you want to take the plunge.
Alcatraz Map
Alcatraz is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Here are a few maps to help you find out exactly what is on the island and how to get around.
Alcatraz Photos
Here is a page with all the pictures I have taken personally from my visits to Alcatraz.
Great Prison Views Of San Francisco
A Cool Plant I Liked
Having lived in the Bay Area for 35 years I still love Alcatraz prison tours. I love Alcatraz history and learning what really happened out there on "The Rock." It makes for a fabulous time out on the San Francisco Bay.
