alcatraz tour with guide

The Official Tour of Alcatraz Island and Prison

Step back in time and experience the legendary island that has been a Civil War fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious federal penitentiaries in US history. This memorable tour includes: 45 minute audio presentation “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” featuring actual correctional officers and prisoners who lived and worked on the Island; orientation video by Discovery Channel; ranger and docent tours; historic gardens and abundant wildlife.

CELLHOUSE AUDIO TOUR

No one can tell the Alcatraz tale like the men who actually lived it. The captivating Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era.

Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts, “The Battle of ’46”, food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.

The Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

GARDENS OF ALCATRAZ

From the military to the penitentiary era, plants softened the Rock for those who called Alcatraz home. Through gardening, island residents created beauty in a place focused on defense, punishment, and confinement. The families of the guards enjoyed tea parties in the gardens, and gardening became a welcome pastime. For trusted inmates, the gardens were an escape from daily prison life. Even today, the thriving gardens are a stark contrast to the somber prison.

After closure of the prison in 1963, many plants survived decades without care. These survivors are excellent choices for gardeners in the Bay Area or other Mediterranean climates. Since 2003, The Garden Conservancy has been working in partnership with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service to restore these wonderful gardens and to share the stories with visitors.

Join a garden docent for an up-close look at the restored historic gardens of Alcatraz. Learn about the softer side of the Rock and how gardens made life tolerable for residents of the barren island. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock at 9:30 am every Friday and Sunday.

GUIDED TOURS

Join the island staff for a guided walking tour of Alcatraz Island. Programs are offered throughout the day and generally start either at the dock or lighthouse. Topics may include Famous Inmates, Escapes, Hollywood’s Rock, 200 Years of Alcatraz History, and Fortress Alcatraz. Some programs even take visitors into restricted areas of the island.

Guided tours generally last 45 minutes to an hour, and may involve walking moderate distances.

Tours and times vary daily, so check the Program Board when you arrive on the island dock. No reservations are required, and all programs are free.

ALCATRAZ: STORIES FROM THE ROCK

Alcatraz: Stories From the Rock takes viewers on a journey through the Island’s many chapters: its early role as a military fortress, the famous federal penitentiary years, the Indian occupation that altered the course of history, and finally the popular National Park and wildlife refuge it is today.

Alcatraz stands as a powerful symbol of protection and change. The film explores Alcatraz as it began, as it evolved, and as it stands today and allows viewers to discover the many layers that make it an incredible time capsule of history and human drama.

VIDEO: WE HOLD THE ROCK

The occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971 by “Indians of All Tribes” changed the course of U.S. and American Indian history, and brought world-wide attention to the plight of American Indians. The award winning video/exhibit, “WE HOLD THE ROCK,” produced by the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, is shown continually in the China Alley exhibit behind the main theater area near the dock.

ALCATRAZ AND THE AMERICAN PRISON EXPERIENCE

“Alcatraz and the American Prison Experience,” a major interpretive exhibit, explains the place of Alcatraz in the evolution of prisons in America from Colonial days to the present. Produced in partnership with the federal Bureau of Prisons, the exhibit also looks at family life on Alcatraz and trends in American penology. The exhibit is housed in two historic fortress storerooms in the China Alley display area near the dock.

Alcatraz Island and the Alcatraz Tour

Alcatraz Tour Fascinates Visitors to Alcatraz Island

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

It's a former federal prison on a rocky island in the middle of the bay, steeped in legend and a popular tourist stop.

Spanish Explorer Manuel de Ayala named this barren rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay Isla de los Alcatraces (Island of the Pelicans). The island called Alcatraz has been used as a Civil War fort, a Federal prison and a symbol of Native American plight. Today, the National Park Service runs Alcatraz Island as a tourist attraction.

Things to Do on Alcatraz

You can get a look at what you'll see on the Alcatraz tour by visiting the Alcatraz slideshow.

The National Park Service schedules activities to help you learn about Alcatraz Island, including lectures and special tours. The schedule board at the ferry landing gives the times. The only guided tour is the audio tour, but you can also pick up a self-guided tour book near the boat dock.

Barracks from Alcatraz Island's stint as a military base, the cell house, lighthouse, and a few others remain. Many of the Alcatraz Island prison buildings are gone. Some burned during the American Indian Alcatraz occupation in the 1960s. The guard's residences, deteriorated beyond repair, were torn down in the 1970s. 

If the hospital area is open during your visit, don't miss it. It's a fascinating look at medical care during the prison's heyday.

To see two San Francisco Bay islands in one day, take the Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour which will also take you to Angel Island .

Alcatraz Island Tickets

The only way to tour Alcatraz is with the company called Alcatraz Cruises, leaving from San Francisco. Other bay cruise companies can take you by, but can't stop.  Find all the details and buy tickets at the Alcatraz Cruises website . Anyone else selling an Alcatraz Island tour is re-selling tickets and may charge a processing fee.

Alcatraz tour tickets sell out fast. The official brochures say tickets sell out as early as a week in advance in the summer and on holiday weekends. When checked on a July Friday, they were sold out until the following Tuesday. 

Tickets not used by hotels are released to the Alcatraz ticket booth just before it opens. Be first in line you may get a same-day tour ticket. Your hotel's concierge or front desk may have tickets. Or consider taking the Alcatraz and Angel Island tour, which doesn't fill up as fast.

The boat ride to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes each way from San Francisco. Your tour can last as long as you like (or until the last boat leaves).

The Day Tour is the most popular. It includes round-trip transportation to the island and the audio tour.

The Night Tour includes extra activities — and is slightly more expensive. Taking it allows more time to visit other sights that close earlier, maximizing your sightseeing time. The only downside is that a few areas that are open during the day close after dark.

Get Ready to Visit Alcatraz

Most visitors spend at least a few hours on Alcatraz. Snacks and water are essential to keep everyone from getting "hangry" or thirsty.

If you don't know much about Alcatraz, stop to see the 17-minute introductory video before you go up the hill. You can also read up on these interesting facts about Alcatraz before you go and  explore the fascinating history of the Alcatraz lighthouse .

Watch the Clint Eastwood movie "Escape from Alcatraz" for a glimpse of how the prison operated during its busiest period.

Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Pick up an audio tour and use it. You'll get a lot more out of what you're seeing. Pay attention to the audio directions. Otherwise, you could end up gabbing away with your friends and not able to figure out where you should be going. If that happens, ask a ranger or tour guide for help.

If you miss your boat, don't despair. The ticket office can direct you to the standby line for the next one.

To see Alcatraz, you'll walk — a lot. It's easy enough if you're in reasonably good shape. They offer a tram to get you up the hill, but you still have to walk after you get there. 

The boats are quiet, clean and smooth riding. The trip is short. But if you need a Dramamine just to sit on the dock and watch a boat bobbing up and down, take your favorite remedy. 

Those white spots all over the island aren't paint. Rangers say several people a day acquire a "white badge of honor" as a gift from a seagull. DON'T look up if you hear birds. Also, watch where you put your hands to avoid touching those same white splotches of yucky stuff.

The gift shop has some very stylish and clever souvenir items. They also sell the book "Hollywood Alcatraz" which details all the films made at Alcatraz and where their scenes were filmed.

Alcatraz Tour Review

In a poll, more than 2,000 Tripsavvy readers rated Alcatraz, 48% rated it awesome and 10% great. However, 26% gave it the lowest rating.

Alcatraz is likely to bore children under the age of five and is more fun for kids who are old enough to understand what it is.

On the plus side, the views of San Francisco and the bay are eye-popping. History buffs enjoy Alcatraz. So does anyone who's seen the movies about it and feel like it's a must-see. The audio tour is one of the best anywhere, using voices of actual guards and prisoners to tell the prison's story.

On the downside, it takes almost half a day to go there and back. If your trip to San Francisco is short, that may be more time than you want to spend on one activity. And it smells like bird poop during spring seagull nesting season.

Getting to Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island San Francisco, CA National Park Website

Alcatraz Cruises leave from Pier 33. If you've been to San Francisco before, be aware that the ticket booth and departure dock moved several years ago.

To drive, follow signs for Pier 39. Pier 33 is a few blocks east. You can find more than a dozen commercial parking lots within a five-block radius. Street parking isn't practical because the meters have a two-hour limit and you'll be gone longer than that.

If you're staying in San Francisco, take a taxi, use a ride-sharing service or public transit. Muni's F Line runs past Pier 33 and the Powell-Mason cable car stops nearby. Find more ways to get around San Francisco .

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Alcatraz Tours

Escaping to Alcatraz ? Enjoy the trip. And make sure to check out the Parks Conservancy's award-winning "Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour." The audio tour is included with the purchase of an Alcatraz tour ticket. Get your Alcatraz tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises here  or call (415) 981-ROCK (7625). 

Also try our unique Alcatraz Night Tours  and Behind the Scenes Tours . You’ll get access to hidden areas of the island on small tours led by NPS rangers and historical experts from the Parks Conservancy. No two tours are ever the same, perfect for a birthday or other special occasion. Get tickets today from Alcatraz City Cruises  and find more info about how you can Escape to Alcatraz !

To purchase Alcatraz tour tickets and for tour schedule information, call (415) 981-7625 or visit Alcatraz Cruises .

Be sure to buy tickets several days in advance (up to several weeks in summer), as tours sell out quickly. Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, bring your camera, and get ready to have an exciting and memorable visit to The Rock!

Guided tours are offered each day by park rangers and other staff. You’ll learn about:

• The island’s natural history
• San Francisco Bay
• Civilian life of correctional officers
• Escape attempts
• Restored historical gardens

Alcatraz Tour Features

Fresh-air ferry ride Speed across the bay through the wind and salt spray as the ferry takes you from Pier 33 to one of the most infamous island prisons of all time. The make-believe home of Clint Eastwood in Escape from Alcatraz, the prison housed many a bad guy in its heyday.

Walk-in prison experience Step behind bars into the depths of a maximum-security cell house. See where prisoners ate, slept, exercised, or did time in the isolation of the “Treatment Unit,” or worse still, in the complete darkness of the “Hole.” Learn how some of the convicts made their escapes.

Sound and light Take advantage of the audiovisual aids to learn some history: the cell house audio tour features voices and stories of actual inmates and guards, and a video exhibit explains the birth of the Native American Red Power movement at Alcatraz.

Special Alcatraz Tours

Alcatraz Historic Gardens Tours Join a garden docent for a walk through the restored historic gardens and learn about the softer side of the Rock. Tours leave the Alcatraz dock every Friday and Sunday at 9:30 am. On Wednesdays from 11 am–2 pm, have your questions answered by a gardener at the Officer’s Row overlook and enjoy a personal tour of these gardens.

Alcatraz Night Tour You can also experience the island at night on the Alcatraz Night Tour , a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors each evening. Called the “best tour of the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle, it includes special programs, tours, and activities offered only to the island’s night visitors.

The Alcatraz Night Tour operates year-round, Thursday-Monday evenings. The evening includes roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. To purchase tickets visit Alcatraz Cruises or call (415) 981-7625.

Proceeds from the Alcatraz Night Tour support preservation and restoration projects on Alcatraz and throughout the Golden Gate National Parks. For general (non-ticket) Night Tour information, please call (415) 561-4926.

Become an Alcatraz Night Tour volunteer —Volunteers with the Alcatraz Night Tour work in one of America’s most famous sites. Activities include welcoming and orienting arriving visitors, showing them some lesser known areas of the island as well as performing resource protection duties. If you would like to join our team as a VIP, please call the NPS volunteer hotline at (415) 561-4755, the Night Tour directly at (415) 561-4927.

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Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour

Combine the official Alcatraz tour and a fully guided city tour for a day of San Francisco highlights

This full-day tour breaks you into Alcatraz Island prison and features guided entertainment and stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.

• See San Francisco’s top attractions like the Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Castro
• Make stops to photograph and experience the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.
• Ferry to Alcatraz Island for the famous prison tour
• Hear guided tour narration in your own language
• Begin with a pickup from two major San Francisco hotels

What’s Included

• Pick up at two San Francisco locations
• Local expert guide commentary in English
• Foreign language audios for the city tour available (specify at checkout)
• Alcatraz Island admission

What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

Description

Ride in comfort before you float the bay as you tour the city’s top attractions, on this San Francisco City tour plus Alcatraz . Our city insider guide goes way beyond a “hop-on, hop-off” experience to deliver a fully-narrated San Francisco sightseeing adventure. Your comprehensive 4-hour morning City Tour ends in style with a ferry ride to and tour of the (in)famous Alcatraz Island in the afternoon.

Morning: Bus City Tour

Stop #1 – palace of fine arts.

After a morning pickup at one of two convenient San Francisco locations, your city tour will begin on San Francisco’s waterfront in the popular Fisherman’s Wharf before rolling through the Marina District on your way to your first stop. At the lovely and hinstagrammable  Palace of Fine Arts , you will have the chance to stop and photograph the historic building, grounds, and stunningly beautiful lagoon.

Stop #2 – Golden Gate Bridge

Continue to the most iconic stop at the Golden Gate Bridge . Spend 10-15 minutes at a perfect vista point taking photos and creating memories.

Stop #3 – Land’s End Overlook

The next stop on your San Francisco City Highlights tour will be the historic Land’s End where you can stretch your legs while overlooking Sutro Baths and the Pacific Ocean coastline. Later, you will be blown away by the beauty of Golden Gate Park as you ride past Dutch windmills, Queen Wilhelmina’s tulip garden, the bison paddock, and old redwood and eucalyptus groves. Next, we’ll take you through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, where you can see some of San Francisco’s famous Victorian homes, known for their iconic architecture.

Stop #4 – Twin Peaks

Fog-permitting, the next stop on this tour gives you a birds-eye-view of the whole Bay Area from atop Twin Peaks. Here, you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, the whole Bay and more from the viewpoint sitting 1,000 feet above sea level. To say it’s breathtaking would be an understatement!

Afternoon: Sail to Alcatraz Island for the Famous Prison Tour

Grab some lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf , then make your way to Pier 33 to board your ferry for the Alcatraz Island Prison Tour. The 15-minute sail has incredible views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Francisco Bay and Angel Island   — have your camera ready!

On arrival to Alcatraz Island, pick up the Cellhouse Audio Tour included with the purchase of this San Francisco and Alcatraz tour package. Hear the voices of prisoners and guards describing their experiences at Alcatraz in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Dutch or Mandarin.

After touring on Alcatraz Island to your heart’s content, take one of the returning ferries back to Pier 33. If you’ve worked up an appetite or thirst, there are plenty of Fisherman’s Wharf options before making your own way back to your hotel.

Things to Know About this Tour:

You must bring a government-issued photo ID to board the Alcatraz Ferry

Children under the age of 8 must have an appropriate child seat for the city tour

08:30 AM to 10:00 AM - Pick up, Palace of Fine Arts

• Pickup at one of two convenient San Francisco locations in either Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf
• Drive through the Marina district while enjoying the views of Alcatraz Island
• Stop and explore the picturesque Palace of Fine Arts (15 minutes)

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Golden Gate Bridge and Land’s End

• Stop at a spectacular vista for photos of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
• Stop at Land’s End for the Pacific Ocean coastline views
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sutro Baths and the Cliff House

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Golden Gate Park and Twin Peaks

• Drive through Golden Gate Park with its many gardens and museums
• Drive through San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury with it’s Victorian architecture
• Stop at Twin Peaks overlook and enjoy the 360 degree views of the whole Bay

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Mission District, Fisherman's Wharf

• Drive by Misión San Francisco de Asís in the vibrant Mission District
• Ride through the Civic Center
• Return to your pickup point

2:00 PM to 4:30 PM Enjoy the Infamous Alcatraz Prison Tour

• Board your ferry for the Alcatraz Island tour at Pier 33
• Enjoy the “The Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour” (foreign languages available)
• Free time to explore Alcatraz Island; take a return ferry to Pier 33

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

Authentic guide.

Our guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable, and thorough. She also adapted well to detours and other unplanned obstacles.

Read Full Review

Nathan M, TrustPilot

All in all, we felt the price justified the experience and recommend Extranomical to future visitors to San Francisco. Our guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable, and thorough. She also adapted well to detours and other unplanned obstacles. She even handled well an interruption by a participant who took a mobile phone call. Moreover, she was authentic and really cared that her guests would have a quality experience.

Everything we expected!

Our guide Don was excellent. Loved his laid back California vibe. We had a pretty thorough tour of the city, with great commentary. The coach was comfortable & sheltered us from the chill.

Leenora B Broussard, GetYourGuide

Our guide Don was excellent. Loved his laid back California vibe. We had a pretty thorough tour of the city, with great commentary. The coach was comfortable & sheltered us from the chill. By the afternoon, Alcatraz was everything we expected & the boat ride was gorgeous.

Amazing tour!

SF tour and stops at key areas . Alcatraz good and able to stay as long as you want so no pressure!

Jane Corser, GetYourGuide

Awesome tour!

Joseph was our tour guide and Archie was our driver and they made a great team with their combined knowledge from growing up in the area.

Lindsey Feld, GetYourGuide

We did this tour on the first full day we were in San Francisco and we felt it was a great introduction to the city! Joseph was our tour guide and Archie was our driver and they made a great team with their combined knowledge from growing up in the area. Alcatraz was awesome and we were lucky enough to experience it during fleet week with the Blue Angels flying above us. Highly recommended activity!

Excellent experience

Both the city bus tour and Alcatraz Island experiences were excellent, with a very experienced and well understood morning tour guide.

Ralph L Lewis, GetYourGuide

Both the city bus tour and Alcatraz Island experiences were excellent, with a very experienced and well understood morning tour guide. Unfortunately, coordination between Extranomical and the Guided City Tour people was not as seamless as it should have been. When we arrived in the morning, the on site coordinator didn't have us listed for the afternoon tour and I had to make a last minute phone call to Extranomical to be apprised of the afternoon check-in details.

Very Exceptional!

Tour guide Kimmy collected us on time from our Hotel and proceeded to give us a wonderful insight and tour of San Francisco in her mini bus - 12 people in total and very covid safe

Suzanne Fitzgerald, TrustPilot

Tour guide Kimmy collected us on time from our Hotel and proceeded to give us a wonderful insight and tour of San Francisco in her mini bus - 12 people in total and very covid safe (masks mandatory) - we covered so much area and learnt so much about each area... history, movie sets and famous people, restaurants to visit, etc - I now feel very wise about SF! We had two stops along the way and even did a trip along the Golden Gate Bridge. Amazing photo's from this vantage point (a whale even made an appearance in the bay on queue). Kimmy's knowledge (being a local) is exceptional! We were then dropped off at the Pier to head off on the Alcatraz tour with plenty of time to buy lunch. Was a really interesting and informative day. (For lunch, if you are not into the hamburgers and fried fish available along the wharf area - cross the road from the pier to a really lovely cafe - beautiful indoors/outdoors, food and bathrooms). The visit to Alcatraz is a must - very sobering indeed and definitely a 'must do' when in San Francisco. It is a really good idea to research the 'Escape from Alcatraz' story before you go as this will really give you a better understanding of the prison and day-to-day life. When you arrive on Alcatraz - go to the top where the prison is actually located and where you are able to pick up (free) an audio machine to take you on a personal tour. Excellent tour - highly recommend to all visitors to SF - run by a very professional company.

Very enjoyable

Went on the full day tour of San Francisco and Alcatraz. It was very enjoyable. Bus driver Jack was super friendly and Michelle our tour guide was very knowledgeable about San Francisco.

Ingrid Bennett, TrustPilot

Went on the full day tour of San Francisco and Alcatraz. It was very enjoyable. Bus driver Jack was super friendly and Michelle our tour guide was very knowledgeable about San Francisco. Took us to a lot of sights and different areas of the city.

A must tour!

The Alcatraz/City tour was good. Our guide showed us all the major sites & explained them well. Alcatraz is a must & the tour made it as easy as possible.

Kerry Dubbert , TrustPilot

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, 2000+ 5-star reviews, what will we see during the city tour.

Easily the most comprehensive city tour of San Francisco, including visits to: Marina District, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, Land’s End, Castro District, Union Square, Twin Peaks and, of course — the Golden Gate Bridge!

Is the Alcatraz portion of the tour guided?

All tours of Alcatraz are operated by the National Park Service. While rangers are available for questions, the primary content of the tour is delivered through an audio guide available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish languages.

What should I wear?

San Francisco can be chilly in the morning so it’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Do I need to bring my ID?

You must present valid government-issued photo identification to pick up your tickets at Alcatraz Pier 33. A photocopy of a passport suffices as valid photo identification.

What should I bring?

Besides your valid government-issued ID, bring a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and a credit card or cash for purchasing souvenirs or snacks.

How much time will I have on Alcatraz island?

The amount of time you can stay on Alcatraz Island is up to you. Return ferries to San Francisco leave the island about every 20 minutes. Most guests find that 2 hours is sufficient time to do the complete prison tour. The ferry between Alcatraz Island and San Francisco takes about 15 minutes.

Is Alcatraz accessible for those with disabilities?

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is fully accessible. Many areas on Alcatraz Island are also accessible with the use of the S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram.

Why not purchase Alcatraz and a city tour separately?

First, the combo tour makes for an easy, seamless day in which we pick you up near your hotel and deliver you to Pier 33 to catch the ferry to Alcatraz. Also, our contract with the National Park Service allows us access to Alcatraz tickets only when they are part of a tour package.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. There are multiple food options available in Fisherman’s Wharf where you can purchase lunch or snacks. Please note that food is not permitted on Alcatraz Island.

Do I need to be at Pier 33 - Alcatraz Landing before my departure?

We will manage the day so that you are at Pier 33 one half-hour prior to your departure time to check in. You must present valid government-issued photo identification at the will call booth to collect your Alcatraz tickets.

Why is this tour non-refundable?

Tour operators like Extranomical must purchase the Alcatraz tickets in advance and they may not be transferred or refunded after purchase.

How do I collect my Alcatraz tickets?

When you arrive at Pier 33, there is a separate “Will Call” line for visitors to pick up prepaid tickets. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time to check in. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID or passport.

Are there dining options on Alcatraz Island?

There are no dining options on the Island. Guests may bring bottled water to drink. Please plan accordingly and enjoy your lunch after the City Tour and before your Alcatraz experience.

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The Best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco: A Locals Guide

Living in Oakland, California, and having toured Alcatraz three times, I can’t recommend it enough.

It’s a popular destination, yet far from a tourist trap. Everyone I’ve introduced to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco finds it an extraordinary and unforgettable experience.

Choosing the right Alcatraz tour can be daunting with so many options, and not all offer good value.

To help you avoid disappointment, this guide provides essential tips for selecting the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You’ll learn how to secure last-minute tickets and which tours to skip for a memorable experience.

A local’s tips for booking the best tour of Alcatraz:

• To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the official website and will be the cheapest price.
• For the ultimate tour of the main sites in the city, the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz is the best Alcatraz tour in San Francisco . Also, it boasts many 5-star ⭐ reviews, so you can’t go wrong!
• It’s essential to secure your tickets well in advance! Tip tickets are released 90 days in advance.

Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco 2024

I’ve curated a list of the top Alcatraz Island tours and combo tours, offering you the best experiences to book.

Keep in mind, Alcatraz tickets sell out fast, so early booking is key! If you’re looking for last-minute tickets, don’t worry – I’ve got some handy tips to help you secure them.

Plus, at the end of this post, I’ve included a comprehensive FAQ section about Alcatraz, covering topics like tours to avoid, whether you can visit Alcatraz without a tour, ticket costs, recommended attire, and much more.

Alcatraz City Cruises

To book a solo Alcatraz Island tour without additional Bay Area attractions, opt for Alcatraz City Cruises. This is the most affordable and direct way to get your tickets for Alcatraz Island and Prison.

Alcatraz City Cruises provides three tour options: Alcatraz Day Tour, Alcatraz Night Tour, and Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour. Each includes ferry transportation, an audio-guided tour of the island and cell house, access to historic outdoor spaces, and views of San Francisco.

1. Alcatraz Day Tour

Discover Alcatraz Island’s rich history with an Alcatraz Day Tour. I have done this tour before, and I recommend it for a comprehensive and enjoyable visit. However, day tours tend to be busier than night tours. So I suggest you plan to arrive early for the ferry and expect a wait for the Cellhouse Audio Tour to minimize crowding.

The Day Tour is popular for being the most affordable and frequently available option. Tip, you can book the Early Bird Tour, departing at 8:45 or 9:10 am, to experience the island before it becomes crowded.

2. Alcatraz Night Tour

The Alcatraz Night Tour is one of the more popular options of tours offered at Alcatraz, and will typically sell out quicker than the day tours because they are limited to only a number of people per night and offer many perks that the day tour does not.

It offers exclusive perks, including special programs and activities not available during the day. Additionally, it provides a stunning upfront view of the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.

3. Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

The Behind the Scenes Tour is a small group tour with your own personal guide. They will take you behind the scenes to explore off-the-beaten-path areas of Alcatraz that are closed to the general public. You also have the option to stay for longer on the island and join the night tour.

The Behind the Scenes Tour involves a lot of walking up steep hills, climbing stairs, and standing for long periods of time. They also do not allow children under the age of 12 to participate in the Behind the Scenes Tour due to the physical and strenuous demands.

Best Combo Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

When you are visiting San Francisco, there is so much to do and see in such little time. A combo tour is a perfect way to see Alcatraz and experience other amazing Bay Area locations and attractions in San Francisco.

Also, a combo tour is a great option if the official tickets to Alcatraz Island are sold out.

Below is a list of the best combo Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco that I believe are worth the cost and from a reliable tour company.

Best Overall Tour 4. One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

As a Bay Area local who has visited Alcatraz multiple times, I find the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz to be the best combo tour. It’s a comprehensive, well-rounded experience, covering numerous incredible Bay Area locations in a single day.

Your One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz includes a guided city tour, visiting landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more. You’ll stop in Sausalito for lunch with bay views, then visit the enchanting Muir Woods, famous for its towering redwoods. The tour concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island for a historic exploration of the prison.

• It is the perfect tour if you are on limited time
• You get to see Alcatraz, Sausalito, Muir Woods, and other famous San Francisco neighborhoods.
• Informative tour guide
• Many raving and 5-star reviews
• You do not get a lot of time at each location since you are squeezing in so much in one day.
• Muir Woods entrance fee is not included
• One of the more expensive tours on this list

✅ Book the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz here

5. Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour

The Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour offers a similar experience to the One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz, featuring three top Bay Area attractions.

The key differences are a shorter duration, lower price, and exclusion of the San Francisco neighborhood tour. This tour suits those looking for a full day’s exploration with a smaller group (maximum of 11 people) and without the guided tour of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

The tour begins in San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, and first stops at Muir Woods for over an hour of hiking among the redwoods. Next, you’ll visit Sausalito for lunch and exploration, including options like my favorite spot Lappert’s Ice Cream.

The day concludes with a ferry trip to Alcatraz Island, including an audio-guided tour detailing the history of infamous inmates like Al Capone and James “Whitey” Bulger.

• A packed day of touring three must-see Bay Area locations
• Extra time to spend at each location compared to other Muir Woods, Alcatraz, and Sausalito tour
• You do not get a tour of San Francisco neighborhoods.

✅ Book your Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour here

Best Sightseeing Tour of San Francisco 6. Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion

The Bucket List Excursion is ideal for adding a shorter activity to your Alcatraz visit. This approximately 5-hour tour combines a trip to Alcatraz Island with a guided exploration of San Francisco’s most popular neighborhoods.

Starting at Alcatraz Landing, you’ll take a ferry to the island for a self-guided audio tour that vividly recounts its history as a federal prison. The tour includes the prison cells and stories of notorious inmates and escape attempts.

After Alcatraz, you’ll join your guide for a city tour, visiting key San Francisco sites like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Pacific Heights, with lots of opportunities for photos.

• Great opportunity to visit Alcatraz and do a city tour of San Francisco
• Shorter tour than some of the others on this list
• Many 5-star reviews
• Knowledgeable tour guides
• More of a sightseeing tour, you do not get to stop at each of these San Francisco locations.

✅ Book the Official Alcatraz Tour + 2 Hour City Bucket List Excursion here

Most Unique Tour 7. San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz

For a tour that is different and unique, I love this San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz . It is especially great if you’ve already explored San Francisco and want a differnt experience.

This 90 minute food tour starts at the historic Ferry Building, a bustling marketplace full of restaurants, specialty food stores, coffee shops, artisan meat and cheeses, specialty wine, and more.

Sample offerings from popular vendors and visit the renowned farmer’s market at the Ferry Building, known as one of the world’s best.

After your food tour, head to Alcatraz Landing, a short Uber ride or 20-minute walk from the Ferry Building, to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island, a must-see San Francisco attraction.

On “The Rock,” you’ll use an audio guide to explore the former maximum security prison, learning its history and enjoying panoramic views of the Bay and San Francisco.

• Unique combo tour
• 4 hour tour, less time than other tours so it won’t take up an entire day
• Transportation from the Ferry Building to Alcatraz Landing is not provided
• On the expensive side compared to other tours

✅ Book the San Francisco Combo: Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz here

8. Alcatraz & Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour

Book an adventurous two-day combo tour and get the opportunity to check off some San Francisco bucket list attractions. The Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour takes place over two days, which is nice if you don’t want to cram everything into one day.

Day one features a guided bike tour through iconic spots like the Palace of Fine Arts and Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. There, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Bay and San Francisco. You can choose to bike back, return the bike in Sausalito, or ferry back with the bike.

Day two is dedicated to Alcatraz, including ferry transport and a 2.5-hour audio-guided island tour.

• Tour spread out into two days
• Get to see many must-visit locations by guided tour
• They also offer electric bikes to help with the hills
• You may not have enough time to dedicate two days to a tour
• Not the best tour for young children

✅ Book your Alcatraz and Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour here

9. San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket

One of our favorite things to do is cruise the San Francisco bay by boat! You get a unique and incredible view of many iconic San Francisco sights. The San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Tour is the perfect combo tour, especially if you love to be on the water.

Your tour will begin at Alcatraz Landing, where you will catch a ferry to The Rock and explore the island that famously was a maximum security prison. The audio guide will transport you back in time as you learn about the history and the interesting stories of those who lived at Alcatraz.

After your tour, your will return to Alcatraz landing and begin the catamaran cruise. The catamaran provides an exciting and fun way to see San Francisco and the surrounding sights. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions and other marine life during your cruise. Even on a sunny day, bring a jacket with you. The Bay can get very chilly and windy.

• Unique tour and way to see the city
• Get the opportunity to sail on the Bay with an experienced captain and crew
• There are two separate cruises, the catamaran does not drop you off at Alcatraz
• The exact time of the Alcatraz ferry departure may vary and you won’t be notified until 10 days before the tour.
• Weather dependant

✅ Book the San Francisco Bay: Sail & Jail Boat Cruise & Alcatraz Ticket here

10. San Francisco: Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise

The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise is one of the best Alcatraz tours in San Francisco. You can book a thrilling and adventurous tour and explore the waters by a high-powered Rigid Inflatable Boat. The inflatable boat provides a more exciting journey and the chance to get up close to wildlife and many iconic sights.

The tour starts with a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a self-guided audio tour, exploring prison cells and historic outdoor spaces. After Alcatraz, return to land and head to Pier 39 to join the Voyager Adventure Cruise. Your captain-guide will share insights about the area during this unforgettable sightseeing tour of San Francisco’s main attractions.

• You can get an up-close view of sights and marine life
• An adventurous and exciting way to see the Bay.
• Weather-appropriate gear is provided
• Numerous 5 star reviews
• Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or children under 5 years of age.
• There are two separate cruises, the voyager does not drop you off at Alcatraz

✅ Book The Alcatraz & Bay Voyager Adventure Cruise here

Why You Should Book a Combo Tour to Alcatraz

There are some benefits of booking a combo tour with a tour company. You get to see Alcatraz along with other top San Francisco locations. Planning a combo tour is perfect if you are visiting San Francisco for a short period of time and would like to do and see as much as possible.

Another perk of booking a combo tour is securing a ticket to Alcatraz. The tickets to Alcatraz sell out very quickly, and you typically need to book them months in advance. However, a tip for getting last-minute tickets to Alcatraz is by booking your tickets through an official Alcatraz partner.

Tips for Booking Alcatraz tickets for Sold-Out Days

If you are looking to see Alcatraz on a sold-out day there are some tips for scoring a couple of tickets. However, do not buy your tickets from a scalper.

It is illegal to resell Alcatraz tickets, but also at the departure gate, they may check to see if the name on the ticket matches yours. So to avoid all of this, I do not recommend buying your tickets from a scalper.

• Check for canceled tickets: You can do this by checking Alcatraz City Cruises
• Book a combo tour: Book one of the tours that I have listed above with a tour company
• Night tour standby tickets: Purchase a standby ticket at the box office during the day. It’s first come first serve. After they board the passengers for that night’s sailing, they allow the standbys on if there is room. You will be refunded if you do not go to Alcatraz.

What Tours I Wouldn’t Suggest

Choosing the right Alcatraz combo tour can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with San Francisco or the specific tour, you could be getting ripped off. Some tours significantly mark up prices, and in my experience, they may not offer value for the money.

An adult ticket to Alcatraz costs $45.00, and all tours include the same audio-guided experience. When considering tours with added extras like walking tours or restaurant discounts, ensure the additional cost is justified and provides good value.

How Much is an Alcatraz Tour

The cost of an Alcatraz Tour varies upon which tour you decide to do. Here is a breakdown of how much it is to book a tour to Alcatraz. This does not include any combo tours, only the cost of the Alcatraz Tour itself.

Adult & Junior: $ 45.25 Child: $27.55 Junior: $45.25 Senior : $42.65 Family Pack: $131.85 (2 adults 2 children)

Night Tour:

Adult: $56.30 Junior: $55.10 Child: $33.00 Senior: $52.25

Behind the Scenes:

Adult: $101.30 Junior: $97.10 Senior: $94.25

Can I Visit Alcatraz Without a Tour

No, you cannot visit Alcatraz without a tour. Alcatraz Island is open to the public, but Alcatraz Cruises is the only commercial boat service authorized by the National Park Service to carry passengers back and forth to Alcatraz Island.

To visit the famous Alcatraz Island and prison, you must book a tour in advance either with Alcatraz City Cruises or an approved tour company.

What to Wear Visiting Alcatraz

Even if the forecast calls for sunshine and clear skies, I always bring layers and warm clothes when visiting Alcatraz Island. The ferry ride and standing outside on the island can be very chilly and windy.

Also, the tour does require walking up some hills and walking up stairs. I suggest wearing a pair of comfortable and sturdy shoes for your visit to Alcatraz as well.

In Conclusion: Best Alcatraz Tours San Francisco

I hope that my list of best Alcatraz Tours in San Francisco will help you decide on which epic tour to book to see the famous Alcatraz Island.

Related Posts:

• Ultimate Day Trip Itinerary to Sausalito
• Is Muir Woods Worth Visiting: Why You Should or Should Not Visit
• 18 Awesome Things to Do in Pescadero, CA
• Day Trip to Napa Valley, CA
• Best Way to Get to Muir Woods From San Francisco
• Top 12 Monte Rio CA Restaurants & Where to Eat Nearby Or you can check out my California Travel page for all of my California content including Death Valley National Park , Paso Robles , Palm Springs , & more!

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

Alcatraz Tours: Day, Night, and Behind the Scenes – Which is the Best Way to Visit The Rock?

Alcatraz Island is known worldwide for its infamous federal prison that formerly housed some of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century. It’s lesser known for the national park unit that now protects, preserves, and shares these stories, and so many others.

That’s right: Alcatraz Island is a national park unit. It became a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, opened to tours in 1973, and it is one of the most unique national parks you can visit.

Haunted by the ghosts of its dark past, Alcatraz Island lures millions of people to its rocky shore every year hoping to get a glimpse of what life was like for notable criminals like Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson and more inside their cramped and secluded cells.

There are three main Alcatraz tours offered to explore Alcatraz Island: the Day Tour, the Night Tour, and the Behind the Scenes Tour. Each tour offers different experiences, along with some similarities, and raises one main question: which is the best?

We’re going to break down all three and give you all the inside information so you can decide which is right for you and/or your group for your trip to the Rock.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, view my privacy policy .

Table of Contents

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Overview

California is teeming with national parks , and a cluster of them are located in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Established in 1972 to bring parks to the people of urban settings, Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects numerous diverse ecosystems in and around the city of San Francisco.

It is the third most visited park unit in the country, regularly seeing more than 12,000,000 visitors annually, and for good reason! Sprawling more than 80,000 acres of land, featuring beautiful beaches and captivating coastlines, gorgeous groves of Coastal Redwoods, magnificent military history in old fort structures, and so much beyond, this park is an urban oasis that has something for everyone who recreates here.

There are several individual sites inside of this park, including Alcatraz Island, the Presidio, and more.

The Bay Area features other national park sites outside of Golden Gate as well, like San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Muir Woods National Monument , John Muir National Historic Site, Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, and Point Reyes National Seashore .

Overflowing with opportunities for exploration, education, and adventure, the most highly trafficked of these park sites is Alcatraz Island.   

When to Visit Alcatraz Island

Most people would expect summer to be the ideal time to visit any national park, Alcatraz Island included, but it’s vital to know the weather in San Francisco often does what few would expect.

Here’s a sample of what you might expect during the seasons in San Francisco.

While the temperatures never normally go below freezing, winter in San Francisco often see’s a lot of precipitation and gloomy overcast skies. More than 75% of the Bay Area’s annual rainfall occurs in winter.

Despite the higher rain chances, San Francisco has a very stable climate, and winter can actually be a pleasant time to visit.

The main perk is that the city and its attractions will be much quieter as winter is not peak travel season, and it may be the easiest time to score tickets for Alcatraz.

The early stages of spring have a chance to see some rainy days, but winter eases its grip on the region as spring blooms and bursts into life.

The historic gardens in particular really shine in the springtime, and you’ll be able to beat the onset of the massive summer crowds that are sure to follow.

Summer in San Francisco usually brings the cooler times of the year. While pleasant temperatures/days can and do appear, there is often an overcast of fog and blustery winds.

Locals tend to refer to the summer months as “no sky July” and “Fogust.” It’s common to see a chilly, breezy, overcast morning, with a clearing in the early afternoon, and fog returning by early evening.

Aside from the temperatures, summer on Alcatraz Island is also the fly season. Thousands of pesky flies inhabit the island, attracted to the Brandt’s Cormorants colonies.

These flies are completely harmless, though they tend to be extremely annoying, and many visitors find this to be an unpleasant surprise, but the bottom line is the flies are unavoidable.

If you’re looking for great views from the island, a lack of bugs, and less crowded times, summer may not be the peak time of the year to visit Alcatraz Island.

This is also when tickets tend to be booked up months in advance, so if you are planning to visit in the summer, book as early as you possibly can.

It may seem odd, but Autumn is what most consider to be San Francisco’s true summer season. This is due to an abundance of warmer days and sunnier skies.

Autumn is also the end of the fly season, meaning a much more enjoyable experience in the city, and on Alcatraz Island.

Autumn just may be the best season to visit Alcatraz Island for the warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and dispersing of the summer crowds.

No matter when you visit, you’ll want to keep a jacket with you. You never know when the chill of the Pacific Ocean air will creep in.  

A Brief Timeline of Alcatraz Island History

A majority of the people who come to Alcatraz from around the world tend to have only one thing on their agenda when visiting “The Rock,” and that’s to tour the Alcatraz Cell House.

Yet, when these visitors arrive on the island every day, most are stunned to see Alcatraz has far more layers of history than just an old cell house. 

In the year 1775, ​​Spanish naval officer and explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala became the first man to document the rocky island in San Francisco Bay.

He dubbed a neighboring island, “La Isla de Los Alcatraces” after observing the immense seabird population dominating the craggy isle, but the name was later applied to what we now know as Alcatraz Island, which also is home to large colonies of seabirds.

Decades later, in 1846, the United States purchased Alcatraz Island for $5,000. 

A Civil War Fort

Little known fact: Alcatraz Island did not begin as a prison, but rather as a stronghold created during the American Civil War as a defensive strategy.

You read that correctly: Alcatraz Island began as a Civil War fort, designed to protect the Bay as the Gold Rush ran its course.

The original fortification was designed with bunkers, tunnels, 111 canons, a fort on the summit, and several cells throughout the island to discipline disorderly army recruits, but the original intent was never to become a prison.

As the Civil War ended, and advancing war technology outran the fort’s capabilities, the future of the island seemed uncertain, until the commanding officers realized Alcatraz had great potential as an actual prison.

The island’s citadel was torn down by its then-current military prisoners, who then built the iconic Alcatraz Cell House atop its remaining dry moat and basement.

This was when the brutal military prison era of Alcatraz began, and the legends and lore of the mysterious and horrifying prison on Alcatraz Island were born.

This military prison operated until the Federal Bureau of Prisons took over in 1933. 

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

Beginning the era the island is most known for, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary opened in 1934. The reign of the federal prison saw some of the most dangerous criminals locked up behind its walls.

Seeking the stories of those men and the conditions in which they lived is what attracts most visitors to the island today.

The federal prison years of Alcatraz Island lasted for a mere 29 years, before rising costs and other factors finally shut the prison down for good, and its remaining prisoners were sent to other institutions to continue their sentences. 

It was over six years after the federal prison closed when Alcatraz Island reclaimed the world’s attention, but as a sanctuary rather than a penitentiary.

Indigenous Occupation of Alcatraz

On November 20th, 1969, a group of Native American activists calling themselves the Indians of All Tribes claimed the island for all American Indians in a fight for Native American sovereignty.

Their protest and plight reached all corners of the world, drawing support for the Red Power Movement and fueling their fight for over 19 months.

When the occupation dwindled and came to an end on June 11th, 1971, the world wondered, What would come next for Alcatraz Island?

National Park Service

And what came next was the birth of a new national park attraction. Alcatraz Island was added to Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and opened to tours in 1973. 

Today, visitors come in search of answers to questions about this mysterious place, then discover this place truly is so much more than just a notorious old prison.

It takes advance planning to get to what’s been called “the most infamous island in the world.” Step one of your trip to The Rock is securing tickets to the island.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area Sticker

Tips for booking alcatraz tour tickets.

Book With the Correct Company

First, you want to make sure you’re buying tickets from a legitimate source. Alcatraz Island is federal land, and those allowed to dock on its shores are strictly supervised.

Simply put, no random person is allowed to drive a boat up to the island, and not every Bay cruise company has permission to come.

PRO TIP : There are several different vendors that will promise you “the Alcatraz experience,” but be wary; there is only one concessionaire company authorized to sell real Alcatraz tickets and to bring visitors to Alcatraz Island: Alcatraz City Cruises.

Whether you’re trying to book a Day Tour, Night Tour, or Behind the Scenes Tour, you need to purchase your tickets online from Alcatraz City Cruises . You can also call (415) 981-7625 to make your reservation.

If you purchase tickets from another source claiming to be “Alcatraz Island Tickets,” you are risking buying tickets that will not actually get you to Alcatraz Island, but possibly just a boat ride around it.

Some third-party sellers will actually buy and resell tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises, but for a hiked-up price. There’s usually no way to know if the risk you’re taking will actually pay off and get you on any of the Alcatraz tours.

We know it’s tempting to try to outsource because it’s common to see Alcatraz tickets “sold out” on the City Cruises website, but just be aware you may not make it to the island.

Check Current Conditions

Check the island schedule before you book. Generally, it is open daily from about 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

It’s also a good idea to check Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s current conditions and the weather .

Fees and Park Passes

For National Park Pass holders, your annual pass is not a ticket for Alcatraz Island. You will need to purchase tickets from the authorized concessionaire to bring you to Alcatraz.

Why is there no discount? There is actually no park entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. You are paying for the boat ride over and the audio tour. Your annual pass does not grant you a discount for these non-entry fee purchases.

Reserve Tickets as Early as Possible

Here’s the best and most important tip for securing Alcatraz tickets : BOOK EARLY!

Tours are often sold out weeks or months in advance. Especially during the busy summer season, tickets tend to be sold out several months ahead of time.

If you’re trying to book last minute, your best chances will always be on weekdays or in slower travel seasons like winter.

Are Alcatraz walk-up tickets available? Are there ever last-minute tickets?

The short answer is maybe. There are times when hopeful visitors are able to buy walk-up Alcatraz tickets from the ticket booth on Pier 33.

This is not a guarantee, though, and more often than not, people are turned away. If you’re planning to gamble on the chance of being a walkup, prepare to be disappointed. 

Lastly, if you check Alcatraz City Cruise’s website early enough, and plenty of tickets seem to be available on your preferred date, don’t hesitate! Buy them at that moment. There is a strong chance they will sell out.

Don’t risk missing out on your chance to tour Alcatraz Island. Buy them as early as you can.

Comparing the Different Alcatraz Tours

Each of the three Alcatraz tour experiences can be vastly different, with some similarities. Knowing the details of what each offer will help you choose which tour is right for what you want to get out of your visit to Alcatraz Island.

Every Alcatraz Tour Includes: 

• A round-trip ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz Island
• Access to the award-winning Alcatraz Cell House Audio Tour (available in 11 different languages)
• Optional, free park ranger/docent-led programs and/or walking tours
• Entry into other island exhibits, like the award-winning “The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States” Cell House exhibit
• Free access to use S.E.A.T, the accessibility tram that can take anyone with mobility needs or health conditions to the top of the island should they need it
• The option to participate in the Jr. Ranger Program and earn an Alcatraz Jr. Ranger badge

Alcatraz Day Tour

Alcatraz Day Tour Rates :

Adults : $42.50

Children (ages 5-11): $25.80

Juniors (ages 12-17) $42.15

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $39.80

Family Pack (2 adults and 2 children): $123.10

The most common and easily accessible of the Alcatraz tours is the Day Tour, and while this may seem unexciting compared to the Night Tour and the Behind the Scenes Tour, this particular adventure offers nothing short of incredible opportunities on Alcatraz Island. 

During the daylight hours, Alcatraz Island gives off an entirely different impression from what one may think. The true beauty of the island is in full sight during the daytime. This includes the chance to explore and truly appreciate the colorful flowers and diverse plants of the historic gardens.

You’ll also see the breathtaking views of the City of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay, plus the chance to observe nesting seabirds all across the island. 

Once you arrive at Alcatraz and step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by a park ranger who will give a mandatory orientation to the island and will tell you all of the things you can experience on your day there, like what exhibits are open, which programs are happening and when, etc.

Some days, programs may not be offered on the island due to low staffing or other reasons, so there is never a true guarantee for walking tours or programs on the Day Tour. If you see a park ranger, know they’re happy to answer any question you may have about the island and its history.

From there, you get to decide how you want to organize your time on the island. More sections of the island are open to the public throughout the day as opposed to the Night Tour and/or the Behind the Scenes Tour.

If you want to go straight up to the cell house for your audio tour, you can. If you want to take some time and explore different parts of the island, you can do that as well. 

Alcatraz Island has so much to offer during the day, and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours on the island. You can make your trip last as long as you want.

Return ferries will run throughout the day, and you’re free to choose any boat at whatever time you wish to return. 

Certain sections of the island are only open during the day, and these places are inaccessible to those who go on the Night or Behind the Scenes tours, like the North Road and upper level/exhibits inside the New Industries Building (the workshop where the prisoners of the island were sent to work labor jobs).

As of September 2022, the exhibits inside include one that educates about prison labor while the other commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Native American Occupation of Alcatraz (installed in 2019), though these exhibits are subject to change. 

The two best features of the Day Tour are that these tickets are the cheapest option to visit Alcatraz, and they provide you the most freedom to explore more of the island on your own and at your own pace.

Book official Alcatraz Day Tour tickets

Alcatraz Night Tour

Alcatraz Night Tour Rates : 

Adults : $52.70

Children (ages 5-11): $31.00

Juniors (ages 12-17) $51.55

Seniors (ages 62 and up): $49.00

When the sun starts to set, a creeping feeling of the mystique of Alcatraz Island and its dark past comes to life. The cell blocks barely illuminated by a darkening sky give visitors the true sense of the desolate feelings of Alcatraz prisoners who were trapped behind the bars.

The Alcatraz Night Tour offers its guests a firsthand look at the gloomy cell house at dusk and dark. 

When you make it onto Alcatraz Island for the Night Tour, the boat you’re on will be divided into large groups (usually up to 100 people), and you’ll exit the boat with whichever group you find yourself in.

Your group will be greeted by a guide (either a park ranger or expert tour guide), and they’ll guide you up the hill to the infamous cell house telling you stories along the way.

You cannot leave the group and go on your own; you must stay with your group until you get all the way to the top of the hill.

Once your group makes it to the main prison entrance, your guide will depart and leave you to take the Cell House Audio Tour. 

After the groups finish the audio tour, the real fun of the Night Tour begins. Unlike the Day Tour, when you may or may not have ranger/docent-led programs throughout the day to choose from, the Alcatraz Night Tour is chock full of different talks and walks you can attend.

Visitors have the option to check out various topics, like daring escape attempt stories, history talks, and everything in between.

Don’t forget to take some time and explore the West Road of the island to try to catch the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge!

You do have the option to traverse down the hill on your own when you’ve had your fill of adventures, but there are also guided treks down if you’re looking for more stories to hear along the way.

If you go on your own, keep in mind you’re in for a straight shot back to the dock area, as sections and paths on the island open during the Day Tour remain closed at night for safety reasons. 

When you look at the Day Tour compared to the Night Tour, the key difference is the freedom to explore more of the island vs. having more interpretation of the island and its stories from an expert guide. While programs like this can be available during the Day Tour, you are guaranteed them at night.

You’ll also have the chance to see Alcatraz Island settle down as the sunlight fades and the darkness takes hold of the infamous and spooky island.

Book official Alcatraz Night Tour tickets

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour

Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour Rates : 

Adults : $97.70

Juniors (ages 12-17) $93.55

  Seniors (ages 62 and up): $91.00

The hardest Alcatraz Island tour to obtain is, without a doubt, the Behind the Scenes Tour, and it’s for good reason, too.

These tickets may be the most expensive of any tour option, but you’ll also get the most bang for your buck.

The Behind the Scenes Tour allows you to not only experience the lesser seen parts of Alcatraz Island but to really dive in-depth into the stories of this place through the experience of an expert guide in a small, intimate group. 

Limited to a group size of 30 or less, your tour will start right as you step off the Alcatraz ferry and are greeted by your guide. Your guide will either be a park ranger or an expert tour guide.

From there, you’ll be brought to several exclusive areas of the island, like the last remaining communication tunnel, the lower level of the industries building, the prison chapel, a gun gallery overlooking the cell blocks, the A-Block of the prison, the citadel (often called the “dungeons”) and the prison hospital (some of these areas, like the hospital or the A-Block, may open during the Night Tour, but there is never a guarantee).

The exclusive access you get to these secluded areas as well as the unforgettable stories you’ll hear from your guide are just the beginning of this tour. 

After you’ve visited all these exclusive areas, you will have the option to leave on an earlier departure ferry or stay on the island for longer.

If you need to get back to San Francisco for other reservations or you’ve just had enough, that early departure ferry is a nice option.

Should you choose to stay, you’ll also get to experience all the features of the Night Tour.

This makes for a longer time (an additional two hours at least) spent on Alcatraz Island, but it is absolutely worth it to experience the most of what you can get out of your Alcatraz Island tour tickets. 

You’ll get to do the famous Cell House Audio Tour and get involved in other programs given throughout the Night Tour as well. 

All-in-all, the Behind the Scenes Tour can be a hefty time commitment and a pricey ticket endeavor, but it’s undoubtedly the best way to experience the private and closed-off sections of Alcatraz Island that very few people get to see.  

Book official Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour tickets

The Verdict: Which is the Best Alcatraz Tour?

Every tour of Alcatraz Island offers something exciting, and no matter which you choose, you’ve made a good choice.

It can be hard to say which Alcatraz Tour is truly the best, as they all offer something special and exciting for anyone who’s able to secure tickets, and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. 

If we had to pick one overall, we’d say the best tour you can take on Alcatraz Island is the Behind the Scenes Tour. This not only allows you to get a firsthand experience viewing areas that are not open to the general public, but you’ll also get to partake in the full Night Tour experience as well (audio tour included).

It gives you the most of Alcatraz and the most guidance on the island, and it’s an experience well worth the price of admission.

It is important to remember the Behind the Scenes Tour, because of its limited space, is often sold out months in advance. Walk-up tickets are never available for this private tour of the island.

If you’re hoping to snag a spot on an upcoming date, start trying to book as early as you can for your best chance to go. 

If you don’t manage to book a spot on the Behind the Scenes Tour, remember the Alcatraz Day Tours and Night Tours are also incredible ways to visit an incredible island.

The Day Tour offers you the most openness and freedom to explore the island, and the Night Tour will offer you the most stellar stories and guidance into The Rock’s past. 

Pin Our Guide to Alcatraz Island Tours

Alcatraz Island is a fascinating and haunting place in our national park system. The stories and legends about this place are sure to make any visit to the island unforgettable.

A little time spent planning your trip in advance can mean the difference between seeing the island from afar, or actually stepping ashore and getting to dive head first into an endlessly fascinating place. 

Have more questions about visiting Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz tours, its history, or more? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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Cellhouse Audio Tour – Alcatraz City Cruises

Doing time: the alcatraz cellhouse tour.

The award-winning Alcatraz audio tour, “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” is offered using traditional audio tour equipment provided onsite.

If you do not wish to visit the Cellhouse, refunds for the Cellhouse Audio Tour are available on the Island. For more information, please inquire with a Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy supervisor on the Island at the entrance to the Cellhouse. These refunds cannot be requested through the Alcatraz City Cruises Ticketbooth or the Call Center.

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Tour a piece of Macomb County Jail history before it's gone

It has been 60 to 70 years since some of the buildings at the Macomb County Jail complex went up.

Soon, some of the oldest parts of the complex in Mount Clemens, including one dating to 1954, will be coming down as work starts on a new $228 million Central Intake and Assessment Center.

The public is invited to take a tour of a part of the jail complex that is set to be demolished beginning this summer.

The county will offer tours of the original maximum security area May 15 and May 16 at the jail complex at Elizabeth Road and North Groesbeck Highway, an area the county says was built in the 1960s and resembles Alcatraz . That's the joint on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay that once was a maximum security federal prison.

"The Macomb County Jail holds a unique place in our county's history," County Executive Mark Hackel said in a news release Monday. "As we say goodbye to this iconic structure, we must also look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead with the new Central Intake and Assessment Center. This facility will play a vital role in addressing the needs of our community and improving the safety and overall well-being of our residents."

Tours of the closed-down section will be from noon to 6 p.m. both days on the hour, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. He said photos will be permitted of the maximum security area, which had individual cells where those housed were locked down 23 hours a day. The area hasn't been used in about four years, Wickersham said.

Officials said they will offer tours of the D block area in the future. D block, dormitory-type cells with no air conditioning units that reporters toured in 2019, may not be demolished until the end of the year as it is currently housing some of those who are jailed, Hackel said.

According to a video last month on the sheriff's office Facebook page about the history of the jail, the D block originally was 12 cells that could sleep as many as 12 people, sharing one bathroom and shower area.

Reservations are required for the tours. Interested parties, including large groups, such as schools or clubs, can schedule a tour by calling the training division at 586-307-9311. Stairs are required for access to the west entrance of the facility.

The new Central Intake and Assessment Center is to offer services for those with mental health and substance abuse issues. County officials hope it will help address the decades-long gap in mental health care that began when state facilities were decommissioned.

The center is to have more beds for inmates with medical and mental health issues. Last year , when Hackel announced the proposal, he said the county could be in a position to hand off someone committed to a state prison with an assessment and understanding of their substance abuse or mental health issues, thanks to the new center.

According to the county, about 78,000 square feet of the existing jail, including the annex, maximum security and rehabilitation area, will be demolished and cleared starting in the next month or two. The tall tower, which opened in 1987 and has 900 beds, is the most visible section of the jail complex and will remain.

Construction on the new center is set to be completed by 2027.

A new or updated jail has been discussed for years by county officials, with numerous Band-Aid fixes along the way to various sections.

Plans for a new jail were put on hold in April 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hackel and Wickersham decided not to ask voters in August 2020 to vote on a new countywide millage to fund a new lockup.

The new center will be built with federal, state and county funding. No tax increases are expected to the fund the project.

The new center will be about 177,000 square feet, with space for a public lobby, secure passage, staff support, intake and release, court intake housing, medical and mental health, community corrections and general population housing, according to the county .

It's to have 278 beds, some standard and some similar to hospital beds, with medical, mental health and detox treatment wings. There will centralized intake and universal assessment for medical, mental health and pretrial services at booking. There also will be front-end diversion when appropriate through the assessment center, according to the county .

There will be 1,178 beds at the jail complex, in total, once the project is complete.

Contact Christina Hall: [email protected]. Follow her on X: @challreporter.

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