Few people visit San Francisco without taking an excursion to Alcatraz, the infamous former federal prison – and the number of tours available to the iconic landmark is vast.
Once home to notorious gangster Al Capone, today Alcatraz houses one of America’s most fascinating museums, taking you on an illuminating journey through the island’s history via audio tour. Unsurprisingly, there’s a wide assortment of tours available, with many operators offering visits in tandem with other activities. We’ve picked out five of the best Alcatraz Island tours, which you can find below.
Waterfront Guided Tour and Alcatraz Ticket
Organised and hosted by renowned tour company ExperienceFirst, this fun and engaging experience packs plenty into half-a-day of San Francisco sightseeing, combining a walking tour of the city’s famous waterfront with a visit to Alcatraz Island. Starting mid-morning at Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll meet your friendly guide for the day who will start by pointing you towards some of the best vistas the city has to offer. As you soak up the views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, you’ll hear how San Fran evolved from a sleepy village to a booming port city during the mid-19th century gold rush. You’ll stroll along the waterfront and the Barbary Coast trail before making your way to Pier 39 to marvel at the historic ships in the harbour. Later, you’ll board a ferry to Alcatraz where you’ll discover the history of the cell house and its former residents thanks to an acclaimed audio tour, returning to the mainland mid-afternoon to bring things to an end. From $99 per person.
Alcatraz Jailhouse Night Tour
Alcatraz is a fascinating place to explore at any time of day, but it is arguably at its most atmospheric after dark. This 3-hour guided night tour offers a glimpse into its prison history under the cover of darkness as you step foot onto the infamous island that once housed America’s most notorious criminals. During the night your, you’ll be immersed in the fascinating stories of Alcatraz as you see for yourselves the spine-tingling cells where the likes of Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly resided. The tour price includes live audio and your ferry ride to the island. From $96 per person.
Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, the 90-minute Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour may well fit the bill. As part of a group of no more than 30 people, you’ll get to discover areas of the prison and its grounds that are not otherwise available to the public. As you explore off-limits areas, you’ll hear little-known-stories about the Island’s captivating past courtesy of National Park Service Ranger or expert historical educator. Afterwards, you’ll join the Alcatraz Night Tour for a full evening’s experience including live specialty programs and breathtaking evening views. A round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island is included in the tour price. From $104 per person.
FAQs
Do all Alcatraz tours include the prison visit?
All official Alcatraz tours include ferry transport to the island and access to the former cell house. Most also include the award-winning self-guided audio tour inside the prison.
How long does an Alcatraz tour take?
Most standard tours last between three and four hours, including ferry crossings. Combination tours that include city sightseeing or cruises can take half a day or more.
Are Alcatraz tours suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, though the audio tour and prison setting are best suited to older kids. Parents should note that some areas involve steep steps and uneven surfaces.
What’s the difference between day and night tours?
Night tours offer a more atmospheric experience with fewer visitors and access to additional areas of the island. Day tours are more widely available and tend to offer better visibility for photos.
How far in advance should I book an Alcatraz tour?
Alcatraz tours often sell out weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking early is strongly recommended to secure your preferred date and time.