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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  • Pauly-101
    Glasgow, United Kingdom488 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Day tour
    Day tour to Alcatraz was high on our itinerary and it did not disappoint. The ferry over was a little too busy with visitors having to stand but this wasn’t an issue for us and just something to keep in mind. The initial tour with a guide around the island was fantastic as it was informative and entertaining. The self-guided audio tour on the inside wasn’t quite as good but still a must. Great tour and experience and a huge thanks to the staff who made this unforgettable.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 16, 2023
  • BBB-MLJ
    London, United Kingdom358 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another one to tick on your San Francisco list
    The boat ride out/back was pleasant and well organised. It’s a big complex but the only part open is the main cell block. There are lots of other buildings and areas that are out-of-bounds. I’m sure it costs a lot to maintain and run the boats but with 1.5 million visitors a year at about $60pp I’m sure more could be restored (made safe) and opened up.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 21, 2023
  • Marcus C
    Bracknell, United Kingdom27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Locked up but not for long
    What an experience and we visited on a rare really clear day. the fog would definitely make it a much more bleak experience. The rangers were great and full of knowledge and the fact you can wander round for as long as you want is great. My two words of warning are the birds there are lots they are noisy and it smells anywhere near where they nest. The other sad fact is as a Part of the history and heritage of the San Francisco bay area is does seem to be left to just decay and there was lots of bits that seemed dilapidated. I just compared it to lots of older heritage sites in the uk and just think needs a little more love. What an amazing place though. 100% worth a visit.
    Visited November 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 23, 2023
  • Chris
    Ossett, United Kingdom749 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting
    An interesting insight into the bleakness of Alcatraz. Took the self guided audio tour which was narrated by ex 'cons' and prison guards. Prison cells small. Regime described was tough. The building itself has flaking paint all over the walls. (I guess they don't want it to look pristine). The prison guard quarters were just rubble. There is the obligatory gift shop. There are some ongoing works on the island. This attraction must make quite a substantial amount of money. Perhaps more of it could be spent on the island and make the visitors trip more amenable. Be prepared for the strong smell of bird droppings. The trip across on the ferry gives great views of Golden Gate bridge.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 23, 2023
  • Valerie G
    North Port, Florida288 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved the Audio Tour, Lots to See and Do on Alcatraz Island
    Alcatraz was the highlight of our trip to San Francisco. My husband and I enjoyed seeing the lighthouse, jailcells, and gardens on the island. We were excited that the back trail was open (Agave Trail I think is what the park ranger called it) because it's usually closed through most of the year. I figure it's due to the high waves that can break near the top of the trail. A beautiful staircase leads you up towards the lighthouse. The audio tour through the jailcell was very unique and informative. A must do on the island! We enjoyed learning about the history of the island, prison, and Indian tribes while touring around Alcatraz. It is a lot of walking but there are plenty of benches to rest on and beautiful views of the bay and San Francisco no matter where you are on the island. While locals seem to undervalue this unique attraction off their shores, it's a must see for visitors. I would allow at least 2 hours to see the island fully. We took the first boat of the day over from Pier 33 and was glad we did. Definitely get there early to enjoy the island before it gets crowded.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 12, 2023
  • Joanne
    Lake Mary, Florida2,116 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Top of my bucket list
    This place is amazing, have always wanted to go and so glad I made the time. Friends and I only waited about 15 minutes to get tickets - plenty of spaces, but they do not take cash. Ferry ride is about 10 minutes with excellent views - overpriced snacks on board. The island is really hilly, so be prepared with good walking shoes. The cells are sobering, and actually the isolation cells were much better than the regular ones. The gardens in the back have some nice plants that are worth the walk. Definitely a don't-miss place.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 12, 2023
  • Shannon
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't use STUBHUB though!
    The tour of Alcatraz was amazing! Make sure to buy your tickets through Alcatraz City Cruises though. I never received the tickets I purchased through StubHub of which I paid double and should have been a red flag when the completed purchase was in euros. I quickly bought them without doing research, a mistake I will not make again. Alcatraz City Cruises is great though!!!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 13, 2023
  • Claudia P
    Swindon, United Kingdom57 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great audio guide!
    Fascinating couple of hours ! The audio tour of the cell block was interesting and well paced. A random Tuesday in November - no queues for the boats either direction and not too busy so could feel the isolation. Booked the day before directly with City Cruises linked from the NPS website with no issues (presumably as off-season generally). Worth a visit!
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 14, 2023
  • boseguera
    35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great activity when in San Francisco!
    You can learn so much and it is very interesting. My friends and I got there a little late and they were nice enough to just move us to go on the next ferry. They were very flexible. We did street parking and it was easy to find something close to the pier. We did the Alcatraz Island Tickets day tour for a reasonable price and they sell quick food on the ferry (try to eat before or after). Definitely recommend the tour!
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 27, 2023
  • megmPhoenix_AZ
    Phoenix, Arizona55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Loved it, very interesting.
    So cool, place is interesting, my husband and I took our teenage son and we all enjoyed it. You can walk at your own pace. We booked it through the official site which saves you money. Few tips, food is expensive so try and eat prior. It’s only snacks, if you have a hard time walking up inclines, they have a shuttle to go around the island, which we kind of wish we would’ve done for part of it, be sure and book several days ahead of time if not weeks cause it does sell out. Have fun.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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jeffreyshapiro
Bozeman, MT1,853 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
A must visit National Park in SFO.
With your paid ticket you get free admission to 4-5 other San Francisco area.
This island prison was for the most vicious criminals.
The stories sent chills up my spine.
The audio is super full of informative stories with sound effects.
The island is a sanctuary for many species of birds. Once migration begins for some of them, areas are protected so they can breed.
We had a great experience.
Dress warm or you will be cold and uncomfortable the entire time you are there.
Keep in mind you are surrounded by water and all the buildings are concrete and cold!
Make your reservation on line, it will save you a lot of waiting.
Written January 27, 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.

TravelSouthGA
Georgia173 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
The prisoners who were once on Alcatraz were doing hard time and the worst of the worst. Now, you can see and learn about what life was like for those men and the men who guarded them. Surprisingly, the wardens had an actual mansion on the island and the guards lived in apartments on the island with their families!

The ferry boat ride over and back is definitely a big part of the experience as you approach and leave the island and can see the bay and San Francisco also. Once on Alcatraz, the Park Service ranger gives you an overview and then you can tour the main prison building (cellhouse) and other limited areas. I definitely recommend the included audio tour, where you hear the voices of some actual prisoners and guards describing what life was like.

They also explain and there is a current exhibit about the American Indian occupation that took place after the prison closed. It too was an important piece of American history to know about.

We booked through the authorized (by the Park Service) provider, Alcatraz CityCruises via their web site. Reservations in advance are recommended and they leave out of Pier 33 in the Fisherman's Wharf area. They recommend arriving 30 minutes or more early. We did and were actually able to get on a boat that was just getting ready to leave (otherwise we would have had to stand in line for 30 minutes for our scheduled departure).
Written August 15, 2021
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.

Troy H
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2020
I had made Alcatraz Tour reservations a couple months prior to the COVID pandemic and called the booking agency in mid-April 2020 to cancel due to obvious reasons. I was informed that Hornblower Classic Cab, the operator, would be refunding the charge, however, City Info Experts, the marketer, was not so willing and elected to instead provide a credit (good for 5 years) for the next time I use their services. In order to use this credit, I must call the company and let them know that I have it with them and, I assume, the original confirmation from the order to verify the transaction took place. I have a feeling they are just hoping people forget they have the credit and just pocket the processing fee as I suspect most people will not remember having it or retain documentation to prove they have it, especially if it's another 3 years before they re-book the tour. I'm a bit taken aback and disappointed that they wouldn't offer a refund and get a sense ownership lacks compassion even during a pandemic crisis. That being said, I definitely will try to avoid using their services going forward.
Written April 17, 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.

publiussulla
Seattle, WA291 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
This is someplace that has been on my bucket list for a number of years. So a few things I like to know about someplace before I go is the tour self guided or by guided tour only? This was a self guided tour with lots of displays with more info for each place you stop along the audio guide route. The boat trip only took I think 15 to 20 mins and the boat was crowded and was the dock when we got to the island. The prison is on top of a steep incline took about 15 mins to get to the top and we went in to start our tour. It took about an hour to get through the whole audio guide and there are a few steps but the area being seen is flat and on one level. There are several places that are closed off and not viewable by the public. The gift shop was very picked over on the way out of the prison block they were either out of stock or did not restock otherwise I would have picked a tshirt for sure. Overall was a great visit and would highly recommend this informative and visually stimulating experience (stunning views of the bay and San Francisco) to anybody in the bay area with half a day that needs to be filled.
Written October 17, 2021
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.

SabinaD
338 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
Great visit, well worth all the hype. Tours were sold out so we were very glad to have booked months in advance. The system for boarding ferry is efficient and moves fast.
The audio tour was well done, and moved through the cell block nicely. Definitely bring snacks and a drink and be prepared to spend time walking the island after the tour - it is beautiful with stunning views back to the city.
Queue for the return ferry starts 20 min before depart time.
Highly recommended.
Written January 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.

Cathy E
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, England247 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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!!)
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, PA301 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
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, Canada326 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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Alcatraz Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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