Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

Legend

History & Culture travel tip
City center

Distance from city center: 11mi

by zdanko History & Culture travel tip

► added on the 19th of January, 2010

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

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Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California

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