Every time I visit San Francisco and adventure around the city, the one thing that always catches my eye in the far distance is, Alcatraz Island. After traveling to San Francisco a few times, I finally decided that I wanted to visit famous island. I booked my ticket through Alcatraz Cruises and looked for the dates that I wanted to visit. All Alcatraz Island tours depart from and return to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, located along San Francisco’s northern waterfront promenade, on The Embarcadero near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Streets. The check-in process was very easy and organized, and the boat ride to Alcatraz provided beautiful views of the city. Read & view more information below!
View of the Golden Gate Bridge
On the day of our tour, we had a special guest on board with us, who actually use to be a prisoner at Alcatraz. William G. Baker the author of Alcatraz #1259 a book written about life on Alcatraz was back on the island promoting his book at the bookstore, and he happened to be riding with us. I pointed out to Brianna that it was him, and she was like no…how do you know?! I could tell by his outfit and his socks ( I watch a lot of prison documentaries) that it was him because he didn’t look like any other tourist and was just a simple guy. It was simply a guess but I was right! Click on here purchase Williams book Alcatraz #1259
History
In the chilly waters of California’s San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz once home to America’s most notorious criminals, housed some of America’s most dangerous felons. The federal penitentiary operated from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the island better known as “The Rock”. Among those who served time at the maximum-security facility were the notorious gangster Al “Scarface” Capone (1899-1947) and murderer Robert “Birdman of Alcatraz” Stroud (1890-1963). There have been 36 escape attempts: 23 were caught, six were shot and killed, and two drowned, but three men John and Clarence Anglin (brothers) and Frank Morris, have never been found. After the prison was shut down due to high operating costs, the island was occupied for almost two years, starting in 1969, by a group of Native-American activists. Today, Alcatraz still remains a mystery but uses that to its advantage, drawing in tourist from all over the world.
Information about the operation of Alcatraz
Infamous Alcatraz Quote “Break the rules”
Old prison showers/ line to receive the audio tour
outside trail leading up to the prison cells
Outdoor landscaping made with succulent plants
Alcatraz is a premiere spot for viewing colonial nesting seabirds
Inside of the prison cell
Timeline of famous inmates
Alcatraz Island model of the entire prison
Courtyard view of San Francisco from Alcatraz
Outside Courtyard
You can buy your ticket at https://www.alcatrazcruises.com
$30.00 Adults (18-61), $20.00 Seniors (62+), $20.00 Juniors (12-17) and $20.00 Children (5-11)
I would recommend getting your ticket far in advance so that you do not have to worry about the dates that you are wanting to visit Alcatraz are not sold out. Tickets do sell out fast due to the high demand of tourist wanting to visit the prison.