What is Alcatraz?
Alcatraz was once host to the first lighthouse on the West Coast, but it is most famous for serving as a former maximum security federal prison from 1934 to 1963. A small island situated in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the formidable fortress was home to some of the 20th century's most notorious criminals. Today, the site is run by the National Park Service, and you can visit “The Rock” on a reserved tour. After taking a ferry departing from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, you'll receive a headset that allows you to take a self-guided audio tour of the prison.
Is Alcatraz worth visiting?
A trip to Alcatraz is worth it both for the scenic ride out and back—where you can take in sweeping views of the bay and cityscape—and for the enthralling tour of the abandoned prison. Narrated by former inmates and guards, the audio tour will tell you stories of harrowing escape attempts, prison riots and the 19-month long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969.
What's the best way to see Alcatraz?
There is only one way to visit Alcatraz: book a tour (which often book up in advance, so look early.) The site is operated by the National Parks Service and only one ferry company — Alcatraz City Cruises — has a contract to transport people to and from the island. Tours are offered year-round, and ferries depart every half an hour throughout the day. To get a more creepy bang for your buck, opt for a night tour. Plan to spend about three hours round trip and bring a jacket to protect you from heavy year-round fog and the agonized spirits of the island’s former residents.
What's good to eat near Alcatraz?
There is no food service on Alcatraz itself, but there are picnic areas if you'd like to bring your own. Light snacks are available to buy at the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy bookstore on the island and on the Alcatraz City Cruises ferries. The best plan of action is to eat before or after near Alcatraz Landing, with solid options including Queen's Louisana Po-Boy Cafe or Fog City.