Alcatraz Prison

Alcatraz prison, visiting Alcatraz, Alcatraz island tours, Alcatraz night tours, that's what this page is all about.

”Did you go to Alcatraz Prison?” This is probably the first question people will ask you when you come home from your San Francisco vacation. It’s probably the most inescapable of all the San Francisco attractions!

Alcatraz Pictures

Al Capone – A Famous Prisoner

Shackles

History

Alcatraz history is full of famous prionsers such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. This year – 2009 – they are celebrating their 100th anniversary as a prison.

Listen and Learn

Alcatraz Tours

You can learn a lot when you take a tour. There are 14 daily departures. The tours include a ferry ride starting at Pier 33. Once you arrive on the island there is a ¼ mile walk uphill. They do have an electric shuttle for those not able to make the hike.

They just offered a Guardians of the Gate Bay Cruise which consists of a fully narrated 90 minute ferry ride around the island.

Another new tour being offered is an Alcatraz and Angel Island combined tour. This tour lets you visit the prison and then take a motorized tram around Angel Island.

Angel Island is considered the Ellis Island of the west. Disembarking emigrants to the United States stopped here many years ago.

Alcatraz Island Tours

Alcatraz Ferry

Alcatraz tour tickets often sell out April through September so if you think that you want to go decide early.

You can call (415) 981-ROCK (7625) or go to Pier 33 and see if they have tickets available. You can also order tickets online.

Spooky

Alcatraz Night Tour

Alcatraz night tours are offered twice a night on Thursdays through Sundays. I have never taken the night tour but it sounds like fun.

In The Middle Of San Francisco Bay

Aerial View Of Alcatraz Island

Make sure when visiting Alcatraz you check the weather forecast. I wouldn’t want your tour to be ruined by you freezing to death. Bring several layers and if it’s winter bring a thick, wind resistant jacket.

Lots To See And Do

Alcatraz Map

As you can see from the above pictures the prison is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It can be very windy and cold. In spite of the possible cold Alcatraz Island tours are something you don't want to miss.