Is A Trip To Alcatraz Really Worth It?
I have always had a fascination with Alcatraz. From watching Clint Eastwood’s “Escape From Alcatraz”. To the Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery movie “The Rock”. The whole ongoing mystery did they survive or not. Are they soaking up the sun somewhere in Mexico?
So when we decided to take a trip to San Francisco, the number one excursion on my list was to see Alcatraz. And it did not disappoint. So if you can nab some tickets, definitely go!
Just make sure to start looking early. Three months before our trip I checked online and they were all sold old. After looking every few days for tickets, a date that would work for us opened up. If you can’t find tickets online, the other option is to get to Pier 33 early in the morning and line up for last minute tickets. Every day they release a certain amount.
The only way to get to Alcatraz is by taking the ferry over from Alcatraz Cruises. Just head to Pier 33 located near Fisherman’s Wharf on Embarcadero Street. There will be a sign with your ferry departure time on it to start lining up behind.
You are required to arrive 30 minutes before your departure time. The earlier, the better your chances of getting a seat on the upper deck of the ferry. This is also the best place to get some great pictures of the San Francisco skyline as you pull away.
The ferry ride over only takes about 15 minutes. Then your group will meet in an area for a quick briefing from a Ranger.
Where To Go
After you’ll walk up a hill and have the option of watching a short video on Alcatraz or you can just start your tour.
When you get to the top of the hill, you’ll enter the main prison door. Here they’ll hand you an audio player for your self guided tour.
After picking up your audio headset, you’ll notice the prisoner shower area.
Then you’ll walk through an area where the prisoners received their prison uniforms.
What To Do
The best time to get to the island is early in the morning before it gets too crowded. Give yourself a couple hours on Alcatraz to have time to listen to the whole commentary and extra time to wander around after.
We found the audio commentary to be very well done. You can stop and pause it at any time. Then restart again when your ready to carry on.
The day we were there, the former prisoner William Baker was doing a book signing for his Alcatraz #1259 book.
Then when you are ready to leave, just make your way back down to the ferry dock. There is a schedule posted letting you know the daily departure times.
The tour might be a little pricey, but definitely worth it. Another one to check off the bucket list!