Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island
4.5
About
Park rangers conduct tours by recounting the prison's thrilling history along with intriguing anecdotes about Al Capone and other legendary figures that made a "home" here.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Alcatraz Island
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,977 within 5 kms
Scoma's Restaurant
6,167
2.1 km€€€€ • Italian • American • Seafood
Norman's Ice Cream and Freezes
323
2.2 km€ • Dessert
The Baked Bear
233
2.2 km€ • Dessert • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Gaylord India Restaurant
8
1.7 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Pakistani
Surisan
336
2.3 km€€ - €€€ • Asian • Korean • Gluten Free Options
Eight Am
1,242
2.3 km€€ - €€€ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
1,944
2.2 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
The Codmother Fish & Chips
1,284
2.3 km€ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast food
Blue Mermaid Restaurant
1,595
2.2 km€€ - €€€ • American • Bar • Seafood
Boudin's Bakery & Cafe
374
2.2 km€€ - €€€ • Bakeries • American • Cafe
Attractions
822 within 10 kms
Alcatraz Island Lighthouse
5
0.1 kmHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Golden Gate Bridge
49,580
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Pier 39
22,774
2.4 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
Lombard Street
18,289
2.8 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Fisherman's Wharf
19,499
2.2 kmNeighbourhoods • Piers & Boardwalks
Cable Cars
25,323
3.6 kmTrams
Musee Mecanique
2,925
2.1 kmSpeciality Museums
Angel Island State Park
987
2.3 kmState Parks
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
687
2.2 kmSpeciality Museums • National Parks
USS Pampanito
770
2.1 kmMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
55,780 reviews
Excellent
41,881
Very good
11,415
Average
1,933
Poor
289
Terrible
268
Geenza
Sedalia, MO863 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This is one of those things that…even though people tell you that ‘you don’t want to do that’, you probably will still want to. That defined both my hubby and me. The island is one of those places that you can plan for 2 hours or four hours. It’s all in how much you want to explore. We left at 10 and caught then caught the 11:30 back to Pier 33.
You have quite the little hike UP a ramped hill to get to the top and your audio tour item. NOTE ON THAT… you can download the audio app by scanning a QR code provided on the ferry. Bring your earbuds, as well. Anyhoo… it definitely was interesting to see the different types of cells and to hear some of the stories.
Glad we did it… that is checked off on our bucket list, but it wasn’t THAT incredible.
You have quite the little hike UP a ramped hill to get to the top and your audio tour item. NOTE ON THAT… you can download the audio app by scanning a QR code provided on the ferry. Bring your earbuds, as well. Anyhoo… it definitely was interesting to see the different types of cells and to hear some of the stories.
Glad we did it… that is checked off on our bucket list, but it wasn’t THAT incredible.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom B
Upper Saint Clair, PA7 contributions
Sep 2022
Must see if you are in San Francisco. Nice boat ride there and back. Self-guided tour with audio device was just the right amount of information at the right pace. Remarkable place and landmark.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rużana C
2 contributions
Aug 2022
Great experience. You can read and learn about lots of things. You can walk almost everywere and see how the prisoners lived there. Before you visit this place I recommend watching the film „ Escape from Alcatraz” (1979). How to get there? The best option is to buy an online tickets because there are limited places.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff N
Centreville, VA65 contributions
Sep 2022
The sound for the overview tour was marginal at best. Too often, other staff came by in noisy vehicles and the tour guide did not pause for the noise to pass. I feel I missed some important points.
Written 4 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BigMerk
Glasgow, UK2,045 contributions
Sep 2022
This was my third trip to the Island over many years. The ferry terminal is always crowded but - due to the required pre-booking - it’s always fairly organised. It’s a short ferry ride across. The highlight for me is the cell block tour. I always do the audio tour but sometimes you can hear a ranger tour as you pass - always interesting.
Well worth a visit
Well worth a visit
Written 1 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WayneTech
Mississauga, Canada269 contributions
Jun 2022
Definitely worth visiting - it was very interesting, and we were lucky to be given a tour by an older gentleman who has been doing these tours for years and has also had an opportunity to talk to several former inmates at Alcatraz - his stories alone were well worth the price you pay for this trip. I'd highly recommend this to everyone.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ricky C
84 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Was really looking forward to a guided tour but the booking was just an audio tour. The tour could have included more historical and/or interesting stories of the famous inmates and escape attempts. Really missing a trick.
Written 30 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dylan Adkinson
Gilmer, TX31 contributions
Aug 2022
Was a great experience! Definitely would recommend to get on the first tour time as the island gets more crowed as the day goes on.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sue S
London, UK41 contributions
Sep 2022
Great trip over to Alcatraz. On arrival the smell hits you, but dont let this put you off. So much history to see and to read about. The staff are very informative and happy to answer questions. Highly recommend.
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah L
London, UK2,577 contributions
Jul 2022
Alcatraz is a real adventure. From venturing on to the ferry at Fisherman's Wharf, you feel tidal waves of history hitting you from all angles. You're not allowed to eat or drink except on the docking bay. Also, if you have mobility issues, there is a little buggy that transports you round but this isn't a regular service and prioritises people based on need. For everyone else, it's a steady uphill climb to collect your audio guides. The tour is very organised so you get to see everything on the route from the kitchens to the cells.
Written 28 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paulmaria136
Bristol, UK3 contributions
Night or day tour which is the best for someone very unlikely to visit again?
04charmermacaws
Buffalo, NY3 contributions
I only did the day trip. One of the best parts was the view of both San Francisco and Alcatraz on the approach. You would miss that on a night tour.
smorris1960
Carrabelle, FL54 contributions
Is there parking near the pier?
ingiGimli_Manitoba
Gimli150 contributions
Yes there are several public parking spots where the tour starts and the pier
Hi,
Me and my wife are visiting SF for 3 days in Dec (26th). We want to visit Alcatraz, will it be busy during end of December? What’s the best place to book the tickets?
Lisa G
Aurora, IN536 contributions
Check out the NPS site for details to plan your tour. The link to buy tickets is also on this site.
Hi,
Me and my wife are visiting SF for 3 days in Dec (26th). We want to visit Alcatraz, will it be busy during end of December? What’s the best place to book the tickets?
publiussulla
Seattle, WA217 contributions
Was a cinch online
m2judy
Fort Worth, TX
The official site for Alcatraz tours is not working. Talked to a rep this morning and they are not sure when it will be back up. Where else can i purchase just the day tour tickets??
bryancdrum
Villa Rica, GA315 contributions
Try bug bus tours fisherman wharf...
Rosewooder
Charlotte, NC176 contributions
With limited hours and crowds I could only get a 2:00 ticket to Alcatraz on a Sunday in June 2021. Last boat back at 5:30 pm. Are there parts shut down due to covid that I won’t be able to explore? I could not book night time as only day tours are available. Anyone been since it’s opened April 2021? Has the tour changed since COVID-19? Any suggestions? Is three hours enough?
Stratosphere
London, UK143 contributions
I think you need to go there morning time . Evening times were so cold and windy. I think covid precautions would be soft compared to past times due to vaccination.
Jugodelori
Toronto, Canada15 contributions
Is it better to go late morning or late afternoon? Any advice? Thanks.
Alex Sico
Calgary, Canada191 contributions
Late afternoon. Watching the sunrise on the ferry and visiting in the dark is priceless.
What’s a nice hotel that’s close to Alcatraz? How did you get from the hotel to Alcatraz?
Hi,
Does anyone know when the cellhouse will be reopen? I believe its currently closed for construction works and not covid.
307leven
Stroudsburg, PA185 contributions
When I visited in early September, I was advised by a staff member that it was closed due to the virus. When I asked when it would be reopened to the public, she said she was not sure as no date had been given.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Alcatraz Island | San Francisco | UPDATED October 2022 Top Tips Before You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Alcatraz Island
- We recommend booking Alcatraz Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 61 Alcatraz Island tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Alcatraz Island:
- Combo Tour: Alcatraz Island and San Francisco Grand City Tour (From €152.99)
- Alcatraz Ticket + Fisherman's Wharf Walking Tour (From €100.98)
- Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On-Hop-Off Open Top Tour and Alcatraz Combo (From €138.20)
- Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise (From €46.92)
- Alcatraz Tour Plus Muir Woods and Sausalito Day Trip (From €162.17)
- Hotels near Alcatraz Island:
- (0.03 km) Hacienda La Bendita
- (2.17 km) Argonaut Hotel
- (2.38 km) Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square
- (2.29 km) Kimpton Alton Hotel - Fisherman's Wharf
- (3.51 km) Union Street Inn
- Restaurants near Alcatraz Island:
- (2.20 km) Norman's Ice Cream and Freezes
- (2.30 km) Eight Am
- (2.23 km) The Baked Bear
- (2.35 km) Cafe De Casa
- (2.27 km) Surisan
- Attractions near Alcatraz Island:
- (0.12 km) Alcatraz Island Lighthouse
- (2.34 km) Pier 39
- (2.28 km) Electric Tour Company Segway Tours
- (2.09 km) San Francisco Movie Tours
- (2.26 km) Bay Voyager