Although numerous prisoners attempted to escape from Alcatraz Island over its history as a federal penitentiary, most were either killed, died in the attempt, or were hauled back to their cells. No attempt has ever been ruled a success, although the bodies of some inmates assumed dead were never found. Visit today to see what life on the “Rock” was like for the country’s most dangerous criminals.
Begin your trip to Alcatraz at Pier 33, where you will board the ferry at the Alcatraz Landing Pier for a ten minute cruise across the San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island.
This former federal penitentiary was home to the likes of Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelley, and Robert “The Birdman” Stroud. In addition to housing the famous prison, Alcatraz features some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The National Park presents a captioned orientation video with historical footage, self-guided walks, exhibits and Ranger-interpretive talks on topics such as “Famous Escapes.” Also featured is the Award-winning audio tour in the prison Cell House featuring actual interviews of former guards and inmates. The audio tour is available in six languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
After the tour, there is time to visit the Alcatraz Museum, the bookshop and explore the island.
Ferries depart every half hour back to San Francisco.
Alcatraz Tour Length: Average time spent on Alcatraz is 1.5 to 3 hours.
How to Pick Up Your Alcatraz Ticket Your Alcatraz boarding tickets will be held at pre-paid will call at the Alcatraz Cruises dock at PIER 33. You will need a picture ID. Be sure to show up 30 to 45 minutes before your Alcatraz cruise! Tickets may not be picked up prior to the tour date.
Alcatraz Combo Cancellation Policy: Important: All Alcatraz Combo Sales Are Final. Alcatraz combo package tickets must be booked 96 hours prior to departure. National Park Pass is not applicable to Alcatraz Tickets. All orders are limited to 8 tickets. Alcatraz is a National Park. Exchanges, refunds, discounts or cancellations are not offered.
Alcatraz Cruises a concessionaire of the National Park Service and provides the Alcatraz ferry and Cellhouse audio tour portion of these combo tickets. Alcatraz rates subject to change without notice.
Accessibility: Upon landing on Alcatraz Island, you must walk up a steep hill on uneven pavement. SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) is available for wheelchair users and visitors unable to walk to quarter mile, 12% upgrade. No animals (except certified service animals) are allowed on Alcatraz Island.
Nearby Points of Interest
Fort Mason: Once a United States Army post, this 1,200 acre is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Center. The remaining historic buildings are still in use with the military and also rented for civilian uses such as art galleries, dining, music instruction and the Fort Mason Arts and Culture Center. Off The Grid at Fort Mason: Largest gathering of food trucks in the city. Every Friday night from March through October. Enjoy live music while trying a variety of ethnic cookery.
Golden Gate Bridge: You’ve seen it in movies, television, books, and postcards – now go ahead and take a walk on it! And don’t forget your camera.
Union Street and Cow Hollow: Amidst chic shops and restaurants, enjoy the brightly painted Victorians and secret courtyards. As much fun at night as it is in the daytime.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Shops, shops, and a plethora of great seafood restaurants line the Wharf, where you still see vestiges of the old fishing crafts used by the Italian immigrants who brought the Wharf to life after the Gold Rush.
Presidio Once a U.S. Army post, today the Presidio is a national park unlike any you have experienced before. Home to museums, restaurants, recreational destinations, art installations, trails, and the best views of the Golden Gate