Tours to the Alcatraz Prison, the famous federal penitentiary, are very popular and fill up so quickly that you need to make reservations well in advance, especially on holiday weekends and in the summer, so that you won't miss out on this unique adventure when you are in the San Francisco area on vacation.
Getting Your Tickets
The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company Alcatraz Cruises which leaves from San Francisco on a trip that takes approximately 15 minutes each way to and from the island. Reservations are done through their website where you can also get other information regarding the tours.
There are actually 3 different types of tours of Alcatraz Island. The basic day tour allows visitors to explore the island and experience the Cellhouse of the famous prison compound by audio tour. These late morning and early afternoon tours are among the most popular offered. A second tour, known as the "Early Bird," is the first tour offered of the day and leaves for the island at 8:45 a.m. This tour is the same as the general afternoon tours but is promoted as being less crowded. The most complete tour is the "Night Tour." This version offers guided tours from the dock to the main prison building, as well as special programs and presentations in the Cellhouse. The evening tour is about $10 more expensive, however. All tours last approximately 2.5 hours.
There are other bay cruise companies; however, they can only circle Alcatraz Island but cannot stop to let visitors onto it. Cruises sail under the famous Golden Gate Bridge aboard a ferry and while prison tales and stories of the daring escapes from the island are recounted by tour guides.
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island itself also offers a look at the site of the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, the first fort built by the United States on the West Coast, and the history of the 18 month occupation by a group known as the Indians of All Tribes during the Red Power movement of the late 1960s. There are also bird colonies, tide pools, gardens, and much more. Be aware that there is no food available for purchase on the island. Do bring plenty of water so you don't get extra thirsty walking uphill, especially on a hot day.
Upon Arrival
If you or members of your family don't know much about Alcatraz, watch the PG movie, "Escape from Alcatraz," to see how the prison operated during its heyday. An electric tram, called S.E.A.T, transports visitors to the Cellhouse. If you want to access the barracks, which is building 64, before boarding S.E.A.T, head uphill about 100 feet from the dock to the entrance. Inside the barracks building are exhibits, a theater, and a bookstore. Later in the Cellhouse, you will find an elevator to the second floor of the prison building.
The Climb is Very Steep
This route to the barracks is extremely steep but is considered fairly easy if you are in reasonably good shape. The distance from the dock up to the Cellhouse, located at the top of the island, is about a 1/4 mile, and the elevation is up 130 feet, similar to climbing a 13-story building. The walking routes and roadways on the island have extreme slopes. The area in front of the Morgue Building contains uneven concrete. The route leading to the Check Station is quite steep, and there is an eight-inch step to get into the building. The route leading from the Cellhouse to the Recreation Yard has approximately 45 stair steps. Athletic or hiking shoes are greatly encouraged.
