ALCATRAZ

Located one-and-a-half miles from Fisherman's Wharf, the Alcatraz island gained importance as a military fort and then as a federal penitentiary housing some of the notorious convicts. Although the prison had a capacity of housing 450 convicts, no more than 250 prisoners had occupied the island. Some of the well-known convicts who had been imprisoned here are Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud and Machine Gun Kelly. 

Take a tour of the island to go inside the cell house where prisoners used to stay inside claustrophobic (9 x 5-foot) cells. Get an insight into their lives as you explore the cells, mess hall, library and dark holes. Take a walk into the garden that has been cultivated over years by the prisoners, guards and families of correction officers. Visit the 84 feet tall lighthouse tower which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding areas.

Highlights

• Take a tour of Alcatraz Island, famous for being a Civil War fort, a military prison and a notorious federal penitentiary in the US.
• Take a 2 ½ hour day tour of the place and take entry to the interior of the prison cell building that housed up to 250 prisoners.
• Walk through the cell building blocks and get insight into the daily life of the inmates, the guards and the correction officers.
• Take a stroll through the garden of Alcatraz which has been cultivated for around 150 years by prisoners, guards and families of officers.
• Pay a visit to the 84-foot lighthouse tower which has the historical significance of being the first lighthouse in the Western United States.

How To Reach

Alcatraz is an island in California and can only be reached by boat from Pier 33.

• By Car: Pier 33 is 3.1 mi from the city centre, it will take 15 min via the Bay St and Van Ness Ave route.
• By Boat: The Boat is the most common way to reach Alcatraz. Take a ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco and reach the island in 15-20 minutes.

Best Time To Visit

Alcatraz is open year-round and can be visited regardless of the season.

• Best Season: The best season to visit Alcatraz is during fall, from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild with clearer skies, providing a pleasant atmosphere for sightseeing.
• Best Day of the Week: The best day of the week to visit Alcatraz is on a weekday, preferably on Mondays to Thursdays when the place is less crowded than other days.
• Best Time of the Day: The best time to visit Alcatraz is early in the morning, soon after the ferry starts operating. During this time, it is less crowded and you will be able to explore the island peacefully. 

Other Essential Information

• You will need to carry your photo ID Card as it will be required while purchasing the ticket and boarding the ferry.
• You cannot carry bags which are larger than standard backpacks.
• Children below the age of 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Sustainable Easy Access Transport (S.E.A.T.) vehicles are available for those with mobile impairment.
• You will be able to consume food only at the designated picnic areas only.