Alcatraz Island Tours

Alcatraz Island Tours This really is a MUST DO when you are visiting San Francisco. Grab your friends and go~! Take your camera and your questions and have fun. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. (We went BEFORE the days of the audio guide!) Alcatraz is one of my MANY favorite memories of this city. We showed up on a whim and decided to take the tour. Even though we had to wait in a very long line for tickets, we were able to get on the last tour of the day. So, plan ahead and get those tickets early! Enjoy! more

The tour of Alcatraz was great. The information as well as the sites you get to see are amazing. I recommend the audio tour (I think they all come with audio). It is great to be able to follow all the different things that happened there as well as hearing about the attempted escapes and what not. Be sure to bring a camera as there are plenty of picture taking opportunities. Be prepared to be amazed at how well they lived despite the fact that it is a prison. One little fun fact they tell you is that they fed them very well with great food and all they could eat to make it less possible for them to take the mile swim to land. http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/ more

The Alcatraz tour is really fun, but to avoid disappointment, remember to get your tickets early! My friend came into town and I didn't get tickets before he got here and we couldn't go! But I've been many times, including with my son when he was 2. It is a really interesting and historical tour, and you get a boat ride over there as well! We haven't seen any ghosts yet, but you never know! more

I had always been fascinated by the mention of Alcatraz from a very early age. On my first visit to San Francisco I had to go on the tour. I was not disappointed. It was all I had read and heard about it. Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself. isolation is one of the constants of island life for any inhabitant - soldier, guard, prisoner or bird. is a recurrent theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz. Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can not only explore the remnants of the prison. This alone gave you a chilling feeling. In fact my wife ran through to the end. Learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. The island features many natural features as well - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare. These days it is an experience experience, but well worth the money. Ever time I go to S.F. I take more photographs of the island. http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/ more

The surprising thing about touring Alcatraz is that after you're done doing the tape recorder and headphones thing, you're free to just kick it on the island for as long as you want, up until the last tour boat leaves for the night. It's a much bigger island than you might imagine looking at it from the coast. There's quite a bit of exploring one can do if you're willing to go off the pavement. An unexpected outdoor adventure. more

so much fun to do as a kid and now as a grown up taking kids there. i haven't gone in ages but definitely would do it again every few years. the boat ride, although cold, is always enjoyable. plus the trip is educational for kids and grownups alike. bundle up though cause it gets windy. afterwards, stop by pier 39 for a hot bread bowl of clam chowder! more

You must take ll of your out of town guests to see Alcatraz Island. It's a must see for all tourists. The best way to visit is to buy the audio package, you can go through at your own pace and do not have to listen to anyone's annoying questions. It is fun watching your friend walk around. YOu can always tell where they are in the audio by their reactions, it's definitely a cool place and very interesting! more

During our SF trip, of course we had to do an Alcatraz tour. My husband and I were excited to go, but I was worried that our 4 kids would be bored. I couldn't have been more wrong! This place is absolutely amazing. All of us were in awe of the story of Alcatraz. We chose the audio tour package and were glad that we did. You get a set of headphones and a little recorder that you listen to that directs you through the prison. As you walk through the corridors, actual former prisoners tell you the story of Alcatraz. It's truly amazing to hear these accounts first hand. This was one part of our trip that I will remember for years to come, and so will my kids! more

If you are looking for fun, education, and fabulous views, cruise to the infamous and notorious former federal prison of Alcatraz, home to the likes of Al Capone. It's a National Park, and they offer an orientation video with historical footage, self-guided walks, exhibits and talks on topics such as "Famous Escapes." They also have actual interviews of former guards and inmates . To reach the Cell House, you must walk up a steep hill. In addition to the famous prison, Alcatraz features some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate from the beautifully landscaped Agave Trail. A walk along the trail winds through a protected bird sanctuary, ending at a stone stairway which leads to the parade ground, formerly ringed by the houses of guards and their families. Fun for the whole family, it takes about 3 hours for the whole thing. Enjoy!! more