Alcatraz
The former federal prison on an island in the bay, with an excellent audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates. Only the official ferry goes; book weeks ahead.
- Open
- Daily except a few holidays; day and night tours. Closed for dock repairs from late October to mid-November 2026; check NPS alerts
- Price
- Paid; the ferry ticket includes the audio tour
- Time Needed
- 3 hours
- Address
- Ferries leave from Pier 33, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133Google MapsApple Maps
- Getting There
- F-Market streetcar to Pier 33.
- Accessibility
- A tram carries visitors up the hill; the cellhouse is accessible.
Why Go
From 1934 to 1963 'The Rock' held America's most notorious prisoners, including Al Capone. The cellhouse audio tour is one of the best in the world, telling stories of escapes and daily life in the voices of the men who were there. The island was also occupied by Native American activists in 1969–71, and today it's a national park with gardens and seabird colonies.
Tips
- Night tours include programs not offered by day and sell out fastest.
- There's a steep path up to the cellhouse; a shuttle runs for those who need it.
Nearby
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