Former federal penitentiary and military prison on a rock in San Francisco Bay, reached by ferry, with an award-winning audio cellhouse tour.
Alcatraz Island is a rocky outcrop in San Francisco Bay, about 1.25 miles off the city's Embarcadero in California, that served as a lighthouse station, military fortification and military prison before becoming a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Inmates held there included Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the Birdman of Alcatraz. The island is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is run for visitors by the National Park Service, with ferry service operated by the official concessioner, Alcatraz City Cruises, from Pier 33.
The visit begins with a ferry ride of about 15 minutes, during which the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge come into view. On arrival, a ranger orientation introduces the island, and visitors then climb the steep path to the main cellhouse. The centerpiece is the award-winning audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, which leads through cell blocks A to D, the dining hall, solitary confinement cells and the recreation yard. Outside the cellhouse, visitors can see the ruins of the warden's house, the lighthouse, the gardens and the remains of the 1969 to 1971 occupation by Native American activists, including graffiti on the water tower.
A typical day visit runs three to three and a half hours including the ferry, with about two hours on the island. Walking is uphill and the cellhouse is cold and damp, so layers are useful. The best photo angles are from the ferry deck, the dock-side view back toward San Francisco and the terrace in front of the cellhouse. Seabirds nest on the island in spring and summer, and parts of the gardens are closed to protect them.
Alcatraz is one of the most heavily booked attractions in San Francisco, and tickets can sell out days or weeks ahead, especially in summer and on weekends. The first morning ferries are the quietest and the best for photographs, while mid-day sailings are the most crowded. The evening tour offers a different atmosphere with fewer visitors.
| Admission | $47.95 (USD) adult 18-61, $45.15 (USD) senior 62+, $29.15 (USD) ages 5-11, under 5 free for the day tour; night tour $59.65 (USD) adult; tickets sell up to 90 days ahead |
|---|---|
| Hours | Day tour ferries depart Pier 33 from about 8:45 AM through mid-afternoon; night tours on selected evenings; schedule and tickets at alcatrazcitycruises.com or 415-981-7625 |
| Typical visit | 3-3.5 hours |
| Best time | First morning ferry for the smallest crowds; book 2-4 weeks ahead |
| Getting there | Walk or take the F-line streetcar to Pier 33; tickets are sold only by the official concessioner at alcatrazcitycruises.com or 415-981-7625 |
| Address | Alcatraz City Cruises (City Experiences), Pier 33, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111 |
Location
Alcatraz City Cruises (City Experiences), Pier 33, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111
37.8087, -122.4098 View on map
Highlights
- Award-winning audio cellhouse tour narrated by former guards and inmates
- Ferry crossing with views of the skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge
- Solitary confinement cells and the main cell blocks
- Ruins of the warden's house and the 1969 to 1971 occupation graffiti
- Evening tour on selected nights with a quieter atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Book only through the official concessioner at alcatrazcitycruises.com; tickets sell up to 90 days ahead
- Reserve two to four weeks ahead, and earlier in summer
- Take the first morning ferry for the smallest crowds
- Wear layers and sturdy shoes; the island is windy and the path is steep
- Bring a snack or water, as food choices on the island are minimal
When to visit
The first morning ferry is the quietest, and the evening tour is also less crowded. Spring and fall bring thinner crowds than summer, though tickets sell out year-round.
Accessibility
The ferries and the dock are wheelchair accessible, and a tram is available for visitors who cannot manage the steep path to the cellhouse. Visitors needing assistance should request it when booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Alcatraz take?
Plan for about three to three and a half hours, including the ferry and roughly two hours on the island. The audio tour itself takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
Is Alcatraz worth it for kids?
Older children and teenagers often enjoy the audio tour and the story of the prison. Young children may find the long walk and the stern cellhouse less engaging.
Where should tickets be bought?
Tickets are sold by Alcatraz City Cruises, the official concessioner, at alcatrazcitycruises.com. Third-party resellers may charge more, and tickets often sell out early.