Alcatraz has inspired many a TV show and movie over the years. After watching The Rock and X-Men: The Last Stand, I really wanted to visit Alcatraz! The former prison is one of those bucket list activities to do in San Francisco. Yes, you can see Alcatraz from Pier 39 or sail past it on a cruise, but seeing the island and actually setting foot on it are two different things. Believe me!
To help you plan your visit to Alcatraz, I’ve put together this useful guide for you. From when and where to purchase the tickets, what tickets to purchase, what you can expect on the island and what you should bring along, I’ve got you covered!
Purchase your ticket in advance online
First things first, buy your tickets as soon as possible using the official website! Tickets go on sale exactly 90 days in advance, to the hour (San Francisco time). The tickets do not sell out immediately, like Eiffel Tower or Statue of Liberty tickets. It takes a couple of days, even a week or two for the tickets to sell out. Here is my experience: I purchased my ticket for Alcatraz on the 8th of May, for a tour in early August. But, my travel dates changed. On the 25th of May, it was still possible for me to change the date of my Alcatraz tour.
However, don’t expect to show up on a given day and purchase tickets for the tour! I saw plenty of heart-broken people in my hostel desperately trying to get tickets. If you’re lucky, you can buy combination Alcatraz tour tickets through travel companies for heavily inflated prices.
Which ticket should you purchase?
On the official website, you’ll find various tour options to choose from. Which tour should you pick? There’s an early bird tour, said to be the least crowded tour. Then you have the regular tours from the morning to the afternoon. There’s also a Behind the Scenes tour, which is the most expensive option. And then there’s the night tour. This is the tour I selected and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
If you select the night tour, this is what you’ll do. You will get a narrated tour around the island, a guided tour from the ferry dock to the main prison building, and various free talks you can pick and choose from during the night.
But best of all, you can witness the sunset over San Francisco and The Golden Gate Bridge. The night tour is only a couple of dollars more than a regular tour, but totally worth the price! I booked the 17h55 tour (this is summer departure time), with the option of returning at 20h30 0r 21h25. Not convinced yet? Read my post here for more inspiration on why you should take the night tour.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Pier 33 and it couldn’t be easier to find. It’s only a couple of minutes’ walk from the famous Pier 39. I recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time, with a printed ticket. Everyone queues in a line, your photo is taken (which you can purchase upon your return) and you board the ferry at the specific departure time.
Don’t bother with finding a great seat on the ferry. Once it departs, everybody moves around to get the best views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, and to take awesome photographs. You don’t want to sit in one place and miss the incredible views!
What to expect once you reach The Rock
Once you set foot on the island, you are given a brochure with more information of Alcatraz and a map of the grounds. Our group was split into three smaller groups, each group joined by an experienced tour guide/park ranger. The guided tour sets you up nicely for when you reach the main prison building.
Now, I’m not a fan of audio tours. For the most part, they are monotonous and my mind strays quickly! But I have to say, the audio tour of Alcatraz is great! It’s the best audio tour I’ve ever done. The English tour is narrated by former prison guards and prisoners. I think that makes a huge difference, resulting in an enjoyable and interesting tour.
The audio tour takes you through the whole prison, from the cell blocks to the dining hall to the warden’s office, finally ending in the gift shop. If you want to purchase official Alcatraz souveniers, this is the place to do so. Also in the gift shop, you’ll find a schedule of all the talks and activities going on that night. To help you remember and plan which activities you want to participate in, take a photograph of the schedule.
I intended to catch the earlier ferry, but I was having so much fun that I ended up taking the last ferry back to San Francisco.
What should you bring along?
It can get quite cool in the evening as the sun sets, even during summer. Definitely bring a jacket along with you. It’s also very windy, so if you have long hair, bring a band to tie your hair with. The only beverage you are allowed to drink on the island is water, so bring a bottle along. However, you are not allowed to drink or eat inside the prison building. Lastly, don’t forget your camera! You’re going to want to take a lot of photos!
So there you go, my little Alcatraz guide. I hope you like it! Do you have any Alcatraz tips? Please share them below.
Save the pin for later!
