Trip Planner:   USA  /  California  /  San Francisco  /  Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

4.7

#1 of 6,245 in Nature in United States

Island National Park Must See

• ©
• ©
• ©
• © +7
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©
• ©

Tour the infamous former maximum-security penitentiary on Alcatraz Island. Nicknamed The Rock, this small island in the San Francisco Bay is now a national park. After taking a ferry to the island, follow the audio guide, available in ten languages. You'll go through the inside of the old prison's facilities, which include a lighthouse, military fortifications, and cellblocks. Though long considered escape-proof, the prison suffered an irreparable blow to its reputation in 1962, when three inmates mysteriously disappeared using a makeshift raft. Explore the protected recreation area with a park ranger, who can enhance your visit with little-known information about the island's current inhabitants: the black-crested night herons and western gulls. Using our custom trip planner, San Francisco attractions like Alcatraz Island can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

more less

Create an itinerary including Alcatraz Island

Start planning

Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.

© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Alcatraz Island Reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

55,031 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.8

48 likes

• By 310vickiek

  What a blast. We went to Alcatraz Island for our son’s 13th birthday. We had a great time. The weather was spectacular so the boat ride was very smooth. We appreciate the history of the Island and...  more »

• By markandsian

  Booked this tour in advance online (90 days before) to ensure I got the day I wanted. It is very well attended. Price was £31 per person which includes the boat ride, tour of the prison, audio tour....  more »

See more on TripAdvisor »

Google

• By Justine Edward

  Brilliant! The volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly and the island itself is such an interesting place to visit. I didn't think I was going to like an old jail - but it is so much more. Top 3 things to know 1) It is steep. If you have difficulty walking up steep hills, take a ride from the bottom (where you get off the ferry). 2) The audio tour is incredible - but you don't need to rush to get it. We stopped half way and watched a movie so, when we did get to the audio tour, the crowds had dispersed and it didn't take that long to pick up our headsets and get going. There is a lift available for people who can't access the stairs. 3) The atmosphere is hard to describe. I really felt like I was walking in the footsteps of the inmates. The history is brought alive through some great narration by both past inmates and guards. More There is a large gift store here and you get some stunning views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline. Definitely worth a visit!

  more less
• By Phil Archer

  It really is an amazing part of our history tour. Can spend a half hour, or hours here. So much fun. Have been 4 time's. I know I'll go back. It's a great tourist destination to take visiting company!

  more less

See more on Google »

Places to stay near Alcatraz Island

Plan your trip to San Francisco

• Get a personalized plan

  A complete day-by-day itinerary
  based on your preferences

• Customize it

  Refine your plan. We'll find the
  best routes and schedules

• Book it

  Choose from the best hotels
  and activities. Up to 50% off

• Manage it

  Everything in one place.
  Everyone on the same page.