alcatraz behind the scenes tour worth it

• Top SF Attractions
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Lombard Street
• Ghirardelli Square
• Golden Gate Park
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Haight Ashbury
• San Francisco Beaches
• Conservatory of Flowers
• Botanical Garden
• The Embarcadero
• San Francisco Zoo
• California Academy of Sciences
• The Exploratorium
• de Young Art Museum
• Legion of Honor Art Museum
• Musée Mécanique
• 65 Things to Do in San Francisco
• Ride the Cable Cars
• SF Bay Cruises
• Bike the Bridge
• Go Car Tours
• Best Places to Stay in SF
• Chinese New Year
• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Christmas in SF
• Napa Wineries
• Angel Island
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk
• Whitewater Rafting
• Vintage Plane Rides
• Getting Around SF
• When to Visit SF
• Free Parking in SF
• Bad SF Travel Advice
• Covid Status
• San Francisco Attractions
• Alcatraz Tours
• Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

By  Karen

Updated December 27, 2023.

Alcatraz "Behind the Scenes" Tour

Alcatraz added the Behind the Scenes tour several years ago and it has become one of the more popular tours of Alcatraz.

If you can get these tickets, it's definitely worth it! You see a lot more than on all the other tours.

• Behind the Scenes tickets
• Behind the Scenes schedule
• What to bring with you
• The Behind the Scenes tour
• How strenuous is it?
• Joining the Night Tour

COVID note:   Alcatraz Island is open again , and all the tours except the Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour are currently running.

No proof of vaccination is required for the Alcatraz tours, and  masks are recommended, but not required, for indoor areas, loading areas, and on the boat.

In a nutshell, the Behind the Scenes tour is a two-part tour of Alcatraz:

• A 2-hour, guided tour given by a Park Ranger that takes a small group of 20 or less into areas normally off-limits to visitors.
• After the guided tour, visitors are free to do the other activities on the island, including the Cell House audio tour, and the activities for the Night Tour.

How long is the Behind the Scenes Tour?

Altogether, the Behind the Scenes tour takes 4.5 to 5 hours.

When you're ready to leave, you have the choice of any of the afternoon ferries to take you back to Pier 33.

Tickets for the Behind the Scenes Tour

The best way to get tickets for this tour is to buy them directly from City Experiences, the official seller of the Alcatraz tickets, at cityexperiences.com .

Ticket Prices

Adults: $101.30

Youth 12-17: $97.10 (must be 12 to go on this one)

Senior 62+: $94.25

Getting the tickets for the Behind the Scenes tour

The tickets for the Behind the Scenes tour sell out almost as fast as the night tour, and during the summer are usually sold out a couple of months in advance, so book them as soon as you know your travel dates.

Winter is easier; as of the end of December, 2023, you can get the tickets about one week out.

Behind the Scenes sold out?  Unfortunately, there's no way to get tickets for this tour when they are sold out, other than checking for cancelations on the cityexperiences.com website.

So far, I haven't found them combined with other tours in packages.

Once I had an extra ticket for this tour and arranged to sell it to someone at Alcatraz Landing who wanted a ticket for that day. The arrangements were made through the ticket office on Pier 33, so ask at the ticket booth if any tickets are available. It's a long shot, but you might get lucky!

However, sometimes it's possible to get the day tour and night tour tickets on sold out days by doing combination tours. See my tips at Alcatraz sold out for how to do it.

Behind the Scenes Tour Schedule

Departures: this tour has one sailing from Alcatraz Landing each afternoon, five days a week.

Summer: Tuesday - Saturday, at 4:20 pm.

Winter:  (Oct -Mar) Tuesday - Saturday, at 2:15 pm.

Return to Pier 33:  You can take any of the afternoon return ferries.

Return times are posted at Pier 33 and on the dock on Alcatraz Island.

Taking the Ferry to Alcatraz Island

The ferry ride over to Alcatraz is quick, about 15 minutes.

This is one of the best boat rides on the bay, with great views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge and Angel Island.

What to bring to Alcatraz...

Aside from sunblock and cameras, be sure to bring or wear a jacket, even on warm days. And the fog can roll in at any time.

It's colder and windier out on the Rock, plus the temperature tends to drop fast as the sun goes down; no balmy nights on San Francisco Bay!

Food: there's nothing to eat on the island, and the tour is fairly long, so you might want to bring a snack or a sandwich to eat after the guided tour's done (no time to eat when you arrive; the tour starts right away).

There's a cafe at Alcatraz Landing, on Pier 33, where you can buy food before you get on the ferry.

On the island, they discourage eating on the dock and there's nowhere to buy food on Alcatraz. Eating elsewhere on the island is prohitied now. (Years ago, they were selling almonds in the bookstore on the dock, but I haven't seen them recently.)

You can carry water bottles everywhere on Alcatraz, and they sell them in the bookstore on the dock and in the gift shop on top, but you won't have time to buy them on the island before the tour starts, so better to bring them with you.

There used to be a snack bar on the ferry, too, but it's been closed since Covid. 

What's the Behind the Scenes tour like?

Your group of 20 or less will be met at the dock by the Park Rangers assigned to your tour (we had 2 rangers).

After an introduction, you're off on the tour. 

Note. Where you actually go on your tour depends on what areas are open at the time (construction is ongoing) and what your guide chooses for the tour.

There is no way of knowing in advance which areas you'll be going into that day. 

Possible Tour Areas

The following are areas in the prison and grounds that have been on previous tours and  could be on your tour:

• Civil War era tunnel under the buildings
• Old factory ruins (New Industries Building)
• The Dungeon, underground punishment cells
• Prison hospital
• Prison chapel
• Prisoners' garden
• Cellblocks not open on day tours

There are probably other areas that show up on the tours that I haven't listed, as well.

Conditions at the prison change daily, so there's no way to predict what you'll actually be shown on your tour.

However, the Behind the Scenes tour always allows you to go inside the prison where the cells are and do the audio tour after you're done with the guided tour.

The description below covers where we went on the day I was there.

We started off walking through a pretty prison garden, then walked through the brick passageways built during the Civil War period.

Then it was into the underground tunnel originally used by soldiers moving from one side of the fortified island to the other.

The tunnel now takes you to the lower level of the New Industries Building, used as a laundry and factory where prisoners of the federal penitentiary worked.

The factory building is appropriately decrepit and rusting, like the setting for a noir film or horror story. Lots of atmosphere.

Then it was back to the prison building. There's a staircase in Block D that goes down into the basement where the punishment cells were located.

This is a much older part of the prison; the federal penitentiary was built in 1933 on top of the previous prison and citadel.

The basement holds grim cells that kept prisoners in total darkness; very damp from sea water and inhabited by rats back in the day.

These cells weren't supposed to be used by the penitentiary, but Warden Johnson got caught putting prisoners down there. So the solitary cells you can see in D Block weren't the worst ones!

After seeing the Dungeon, as it's called, the tour came back up to Block D and we climbed up to the top two tiers of cells and look around. 

Cellblock A was open that night but is usually kept locked and isn't open to visitors on the day tours.

All through the tour, the rangers will fill you in on interesting facts and anecdotes about the various places you're visiting.

Lot's of good stories about this place!

Alcatraz is supposedly haunted. Check out the Alcatraz ghost stories, plus 23 other haunted places in San Francisco .

How strenuous is the tour?

Good news: the tour is not really strenuous. It mainly just requires walking up and down some stairs (but only one flight at a time).

City Experiences warns people that this tour is strenuous and limits it to age 12 and above. 

I didn't know what to expect in terms of the fitness level required to do this tour.

Turns out you need to be able to climb up or down a flight of stairs, walk up hills, and keep a reasonable walking pace.

Anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to keep up. There's plenty of standing and listening to the ranger's stories in between the stairs and walks.

Normally you only go up one flight, then stand awhile, so it's not a question of climbing flight after flight of stairs.

They also warn you to go to the bathroom before the tour starts, because there aren't any potty breaks during the tour, but we did have an opportunity to use the restroom once we got up to the cellblock area, about halfway through.

Best to use the restroom at Pier 33 before you get on the ferry.

Joining the Night Tour of Alcatraz

The guided portion of the Behind the Scenes tour finishes up at the entrance to the Alcatraz cellblock.

From there on, you are free to explore the island on your own, including the audio tour of the prison.

One of the cool things about the Behind the Scenes Tour is that it includes the Night Tour.

After your semi-private behind the scenes tour, you join the folks from the Night Tour and can participate in their activities.

When the guided tour ends, most people go into the cellblock to get their audio devices for the cellblock audio tour, do the audio tour of the prison, then go outside to explore the rest of the island.

At the entrance to the cellblock, and also in the gift shop inside the cellblock, you'll see a bulletin board with the special programs: talks by rangers, any extra ranger tours, and events like demonstrations of the opening of the cell doors.

You can plan your evening around the talks and tours you want to do.

Heading Back to SF

People on the Behind the Scenes Tour return on the same ferries as the Night Tour folks.

Return times are posted on the docks (both at Pier 33 and on the Alcatraz dock). 

For information on the Day Tour , Night Tour and Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour , see Alcatraz tours .

Sail around the bay...

If you want to sail around Alcatraz Island, and out under the Golden Gate Bridge, check out my recommendations for the best San Francisco Bay Cruises .

These don't stop at Alcatraz, but they're a lot of fun, and give you some of the best views of the city, bridge and bay.

One of the mostly highly-rated boat tours is the sunset cruise on a catamaran. You sail around the bay, past Alcatraz, and under the Golden Gate Bridge. View the San Francisco skyline all lit up after dark - beautiful! 

See Sunset Sailing Cruise for rates and availability.

More to explore...

Best things to do in San Francisco

Top San Francisco Attractions

Get the latest tips on visiting San Francisco.

SF Bus, BART & Cable Car Routes

Get Alcatraz tickets...

Home | Sitemap | Contact Me | About Me  

  Privacy Policy | Use Policy | Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FogCitySecrets.com Inside-Guide-to-San-Francisco-Tourism.com

Copyright© 2009- . All rights reserved.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Is it worth it.

In addition to answering questions about what to expect on the Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Alcatraz Prison, this post will also cover topics about how to get tickets, prices, locations you can expect to see, and more.

• What to Expect
• What’s the Difference
• Is it Worth It?
• Alcatraz Night Tour
• Sold Out Tickets

How to Get Alcatraz Behind-the-Scenes Tickets

There are currently 3 different ways to get behind-the-scenes tour tickets to Alcatraz:

• Purchase tickets directly from Alcatraz City Cruises
• Get a combination package that includes tickets
• Check third-party vendors such as Stubhub

Here are the ticket prices you can expect for this tour:

• Adult (18-61) - $101.30
• Junior (12-17) - $97.10 (must be supervised by an adult)
• Senior (62+) - $94.25
• Children (under 12) -  not applicable. This tour has a minimum age of 12 due to its lengthy duration.
• Get tickets or learn more .

NOTE: Most combination packages only include the standard Alcatraz tickets, so if you really want to experience this outing, it’s better to purchase either directly from Alcatraz City Cruise or from a third-party vendor.

What to Expect Behind the Scenes at Alcatraz

Ever wondered about the secrets held behind the barred doors of Alcatraz?

This Behind the Scenes tour is your chance to satisfy that curiosity. 

You can explore the veiled corners of this infamous island that have remained hidden from the regular tourist's eye.  

This tour includes all the features of the standard tour, like the scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay and the gripping self-guided Alcatraz cell house audio tour, but it adds an extra layer of mystery and excitement.

As it is a guided tour, you'll be welcomed by a knowledgeable guide who'll take you and your small group around.

You'll explore the well-trodden path of the standard tour and venture into usually off-limits areas.

You'll walk down corridors untouched by regular tourists, peek into hidden nooks and corners, and learn all about the prison’s extraordinary history.

You can see the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance while watching the sunset during an evening visit.

Which off-limits areas are included on the Behind the Scenes Alcatraz Tour?

Visitors can enter exclusive off-limits areas typically off-limits to the general public during this Behind the Scenes Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.

You will have the chance to tour off-limits areas of the famed Alcatraz Island, including the following:

• The Prison Hospital
• The Cellhouse Alcatraz
• The Underground Tunnels

In addition to visiting these locations, you'll also learn about infamous escape attempts from licensed professionals who know the real history of this prison.

How long does the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes tour last?

Alcatraz offers an extensive experience that lasts about three hours on their behind-the-scenes outing.

During this time, you'll delve into the fascinating history of Alcatraz Island.

You will learn engrossing tales of failed escapes and notable criminals such as the following:

• Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz)
• George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

You'll also visit places that aren't accessible on regular tours.

What can you bring on the Behind the Scenes tour?

In the Behind the Scenes Alcatraz Day Tour, knowing what you can bring along is important.

Visitors must carry essential items such as a valid ID, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Additionally, you can bring the following:

• A small bag or backpack
• Personal belongings
• Necessary medications
• Bottled water and food
• Mobile Phones

And yes, you can take pictures!

We also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunblock, and other items to protect yourself from the sun, as many areas on Alcatraz Island are outdoors.

Is the Behind the Scenes Alcatraz outing a small group tour?

Yes, the Behind the Scenes Alcatraz Prison Tours offer an intimate and immersive experience with small group sizes of just 30 people.

This allows visitors to ask questions and prevents the prison from getting too crowded.

A small group size also ensures visitors can fully engage with their surroundings and have meaningful interactions with the national park rangers leading the tour.

What should I wear on an Alcatraz Behind the Scenes tour?

Dressing appropriately is crucial when preparing for this tour.

You will be walking around different island areas, so it is advised that you wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Considering the unpredictable weather in the San Francisco Bay Area, wearing layers and bringing a light jacket or sweater is wise.

That said, if it's the middle of the summer, you might be fine in a T-shirt and shorts!

Are there any physical requirements for the Behind the Scenes Alcatraz Tour?

This tour involves walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs, so visitors should be prepared for moderate physical activity.

Having a reasonable level of mobility and fitness is recommended to enjoy the tour entirely.

If you have any specific concerns, checking with the tour operator or Alcatraz Cruises before booking is best.

What languages are available for the Cellhouse audio tour at Alcatraz?

The Cellhouse self-guided audio tour is available in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, Korean, Mandarin, and ASL.

It is also available in audio description form for guests with vision impairments.

As a reminder, you can enjoy this tour with a standard daytime Alcatraz ticket as well!

What is the Schedule for Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tours?

Typically, the tours are offered on select days and times throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.

No matter when you plan to visit, it's advisable to book your tickets in advance to secure your desired date and time.

Last-minute tickets may be available on occasion, but it's always best to plan ahead to ensure availability.

Alcatraz City Cruises offers this tour just once per day during the following schedule.

• Summer Hours (April - September): Tuesday - Saturday at 4:20 pm
• Winter Hours (October - March): Tuesday - Saturday at 2:15 pm

What’s the Difference | Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour?

Beyond what is provided by regular tours, this service offers a comprehensive experience.

It stands out for the following reasons.

Access to off-limits areas

Unlike the standard tours, the Behind the Scenes Tour allows visitors access to restricted areas of Alcatraz Island that are typically off-limits to the general public.

Explore some fascinating locations when you get the chance. Intimate group size and personalized interaction

On this guided tour, you'll be part of a small group, ensuring a more intimate and immersive experience.

With fewer people, you'll have ample opportunity to engage with your knowledgeable park ranger guide and ask questions. Extended duration to fully explore the island

The Behind the Scenes Tour lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you more time to fully immerse yourself in Alcatraz's captivating world.

In addition to the exclusive areas, you'll also visit the iconic warden’s house, Water Tower, Officer’s Club, and other locations where you will gain insights into the daily lives of prisoners and the stringent security measures in place.

With this service, you'll gain a more in-depth understanding of Alcatraz's rich past, from its role as a military prison in the old fort to its transformation into one of the world's most infamous federal penitentiaries.

Is the Behind-the-Scenes Tour Worth it?

This is a difficult question to answer, as it's really dependent upon your own tastes and interests.

If you're interested in visiting Alcatraz, but you aren't as interested in doing a deep dive into the historical aspects of the site or hearing tales of former inmates, this outing might be a bit more of an experience than you care to have at the landmark location.

However, if you've always had an interest in true crime stories and the history of prisons in the United States, this service will probably be right up your alley.

Not only will you have more time to explore the island, but you'll also get to see areas normally off-limits to other visitors.

The price of this tour is more than double the cost of the standard Alcatraz tickets, so cost is another factor you might want to consider.

If you don't feel like paying over $100 for the special behind-the-scenes access, the regular daytime admission still includes a self-guided tour and access to most of the important areas on the island.

Another thing to consider is that the Alcatraz Night Tour is also a popular option, as it includes some of the spookier tales from the history of this prison.

If you're more interested in the supernatural, that might be a more interesting outing to enjoy.

The small-group guided tour included with their behind-the-scenes access is a really nice benefit that you can't experience any other way.

The standard ticket only includes a self-guided tour, so this service is actually quite valuable if you'd rather hear about the history of this island from licensed professionals.

Best of all, you can always ask your guide questions if you are curious about anything along the way!

Ultimately, if you're looking for a fully guided tour with access to off-limit areas, this is the only way to do it, and that makes the behind-the-scenes tour worth it for history buffs.

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Stephen Pickhardt

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Alcatraz Tours Review: Is The Day Or Night Tour Worth It?

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: September 2, 2020

Alcatraz Island has a story so intriguing that it draws in over 1.5 million visitors each year. But are the Alcatraz day and night tours worth your valuable time and money ?

In short, the answer is yes. But you are not here for the short answer.

San Francisco is not a cheap place to visit and with limited time to explore, you need to know exactly how to spend your time and money wisely.

Not only have we been to San Francisco multiple times, but we have personally visited Alcatraz for both a day and night tour on separate occasions.

You can consider us experts when it comes to helping determine which of the Alcatraz tours is for you.

Let’s dive deeper into what you can expect and why the tours of Alcatraz are worth putting a dent in your San Francisco travel itinerary.

Alcatraz Island Fact File

City : San Francisco

State : California

Nickname : The Rock

Prison Opened : August 11th, 1934

Prison Closed : March 21st, 1963

Annual Visitors : 1.5 million tourists

Prisoner Capacity : 336 (never reached max capacity

Famous Prisoners : Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Robert Stroud, Whitey Bulger, The Anglin Brothers

History Of Alcatraz

Much like the air of mystery that surrounds the entire Island of Alcatraz, the history of the San Francisco Bay and the buildings of Alcatraz make for a dramatic story.

Fort, military prison, maximum security federal penitentiary and freedom all play a role in the colorful narrative of the eerie, forbidding and isolated island a mile offshore in the center of the San Francisco Bay.

Grab a comfy seat and a bit of popcorn because this one is going to a doozy. But our guide is loaded with photos and we hope to inspire you to visit this interesting part of US history someday.

The Founding Of Alcatraz Island

Juan Manuel de Ayala was the first man to sail into San Francisco Bay and lay eyes upon what is now Alcatraz Island.

When the Spanish explorer mapped the bay in 1775, he named the tiny island Alcatraces. At this time, this word meant ‘Gannet’ in relation to the North Atlantic seabird.

But over time, the original name Alcatraces was anglicized to Alcatraz. There has been debate about the exact meaning of Alcatraz, but this term typically refers to a ‘pelican’ or ‘strange bird.’

This term seemed to fit as Brown Pelicans are extremely common in the San Francisco Bay area.

The name Alcatraz feels slightly less sinister now you know it means Pelican, right?! You can ignore this fact if you want the name to retain its mystique.

Use As A Military Fort

Following the Gold Rush and booming of San Francisco in the 1850’s, the US military built a fortress at the top of Alcatraz to protect the bay from naval invasion.

On June 1st, 1854, the Alcatraz Light became the first lighthouse built on the West Coast of America. By the late 1850’s, Alcatraz had received its first military prisoners.

No shots were ever fired from the enormous cannon at Alcatraz fortress and its requirements as a defensive installation become obsolete.

The US army demolished Alcatraz fortress in 1909 and military prisoners at the time built what would become ‘the Rock.’

Punishment To Fit The Crime

Following rampant crime in the 1920’s and 1930’s, Alcatraz was the perfect symbol for the Department of Justice to show its citizens they were taking crime seriously.

The prison was categorized as maximum security as well as minimum privilege and opened in 1933.

Alcatraz would be the new home for those who were incapable of reform or who had gained culture repute.

Native American Occupation

Alcatraz prison was finally closed on March 21st, 1963 after almost 30 years of operation. Its closure had nothing to do with escape attempts (which we will get into later) and everything to do with finances.

It simply just wasn’t cost effective to maintain the prison any longer. Following the closure of Alcatraz prison, the island was left deserted and abandoned for 6 years.

In 1969, a group of Indigenous activists known as ‘the Indians of All Tribes’ occupied Alcatraz and raised awareness of the troubles they faced.

Support for Natives grew throughout their 19 month stronghold on Alcatraz until they lost control and buildings were burned down. Federal Marshalls intervened and removed all people from Alcatraz in 1971.

Alcatraz Museum And Tours

In 1973, Alcatraz was opened to the general public as a museum under the National Park Service and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

You can visit the official Alcatraz NPS website for more information.

Alcatraz remains one of the most popular park service sites and receives over 1 million visitors each year.

Travel Tip : If you collect the National Park Passport Stamps , be sure to pick up your stamp on Alcatraz island. There are two stamps to collect, one for the Alcatraz Island Lighthouse and one for the Golden Gate Recreation Area .

How To Get To Alcatraz From Pier 33

There is only one way you can reach Alcatraz Island as a tourist and that is from Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing.

Google Maps Location for Pier 33 .

Pier 33 is located halfway around San Francisco’s Embarcadero, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building.

Alcatraz Cruises owns sole rights to ferry crossings from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island under contract with the National Park Service.

It’s not worth looking into chartering a private boat to access the island because you won’t be able to enter the museum.

Pier 33 is also equipped with an accessibility drop off zone for those with special needs.

Alcatraz Tour Parking

If you are planning on driving your own vehicle with the aim of parking nearby, be warned there is no parking available directly at Alcatraz Landing.

You may be lucky to find on-street parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, but it can be extremely difficult to find. Every parking space also has a parking meter which won’t give you enough time for your Alcatraz tour.

Another option is a commercial parking lot. There are 15 commercial lots with 3,000 parking spaces within a 5 block radius of Pier 33.

The closest commercial parking lot is 80 Francisco at Kearny about one block away across the Embarcadero from Alcatraz Landing.

However, the best way to get to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is by foot or using public transport. The historic San Francisco streetcars of the MUNI F Line run right past Alcatraz Landing.

Planning to visit more of California? Don’t miss our popular guide featuring 23 stops along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to San Diego .

4 Types Of Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz is open for tours every day except Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s day.

When you purchase an Alcatraz tour ticket, the time on the ticket will correspond to your Alcatraz Ferry.

Each Alcatraz Ferry departs for the day from Pier 33 daily about every 30 to 60 minutes beginning at 8:45am for the Early Bird Tour. Keep in mind times will vary depending on the time of year.

There are 4 different types of tours available at Alcatraz Island. Each tour will have a varying cost, access and privileges.

You can choose between the following 4 Alcatraz tours:

• Alcatraz Day Tour (Early Bird included)
• Behind The Scenes Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour

• Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour (currently unavailable)

Next, we will briefly discuss the Alcatraz Ferry schedule followed by a description of each Alcatraz tour.

The last sections of this guide will then walk you through exactly what to expect on both a day and night tour to Alcatraz. We hope to point out the major differences between these Alcatraz tours.

Ferry Schedule For Alcatraz Tours

The Alcatraz ferry is run on a winter and summer schedule. The early bird tour always begins at 8:45am no matter the season, but the summer season will have more ferry crossings later in the day when the daylight is longer.

Alcatraz Summer Ferry schedule

This summer ferry runs from mid-March to mid-October.

• Early Bird Tour : 8:45am (considered a day tour)
• Day Tour : 9:10am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:10pm, 2:40pm, 3:20pm and 3:50pm
• Behind The Scenes Tour : 4:20pm and 4:50pm
• Night Tour : 5:55pm and 6:30pm (Tues to Sat)

Alcatraz Winter Ferry Schedule

The winter schedule for the Alcatraz Ferry is very similar just with modified service. The winter ferry runs from mid-October to Mid-March.

• Day Tour : 9:10am, 9:30am, 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:05pm, 1:35pm
• Behind The Scenes Tour : 2:10pm and 2:40pm
• Night Tour : 3:50pm (Tues to Sat)

You can also check the Alcatraz Ferry Departure schedule on the City Cruises official website.

Alcatraz Day Tour

The Alcatraz day tour is a 2.5 hour long tour option which gives you the chance to freely explore Alcatraz Island on your own. A round trip ferry service to Alcatraz Island is included in the ticket.

As you investigate Alcatraz, rangers are stationed throughout the island to help assist visitors and answer questions.

There are many interpretive signs and exhibits scattered around the island to keep your interest. You can also attend the cellhouse audio tour or a themed special program to learn more about Alcatraz.

The Alcatraz day tour includes:

• Doing Time: The Alcatraz cellhouse audio tour 
• Admission to the Alcatraz cellhouse and permanent exhibit ‘The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States’
• Entrance to outdoor spaces such as Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
• Entrance to the New Industries Building highlighting influential Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes
• Close up views of the exteriors of the Cellhouse, Building 64, Warden’s House, Water Tower, Officer’s Club and Model Industries Building

Day tour tickets for Alcatraz begin at $42 for adults and $25 for children (5-11).

During the Alcatraz Night Tour, you get a little more bang for your buck. But the night tour is only available Tuesday to Saturdays.

Similar to the day tour, a round trip ferry service to Alcatraz Island is included in the ticket. However, you will enjoy a narration on the ferry as the boat takes a special route around Alcatraz Island.

At the dock, you are greeted by a park ranger or docent for a personalized guided tour straight from the dock to the cellhouse. During this guided tour, you will learn about the history of Alcatraz and the people who have lived there.

After the guided tour, you can choose to attend the cellhouse audio tour, explore the additional special exhibits or explore the island on your own.

The Alcatraz night tour includes:

• Doing Time: The Alcatraz cellhouse audio tour
• Optional full length programs and exhibits
• Docent guided tours and talks
• Ability to watch the sunset from Alcatraz Island

Night tour tickets for Alcatraz begin at $53 for adults and $31 for children (5-11).

Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour

The behind the Scenes Tour of Alcatraz is a unique opportunity and limited to a maximum of only 30 people.

This 1.5 to 2.0 hour small group tour is led by a National Park Service Ranger or expert historical educator.

The behind The Scenes tour is a great way to capture unusual photos and explore many areas that are off limits to the general public as you hear stories about Alcatraz.

After the tour you will also have the chance to explore the island further.

The Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tours includes:

• Optional programs and exhibits throughout the island
• West side views from Alcatraz Island facing San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge

As a Behind the Scenes Tour guest, you have the two options after your tour. You can extend your time on Alcatraz Island by joining the night tour or you can return to San Francisco on any departing vessel from Alcatraz.

Please note if you choose to stay for the night tour, you will be on Alcatraz Island for about 5 hours. There is food available on the Alcatraz ferry, but not on the island. You will need to plan accordingly.

Behind The Scenes tour tickets for Alcatraz begin at $98 for adults and $94 for children (5-11).

Alcatraz And Angel Island Tour

This 5.5 hour tour offers a round trip ferry to Alcatraz and Angel Island as well as an audio guided tour and an Angel Island Tram tour.

Unfortunately, this the Alcatraz and Angel island Tour is currently unavailable due to health and safety reasons.

Alcatraz Island Tickets

City Experiences are the official provider of Alcatraz Island Tour tickets. The best way to book Alcatraz tickets is directly with City Experiences on the official website.

However, a combination tour is an extremely popular option if you want to see everything San Francisco has to offer. Each tour we mention is an authorized seller of Alcatraz Cruises through City Experiences.

Here are several top rated San Francisco tour options which include an Alcatraz Tour:

• Alcatraz Ticket + 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Night Tour – Explore the island of Alcatraz and enjoy 2 days of sightseeing with insightful commentary from a live guide.
• Small Group Tour: Alcatraz, San Francisco and Muir Woods with Lunch in Sausalito – See everything in one day… the main sights in San Francisco, a lunch break in Sausalito, a walk around Muir Woods and the Official Alcatraz tour in the afternoon.
•  Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket – Walking tour to top attractions including Ghirardelli, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 followed by Alcatraz.
• Alcatraz Inside and Golden Gate Bridge Express Visit – Combine visits to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge into one day.
• Golden Gate Bike Tour and Alcatraz Ticket – Explore San Francisco by bike and visit Alcatraz for two tours over the course of two days.
• San Francisco City Tour and Alcatraz Ticket – Climb aboard an air conditioned coach for a 4-hour guided tour of San Francisco then board a ferry and sail to Alcatraz Island.
• Alcatraz Island and SF Madame Tussauds – This two in one pass includes ferry transport to Alcatraz Island and access to the island itself as well as admission to the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Walkthrough Of Alcatraz Island Day Tour

We don’t want to give too much of the Alcatraz day tour away so instead of going into great detail, we will simply give you an idea about what you can expect. You can then determine if this is the tour for you.

We took the Alcatraz day tour in the fall of 2019 and while the tour has slightly changed with one way systems after the pandemic, the day tour experience has remained the same.

Welcome to the Rock!

Upon arrival to Alcatraz Island, you will disembark and find a crowd amassed outside of Building 64.

Also known as Residential Apartments, this 3 story ex-military barracks and prison officer accommodation was the first building to be built on Alcatraz.

Next, a guide or park ranger will explain important information for your visit before you can explore freely. Be sure to listen so you can find out which special programs are available for the day.

You also want to take note of the boat schedules at the dock or in the cellhouse. You need to know when to be back at the dock to catch the return ferry.

Pick a reasonable time to break away from this group otherwise you will be in a very long line for an audio tour headset once you reach the old shower room.

Travel Tip : After you hear about the special programs for the day, beeline it for the cellhouse audio tour so you can spend the rest of your time exploring the island (you will see plenty of signs directing you where to go).

The Alcatraz Prison Tour Begins

Walk up and around the slaloming walkway as you head straight to the main prison entrance. There should be a sign outside stating the start of the cellhouse audio tour.

This will be your first real taste for the prison of Alcatraz. As you cast your eyes on the rusting grey-blue metal doors, you will immediately feel your insides crawl and shudder.

Once inside, make your way to the long narrow and very open shower room. Imagine taking a shower with some of the most hardened and creepy criminals in the history of the United States.

“Hey Mr. Scarface, could you please pass me the soap?”

Line up here until you reach the front to pick up your audio headset which is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Mandarin.

This is where your Alcatraz tour will officially begin. But if you are interested in any of the special programs taking place, you will need to consider your timing.

The cellhouse audio tour runs on a one way system and you should have time to finish this audio tour before any of the special programs take place.

But if you have any questions about timing, feel free to ask the rangers how you should schedule your time. The rangers and guides are incredibly helpful.

We attended two special programs during our Alcatraz day tour:

• Sounds of the slammer
• Escape attempts

Personally, we enjoyed the special programs more than the audio tour because the guides telling the stories were extremely animated. There was also a small Q&A section at the end for any questions you many have.

Sounds Of The Slammer Special Program

The Sound of the Slammer special program discussed a typical cell in Alcatraz along with the different prion blocks.

Alcatraz housed four main cell blocks (A,B, C and D) each with three tiers of cells. Some cells in Alcatraz measured no more than 9ft by 5ft wide.

Imagine a bed, toilet and sink inside those tiny dimensions. This certainly doesn’t leave a lot of room for maneuvering.

Cell blocks B and C were the longest rows and contained the most cells. In between cell blocks, each corridor was a given a famous street name such as Broadway, Michigan and Park Avenue.

Cell block D is where misbehaving prisoners were sent. If they had a particularly serious offence, they would find themselves in one of the six segregation cell units, also known as ‘the Hole.’

Each hardened steel cell door was operated by a series of levers and mechanisms located at the end of that particular row of cells.

Individual or multiple cells (not necessarily next to each other) could be opened at the same time using this mechanism at the end of each row.

This was innovative technology at the time, replacing the traditional lock and key method.

We enjoyed the Sounds of the Slammer because this program discussed the opening and closing of cell doors. But it also included a practical demonstration plus stories from during and after the operation of Alcatraz prison.

Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to open the cell door using bed sheets and a wheel to lasso the level like Sean Connery in the Rock !

Escape Attempts Special Program

Alcatraz was officially dubbed the ‘inescapable island’ but there were a series of attempts.

Did anyone make it our successfully? Well, that still reamins a mystery.

Are you a romantic who wants to believe that someone managed to escape, despite the fact they were in prison for committing a serious and heinous crime?

Or are you a firm believer of facts, logic and physics that suggest no one made it out alive?

The escape attempts special program takes place in the dining hall next to the cell house. If this talk is on during your visit, do not miss it.

This special program was the highlight of our Alcatraz day tour thanks to some fantastic storytelling by the park ranger who led the program.

As you can see, the room was packed full of tourists utterly engrossed in a wide semicircle.

In a nutshell, there were 14 escape attempts made by a total of 36 inmates throughout Alcatraz prison history. Some of the stories are sad while other stories are downright hilarious and full of ingenuity.

We will not divulge any more information here so you can hear all about these crazy stories for yourself when you visit.

Or if you can’t wait, you can read more about each escape attempt here in detail.

Views From Alcatraz Island

For the rest of our Alcatraz day tour, we spent our time exploring the island on our own.

Sections of this tour include walking around external areas, such as Alcatraz Lighthouse. You can also explore the recreation yard and parade ground after the audio tour has finished.

But remember you are in the center of San Francisco Bay, which means you have 360 degree views around the entire Bay Area.

Depending on the time of day and positioning of the sun, you can snap photographs of Oakland Bridge, San Francisco city and of course, the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge.

But don’t expect Alcatraz to be one of the better views of the Golden Gate Bridge, instead you will need to head one of these 5 best photography locations .

Further Reading : Is the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Los Angeles worth it?

Walkthrough Of Alcatraz Island Night Tour

We returned to San Francisco in October 2022 to take the Alcatraz night tour. We loved the day tour so much we just had to experience Alcatraz at night as well.

After experiencing the Alcatraz night tour ourselves, we can confirm the night tour is a slightly different experience compared to the day tour. But just like everything, each tour had its perks.

We took the Alcatraz night tour on October 11th which falls during the seasonal change schedule (Oct 11th to Nov 5th).

This time of year is the best of both worlds because we had the chance to explore areas usually closed at night due to increased lighting from daylight savings time.

A Better Ferry Experience

The first thing we instantly noticed about the Alcatraz night tour was the impressive narration on the ferry as we sailed to Alcatraz Island.

During the entire trip, we learned about the history of San Francisco and Alcatraz. Without giving much away, this narrative is certainly worth a listen.

On a side note, we were starving when we arrived to Pier 33 for our night tour because we had been relentlessly exploring San Francisco. So we tried the snack bar on the Alcatraz ferry.

To be honest, our hot dogs were pretty good and fairly priced considering we were on a tour.

We were also able to fill up our reusable water bottle on the ferry so be sure to bring one and fill up if needed. Water on the ferry is not cheap, yikes.

The ferry had many snacks available and while the line was quite long, it moved quickly.

Already a great start to our Alcatraz night tour!

Circling Alcatraz Island

Another highlight of the night tour, before we even docked on the island, was the route the ferry took after leaving Pier 33.

We completed a full circle around Alcatraz Island which is not done on the day tour. The narration on the ferry also explained additional parts of the island we had not previously learned about.

This is where you will look for sea caves near Alcatraz Island which may be have been important in one prisoners escape.

Look closely at the buoys in the water because you may get a glimpse of a sea lion sunning himself.

Audio Tour And Special Programs

There was only one boat on the island during our entire night tour which was a welcome relief from the large crowds you can experience during the day tour.

The boat was divided into two groups with the first group heading one way on the island and the other group heading another way on the island. Each group had about 100 people.

Our tour guide met us right by the dock and we had a short intro to the island with stops in multiple locations. This small guided tour took about 20 minutes and we ended at the entrance of the cell house audio tour.

Similar to the day tour, we picked up our audio guide headsets in the shower room and listened to the familiar voices once again.

When we ended our audio tour and handed in our headsets, we were met by a docent who was was about to give a special program in just a few minutes.

Perfect timing, we stayed for the special program and chatted with the park ranger. We won’t be disclosing the special programs on the Alcatraz night tour so you can be completely surprised.

The best advice we can give you is to speak with the rangers and tour guides because they always know the ins and outs of the island.

Following our own advice, the ranger we spoke to gave us some great advice about how to maximize our time on Alcatraz island. However, this won’t pertain to every night because programs and experiences are constantly changing.

As long as you attend the cellhouse audio tour, one or two special programs and spend a little time exploring in your own, you have done extremely well. Anything else will be a bonus!

Bonus Hospital Entrance

In between the two special programs we chose to attend, we learned the old Alcatraz hospital was to be opened at 5:30pm which is an area we had never seen.

So we hot footed it to the hospital just in time to see the the rememntats of the Alcatraz operating room, exam rooms, pharmacy and sick wards.

As former scientists , we enjoyed seeing how the hospital operated. This experience alone was certainly worth our visit.

More Time To Explore

Another great part about the night tour is you have a little more time to explore the island compared to the day tour. So even after our audio tour, two special programs and the hospital visit, we still had time to visit a few other areas.

Many of the same outdoor sections were open, but it was interesting to see the buildings on Alcatraz light up as the sun started to set on the horizon. The colors in the sky were just starting to become bright pink and orange.

At this point, we started to watch our time a bit more closely because we certainly didn’t want to be spending the night on the island if we missed the ferry.

Sunset On Alcatraz

Our ferry was scheduled to leave the dock as the sun was setting behind the Golden Gate Bridge. This night tour was the perfect ending to a day in San Francisco.

After we both had boarded the ferry back to Pier 33, we asked one another if the Alcatraz night tour has been worth it.

What do you think we said?!

Are The Alcatraz Day And Night Tours Worth Your Time And Money?

Yes, both the Alcatraz day and night tours are worth your time and money.

Personally, we have to say we were genuinely surprised by how good the Alcatraz day and night tours are put together. We had high expectations but they were easily surpassed.

We would recommend the Alcatraz night tour over the Alcatraz day tour for 5 reasons:

• Onboard ferry narration
• Ferry circles around entire Alcatraz island
• Smaller tour sizes make for an intimate experience
• Ability to see San Francisco bay as the sun sets from Alcatraz Island
• Chance to explore bonus areas often closed to general public

But if you can only fit one Alcatraz tour into your schedule, the day tour is still a great option.

While the prices of the Alcatraz tours appear to be a little on the steep side, we think the price point is fair considering everything you get.

Be sure to attend at least one of the special programs on the day you visit to make the most of your Alcatraz experience.

Famous Inmates At Alcatraz

Last but not least, we have to mention the famous inmates once held in this prison.

Many inmates at Alcatraz were relative unknown as were sent to the ‘supermax prison of the 30s’ because they were escape threats or committed serious offences at other prisons.

However, some inmates were of higher renown and gained a reputation through popular culture in years to follow their time on the Rock.

Here are some of the most famous Alcatraz inmates:

• Al Capone – Gained notoriety as the modern day Robin Hood while making millions in bootlegging illegal alcohol. Nicknamed ‘Scarface’, Capone let the Chicago mob outfit during prohibition but was jailed on tax evasion offenses after being named public enemy #1.
• Robert Stroud – Nicknamed ‘the Birdman’, Stroud only became famous when a movie called Birdman of Alcatraz was made. But he never actually kept any birds at Alcatraz, he kept 300 birds in his cell at Leavenworth, Kansas. A dangerous murderer, Stroud was in jail from 19 years of age until his death in 1963.
• George Kelly – A model inmate at Alcatraz, ‘Machine Gun’ Kelly was only transferred to the Rock after half joking with guards at Leavenworth that he would escape in time for Christmas. His joke was taken all too seriously. Kelly was imprisoned for kidnap and is believed to have only turned to crime because his wife pushed him into it.
• Alvin Karpis – In prison for conspiracy to kidnap, ‘Creepy’ Karpis was a near genius IQ member of the Barker-Karpis Gang along with fellow inmate ‘Doc’ Barker. They would rob banks, gunning down anyone who stood in their way. Karpis spent 26 years on Alcatraz, more than any other prisoner.

Alcatraz In Popular Culture

Before visiting Alcatraz, you might want to watch some of these old movies to get in the mood:

• Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)
• Point Blank (1967)
• The Enforcer (1976)
• Escape From Alcatraz (1979)
• The Rock (1996) – Our personal favorite!
• The Book of Eli (2010)

Even the Harry Potter Franchise created by JK Rowling features Azkaban prison which can only be based on one place…

Alcatraz Island Photos

We took hundreds of photos on Alcatraz Island during our day and night tour.

This next section is nothing but photos from Alcatraz Island to further peak your interesting about this fascinating area.

What Is It Like To Visit Alcatraz Today?

Alcatraz has changed several times over the years, from fort to military prison and from maximum security federal penitentiary to tourist attraction.

Now, Alcatraz is run by the National Park Service and the Island hosts hundreds of visitors every day who are curious about its colorful history.

If you’re wondering what it is like to visit Alcatraz now, there’s only one way to find out!

Can I Go To Alcatraz Without A Tour?

It is extremely difficult to go to Alcatraz without a tour. While Alcatraz id open to public tours, the docks at Alcatraz are only available to one ferry line, Alcatraz Cruises run by City Experiences.

The only way the public can visit Alcatraz is by purchasing a tour ticket and taking on of the official ferries to the island.

Alcatraz FAQ’s

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about Alcatraz Island and tours.

Contrary to popular belief, Alcatraz prison was shut down due to financial reasons. Millions of gallons of fresh water had to be shipped to Alcatraz weekly and eventually the government decided it would be cheaper to just build a new prison!

The water around Alcatraz Island has an average temperature of around 54°F (12°C) with little variation that would prove challenging for escapes. However, avid open water swimmers do swim across the bag regularly.

Yes, there have been several escape attempts from Alcatraz. You should book an Alcatraz tour to hear the details of these very escapes.

Yes, there are sharks around Alcatraz but usually only Leopard sharks. Man eating Great Whites are frequently found nearby in the Pacific Ocean and rarely venture into the SF bay. That being said, there is footage of Great Whites close to Alcatraz. Would you swim the channel?

If you booked a day or night tour, you should plan on 3 hours for your total visit to Alcatraz.

Our Popular San Francisco Guides

• Itinerary – 15 Things You Can’t Miss in San Francisco
• Photography – Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge
• Tea Garden – Complete Guide to the San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden
• CityPASS – Complete guide to saving money with the SF CityPASS

More California Guides

• Los Angeles – 10 Best Things to do in Los Angeles
• San Diego – Amazing Things To do in San Diego
• Yosemite – One, Two and Three Day Itineraries for Yosemite National Park
• Joshua Tree – Perfect Day Trip to Joshua Tree from LA and San Diego
• Death Valley – One Day in Death Valley Itinerary from LA and Las Vegas

Want more California content? Head to our California Travel Guides to explore National Parks, popular road trips and things to do in major cities of the sunshine state.

We hope this review for both the Alcatraz Day and Alcatraz Night Tour helps you plan your time in San Francisco!

Please let us know if you have any question about the Alcatraz Tours or San Francisco in the comments below.

Happy Planning ,

Mark and Kristen

Was This Guide Helpful? Pin It For Your Visit!

Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

6 thoughts on “Alcatraz Tours Review: Is The Day Or Night Tour Worth It?”

Thank you so much for this post! I didn’t realize the website I almost bought tickets on was not the official tour company, so I saved money and was able to book the behind the scenes tour that the website I was looking at said wasn’t available!

You’re very welcome, Elizabeth. We hope you have a fantastic trip to San Francisco and enjoy the Alcatraz tour!

Alcatraz is easily one of our favorite San Fran attractions. We’ve been 2x. I’m always blown away by the walking tour. Absolutely love the step by step information. I always highly recommend visiting Alcatraz.

Yes we thoroughly enjoyed the tour of Alcatraz and would do it again. Highly recommend for first time visitors to SF!

Alcatraz seems like a great place to visit, so much history in one place. It must of been a harsh place to serve time but also to work, not your average commute.

You’re right, not a typical commute! We were worried the Alcatraz tour wouldn’t hold up to our expectations but it did with room to spare. Definitely recommend it if you get a chance to visit San Francisco.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest in travel straight to your inbox

Click here to subscribe

Alcatraz Tours: Day, Night, and Behind the Scenes – Which is the Best Way to Visit The Rock?

Alcatraz Island is known worldwide for its infamous federal prison that formerly housed some of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century. It’s lesser known for the national park unit that now protects, preserves, and shares these stories, and so many others.

That’s right: Alcatraz Island is a national park unit. It became a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, opened to tours in 1973, and it is one of the most unique national parks you can visit.

Haunted by the ghosts of its dark past, Alcatraz Island lures millions of people to its rocky shore every year hoping to get a glimpse of what life was like for notable criminals like Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson and more inside their cramped and secluded cells.

There are three main Alcatraz tours offered to explore Alcatraz Island: the Day Tour, the Night Tour, and the Behind the Scenes Tour. Each tour offers different experiences, along with some similarities, and raises one main question: which is the best?

We’re going to break down all three and give you all the inside information so you can decide which is right for you and/or your group for your trip to the Rock.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Overview

California is teeming with national parks , and a cluster of them are located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Established in 1972 to bring parks to the people of urban settings, Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects numerous diverse ecosystems in and around the city of San Francisco.

It is the third most visited park unit in the country, regularly seeing more than 12,000,000 visitors annually, and for good reason! Sprawling more than 80,000 acres of land, featuring beautiful beaches and captivating coastlines, gorgeous groves of Coastal Redwoods, magnificent military history in old fort structures, and so much beyond, this park is an urban oasis that has something for everyone who recreates here.

There are several individual sites inside of this park, including Alcatraz Island, the Presidio, and more.

The Bay Area features other national park sites outside of Golden Gate as well, like San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Muir Woods National Monument , John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, and Point Reyes National Seashore .

Overflowing with opportunities for exploration, education, and adventure, the most highly trafficked of these park sites is Alcatraz Island.   

When to Visit Alcatraz Island

Most people would expect summer to be the ideal time to visit any national park, Alcatraz Island included, but it’s vital to know the weather in San Francisco often does what few would expect.

Here’s a sample of what you might expect during the seasons in San Francisco.

While the temperatures never normally go below freezing, winter in San Francisco often see’s a lot of precipitation and gloomy overcast skies. More than 75% of the Bay Area’s annual rainfall occurs in winter.

Despite the higher rain chances, San Francisco has a very stable climate, and winter can actually be a pleasant time to visit.

The main perk is that the city and its attractions will be much quieter as winter is not peak travel season, and it may be the easiest time to score tickets for Alcatraz.

The early stages of spring have a chance to see some rainy days, but winter eases its grip on the region as spring blooms and bursts into life.

The historic gardens in particular really shine in the springtime, and you’ll be able to beat the onset of the massive summer crowds that are sure to follow.

Summer in San Francisco usually brings the cooler times of the year. While pleasant temperatures/days can and do appear, there is often an overcast of fog and blustery winds.

Locals tend to refer to the summer months as “no sky July” and “Fogust.” It’s common to see a chilly, breezy, overcast morning, with a clearing in the early afternoon, and fog returning by early evening.

Aside from the temperatures, summer on Alcatraz Island is also the fly season. Thousands of pesky flies inhabit the island, attracted to the Brandt’s Cormorants colonies.

These flies are completely harmless, though they tend to be extremely annoying, and many visitors find this to be an unpleasant surprise, but the bottom line is the flies are unavoidable.

If you’re looking for great views from the island, a lack of bugs, and less crowded times, summer may not be the peak time of the year to visit Alcatraz Island.

This is also when tickets tend to be booked up months in advance, so if you are planning to visit in the summer, book as early as you possibly can.

It may seem odd, but Autumn is what most consider to be San Francisco’s true summer season. This is due to an abundance of warmer days and sunnier skies.

Autumn is also the end of the fly season, meaning a much more enjoyable experience in the city, and on Alcatraz Island.

Autumn just may be the best season to visit Alcatraz Island for the warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and dispersing of the summer crowds.

No matter when you visit, you’ll want to keep a jacket with you. You never know when the chill of the Pacific Ocean air will creep in.  

A Brief Timeline of Alcatraz Island History

A majority of the people who come to Alcatraz from around the world tend to have only one thing on their agenda when visiting “The Rock,” and that’s to tour the Alcatraz Cell House.

Yet, when these visitors arrive on the island every day, most are stunned to see Alcatraz has far more layers of history than just an old cell house. 

In the year 1775, ​​Spanish naval officer and explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala became the first man to document the rocky island in San Francisco Bay.

He dubbed a neighboring island, “La Isla de Los Alcatraces” after observing the immense seabird population dominating the craggy isle, but the name was later applied to what we now know as Alcatraz Island, which also is home to large colonies of seabirds.

Decades later, in 1846, the United States purchased Alcatraz Island for $5,000. 

A Civil War Fort

Little known fact: Alcatraz Island did not begin as a prison, but rather as a stronghold created during the American Civil War as a defensive strategy.

You read that correctly: Alcatraz Island began as a Civil War fort, designed to protect the Bay as the Gold Rush ran its course.

The original fortification was designed with bunkers, tunnels, 111 canons, a fort on the summit, and several cells throughout the island to discipline disorderly army recruits, but the original intent was never to become a prison.

As the Civil War ended, and advancing war technology outran the fort’s capabilities, the future of the island seemed uncertain, until the commanding officers realized Alcatraz had great potential as an actual prison.

The island’s citadel was torn down by its then-current military prisoners, who then built the iconic Alcatraz Cell House atop its remaining dry moat and basement.

This was when the brutal military prison era of Alcatraz began, and the legends and lore of the mysterious and horrifying prison on Alcatraz Island were born.

This military prison operated until the Federal Bureau of Prisons took over in 1933. 

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

Beginning the era the island is most known for, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary opened in 1934. The reign of the federal prison saw some of the most dangerous criminals locked up behind its walls.

Seeking the stories of those men and the conditions in which they lived is what attracts most visitors to the island today.

The federal prison years of Alcatraz Island lasted for a mere 29 years, before rising costs and other factors finally shut the prison down for good, and its remaining prisoners were sent to other institutions to continue their sentences. 

It was over six years after the federal prison closed when Alcatraz Island reclaimed the world’s attention, but as a sanctuary rather than a penitentiary.

Indigenous Occupation of Alcatraz

On November 20th, 1969, a group of Native American activists calling themselves the Indians of All Tribes claimed the island for all American Indians in a fight for Native American sovereignty.

Their protest and plight reached all corners of the world, drawing support for the Red Power Movement and fueling their fight for over 19 months.

When the occupation dwindled and came to an end on June 11th, 1971, the world wondered, What would come next for Alcatraz Island?

National Park Service

And what came next was the birth of a new national park attraction. Alcatraz Island was added to Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and opened to tours in 1973. 

Today, visitors come in search of answers to questions about this mysterious place, then discover this place truly is so much more than just a notorious old prison.

It takes advance planning to get to what’s been called “the most infamous island in the world.” Step one of your trip to The Rock is securing tickets to the island.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sticker

Tips for booking alcatraz tour tickets.

Book With the Correct Company

First, you want to make sure you’re buying tickets from a legitimate source. Alcatraz Island is federal land, and those allowed to dock on its shores are strictly supervised.

Simply put, no random person is allowed to drive a boat up to the island, and not every Bay cruise company has permission to come.

PRO TIP : There are several different vendors that will promise you “the Alcatraz experience,” but be wary; there is only one concessionaire company authorized to sell real Alcatraz tickets and to bring visitors to Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz City Cruises.

Whether you’re trying to book a Day Tour, Night Tour, or Behind the Scenes Tour, you need to purchase your tickets online from Alcatraz City Cruises . You can also call (415) 981-7625 to make your reservation.

If you purchase tickets from another source claiming to be “Alcatraz Island Tickets,” you are risking buying tickets that will not actually get you to Alcatraz Island, but possibly just a boat ride around it.

Some third-party sellers will actually buy and resell tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises, but for a hiked-up price. There’s usually no way to know if the risk you’re taking will actually pay off and get you on any of the Alcatraz tours.

We know it’s tempting to try to outsource because it’s common to see Alcatraz tickets “sold out” on the City Cruises website, but just be aware you may not make it to the island.

Check Current Conditions

Check the island schedule before you book. Generally, it is open daily from about 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

It’s also a good idea to check Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s current conditions and the weather .

Fees and Park Passes

For National Park Pass holders, your annual pass is not a ticket for Alcatraz Island. You will need to purchase tickets from the authorized concessionaire to bring you to Alcatraz.

Why is there no discount? There is actually no park entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. You are paying for the boat ride over and the audio tour. Your annual pass does not grant you a discount for these non-entry fee purchases.

Reserve Tickets as Early as Possible

Here’s the best and most important tip for securing Alcatraz tickets : BOOK EARLY!

Tours are often sold out weeks or months in advance. Especially during the busy summer season, tickets tend to be sold out several months ahead of time.

If you’re trying to book last minute, your best chances will always be on weekdays or in slower travel seasons like winter.

Are Alcatraz walk-up tickets available? Are there ever last-minute tickets?

The short answer is maybe. There are times when hopeful visitors are able to buy walk-up Alcatraz tickets from the ticket booth on Pier 33.

This is not a guarantee, though, and more often than not, people are turned away. If you’re planning to gamble on the chance of being a walkup, prepare to be disappointed. 

Lastly, if you check Alcatraz City Cruise’s website early enough, and plenty of tickets seem to be available on your preferred date, don’t hesitate! Buy them at that moment. There is a strong chance they will sell out.

Don’t risk missing out on your chance to tour Alcatraz Island. Buy them as early as you can.

Comparing the Different Alcatraz Tours

Each of the three Alcatraz tour experiences can be vastly different, with some similarities. Knowing the details of what each offer will help you choose which tour is right for what you want to get out of your visit to Alcatraz Island.

Every Alcatraz Tour Includes: 

• A round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• Access to the award-winning Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour (available in 11 different languages)
• Optional, free park ranger/docent-led programs and/or walking tours
• Entry into other island exhibits, like the award-winning “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States” Cell House exhibit
• Free access to use S.E.A.T, the accessibility tram that can take anyone with mobility needs or health conditions to the top of the island should they need it
• The option to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program and earn an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger badge

Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz Day Tour Rates :

Adults : $42.50

Children (ages 5-11): $25.80

Juniors (ages 12-17) $42.15

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $39.80

Family Pack (2 adults and 2 children): $123.10

The most common and easily accessible of the Alcatraz tours is the Day Tour, and while this may seem unexciting compared to the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour, this particular adventure offers nothing short of incredible opportunities on Alcatraz Island. 

During the daylight hours, Alcatraz Island gives off an entirely different impression from what one may think. The true beauty of the island is in full sight during the daytime. This includes the chance to explore and truly appreciate the colorful flowers and diverse plants of the historic gardens.

You’ll also see the breathtaking views of the City of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay, plus the chance to observe nesting seabirds all across the island. 

Once you arrive at Alcatraz and step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by a park ranger who will give a mandatory orientation to the island and will tell you all of the things you can experience on your day there, like what exhibits are open, which programs are happening and when, etc.

Some days, programs may not be offered on the island due to low staffing or other reasons, so there is never a true guarantee for walking tours or programs on the Day Tour. If you see a park ranger, know they’re happy to answer any question you may have about the island and its history.

From there, you get to decide how you want to organize your time on the island. More sections of the island are open to the public throughout the day as opposed to the Night Tour and/or the Behind the Scenes Tour.

If you want to go straight up to the cell house for your audio tour, you can. If you want to take some time and explore different parts of the island, you can do that as well. 

Alcatraz Island has so much to offer during the day, and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours on the island. You can make your trip last as long as you want.

Return ferries will run throughout the day, and you’re free to choose any boat at whatever time you wish to return. 

Certain sections of the island are only open during the day, and these places are inaccessible to those who go on the Night or Behind the Scenes tours, like the North Road and upper level/exhibits inside the New Industries Building (the workshop where the prisoners of the island were sent to work labor jobs).

As of September 2022, the exhibits inside include one that educates about prison labor while the other commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Native American Occupation of Alcatraz (installed in 2019), though these exhibits are subject to change. 

The two best features of the Day Tour are that these tickets are the cheapest option to visit Alcatraz, and they provide you the most freedom to explore more of the island on your own and at your own pace.

Book official Alcatraz Day Tour tickets

Alcatraz Night Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour Rates : 

Adults : $52.70

Children (ages 5-11): $31.00

Juniors (ages 12-17) $51.55

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $49.00

When the sun starts to set, a creeping feeling of the mystique of Alcatraz Island and its dark past comes to life. The cell blocks barely illuminated by a darkening sky give visitors the true sense of the desolate feelings of Alcatraz prisoners who were trapped behind the bars.

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers its guests a firsthand look at the gloomy cell house at dusk and dark. 

When you make it onto Alcatraz Island for the Night Tour, the boat you’re on will be divided into large groups (usually up to 100 people), and you’ll exit the boat with whichever group you find yourself in.

Your group will be greeted by a guide (either a park ranger or expert tour guide), and they’ll guide you up the hill to the infamous cell house telling you stories along the way.

You cannot leave the group and go on your own; you must stay with your group until you get all the way to the top of the hill.

Once your group makes it to the main prison entrance, your guide will depart and leave you to take the Cell House Audio Tour. 

After the groups finish the audio tour, the real fun of the Night Tour begins. Unlike the Day Tour, when you may or may not have ranger/docent-led programs throughout the day to choose from, the Alcatraz Night Tour is chock full of different talks and walks you can attend.

Visitors have the option to check out various topics, like daring escape attempt stories, history talks, and everything in between.

Don’t forget to take some time and explore the West Road of the island to try to catch the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge!

You do have the option to traverse down the hill on your own when you’ve had your fill of adventures, but there are also guided treks down if you’re looking for more stories to hear along the way.

If you go on your own, keep in mind you’re in for a straight shot back to the dock area, as sections and paths on the island open during the Day Tour remain closed at night for safety reasons. 

When you look at the Day Tour compared to the Night Tour, the key difference is the freedom to explore more of the island vs. having more interpretation of the island and its stories from an expert guide. While programs like this can be available during the Day Tour, you are guaranteed them at night.

You’ll also have the chance to see Alcatraz Island settle down as the sunlight fades and the darkness takes hold of the infamous and spooky island.

Book official Alcatraz Night Tour tickets

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour Rates : 

Adults : $97.70

Juniors (ages 12-17) $93.55

  Seniors (ages 62 and up): $91.00

The hardest Alcatraz Island tour to obtain is, without a doubt, the Behind the Scenes Tour, and it’s for good reason, too.

These tickets may be the most expensive of any tour option, but you’ll also get the most bang for your buck.

The Behind the Scenes Tour allows you to not only experience the lesser seen parts of Alcatraz Island but to really dive in-depth into the stories of this place through the experience of an expert guide in a small, intimate group. 

Limited to a group size of 30 or less, your tour will start right as you step off the Alcatraz ferry and are greeted by your guide. Your guide will either be a park ranger or an expert tour guide.

From there, you’ll be brought to several exclusive areas of the island, like the last remaining communication tunnel, the lower level of the industries building, the prison chapel, a gun gallery overlooking the cell blocks, the A-Block of the prison, the citadel (often called the “dungeons”) and the prison hospital (some of these areas, like the hospital or the A-Block, may open during the Night Tour, but there is never a guarantee).

The exclusive access you get to these secluded areas as well as the unforgettable stories you’ll hear from your guide are just the beginning of this tour. 

After you’ve visited all these exclusive areas, you will have the option to leave on an earlier departure ferry or stay on the island for longer.

If you need to get back to San Francisco for other reservations or you’ve just had enough, that early departure ferry is a nice option.

Should you choose to stay, you’ll also get to experience all the features of the Night Tour.

This makes for a longer time (an additional two hours at least) spent on Alcatraz Island, but it is absolutely worth it to experience the most of what you can get out of your Alcatraz Island tour tickets. 

You’ll get to do the famous Cell House Audio Tour and get involved in other programs given throughout the Night Tour as well. 

All-in-all, the Behind the Scenes Tour can be a hefty time commitment and a pricey ticket endeavor, but it’s undoubtedly the best way to experience the private and closed-off sections of Alcatraz Island that very few people get to see.  

Book official Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour tickets

The Verdict: Which is the Best Alcatraz Tour?

Every tour of Alcatraz Island offers something exciting, and no matter which you choose, you’ve made a good choice.

It can be hard to say which Alcatraz Tour is truly the best, as they all offer something special and exciting for anyone who’s able to secure tickets, and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

If we had to pick one overall, we’d say the best tour you can take on Alcatraz Island is the Behind the Scenes Tour. This not only allows you to get a firsthand experience viewing areas that are not open to the general public, but you’ll also get to partake in the full Night Tour experience as well (audio tour included).

It gives you the most of Alcatraz and the most guidance on the island, and it’s an experience well worth the price of admission.

It is important to remember the Behind the Scenes Tour, because of its limited space, is often sold out months in advance. Walk-up tickets are never available for this private tour of the island.

If you’re hoping to snag a spot on an upcoming date, start trying to book as early as you can for your best chance to go. 

If you don’t manage to book a spot on the Behind the Scenes Tour, remember the Alcatraz Day Tours and Night Tours are also incredible ways to visit an incredible island.

The Day Tour offers you the most openness and freedom to explore the island, and the Night Tour will offer you the most stellar stories and guidance into The Rock’s past. 

Pin Our Guide to Alcatraz Island Tours

Alcatraz Island is a fascinating and haunting place in our national park system. The stories and legends about this place are sure to make any visit to the island unforgettable.

A little time spent planning your trip in advance can mean the difference between seeing the island from afar, or actually stepping ashore and getting to dive head first into an endlessly fascinating place. 

Have more questions about visiting Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz tours, its history, or more? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Similar Posts

Things to Do in Yosemite Valley: The Heart of Yosemite National Park

If you love National Parks, Yosemite should be on your priority list. While it’s not the first National Park,…

8 of the Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park for Breathtaking Views

Yosemite National Park is one of the most well-known in America. It’s perfect for a variety of activities, but…

My Favorite One-Star Reviews of National Parks Guaranteed to Get You Laughing

Article Summary: One-Star Reviews of National Parks, National Park One-Star Reviews If you’ve ever used the internet, you’ve probably…

The 13 Best Hikes in Death Valley National Park You Won’t Want to Miss

Article Summary: Death Valley Hikes, Hiking Death Valley, Death Valley Hiking Map Death Valley is the largest U.S. national…

Zion Shuttle: How to Plan a Stress-Free Trip

Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the US. Unfortunately, this leads to large…

The 17 Most Amazing Things to Do in Joshua Tree National Park That Stole My Heart

Article Summary: Unique Things to Do in Joshua Tree, Things to Do at Joshua Tree Joshua Tree National Park…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Is The Alcatraz Tour Worth It: Review & Tips to Visiting the Prison

I have lived in the Bay Area since 2017 and have done the Alcatraz tour three times, and I can confirm that it is totally worth it!

However, when visiting a city like San Francisco, which is bursting at the seams with iconic sights and an endless array of activities, I understand why you may be wondering if the Alcatraz tour is worth it.

You only have time for so many things, should Alcatraz stay on that list?

After visiting Alcatraz Island as many times as I have, I can personally share with you what you can expect on the tour, tips for visiting, reasons you may not want to visit, and how to combine Alcatraz with other top attractions.

Ultimately by the end of this post, you can decide if Alcatraz is worth visiting for you. Let’s dive in!

Best Tour Of Alcatraz For the ultimate tour of the main sites in the city book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz Also, it boasts many 5-star ⭐ reviews, so you can’t go wrong!

Is the Alcatraz Tour Worth It

While you are visiting San Francisco, Alcatraz is a must-add attraction to your itinerary. The reason why I feel this way is because Alcatraz offers a unique and one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot get anywhere else.

For one, to just reach Alcatraz you have to get on a ferry boat across the Bay to the island. Gliding across the San Francisco Bay with panoramic views of the city skyline is an experience in itself.

Then once you arrive, you get to learn about the fascinating history of the infamous prison. The audio guide does a really incredible job teleporting you back in time and unfolding the layers of Alcatraz’s past. You also get to tour the prison at your own pace, which is nice that you can take as much or as little time as you need.

I too had my hesitations about Alcatraz and thought it could be a tourist trap or an overhyped attraction. However, my in laws who were visiting from Seattle wanted to go so we tried it out and really enjoyed it. After that, I took two groups of friends there, and they also loved it.

And if you still don’t believe me, Alcatraz is hands down one of the most popular attractions in the city.

What to Expect on the Tour

Your Alcatraz adventure starts at Alcatraz Landing, where you’ll board the ferry which is the only way to reach the island. While the necessity of a boat ride may seem inconvenient at first, rest assured it’s a swift and scenic journey that adds to the anticipation of exploring the storied prison.

Once you arrive on the island, you will get a quick introduction to Alcatraz and then you will be free to explore the infamous federal prison at your own pace. You will wander through the cellblocks and facilities while listening to a fascinating audio tour that recounts tales of notorious inmates and daring escape attempts.

Including the infamous Alcatraz escape of 1962 of three prisoners that remains one of the most daring prison breaks in history. Despite intensive searches, their fate remains a captivating mystery, as they were never found.

Lastly, one of the best parts about visiting the island is witnessing the island’s surprising natural beauty, all against the backdrop of sweeping bay views. If you go at sunset it is especially beautiful.

The stunning upfront view of the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco is breathtaking, with the sky transforming into a vivid canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a magical glow over the cityscape and the iconic bridge.

Review of the Alcatraz Tour

The entire island exudes a very eerie and mysterious ambiance that is incredibly intriguing. As you walk the historic halls, you want to uncover more and more about the day-to-day lives of the infamous prisoners. It’s an experience unlike any other.

In my opinion, I think that the Alcatraz Tour is absolutely a tourist attraction. However, I would not consider it to be a tourist trap.

In fact, if you are interested in history, ferry rides, a gorgeous view of the city, and are looking for a unique thing to do in San Francisco, you will be disappointed with booking an Alcatraz Tour.

Booking Your Alcatraz Tour

There are a ton of options for tours to Alcatraz and honestly, it can be a little overwhelming to decide which one you should book. So I am going to share some essential tips to help guide you in selecting the ideal Alcatraz tour for your experience.

You can only visit Alcatraz Island by tour, so it is essential to secure your tickets well in advance! Especially during high tourism season in San Francisco, Alcatraz tickets sell out fast. Tip, on the official website, tickets are released 90 days in advance.

If tickets happen to be sold out, follow these three tips:

• Check for canceled tickets on the official website
• Book a combo ticket from a participating partner
• Purchase a standby ticket at the box office during the day for a night tour.

Which Tour Should You Pick?

If you want a tour that only includes Alcatraz Island without additional Bay Area attractions, then book your tickets with Alcatraz City Cruises . They are the official website and will offer the cheapest price. Their tours include a Day Tour, Night Tour, and Behind the Scenes Tour.

If you do a Day Tour, the first tour of the day is the best time to go because you will experience fewer crowds. The Night Tour typically sells out quicker than the day tours because they are limited to only a number of people per night and offer many perks that the day tour does not.

Lastly, if you are interested in learning and seeing even more about Alcatraz, the Behind the Scenes Tour allows you to discover areas not available to the public. However, it involves a lot of walking up steep hills, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time.

If tickets are sold out or if you want to see more sites in the city like Sausalito or Muir Woods on your tour, then I suggest One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz .

🏆 Overall Best Tour: One Day in San Francisco Tour With Alcatraz

⭐ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours | ✅ BOOK NOW

As someone who has visited Alcatraz numerous times and lives in the Bay Area, I highly recommend the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz . I think this tour has great value and you will experience all of the city’s highlights in a single day’s adventure.

With your expert guide, you’ll explore San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy a scenic lunch in Sausalito, my favorite spot is Scoma’s , followed by a visit to the serene Muir Woods, renowned for its soaring redwood trees. The tour concludes with a ferry ride and a captivating visit to Alcatraz Island.

It is a packed day and one con I would say about this tour is that you do not get a lot of time at each location since you are squeezing in so much in one day.

✅ Check rates and availability for One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here

How to Get to Alcatraz Island

First things first you will need to get to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, which is where you ferry boat will depart from. If you are staying in San Francisco, then I highly suggest you arrive by public transportation or by Uber/Lyft. There is no parking at Alcatraz Landing and parking in San Francisco can be very expensive!

However, if you are driving from outside of the city, you will need to park at one of the nearby commercial parking lots. I do not recommend on-street parking, a lot of the meters only allow a 2-hour time limit, and car break-ins are rampant in San Francisco.

Your ticket to Alcatraz Island will already include ferry transport to and from the island. It is about a 15 minute ferry ride there and back.

Top Tips For Visiting Alcatraz

• Dress Appropriately : The weather on Alcatraz can be unpredictable, often cooler and windier than in San Francisco even in the summer. Dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes, as there’s a fair amount of walking.
• Arrive Early at the Pier : Alcatraz cruises depart from Pier 33. Arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes before your departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
• The Return Ferry Schedule: You will want to make sure to take a look at the Ferry schedule so you have an idea in advance of how much time you will have on the island
• Pack a Lunch or Eat Before Your Tour: There are no food services on the island, but you can bring snacks and water. Eating is only allowed at the dock area.
• Allow for 2.5 to 3 hours to tour Alcatraz Island : This includes the cruise to and back Alcatraz and exploring the island.
• Prepare for a Little Physical Activity : The walk from the dock to the main prison building is uphill and can be strenuous. There is a tram for those who need assistance, but it’s good to be prepared by wearing comfortable shoes.
• There is Limited Parking Near Alcatraz Landing: If you are staying in San Francisco, I suggest public transportation.

The Cons of Visiting Alcatraz

As with anything, there are some cons to visiting Alcatraz that you may want to consider before you book your tickets.

It is Expensive

Visiting Alcatraz can be relatively expensive, especially for families or groups. One ticket for a Day Tour is $45.25, and ticket prices just go up from there.

Ticket Availability

Due to its popularity, tickets to Alcatraz can be difficult to obtain, especially if not booked well in advance.

Alcatraz Can Be Crowded

Alcatraz is by far one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco. This popularity leads to large crowds, especially during peak seasons, which might detract from the experience.

If crowds do bother you, then I suggest booking the first tour of the day or a night tour. The night tours allow a smaller number of people than the day tour.

Time Consumption

A trip to Alcatraz can take a significant portion of the day, which might be a consideration if you have limited time in San Francisco and want to see multiple attractions.

The Verdict: Is The Alcatraz Tour Worth It

Despite some of the cons like the expense of the ticket and crowds, overall, I think the Alcatraz tour is worth it! The tour offers a very unique experience that you can only find in San Francisco.

Where else should you go in the Bay Area? Check out all of my top posts below!

Things to do in San Francisco

• 10 Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco: Tips & Ultimate Guide
• Sutro Baths Hike: Ultimate Guide & What To Do Nearby
• Sausalito Day Trip From San Francisco

Things to do Near San Francisco

• Day Trip to Napa Valley, CA
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Pescadero, CA
• Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco
• Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Why You Should Or Should Not Visit
• Your Ultimate Guide to Jack London Square, Oakland
• The Best Day Trip to Half Moon Bay, California
• Is Half Moon Bay Worth Visiting?
• Top 12 Monte Rio CA Restaurants & Where to Eat Nearby

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

Alcatraz Tour In San Francisco: Tips, Cost & Review

Many travelers put an Alcatraz tour in San Francisco on their bucket list. The history as one of America’s toughest prisons, the escapes, and famous prisoners like Al Capone and George” Machine Gun” Kelly all add to the mystique of this historical landmark.

So, by taking an Alcatraz tour in San Francisco, you’ll discover its intriguing history.

Alcatraz prison is on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, about 1.25 miles (2 km) from San Francisco, California. This small 22-and-a-half-acre island has a rich history back to 1850.

History Of Alcatraz Prison

Alcatraz from 1934 to 1962, did anyone escape from alcatraz, how to purchase alcatraz tickets, how to get to alcatraz, where to park for an alcatraz tour, public transportation, alcatraz day tour, alcatraz night tour, alcatraz behind the scenes tour, welcome to alcatraz, cellhouse audio tour – “doing time”, the “slammer”, solitary confinement – “sunset strip”, cell blocks, meals at alcatraz, the water tower, view from alcatraz island, alcatraz island model, ranger orientation upon arrival, authenticity of the island, alcatraz gift shop, alcatraz tour san francisco: is it worth it.

We recently took the Alcatraz Island walking tour in the late afternoon, which was the highlight of our  few days in San Francisco . You can visit Alcatraz during the day, or even better, try the Alcatraz Night Tour!

If you have lots of time in San Francisco, you can purchase Alcatraz tour packages which include Muir Woods to see the giant redwood trees.

Read on to discover tips for visiting Alcatraz, how to get there, and the differences between the tours.

Top Alcatraz Island Tours

• Alcatraz Tour with a Bay Cruise – Tour Alcatraz Penitentiary and see San Francisco waterfront by boat.
• 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus With Alcatraz Island – See all of San Francisco with this all-in-one pass.
• Alcatraz tour, Muir Woods and Sausalito – See the prison, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, lunch in Sausalito and admire the Redwoods.

Alcatraz Prison, also referred to as “The Rock,” was a maximum-security federal prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.

It operated from 1934 to 1963 and was known for housing some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.”

Alcatraz As A Military Prison

In the mid-19th century, the military used the island for their purposes. However, in 1933, the government decided to transform it into a federal prison to accommodate the nation’s most dangerous and high-profile criminals.

Construction of the prison began that same year and was completed in 1934. The architects planned the penitentiary to be escape-proof by constructing high walls and stationing armed guards, along with the island’s isolation.

During its 29 years of operation, Alcatraz housed over 1,500 prisoners, many of whom were notorious criminals. However, it was never at the maximum capacity of 336 inmates.

On average, Alcatraz held 260-275 prisoners. The prison was known for its stringent rules and harsh living conditions.

Prisoners were confined to their cells for up to 23 hours a day and allowed only one hour of exercise daily. Their “playground” was a concrete area with a tiny section of grass.

Alcatraz was also known for its numerous escape attempts. The most famous effort occurred in 1962 when three inmates attempted to escape by digging a tunnel out of the prison.

The attempt was unsuccessful, and the guards caught the men and returned them to the prison.

Alcatraz had an extensive library, which was off-limits to inmates. Instead, they received books from an orderly. With over 15,000 volumes, there was plenty to read.

Due to spending 23 hours a day in a cell, inmates immersed themselves in literature and often read up to 100 books yearly. Naturally, books with criminal, sexual, or violent references were banned.

In 1963, Robert F. Kennedy, Attorney General, ordered the closure of Alcatraz. This was due to the high prison operating cost and deteriorating conditions.

The last prisoners were transferred off the island in March of that year, and the prison was officially closed. Today, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination operated by the National Park Service.

We took the ferry to the island and toured the former prison, learning about its history and infamous inmates.

There have been claims of prisoners escaping from Alcatraz, but the official records show that no one successfully escaped and survived.

Between 1934 and 1963, 36 prisoners attempted to escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, but most were either caught, killed, or drowned in the bay’s cold and swift waters.

The most famous escape attempt occurred on June 11, 1962. Three prisoners, Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin, made a daring escape from the prison.

They used homemade tools and a raft made from raincoats. The correctional officers never saw them again, and many believed that they drowned in the bay.

However, their bodies were never found. As part of their escape attempt, they had created lifelike fake heads made from paper mâché with their own hair.

They placed their fake heads on their beds and fooled the guards when they checked on the prisoners. During the Alcatraz Tour, it was impressive to see the fabricated heads on the cot in each of the cells for Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin. 

Since the National Park Service operates Alcatraz Island, they control who can provide transportation to the island. Alcatraz City Cruises provides the best Alcatraz prison tours and is the authorized concessioner providing ferry tickets.

Several tour companies provide Alcatraz tickets, but you will get the best price by booking directly with Alcatraz Cruises’ official website. There are three different tours offered: Day Tour, Night Tour, and Behind the Scenes Tour.

When looking to book tickets, some companies offers a Bay Discovery Cruise. However, this sightseeing cruise sails by Alcatraz but does NOT dock at Alcatraz Island.

Be sure to book tickets long before your planned visit. If you arrive at Pier 33 without tickets, you will likely find tickets SOLD OUT!

For the Behind the Scenes Tour, tickets sell out weeks or months in advance due to the small crowd size allowed. So, plan to book tickets for this tour at least three months in advance.

Here are ticket prices for 2023 at the time of this writing:

Children under 12 are not recommended for the Behind the Scenes Tour.

Read on to find out Which Type of Alcatraz Tour is Best, for you.

To get to Alcatraz Island, ticket holders must take a ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco. Follow these steps to get there:

Purchase your tickets in advance :  You can buy your tickets online from the Alcatraz City Cruises website, which is the only authorized concessionaire to provide tickets and transportation to Alcatraz Island.

San Francisco’s weather can be unpredictable, so always take a jacket unless it’s a summer heat wave. There is no shelter from the rain on the walk up to the cell block.

Arrive at Pier 33 : On the day of your visit, ensure you arrive at Pier 33 at least half an hour before your scheduled departure time. You’ll find Pier 33 on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street.

Outside the waiting area, vendors sell hot dogs and fresh fruit. Refrain from being tempted to buy, as you’ll be forced to dispose of your uneaten food when you show your tickets.

Board the ferry:  When it’s time to depart, board the ferry and enjoy the scenic ride across San Francisco Bay to Alcatraz Island. The ferry ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Onboard, you can buy food, drinks, and snacks.

Explore Alcatraz Island:  Once you arrive at Alcatraz Island, you can explore the island at your own pace. An audio tour (included in your fare) provides a detailed history of the prison and the island.

Return to Pier 33:   After you finish exploring the island, line up to take the next available ferry back to Pier 33.

Note that tickets to Alcatraz Island can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season, so booking your tickets in advance is recommended.

Since the National Park Service operates the historical site, only one ferry service runs daily to the island.

Finding parking at Pier 33 can be challenging, particularly during the busy summer tourist season. Also, most street parking spaces have a time limit that won’t suffice for a visit to Alcatraz.

For individuals with special needs arriving by car, there is an “Accessibility Drop Off Zone” at the entrance to Alcatraz City Cruises – Pier 33. There are fifteen commercial parking lots with over 3,000 spaces within a five-block radius of Pier 33.

Alcatraz parking prices in the area can vary significantly. Since the minimum Alcatraz Island tour is 2-3 hours, be sure to compare prices for parking. The nearest lots charge USD 20 to 35 for a 4-hour stay.

Taking public transportation is the best option.

If you plan to visit Alcatraz Island, public transportation is the optimal method. The Muni F Line is a prime example, as it travels along Market Street (east) before turning north on The Embarcadero.

The route takes you directly past the ferry terminal (located on your right) and through Fisherman’s Wharf.

For comprehensive information regarding mass transit options in San Francisco, check out the San Francisco Municipal Railway website.

Which Type Of Alcatraz Tour Is Best?

Three different tours are available at Alcatraz – Day, Night, and Behind the Scenes. The Day Tour is the cheapest and least expensive.

Karen and I loved the self-guided Day Tour and would do the Behind the Scenes Tour when we visit San Francisco next time. Alcatraz has so much to see and learn that you can visit more than once!

The Behind the Scenes Tour is the longest and most expensive but the most intimate since it has a max of 20 people. People who have done it rate it highly as the BEST Tour!

Over one million people visit Alcatraz each year. This makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco.

Once you’ve decided which tour best suits your needs and budget, purchasing tickets online is best. You must arrive at Pier 33 in San Francisco for all tours to board the Alcatraz ferry.

The tour operators advise guests to show up at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled Alcatraz cruise ferry departure time.

On Day Tour, you can tour the island and learn about its history. The site is well-marked, with informative signs near the exhibits.

A Discovery Guide Island map is available. I found it helpful that Rangers were stationed around the island to answer questions and assist visitors if needed.

This tour is approximately 2.5 hours and includes the following:

• Roundtrip ferry ride to Alcatraz landing.
• Access to the cell block.
• Cellhouse Audio Tour.
• Orientation video.
• Ranger and guide tours.

The Day Tour is the most popular excursion and runs every day. See the times below for the summer season from March 13 to November 4.

Each day, the ferry departs Pier 33 at 8:40 am and about every 20-30 minutes after that. The last ferry leaves at 3:50 pm.

The ferry schedule is most frequent for Day Tour passengers. Those finished on Alcatraz Island can get a return ferry starting at 9 am, with the last boat leaving at 6:30 pm.

The day tour suits guests on a Pacific Coastal cruise with a day in San Francisco. Since ships leave late afternoon, they can’t make the evening tours.

This 2.5-hour excursion allows you to tour Alcatraz at night. It includes all of the above and the following:

• Ferry Onboard narration.
• Guided tour.
• Other special activities.

Night Tour ferry departs Pier 33 Tuesday through Saturday at 5:55 pm and 6:30 pm. The return ferry departs from Alcatraz Island at 8:40 pm and 9:25 pm.

The Behind The Scenes Tour is the longest and lasts 4-5 hours. It includes everything on the night tour, but you’ll enjoy a small group tour with a maximum of 20 or fewer people.

Due to the size of the group, this tour can be sold out months in advance. So, if you’re planning a trip to the United States, particularly to San Francisco, reserve your tickets as quickly as possible.

Since this option lasts twice as long as a standard day tour, you’ll feel more immersed in prison life. Your tour guide will go into more detail about the inmates and everyday life on the cell block.

You must check in at Pier 33 Tuesday through Saturday at 4:20 pm. The return ferry departs from Alcatraz Island at 5:15 pm, 5:55 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:40 pm, and 9:25 pm.

From Alcatraz Landing, it’s an uphill walk to the cell block. If you can’t make the steep grade, a trolley is available. On the way, you’ll see the guard towers, a Flank Defense Howitzer (cannon), Alcatraz gardens, and family housing. 

Arriving at the island, you may observe an abundance of colonial nesting seabirds.’ Offshore rocks are typically the nesting sites for most seabirds, making them inaccessible to people. 

Alcatraz had been a sanctuary for thousands of nesting birds long before human presence on the island. On our visit, a board keeps a count of the nesting birds.

• Peregrine Falcon had four eggs.
• 1200 pairs of Brandt’s Cormorant.
• Great Blue Heron – four active nests.
• Two pairs of Black Oystercatchers.
• Eight pairs of Canada Geese.
• As well as Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night Heron, Western Gulls, and Pigeon Guillemots.

Once you arrive at the Cell House, you quickly get a sense of what life was like for new prisoners. After picking up your headset for the audio tour, you are in the large area where the prison received new inmates.

Most notable is the large shower allowing up to 30 new arrivals to get clean simultaneously. Forget about privacy; you’re an inmate now at Alcatraz!

The shower was also used by existing inmates for their use once a week during their incarceration.

In addition to the shower, new arrivals would be issued a uniform, shoes, bed sheets, a straw pillow, and not much else.

I found it interesting that decades ago, each prisoner would receive a pack of cigarettes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Those who didn’t smoke traded their cigarettes for something they wanted. 

The Warden during that time believed that cigarettes were a necessary “privilege” to help inmates with their health and stress.

I am not usually a fan of audio tours where you walk around with earbuds and carry an audio box. This is because most of the audio tours I have done in the past were of poor quality.

However, the Cellhouse Audio Tour at Alcatraz Prison is a MUST-DO and the best audio guide I have ever tried! The award-winning audio presentation is called “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour.”

Real prisoners and guards who worked at Alcatraz narrate much of the tour. Their voices and stories added to the realism and quality of the recording.

The audio tour tells the story of what life at Alcatraz was like. It’s shocking to see the boxy 9′ x 5′ tiny cells. There are original audio clips from former inmates, and the digital audio quality is exceptional.

I found the audio tour so authentic that I could see in my mind’s eye what life at Alcatraz was like. The audio was perfectly synced to your location, which added to the realism of this dark piece of history.

I could envision what my life would be like if I was there as a prisoner. More than once, I thought, “thank goodness I’m just a visitor!”

The stories on the audio tour include “The Battle of ‘46’”, “Food Riots,” and “Surviving Solitary Confinement.” As you walk down the various corridors and hallways named after famous landmarks, you will imagine what life at “The Rock” was like.

The Cellhouse audio tour is available in eleven languages to be as inclusive as possible.

At one part of the tour, a Park Ranger begins describing how the “Slammer” works. Alcatraz was innovative by using a “pin and lever” technology that replaced the old lock and keys used previously.

After a prisoner was placed in his cell, the guard would stand outside the doorway and call to another guard. The other guard would be stationed at the corner of the row of cells.

The prisoner guard would announce, “Request to close #7,” and the corner guard would make it happen. By pushing a pin on the corner of the row of cells and turning a giant lever, the door to cell #7 would close.

The most common use of the “Slammer” would be three times a day when all prisoners returned to their cells. The corner guard would turn the large lever to cause ALL cell doors to close simultaneously.

The deafening sound of steel banging upon steel as each door closed was the result. Hollywood has used this famous sound in many blockbuster movies such as Terminator 2, Star Wars, etc.

This is one of the most sobering areas of the Cell Blocks and is located on Sunset Strip. It contained the best and worst cells. The Sunset Strip or D Block contained the worst inmates.

Their accommodations were roomier than the standard 9′ x 5′ cells. Across from their cells, large windows allowed them to enjoy sunsets, if they behaved.

However, at the end of the block, a series of “Dark Cells” were used for prisoners that had all privileges taken away.

In solitary confinement, prisoners could only come out of their cells for one hour per week! Also, they would spend time in complete darkness as an additional punishment for their offense.

Some prisoners did weeks and even months in D Block, driving them mad! Thankfully, Karen posed for the picture as a “visitor” to Alcatraz!  

I found it fascinating that the hallways between cell blocks gained their names from famous streets. You’ll find Broadway between B Block and C Block.

Michigan Avenue ran between A Block and B Block. Appropriately, Time Square took center stage at the end of the blocks!

This added to the incredible history and irony of Alcatraz. Prisoners assigned to Alcatraz were the worst of the worst and would never revisit these famous landmarks!

Inmates considered their three meals a day the best in the Federal prison system. In case of trouble, the large dining area had tear gas canisters mounted in the ceiling.

While the inmates enjoyed their food, for the guards, it was the most challenging time. With hundreds to feed, utensils would often go missing.

You’ll see a board with slots cut for sharp knives in the kitchen. With this system, spotting a missing knife or potential weapon was easy.

Other San Francisco Alcatraz Tour Highlights

After we toured Alcatraz Island, there are some things that I recall and consider highlights of this incredible tour. If you take one of the Alcatraz tours, check out these highlights and let me know if you agree.

Alcatraz had to be self-sufficient in its operation. As a result, due to the lack of a water supply, water had to be brought in from the mainland by tug and barge.

Underground and water tanks on the citadel’s roof were installed to provide fresh water for the island during its military years. In 1940-41, the prison added a water tower to upgrade the island’s water supply.

The water tower is the tallest structure on the island, standing at 94 feet (29 m) tall, and holds 250,000 US gallons (950 kL) of fresh water. It was primarily used to store drinking, firefighting, and water for the island’s service laundry facility.

Located centrally in San Francisco Bay area, Alcatraz provides perfect views of nearby landmarks. You can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and more.

However, fog often blocks the magnificent views, but that’s part of the “charm” of San Francisco. Fortunately, the non-stop breezes and frequent gusts keep the fog at bay, so it clears up later in the day.

While waiting for the next Alcatraz ferry to arrive at Pier 33, you can view the large-scale model of the island. This is a detailed replica of what you will see once you dock at Alcatraz.

The detail is incredible, and you get a sense of why this historical landmark was nicknamed “The Rock.”

As we walked off the ferry, one of the Rangers from the National Park Service greeted us and described the history of Alcatraz. They also inform everyone about the tram bus, which you can ride if you are mobility-challenged.

A couple of hundred people stood and listened, so it was difficult to hear everything the Ranger said.

However, I appreciated the orientation as Karen and I looked around to get our bearings.

Before you reach the Cell House, you will pass by a small building labeled Morgue. Adding to the island’s history as a maximum-security prison, this is where deceased prisoners would be processed.

However, according to historical records, the Morgue was only used once when a deceased prisoner was stored overnight. The examination table was never used to conduct an autopsy.

Regardless, the presence of the Morgue adds to the melancholy of this island and its dark history.

From when we departed the ferry after it arrived at Alcatraz until we caught the return ferry back to Pier 33, I was impressed with how authentic everything was.

Although Alcatraz has not operated as a federal prison for 60 years, it has stood the test of time as an incredible piece of American history. The buildings are decaying, but you feel the island’s history as you walk the site and tour the facilities.

The Alcatraz Audio Tour, with the sounds of the slammer and voices from past inmates and guards, was the perfect complement to the visual reward to your eyes.

Like most tours, you can visit the gift shop near the end. You will find lots of souvenirs and Alcatraz memorabilia.

I couldn’t resist picking up a black Alcatraz T-shirt as a memento of the trip. I have worn it many times and thought about the incredible tour on trip to San Francisco.

Even though I am a Canadian, I have always been fascinated with Alcatraz and its history. Growing up, I watched Clint Eastwood in his classic film “ Escape from Alcatraz .”

I also watched several documentaries that chronicled Alcatraz’s history and living conditions as a maximum-security federal penitentiary. The Alcatraz Tour brought all my knowledge to life and was the highlight of our visit to San Francisco.

By visiting San Francisco, we removed Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge from our United States bucket list.

The must-do Day Tour is family-friendly and the perfect combination of education and excitement if you visit California.

The modest cost for each tour, and the high-quality service provided by the National Park Service, make this an excursion you can do more than once. We can’t wait and do the Behind the Scenes Tour on our next visit.

Privacy Overview

Follow us on social for park news and fun

• Link to our Facebook
• Link to our Twitter
• Link to our Instagram
• Link to our YouTube

What can we help find?

Current Alerts

Touring alcatraz.

Learn more about the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes and Night Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same. 

The award-winning Alcatraz audio tour, "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour," is available for iPhone or Android when you are on the island! We offer free wifi on the island for app download.

Listen to the audio tour when you visit Alcatraz. Use audio equipment provided to you onsite OR download the Alcatraz Experience app when you are on the island and use your own cellphone and earbuds during your visit.

The stories on the audio tour are based on interviews with those formerly incarcerated and correctional officers. Make sure you're ready to soak in this once-in-a-lifetime chance while you can.

Also try the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes and Night Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same. 

Enjoy your visit to Alcatraz Island!

Alcatraz Products

View our extensive collection of Alcatraz gifts and products ranging from books to apparel.

Related Content

Escape to Alcatraz

'The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States'

Permanent exhibit on Alcatraz Island

Fledge spotting: Peregrine falcon pair nesting on Alcatraz island

Your parks need you now.

Your support helps fight climate change and promote park sustainability—please give now.

Get 82,000 acres' worth of news.

• Alcatraz Day Tour
• Alcatraz Night Tour
• Bay Discovery Cruise

Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour

• Book Your Tour Now!
• About Alcatraz
• Park Programs
• Alcatraz History
• Alcatraz Ferry Schedule
• Before You Visit
• Accessibility & Parking

The Ultimate Alcatraz Experience

Duration: 4 -5 Hours Available: Tues - Sat Check-In Time: 2:15 PM and 2:45 PM thru March 9th. Spring/Summer: 4:20 PM and 4:50 PM Check-in.

• E-Ticket Mobile Check-in
• Ferry ride to and from Alcatraz Island
• Two-hour Park Ranger guided tour with small group of 20 or fewer tour guests
• Award-winning Cellhouse audio tour
• Additional programs and exhibits
• Docent guided tours and talks

Currently Unavailable View Currently Operating Tours

Alcatraz Behind The Scenes - FAQ

How long does the tour last, where does the behind the scenes tour go, in what languages is the behind the scenes tour offered, how many visitors will be in the group, may i bring my children, what accommodations are available for those with mobility disabilities, alcatraz behind the scenes tour programs offered, cellhouse audio tour included.

Back to Top

Thank you for visiting www.alcatrazislandtickets.com . Reservations and E-tickets are genuine for the tour which includes the ferry service. We also provide extended around-the-clock customer care seven days a week, including holidays. We're a private Customer Service and Booking company. Our goal is 100% customer satisfaction. Please share your experience with us at: Customer Care . This website isn't affiliated with any government entity and isn't the official box office. Total at checkout may exceed face value.  

• Alcatraz Tours
• Plan Your Visit
• Frequenty Asked Questions
• Accessibility
• Check Confirmation

• San Francisco

Behind bars: My review of Alcatraz Prison Tours

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: June 26, 2020
• 5 minute read

Are you looking for an in-depth review of Alcatraz, from someone who has actually been there? If so – keep reading.

On our recent trip to San Francisco I knew one of the thing we absolutely had to do – was visit Alcatraz.

But the first bit of advice I’m going to give you (and it’ll save you time, money and tears) is this: YOU HAVE TO BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE. 

You can’t just ‘turn up’ for Alcatraz. If you want to ensure you get to go, and you want to pay ‘normal’ prices (and not extortionate third-party, last-minute prices) you need to visit the official website, and try and book tickets at least a month ahead of time. Don’t forget to do this, because if you do you’ll just be disappointed. 

But anyway – now onto the good stuff!

The first views you’ll get during your Alcatraz experience are actually from the ferry as you leave mainland San Francisco. Get a good spot stood at the sides of the boat (ignore everyone who sits down… they don’t know what they’re doing). You’ll get some incredible shots of the city, as well as the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge too.

When you first arrive at Alcatraz Island

The first thing you do when you get off the boat (after you take a selfie at the sign!) is listen to a park ranger give a little presentation and intro speech. It’s worth sticking around for this, it only takes 15 minutes.

In these first few shots, you can see me listening to the Park Ranger and familiarising myself with the Alcatraz Prison tour map. There is also the famous Alcatraz sign – definitely a worthy photo-stop.

It’s also worth watching the starter movie (housed in the gift shop halfway up the hill to the prison). Videos aren’t usually my thing, but it was only about 10 minutes long, and it was actually good to get a bit of context about the island before heading out and exploring it.

One of the things the Park Ranger told us about the sign you can see in the image above (apparently it’s pretty special) was that it holds all the layers to Alcatraz’s history. Not only does it show proof of the army base, and prison days (which is what you’re probably most familiar with) – but it also has graffiti left by the Indian protestors in the 1970s, along with the National Park signage – which is the status the island holds today. So that’s pretty cool – and something you wouldn’t know if you’d have run off without listening to him.

Now, into the actual prison… 

After about a 10 minute walk up the hill to the big prison building (it’s not too steep… so don’t worry) you enter the prison through an unassuming side door. The first room you get to see is actually the rooms where new arriving prisoners would’ve also walked through. You walk along the medical centre, and alongside the showers where prisoners would been hosed down.

Once you’ve been through this area, you get given your audio tour headphones and you’re free to follow it round when you’re ready. It’s kind of exciting to be honest – I’d never done an audio tour before (especially not in a prison) so I couldn’t wait to get going.

Tip: If you’re with someone, make sure you both press play at the same time. otherwise you’ll be walking away from each other throughout the tour! 

This photo (below) might seem a bit random, but I took it because of how incredibly thick the glass was. It was about 5 inches thick….

The tour leads you around various parts of the prison, and you listen to stories from both the prisoners and from the guards as you go. They’re real people telling real stories – and it makes for an amazing tour – unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. You almost find yourself lost in the prison, like you’ve been transported back there.

It’s really important to remember when you’re in the prison, that nothing has been changed. It’s exactly how it was – right down to the escape routes and holes in the walls!

My favourite part of the tour

My favourite part of the tour was seeing the outdoor recreation yard. That was so bizarre – so don’t miss the part of the audio tour that takes you out there. 

There I was stood in this yard, on the same ground where some of the most dangerous criminals to have ever lived once stood. There I was looking at the same view they did. Hearing the same sounds they had. It was a bit overwhelming to be honest, and a strange thing to get your head around. Pad captured the photos below when I wasn’t aware – and you can see the thoughtfulness in my face. I was absolutely lost in thoughts.

You know what though… the view from that yard was incredible. Maybe one of the best views we saw the entire time we were in San Francisco. It must have been torture to be locked away and have to stare out at such a beautiful city. The phrase ‘so close yet so far’ never rung truer…

Tip: The island is really windy (much more than on the mainland) so make sure you take a jacket or cardigan – and don’t wear a dress that will easily blow up. We got lucky because it was an exceptionally hot day so we didn’t feel the cold too bad, but my dress did blow up! 

Can you look around the actual prison cells?

Your next stop on the tour is the high security bit of the prison, or ‘solitary’ as they called it.

The tour invites you to step inside the cells (which was awesome and frightening all at once) and listen to the kinds of sounds the prisoners would’ve heard. At one point you listen to a prisoner’s own account of solitary, and how he used to cope with the darkness. It’s incredible to be stood where he stood, whilst he tells you about his own experience. Part of his account was that he’d start at the tiny bit of light was ages, and then suddenly close his eyes. With his eyes closed he’d let the little bit of light remaining turn into shapes, and a TV – and then he’d watch this fake TV in his minds eye.

He describes the experience as ‘tripping’ and as I tried to do what he explained, I couldn’t have agreed more.The solitary cells were darker than dark. It must’ve been a scary place.

Once you’ve seen the worst of the prison, you then get lead over to what might have been described as ‘the best’. The tour leads you into the staff quarters, and into the generals office. The staff of the island actually lived on the island too – including their  families and children. They show you photos of the children who lived on the island, with narrative from the children (who are now adults) describing how much they loved family life on Alcatraz.

Of course these families didn’t live in the prison – they lived in specially built houses which formed a small neighbourhood on another side of the island. I found this incredible to comprehend.The last stop, is the kitchen and dining room – which is where the tour finishes. Once you’ve had your fill staring through the white metal bars and taking it all in, you can begin the beautiful walk down to the harbour again.

Tip: The boats back to San Francisco leave at set times, so it’s worth snapping a photo of your phone before you head up to the prison of the schedule. That way you can make sure you get down to the harbour in time for a boat. We arrived just as one was leaving, which was a bit annoying – so learn from my mistake! Have you been to Alcatraz? Got any tips or advice? Please share them in the comments below!

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

Post navigation

20 Perfect Photos of the Las Vegas Skyline

18 Quirky and Fun Things to do in NYC

You might also like.

30 Fun Things to do in NYC in January 2023 (And 5 Things to Avoid!)

• December 8, 2022
• 12 minute read

• travel plans

15 of the Best Winter Vacations in the USA!

• June 21, 2021
• 7 minute read

20 Delicious Restaurants to Celebrate Easter Sunday in NYC!

• March 8, 2022
• 10 minute read

Absolutely loved my visit to Alcatraz, it really inspired me to learn a bit more about the history around it. Would highly recommend it for any San Fran visit, and definitely book in advance.

North of London – Beauty Blog

That view is so beautiful (in the bridge) but i feel sad when i see those prison pictures. :/ xo , Lovelacee purchase twitter favorites .

I went in March for the night tour, and I would totally recommend that! It’s extra eery to be on the island at night!

Great article! We are headed to San Francisco for the first time next month and I am looking forward to Alcatraz. Thanks for the tips! -Evanne

Comments are closed.

Want to Visit Alcatraz? Here is What You Need To Know

D o you want to roam the halls of a prison that once held some of the world’s most dangerous criminals? Would you like to spend time on a mysterious island? Do you enjoy haunting history and natural beauty? You can experience all this and more at Alcatraz Island, a national park site unlike any other. We will outline everything you need to know to visit Alcatraz. 

At First Sight, No Second Guessing

The first thing most visitors to San Francisco Bay recognize is the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Shortly after, an island catches your eye a mile and a quarter from the bustling city’s shoreline. 

With a fortress and a towering lighthouse, there is something strange yet appealing about the island. It is a rare combination of natural beauty and haunting history. The island disturbingly beckons you.

Alcatraz Island is renowned for being a maximum security federal prison. Some bristle at the thought of touring a prison. Is it odd to want to see a place where feared villains lived? Probably. 

Do not let fear keep you from such a fantastic experience. It is creepy yet exhilarating and educational. Touring Alcatraz is one of the best things to do in San Francisco and a unique national park site experience. You will be glad you answered the call.

Essential Information for Your Alcatraz Visit

The National Park Service (NPS) manages Alcatraz Island, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is one of many national park sites in and near San Francisco .

Hours of Operation

The park is open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Days.

Alcatraz Island Location

Alcatraz is an island that sits 1.25 miles from San Francisco’s vibrant shores. Its address is Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, CA 94133.

How to Get There: Alcatraz Landing Location

There is only one way to reach the island: by ferry. The Alcatraz Ferry Terminal, also known as Alcatraz Landing, rests on the Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street at Pier 33. 

Its exact location and the more critical physical address for you is Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94111.

To give you another reference point, Fisherman’s Wharf sits at Pier 39, less than a 0.5 mile away. It is a short, easy walk between the two iconic locations.

Although all tours depart from and return to Alcatraz Landing, the area does not have parking. Nearby commercial parking lots typically fill up quickly. Due to limited parking, the NPS suggests visitors use public transportation .

Would you expect the weather to be perfect on a mysterious island that housed convicted felons? Of course, the weather is unpredictable, almost sullen, and moody. The only thing predictable about the weather is that it suddenly changes regularly.

Mornings are often cold and foggy. When the fog clears, visitors usually experience sunlight. However, blustery winds and fog often return. 

Spring and fall typically offer the most pleasant weather, while summers are cool and foggy. Winters tend to be gloomy and rainy. No matter when you visit, we suggest a light jacket.

Throughout the year, temperatures rarely exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit or dip below 38. Dress accordingly and embrace the weather. It is all part of the experience, setting the tone for your adventure.

Internet and Cellular Access

WiFi is not available. Most guests find cell reception very limited on the island. Again, it is all part of the theme.

Entrance Fees and Passes

Alcatraz Island does not charge an entrance fee per se. What does this mean? 

Although the park technically does not have an entrance fee, you must purchase a ticket for a park tour and ferry rides to and from the island. In other words, a national park pass does not grant you free access to Alcatraz.

To visit Alcatraz, you must secure a reservation by purchasing a ticket. The NPS strongly recommends visitors make reservations in advance. Tours can and do sell out, especially in summer and around holidays.

The NPS partners with Alcatraz City Cruises , the only approved vendor, to provide ferry services for all tours. Please click on the provided link to check availability by type of tour, day, and time and to purchase Alcatraz tickets. Or, you can call them at (415) 981-7625.

Tour Options

Alcatraz tours come in three flavors, all beginning and ending at Alcatraz Landing. Let’s review your ticket options.

• Adult: $45.25
• Child (ages 5-11): $27.55
• Junior (ages 12-17): $45.25
• Senior (ages 62+): $42.65

Note that prices may change at any time. 

The day tour provides access to the island’s open areas, including exhibits, gardens, the historic cellhouse, dining hall, and recreation yard. It includes a self-guided cellhouse audio tour where you hear from prisoners, guards, and wardens as you make your way through the cold, damp halls. The audio tour provides some fascinating history, transporting you back in time as the cells and corridors practically come to life.

• Adult: $56.30
• Child (ages 5-11): $33.00
• Junior (ages 12-17): $55.10
• Senior (ages 62+): $52.25

The night tour delivers more of a personal touch. Groups are smaller, and park rangers provide information and tell exciting stories. Like the day excursions, you will take a self-guided cellhouse audio tour. Visitors at night get to explore an unannounced area that is not typically open during the day. And the icing on the cake is your spectacular sunset views of the city skyline, bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Behind the Scenes Tour

• Adult: $101.30
• Junior (ages 12-17): $97.10
• Senior (ages 62+): $94.25

The behind-the-scenes tour provides the most intimate outing, with group sizes capped at 30 people. Best of all, you gain access to areas not available to the public on the other tours, such as tunnels, underground jails, and unique gardens.

Eating and Smoking

The island has one area near the dock where visitors can eat and smoke. Consuming food and tobacco products is prohibited in all other parts of the island. Why is this? The rule is to help protect the island’s seabird populations. Note that you can purchase and eat food on the ferry.

How Long is the Tour?

Plan on 2.5 to 3 hours for the entire experience, including the ferry rides and tour. Each ferry ride is about 15 minutes.  

Your ticket shows the ferry departure day and time. Plan to arrive before your scheduled ride so you can catch your ferry.

If you take a day tour, ferries return from the island about every half hour. Return trip departure times are posted on the ferry and at the island dock. You have an assigned ferry time to the island but may ride on any returning ferry.

Accessibility

The Alcatraz Landing entrance has an accessibility drop-off zone. Nearby commercial parking lots provide accessible spaces, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Those with a valid disabled parking permit may park in the area at blue-painted curbs or blue zones .

Accessible features at Alcatraz Landing and Alcatraz Island include a tactile model of the island and Pier 33, accessible restroom facilities, an audio-described tour with Braille posts for wayfinding, assistive listening devices, and a Braille transcript of the cellhouse tour.

The prison sits atop a steep hill, about .25 miles from the dock, with an elevation change of 130 feet. Visitors requiring mobility assistance can ride an electric shuttle, Sustainability Easy Access Transport (SEAT). The tram meets each arriving ferry at the dock and makes regular return trips from the prison to the dock throughout the day.

Wheelchair-accessible areas include:

• Alcatraz Landing
• Alcatraz dock
• The main floor of the prison
• Museum displays
• Island theater

Deaf visitors can watch an American Sign Language (ASL) version of the cellhouse tour on a handheld digital device. Upon arrival, a park staff member can provide you with a handheld device for the ASL tour.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Alcatraz?

Your primary goal will impact the answer to this question. The best weather occurs in April, May, September, and October. If summer fits your schedule, prepare for bigger crowds and surprisingly cold, foggy weather.

For those who want to avoid crowds, the following windows offer the best experience:

• First two weeks of November
• First two weeks of December
• January through March (rainy season)

The best time to observe nesting seabirds is February through August. April and May bring nest building and egg laying, with chicks beginning to hatch around mid-June.

Best Time to Go

Based on your perspective, the best time to go is a matter of opinion. However, if you aim to escape crowds, morning is the best time. For those who seek the possibility of some warm sunshine, midday is best. Consider the night tour if you love sunsets or desire a unique excursion.

What to Expect When You Visit Alcatraz

Now that we have discussed essential information, what can you expect on your visit to Alcatraz Island?

The ferry ride to the island takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Water can get choppy sometimes, but the boat is large enough to absorb the waves, making it reasonably smooth. Along the journey, you gain fantastic views of the island, city skyline, and Golden Gate Bridge. Savor the vistas and enjoy!

Arrival and Exploration

After disembarking the ferry, a park ranger will greet you and deliver a brief orientation talk. If you are taking a day tour, you can freely explore the island after your briefing. A park ranger escorts visitors to the prison during the night tours. The behind-the-scenes tour is a ranger-guided tour with additional time for visitors to explore independently.

Attractions

The park is considerably different from most national park sites. So, what can you do on the island? Alcatraz is primarily about walking and exploring an island with a fascinating history. That history is disturbing, yet it leaves you feeling exhilarated and educated.

The park houses a museum, bookstores, theater, and exhibits to explore. You will encounter information placards throughout the prison and its grounds. The two primary exhibits are:

• Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspective 50 Years Later
• The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

Understandably, the prison is the main attraction for many visitors. The self-guided audio tour takes approximately half an hour, leading you through the prison corridors, dining hall, and recreation grounds. You have an opportunity to step into a jail cell if you dare.

The audio tour is a fantastic way to experience Alcatraz as you hear the voices of former guards, wardens, and prisoners. Even if you do not enjoy audio tours, I highly recommend this one. The combination of the audio and exhibits gives you a glimpse of the harsh conditions and hopelessness the prisoners must have felt. Walking through the prison without the audio is excellent, but the commentary gives you historical information and perspectives you would otherwise miss.

Park rangers hand you the audio device, which includes headphones and a neck strap, leaving your hands free to take pictures with your phone or camera. The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Mandarin. You can request a transcript if you prefer. An English Braille version of the transcript is available as well.

Where many national park sites fill your soul with beauty, Alcatraz floods your mind with vivid images of its past. Seeing it firsthand is oddly rewarding.

I want to ensure your visit is well-spent by giving away only a little information on the history. Alcatraz was a military fort protecting San Francisco Bay in the 1850s. It was an army prison beginning in 1859. Alcatraz gained its fame as a maximum security prison for the worst of criminals from 1934 to 1963. Most inmates got transferred from other prisons after proving to be troublemakers or escape risks.

“The Rock” was believed to be inescapable, located on an island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, resting atop a large rock. Notorious inmates include Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert Stroud, “The Birdman of Alcatraz,” and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis.

The inmates’ history and escape attempts are essential to its lore. Thirty-four men made fourteen separate escape attempts from the federal prison. The infamous escape attempt in 1962 saw Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin make it to the bay. The trio was never found, presumably drowning.

American Indian political activists occupied Alcatraz three times in the 1960s and early 1970s. Congress created the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, resulting in Alcatraz being under the organization and part of the NPS.

Rock Gardens

When most people envision Alcatraz, they picture a drab facility with harsh conditions. Surprisingly, despite this haunting history, the Rock harbors beautiful gardens of lush plants and colorful blossoms. In 2003, the NPS, Garden Conservancy, and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy began collaborative efforts to restore and preserve the historic gardens. 

The island contains a beautiful trail that is widely unknown. You can visit Alcatraz almost any day of the year. Still, the Agave Trail, a short path between the dock and Parade Ground, is typically open only from late September through January. The path skirts along the island’s edge, delivering exceptional views of the island and bay. It is closed for the rest of the year to protect nesting birds.

Alcatraz Birds

Although not a highlight for some visitors, many beautiful waterbirds call Alcatraz Island home. Accordingly, park rangers close some parts of the island for your safety and theirs.

Due to abundant birds, early Spanish explorers named the island after alcatraces or seabirds. Most birds disappeared for years while the island was a military fortress, prison, and federal jail. 

When the prison closed in 1963, the seabirds returned. The National Historic Landmark now harbors more than 5,000 nesting birds, including western gulls, cormorants, black-crowned night herons, snowy egrets, and pigeon guillemots. 

Park rangers first spotted a pair of peregrine falcons on Alcatraz Island in 2019. The NPS announced the birth of four peregrine falcon chicks in early April 2023.

The historic Alcatraz Lighthouse, lit in 1854, was the first built on America’s west coast . It has gone through many changes over the years. The current 84-foot concrete tower was built in 1909, replacing the original. Shortly after the prison closed in 1963, the lighthouse was automated. It is not open to the public for tours. However, the beacon adds a touch of beauty and mystery to the island.

Is Alcatraz Haunted?

Guests have reported hearing moans or cries from empty cells. Legends say an inmate from the infamous cell 14D died after incessantly screaming that a ghost was after him. Many visitors report feeling cold when passing that same cell. Perhaps ghosts roam the halls, or maybe it is the wind blowing through the corridors, or just wild imaginations or fears getting the best of us. I will let you decide for yourself.

Tips Before You Visit Alcatraz

We suggest you reserve your Alcatraz Island tour tickets in advance. Attempting to purchase last-minute tickets is risky since many tours fill up days or weeks before.

Plan to arrive twenty to thirty minutes early for your scheduled ferry ride. Your spot is reserved for a specific day and time. Once on the island, you can take your time and catch any returning ferry.

Wear comfortable but sturdy shoes due to the park’s uneven and steep walking surfaces. Your initial climb from the dock to the prison is steep.

The park does not offer storage facilities of any kind. Although we suggest packing layers, including a light jacket, only bring what you can comfortably carry.

Since the island only allows food in a small area near the dock, plan to eat shortly before your tour. Or, you can eat a snack during the ferry ride. 

Bring your camera to capture views from the ferry and Alcatraz Island. While touring the island, do not focus solely on the prison. Remember to savor the spectacular views of San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Wrap-Up: How to Visit Alcatraz

With an odd combination of haunting history and natural beauty, Alcatraz Island delivers a riveting experience, unlike any other national park site in America . Use our guide to plan your Alcatraz escape!

Featured image credit: Rodrigo Soares

More Articles from Miles with McConkey

• Redwood National Park  
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

The post Want to Visit Alcatraz? Here is What You Need To Know appeared first on Miles with McConkey .

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #

Alcatraz Tour Options

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises offers in-depth visits to Alcatraz. Your visit includes round-trip transportation to the Island and outdoor National Park access.

Alcatraz Tour Options Overview

Pertinent information.

At Alcatraz City Cruises, our guests’ well-being is our number one priority. We have proudly implemented new COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Age Policy Adult- 18-61 / Junior- 12-17 / Senior- 62+ / Child- 5-11 / Toddler 4 and under are Free

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.

Group Tours If booking a group of 20 or more people, please contact the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361; or e-mail  [email protected]

Ticket Price

Please refer to our  Fee Breakout FAQ  for complete overview of Alcatraz Island ticket prices.

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

Alcatraz City Cruises is a Proud Partner and Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service

Alcatraz tours faqs, is alcatraz open for tours, how long is the alcatraz tour, can you tour alcatraz, what is the cost of an alcatraz tour, what is the best time of year to visit alcatraz, what is the best way to get to alcatraz, is the alcatraz tour worth it, are dogs allowed on alcatraz tours, how early to arrive for the alcatraz tour, where to buy alcatraz tickets, are alcatraz tickets refundable, what if i miss my alcatraz tour, shopping cart, find your experience.

• Switzerland
• New York City
• The Bahamas
• Travel Tips
• Work With Us
• Russell (The Other One)
• Get to Know Us

Tour Alcatraz at Night For A Different Perspective

Alcatraz is arguably the most famous prison in the world.  The most dangerous prisoners were kept here because it would be so difficult to escape.  The prison is on an island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay and has become a popular tourist attraction.

Although I had visited many years ago, I decided to go again for two reasons.  First, Russell hadn’t been and secondly, you can do an Alcatraz night tour.  While you can’t stay overnight at Alcatraz, a night tour would give me a different perspective, and I was surprised how much I learned. 

In this post, I wanted to tell you what it is like to tour Alcatraz at night and provide some tips for visiting Alcatraz Island.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

What is Alcatraz Island?

Alcatraz night tour vs day tour, how to get to alcatraz, walking up to alcatraz prison, inside alcatraz, special talks included in the alcatraz night tour, short film about alcatraz history, alcatraz behind the scenes tour, alcatraz & angel island combo tour, early bird tour, how to get alcatraz night tour tickets, what if alcatraz tickets are sold out, is the alcatraz night tour worth it, expert tips for your alcatraz night tour.

Alcatraz Island is a small island located in the San Francisco Bay.  Originally, back in the 19th century, it was developed as a military fortification with a lighthouse, but it is most famous for the federal prison that was open from 1934-1963.

During its time as a federal prison, it held some of the most dangerous criminals in the country including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”), George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Bumpy Johnson, Rafael Cancel Miranda, and more.  While 36 prisoners made 14 escape attempts, none of them were successful.

A few years after the prison was closed, a group of Native Americans called United Indians of All Tribes, occupied the island to protest federal policies related to American Indians.

You have the option to visit Alcatraz during the day or at night.  It’s not just about the time and whether it will be dark outside during your tour, there are more differences between the night and day tours.  Both tours include the ferry ride to and from the island and the Alcatraz audio guide.

The Alcatraz night tour also includes narration on the boat ride, special tour activities/exhibits, and docent guided tour/talks.   Since you get more during the nighttime tour, it does cost more than the day tour.  The night tour also is not offered on Sunday or Monday.

The only way to go to Alcatraz Island is as part of the official tours.  All the tours include a boat ride to the island.  

We were told to arrive at the dock early and when we got there it was already a long line for the Alcatraz Ferry.   Of course, if you have a ticket you will be able to get on the boat but people want to line up early to get the best seats.  Honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much about that.  Pretty soon after the boat left the dock, we headed to the outside portion of the deck for the best views.  

We had been warned that the walk from the dock to the prison was steep.  They did have a tram to take those with mobility issues up.  I thought it was steep but not terrible.  The sun was quickly setting and it already felt a bit eerie being on Alcatraz at night.

We stopped at a couple of points along the way for brief talks from the park ranger and it wasn’t too long before we were standing right outside the prison.  The park ranger then went over the Alcatraz night tour schedule.  While there were several sessions that sounded interesting, the schedule was not written anywhere so it was hard to remember.  We decided we would play it by ear.

We entered the prison and picked up our audio guides.  I should say it was one of the best audio tours I have experienced (and I have done my fair share of audio tours). 

They did a fabulous job of sharing the personal stories of the prisoners and guards.  I liked how they used different voices to tell the stories.  Plus, they pointed out historical spots inside Alcatraz like the cells of famous inmates.  The Cellhouse audio tour is available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

The audio guide for our Alcatraz evening tour finished in the cafeteria.   A park ranger announced there would be a talk happening soon, so we decided we should stay and see what it was about.  It turned out to be about the Native American occupation of Alcatraz.  I had no idea that Native Americans had occupied the island as a form of protest against the government taking their land.  

The occupation lasted 14 months, from November 20, 1969, to June 11, 1971.  To get the Native Americans to leave, the government cut off power to the island, but some were still determined to stay.  Later, a fire from an unknown cause broke out and more left.  Finally, the government forcefully removed the last 15 people.  You can learn more about the treatment of Native Americans in California at the Oakland Museum .

The next Alcatraz guided tour we attended was about the infamous escape from Alcatraz on June 11, 1962, which inspired the movie Escape from Alcatraz.  We met the park ranger outside and she explained the elaborate plan.  Then she pointed to the roof where the prisoners escaped.  They were never found, so they are presumed dead.

Then we headed back down the hill and caught a short film in a building close to the dock.  The film was interesting because it talked about the children that grew up on Alcatraz.  I had never thought that there would be children on Alcatraz, but guards did live on the island with their families.  It was fascinating to hear from the now adults who had spent their childhood on the island.  They didn’t think it was unusual and they thought it was a great place to grow up.

After about three hours on Alcatraz Island, it was time to get on the boat and head back to San Francisco.  By now, it was completely dark and a little chilly, so we just sat inside the ferry and enjoyed the ride.  Spending the night at Alcatraz is definitely something we won’t soon forget.   Check out our Alcatraz video tour to see more.

Other Alcatraz Tour Options

In addition to the Night and Day tours at Alcatraz, there are a few other options that you might find interesting.

With the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour, you get to do a two-hour guided small group tour of Alcatraz that covers areas not included on the cell house audio tour or other regular ranger tours.   You get to see a variety of off the beaten path areas of Alcatraz Island.  The Behind the Scenes Tour of Alcatraz varies daily depending on weather, construction, and even the birds.  Destinations covered may include the New Industries Building, the Officers’ Row Gardens, the D Block Upper Levels, the Hospital, A Block, Citadel, and the Chapel.

There is a lot of walking up steep hills and even some steep stairs to climb during this tour.  In some cases, those with mobility issues would only be able to see areas through photos and video.  Additionally, due to the duration, children must be at least 12 to go on the Behind the Scenes Tour.  After completing the small group tour, the Behind the Scenes Tour group would join the Night Tour for the audio tour and Ranger talks.

With the Alcatraz and Angel Island Combo Tour, you get to visit both Alcatraz and nearby Angel Island.  Angel Island is a state park with an interesting history.  It was once an immigration processing center.  The tour will take you on a ferry from Alcatraz to Angel Island where you will get a one-hour narrated tram tour of the island.  Then you will return by boat to Alcatraz.  On Alcatraz, this tour includes the audio guide of the Cellhouse and daily optional programs/exhibits.

The Alcatraz and Angel Island Combo tour lasts 5 1/2 hours and is only available March to October. (Read more about things to do in Angel Island )

The Early Bird Tour of Alcatraz is the same as the day tour.  It just means that you are on the first boat going to the island so it will be less crowded.

Alcatraz is one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco.  I must stress that it is important to buy your Alcatraz tickets early especially if you want to do the night tour or if you only have one day in San Francisco .  Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance. I would recommend buying them at least a month ahead of time.  

There are only two Alcatraz boats for the night tours which are only offered Tuesday through Saturday.  The Alcatraz night tour does have special programs that are not available during the day too.    I also wanted to do the night tour because I thought the atmosphere would be better.  Tickets for the Alcatraz night tour cost $45.50 per adult while the day tour is $38.35.  You can book your tickets here .

If you procrastinated buying Alcatraz tickets or didn’t know you needed to get them in advance, the official website may be showing sold out.   You may be able to find tickets on Stubhub .   It’s a ticket resale website so you may end up paying a little bit more, but you can feel confident because StubHub has a 100% guarantee for every order.  Click here to see if there are any Alcatraz night tour tickets on StubHub.

Another option is to look at other tours that include the official Alcatraz day tours.  You will be paying a premium but it may be the only way to get tickets to see Alcatraz.  Unfortunately, I have not found any that include the Alcatraz night tour.  Here are the options that I have found:

• Chinatown, Cable Car and Alcatraz – Check price and availability here .
• San Francisco City Tour + Alcatraz – Check price and availability here.
• San Francisco Helicopter Flight + Alcatraz – Check price and availability here.
• Walking Craft Beer Tour + Alcatraz – Check price and availability here .
• Big Bus Tour + Alcatraz – Check price and availability here .
• Day Trip to Sonoma + Alcatraz – Check price and availability here.

Not only do you get to explore all the iconic spots you would during the day, but there’s also an exciting bonus—exclusive talks that are only available during the nighttime tour. The darkness enveloping the island adds a captivating atmosphere, making the visit even more memorable. So, if you want to see Alcatraz from a different perspective and enjoy unique insights, the Night Tour is definitely worth it!

Have you been to Alcatraz Island?  Did you do the Alcatraz day or night tour? I think the best Alcatraz tour is the one at night.  What do you think?

– Anisa

Pin for Later

• Book your Alcatraz tickets in advance before the tours sell out.
• Try to take advantage on some of the talks that are offered in addition to the audio tour.
• Even in the summer, it will be chilly at night, so be sure to bring a jacket.
• If you are looking for other things to do in San Francisco , you may want to try biking across the Golden Gate Bridge , exploring Golden Gate Park , or visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum .

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Two Traveling Texans is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Last Updated on July 20, 2023

About the Author

Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Sign Up Below to Download our  FREE Travel Planning Checklist

• San Francisco Tourism
• San Francisco Vacation Rentals
• San Francisco Photos
• San Francisco Map
• All San Francisco Hotels
• San Francisco Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in San Francisco
• San Francisco Motels
• San Francisco Hostels
• San Francisco Campgrounds
• San Francisco Business Hotels
• San Francisco Green Hotels
• San Francisco Family Hotels
• Romantic Hotels in San Francisco
• San Francisco Luxury Hotels
• San Francisco Spa Resorts
• San Francisco Resorts
• San Francisco Beach Hotels
• 5-stars Hotels in San Francisco
• 4-stars Hotels in San Francisco
• 3-stars Hotels in San Francisco
• Grand Hyatt Hotels in San Francisco
• Club Wyndham Hotels in San Francisco
• Sonder Hotels in San Francisco
• InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in San Francisco
• Hyatt Hotels in San Francisco
• Accor Hotels in San Francisco
• Courtyard (Marriott Bonvoy) Hotels in San Francisco
• Rodeway Inns in San Francisco
• Travelodge Hotels Ltd in San Francisco
• Autograph Collection (Marriott Bonvoy) Hotels in San Francisco
• Four Seasons Hotels in San Francisco
• Kimpton Hotels in San Francisco
• Pet Friendly Hotels in San Francisco
• San Francisco Hotels with Pools
• San Francisco Hotels with Free Parking
• Downtown San Francisco Hotels
• Union Square Hotels
• Theater District Hotels
• SoMa Hotels
• South Beach Hotels
• Tenderloin Hotels
• Lower Nob Hill Hotels
• Fisherman’s Wharf Hotels
• Financial District San Francisco Hotels
• Boutique Hotels in San Francisco
• Cheap Accommodations in San Francisco
• Cheap Motels in San Francisco
• San Francisco Hotels with Balconies
• Suite Hotels in San Francisco
• San Francisco Hotels with Hot Tubs
• San Francisco Cruise Port Hotels
• Hotels with Weekly Rates in San Francisco
• Spring Break Hotels in San Francisco
• San Francisco Clean Hotels
• San Francisco
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Any advice on day tour vs Behind the Scenes tour...

• United States    
• California (CA)    
• San Francisco    
• Things to Do in San Francisco    
• Alcatraz City Cruises

Alcatraz City Cruises Questions & Answers

Any advice on day tour vs Behind the Scenes tour? Is it with the extra $$?

Behind the Scenes is definitely worth the extra money, especially since it goes back into maintaining and renovating Alcatraz. The audio tour is included in all tours so it is nice to have a guide with you for part of the time. You get to go down into the moat which is very interesting. And if you stay long enough, you get beautiful sunsets.

We felt we had a great tour in the night tour. If that's any indication and you want more information, I'm sure the 'behind the scenes' tour would be great. Note that with the evening tour, there are additional 'talks' by the tour guides and we managed to catch 2 of them - they were excellent and provided more information.

We loved the night tour and the extras that went with it. I have not done the day tour, so I cannot comment on that.

We only did the day tour but loved it! It would depend on your interest! I went with my crime/prison obsessed teenager and she loved it. We didn't feel like we were missing anything but then again you can't miss what you don't know!

Sorry I can’t answer. We done the night tour which started at 6.30. Everybody is given audio. I found this really adequate to give you a good in depth understanding of Alcatraz. They also door a door slamming I believe it was 9pm. The last boat leaves at 9:30.

Sorry Cant help much more. Great experience though.

I’d definitely recommend the behind the scenes tour. Guides take you to places not normally accessible. And you get to see the cell block without loads of people. Then you can do the normal audio tour, plus benefit from the evening tour talks. Fab!

Browse nearby

Ask a question.

Get quick answers from Alcatraz City Cruises staff and past visitors.

I visited the 'Game of Thrones' studio 5 years after the series finale. The $37 tour reminded me why I love the show.

• I recently visited the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland for $37.
• It offers an exclusive look at the HBO series , which spent millions of dollars on each episode.
• Even five years after the series finale, the studio is still a worthwhile experience for fans. 

It's been five years since the series finale of HBO's "Game of Thrones," but I'm as big a fan as ever.

When a work trip took me to Northern Ireland , I knew I had to detour to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour. By season eight, the HBO drama was spending $15 million per episode , and like any true fan, I wanted a behind-the-scenes look at where some of that money went — and what made the show so visually incredible.

The tour, located in one of the show's original filming locations , Linen Mill Studios, opened in 2022, and standard tickets cost £29.50, or about $37.

I wanted to see just how relevant the studio is today — especially in the lead-up to the new season of the "House of the Dragon" prequel series in June — and if the widespread passion of the fandom is still alive.

It felt like the studio was hidden in plain sight.

There's no onsite parking at the studio, so getting there felt like being escorted to some secret location. Luckily, the instructions were clear: Meet at The Boulevard, a large shopping district in Banbridge, Northern Ireland.

From there, a complimentary shuttle took me down a long, formal-looking driveway. It's easy to see how the studio remained low-key during its filming heyday — it's almost as if it's hidden in plain sight.

My excitement overflowed as I stepped off the bus to blasting theme music and a massive Game of Thrones Studio Tour sign. About 10 other visitors immediately began posing for photographs.

After the 10-minute shuttle ride, it took me a good five minutes to reach security and start the experience, but the atmosphere was already infectious. Even the staff seemed genuinely excited to greet me.

The impressive theming immediately drew me in.

After passing a dragon skull and armored "guard," the tour started with a green-screen photo while we waited for some dramatic doors to swing open.

A tour guide quickly explained the studio rules — mostly, no touching the exhibits (which were used during filming) and absolutely no photos of the pre-tour movie.

I won't spoil too much, but the short film gave me goosebumps. At the end, the screen parted, and we entered the studio from "beyond the wall."

The studio clearly takes immersion seriously.

On the other side of the screen, we were blasted by fog machines before standing toe-to-toe with the Wildlings. Everything was incredibly immersive.

This was one of my favorite rooms. It had elaborate costumes from the show , including coats laden with bones and oysters. I learned that some weighed up to 15 pounds.

I also caught a glimpse of Wun Wun — or, at least, the costume that 7-foot-1 Ian Whyte wore during filming. It supposedly took the actor three to five hours a day to transform into the giant.

It was fun to walk through the different memorable sets.

The studio is made up of a trail of set rooms, including Mess Hall in Castle Black, the Crypts of Winterfell, King's Landing, and the Great Hall of Winterfell.

Costumed mannequins stood in each room to mimic the real scenes from the show.

I learned a lot about the making of the show throughout the tour.

In addition to walking through the sets, I got an insight into the show's creation process.

The 30-foot dragon skull of Balerion the Black Dread took six weeks to make before being shipped to Spain for filming. While standing next to the masterpiece, I could hardly believe that something of its scale could be transported across Europe .

Equally staggering, we learned that the crew went through 52,000 bags of fake snow and 163 tons of propane (for pyrotechnic effects) throughout the series.

Hearing about these intense behind-the-scenes efforts brought the series' magic back to life and made the visit worthwhile for me.

Behind-the-scenes exhibits and interactive experiences made the experience even better.

Other rooms were dedicated to the show's costume design , music creation, and set design. There was even a sword display room that housed famous props like Arya's Needle.

I'd nearly forgotten about the significance of the show's many props before embarking on the tour. But I almost squealed at Jaime Lannister's golden hand.

There were activities throughout the tour, too, including adding your face to the Hall of Faces and creating your own sigil.

I was entranced up until the very end of the experience.

The tour finished at the Iron Throne, a dragon flitting behind the rubble on a digital back wall.

It was a fitting endpoint seeing as it was the location where Jon killed Daenerys, controversially culling her brewing tyranny and ending the series.

I don't think the "Game of Thrones" buzz is going to die down anytime soon.

The studio wasn't packed, but Northern Ireland tends to be a little quieter in February and busier during the Easter holiday and summer. Honestly, I was grateful I missed the heavier crowds.

Overall, the "Game of Thrones" fandom seems to be building momentum rather than slowing down — especially with the second season of "House of the Dragon" looming.

I saw plenty of visitors bringing their children, too, so love for the series seems to be getting passed down to the next generation.

Initially, £29.50 seemed steep to me. But comparably, it's cheap for a studio tour — the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London charges a base price of £53.50.

Plus, I thought it offered great value. It packed so much in and the staff's passion is evident, which makes all the difference for visitors.

• Main content