About Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, a federal penitentiary from 1934-1963, held America's most dangerous criminals including Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud. Located 1.25 miles offshore in frigid San Francisco Bay waters, the prison claimed no successful escapes despite 36 attempts. Today, 1.7 million visitors annually tour the cell house, learning about infamous inmates, daily life, and the 1962 escape that inspired Clint Eastwood's "Escape from Alcatraz." Pair this stop with the San Francisco guide and the wider United States overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Ferry schedule: Multiple departures 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM (check season)
- Island visit time: 2.5-3 hours typical, last return ferry around 6:30 PM
- Best time: First morning ferry (9:00 AM) for smallest crowds
- Night tours: Thursday-Monday evenings (limited, book months ahead)
- Least crowded: Weekdays in winter (November-March)
💰 Costs
- Day tour (ferry + audio): $41 adults, $39 seniors, $25 children
- Night tour: $50 adults, $48 seniors, $30 children
- Behind the Scenes tour: $100+ (includes restricted areas)
- Guided specialty tours: $70-90 per person (expert narration beyond audio)
- Private group tours: $500-800 for up to 12 people
Critical: Book 2-4 weeks ahead minimum, often 6-8 weeks for summer/weekends. Only official tickets at alcatrazcruises.com.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Beyond the audio tour: Guides share stories not on standard recordings
- Escape attempt details: How inmates attempted escapes, what went wrong (or maybe right)
- Daily life insights: Meal routines, cell assignments, recreation, guard perspectives
- Architecture context: Military fort history, transformation to prison, preservation challenges
- Native American occupation: 1969-1971 takeover story often overlooked
✨ Don't Miss
- 🎧 Cell house audio tour: Included with admission, narrated by former inmates and guards
- 🏃 Escape exhibit: 1962 Morris-Anglin breakout with dummy heads, spoon digging
- 🔒 Solitary confinement: D-Block cells where worst offenders spent 23 hours/day
- 🍽️ Dining hall: Surprisingly good food (prison's strategy to prevent riots)
- ⚡ Al Capone's cell: B-Block cell 181 (marked on tour route)
- 🌊 Recreation yard: Views of San Francisco that tormented inmates
- 🏛️ Model Industries Building: Separate building with Native American history exhibits
📝 Practical Tips
- Book early: Tickets sell out 2-8 weeks ahead depending on season
- Dress warmly: Island is significantly colder and windier than city
- Wear layers: Cell house is cold, outdoor areas can be sunny
- Comfortable shoes: Steep hills, uneven surfaces, lots of standing
- No food service: Bring snacks/water, or eat before departure at Pier 33
- Ferry departs on time: Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and security
- Photography allowed: All areas permit photos, bring charged camera