Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

History & Culture travel tip added by zdanko on 20th of January, 2010

Legend

History & Culture travel tip
City center

Distance from city center: 11mi.

Probably one of the most famous jails in the world and home to many myths and movies, this used to be a high security federal prison in 1934. Originally the Island was home to many pelicans and for that reason it was called "Isla de los alcatraces" (The Island of the Pelicans). Al Capone was probably the most famous of those dangerous criminals that were kept on Alcatraz and ,amy others like "Machine Gun Kelly", "Doc Barker", the "Birdman of Alcatraz", and "Creepy Karpis" were all imprisoned there. Because Alcatraz was not only home to the underworld stars, but also a money eating machine, many smaller criminals found their home in Alcatraz later on. In 1963 three criminals escaped from Alcatraz and the government finally decided to close down the prison. Today Alcatraz is actually a historic site supervised by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Tourists can take one of the many ferries from Pier 39 and book daily tours. Make sure you book well in advance to make sure that you get the departure time you are looking for.

Address:
San Francisco, CA 94123, USA

Price:
Adult (18-61) $26.00
Junior (12-17) $26.00
Child (5-11) $16.00
Senior (62+) $24.50
Toddlers (0-4) free
Family (2A+2C) $79

Night tours are slightly more expensive and there is an early bird rate available.

The Family Ticket contains two Adult Tickets and two Child Tickets (ages 5-11). The Family Ticket is only available by phone or at the Ticket Booth, not online. No minors under the age of 18 are allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult. An adult must be with them at all times while on their tour of Alcatraz Island.

Opening Hours:
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:35 AM
12:10 PM
12:45 PM
1:20 PM
1:55 PM

Night tours depart at 4:20 PM

How to get there:
Just go to Pier 39 and take the ferry to Alacatraz

Comments on 'Alcatraz Island'

No comments have been added yet.

You may also be interested in Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco History

By 1595, Sebastian Rodriguez Cermeno on board the galleon San Agustin was shipwrecked near Point Reyes. He claimed the lands for Spain calling it Puerto de San Francisco, presumably named after Saint Francis of Assisi. Nevertheless, it won’t be for another 175 years before the Spaniards actually colonize San Francisco. Eight years later, Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino was tasked to map out [...]

Recent travel tips for San Francisco

Bacar - Jun 29, 2010, by lindamura
0 0
Distance: 9.3mi
Can you imagine 1400 kinds of wine in one place? I couldn't, but there it is. Very nice place indeed, not only because of its wide collection of the best wines. The decoration and furniture is also very stylish and elegant, you will be [...]
Cafe Du Soleil - Aug 29, 2010, by MadSuh
0 0
Distance: 8.8mi
The best thing is that you can sit on the terrace and enjoy both the sun and one of the best places for a breakfast. They have good coffee and delicious cakes. You can stay on the sun and have your breakfast and also have a break from [...]
De Young Museum in San Francisco - Aug 25, 2010, by Wazling
0 0
Distance: 9.4mi
A truly amazing location to visit, the De Young Museum led me to a path of illogical, free thinking. Full of impressionist artworks such as painting, sculptures and other interesting works of contemporary American, African and [...]
Alamo Square - Jun 20, 2010, by blackangel_66
0 1
Distance: n/a
The Square gives the most beautiful view in the whole city. One can see it on many postcards. One especially beautiful view is towards Steiner street, with the famous houses, the 'painted ladies'. They are also called the Victorian [...]
Museum of Asian Art - Jan 18, 2010, by erato
0 0
Distance: 9.3mi
This museum is amazing, you simply cannot miss it. It was first opened when a factory owner from Chicago gave his Asian art collection to San Francisco to open a museum with it. The museum has more than 17, 000 objects, from religious [...]

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

Travel tips > North America > United States > San Francisco > Alcatraz Island

Comments on 'Alcatraz Island'

San Francisco History

Recent travel tips for San Francisco

More travel tips you could be interested in