Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, otherwise known as just Alcatraz or The Rock is a small Island in San Francisco Bay. It is most famous for its prison which was open from 1934 - 1963. Some of its famous residents included Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz. It built up its shuddering reputation as a no nonsense and escape proof prison with small cells, narrow corridors and little light. A visit to this island is a must see for any visitor to San Francisco. All ferries leave from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf. (Another great place to look around). However, due to the popularity of this tour I highly recommend you book as far in advance as possible! The cost of a ticket is ...  Read the complete review

I visited Alcatraz whilst in San Francisco on a recent round the world trip. To be honest I had heard of Alcatraz but didn't really know anything about it. We were advised by my friend that we should by our tickets in advance for the island and so we went in person and bought tickets for the following day. This was fine for us as we were there in March, however for those visiting in the summer months I recommend booking online as far in advance as you can to be sure that you don't miss out. The ticket price was around $24 if I remember rightly which I thought was quite expensive but having visited I now think that the price is well worth ...  Read the complete review

I belive San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so if you do get a chance to visit but can only do one thing then I would definitely recommend the Alcatraz island and prison visit. The island is situated in The San Francisco Bay, California. It sfirst started out as a lighthouse,a military fortification, then a military prison. It was a federal prison until 1963. In 1972 it became a historic site run by the National Park service in order to preserve it and to open it up to visitors from all over the world. It's very easy to find as San Fransisco is a rather small conpact city. You basically go down to the bayside and there ...  Read the complete review

UPDATE: As from 26 September 2006, Blue and Gold Fleeet do not run the ferry to Alcatraz. Visit the NPS.gov website for more information, and this links you to the http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/ which is the official agent for tickets. Don't buy them anywhere else unless you cannot get them here as they are the official prices, and you could find yourself paying considerably more! Alcatraz Island and its infamous prison holds fascination for many of us, and so I was absolutely certain I didn’t want to miss a tour to the Island on my recent trip to San Francisco. Blue and Gold Fleet are the only ferry operator to offer tours to the island and having read ...  Read the complete review

Let's go to the Rock - Advantages: Old inmates may answer you ?s, Real insight into a bleak jailhouse, Views of the Bay & Bridge - Disadvantages: can be very cold - dresswarm, No choice how to get there