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    Home ≫ Travel

    Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

    Updated June 3, 2020. Originally Posted March 19, 2018 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

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    watch tower alcatraz, san francisco

    Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay and is one of the city's most visited tourist attractions. Also know as "The Rock,"  Alcatraz was developed into a federal penitentiary and once housed America's most dangerous criminals. 

    alcatraz island san francisco, california

    If you are planning a trip to the Bay Area, I highly encourage you to visit Alcatraz island and tour the penitentiary. It's best to purchase your tickets ahead of time because tickets sell out quickly. We got our tickets through Blazing Saddles. We purchased the Bike and Rock tour because we were planning to ride bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge anyway. Both the Alcatraz tour and the bike ride were unforgettable experiences. If you want to read more about the other things we did in San Francisco, see this post. 

    Alcatraz Island Day Tour

    One of the first things you see when you get off the ferry is the watchtower.

    lookout tower at alcatraz island, san francisco

    The old prison sign with red graffiti painted over it.

    sign on alcatraz prison buidling, alcatraz island

    We decided to take the self-paced audio tour. It was fantastic-very informative and interesting with a variety of narration and sound clips. My kids (ages 14, 17, and 20) loved it as well. 

    Inside the Alcatraz Penitentiary

    table with prison uniforms, alcatraz island

    This table lined with uniforms is the first glimpse of prison life.

    two cells side by side alcatraz island, san francisco

    These are typical cells. They measure 5 feet by 9 feet and contain a sink, toilet and a cot.

    broadway block alcatraz island

    This is the central corridor of cells known as Broadway. The area at the end of the corridor and below the clock is known as Times Square.

    cell door in d block alcatraz island

    Inside a cell in D-Block, the solitary confinement area of the prison. 

    golden gate bridge through small window opening in alcatraz penitentiary

    Here's a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge through a small window right outside D-Block.

    mess hall alcatraz island, san francisco

    The mess hall is quite large with lots of barred windows. The kitchen is off to the right, but is closed to tours during the day.

    golden gate bridge through mess hall window alcatraz

    The Golden Gate Bridge from a mess hall window.

    Once we wrapped up the audio tour, we went outside to look around the grounds. 

    Touring the Grounds around Alcatraz

    The prison yard.

    prison yard, alcatraz island

    The lighthouse.

    lighthouse with american flag, alcatraz island

    This is what remains of the warden's house. You can see the lighthouse in the background.

    remains of the warden's house alcatraz island

    ivy inside the remains of warden's house, alcatraz island

    remains of warden's house with ivy growing in the window frame, alcatraz island

    The warden's house is thought to be haunted. I guess we'll go back for a night tour and find out!

    Did you know Alcatraz is know for it's landscape and grounds? Before Alcatraz became a federal penitentiary, it was a military citadel and prison. During the 1920's the military prisoners planted many trees and shrubs that were maintained during the penitentiary era. 

    garden on grounds of alcatraz island

    Several prisoners were allowed the privilege to work on the gardens. Learn more about the Alcatraz gardens here. 

    small white tool shed within garden, alcatraz island

    The Alcatraz tour exceeding our expectations and is something I'd do again. So are you ready to book a trip to San Francisco? I can't wait to go back. But my next trip is going to be all about the food!

    Main take-a-ways from Alcatraz:

    • Plan ahead! Tickets sell out. Use the official website to plan your tour: alcatrazcruises.com
    • Plan to spend at least 2.5 hours on the island. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes.
    • Ferries back to San Francisco leave every 30-45 minutes. You can spend as much or as little time there as you want.
    • The audio tour is worth it.
    • A night tour is available.

    flowers lining the wall of alcatraz with bay in background, alcatraz island

    Don't forget to check out my other post on San Francisco! 

    Pin to your favorite travel boards!

    Check out these other popular travel posts!

    • 8 Things to do In San Francisco
    • 10 Instagramable Spots in Charleston, South Carolina
    • Hotel Unico 2087 in Riviera Maya, Mexico

     

    inside alcatraz prison

    If you liked this post, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California or any other post on the blog, don't forget to leave a comment below. I love hearing from my readers! You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

    more recipes

    • Ten Instagramable Spots in Charleston, South Carolina
    • Riviera Maya, Mexico and Unico 2087
    • San Francisco, California
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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rusty

      January 27, 2019 at 11:24 am

      Thanks for this useful information about Alcatraz. Planning a trip to SFO this summer and this helped us to decide where to go.

      Reply
      • Nikole

        January 27, 2019 at 1:19 pm

        Alcatraz isn't to be missed!

        Reply

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