Alcatraz Island Tours and Activities

Alcatraz Island showing island views and a coastal town
Alcatraz Island featuring island views, skyline and a city
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island as well as a small group of people
Alcatraz Island showing interior views


Take a trip to “The Rock”, home to the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned its reputation as a bleak and unforgiving place.

Between 1934 and 1963, the name Alcatraz uttered in a courtroom was enough to make a grown man cry. Even today, viewing it from the mainland, the image of this austere island fortress conjures up images of bleak isolation. “The Rock” as it is known, was the federal prison home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Shroud (the birdman of Alcatraz) and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, who spent more time in Alcatraz than any other prisoner.

This 8.9-hectare island is located in San Francisco Bay and can be accessed by a 15-minute ferry ride from Pier 33 at the Embarcadero. The cost of the round trip ticket includes a cell house audio tour. On the island, you can take a free tour with one of the National Park volunteers or guides, or you can pick up a brochure at the ferry point and make your own way round.

Visit the island in the knowledge that you are free to roam, unlike its former inmates. During your tour, you’ll pass through prison cellblocks that once held some of the world’s most notorious criminals, into the walled exercise yard where you’ll see just how close San Francisco seems. This apparent proximity tempted prisoners to make a bid for freedom across the 2.4 kilometre stretch of cold, hazardous water.

During its austere 29 years of operation, 36 people attempted to escape. Six were killed while fleeing, 23 were caught and the rest are presumed to have fallen victim to the icy waters and treacherous currents.

In 1962, three inmates managed to dig through their cell walls using crude materials including spoons. They left lifelike dummies of themselves in their beds to act as decoys. Presumably they made a swim for the mainland but their bodies were never found. A year after the escape, the prison closed.

You can stay on the Rock until the last ferry of the day departs at 4.25 p.m. Set aside around two to three hours for a tour. This is a popular sightseeing destination, especially in summer, so it’s best to buy your ferry tickets in advance.

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Popular places to visit


Top Alcatraz Island Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
1300 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Caza Fisherman's Wharf
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco

4 out of 5
555 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco
Argonaut Hotel

Argonaut Hotel

4.5 out of 5
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA
Argonaut Hotel
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
425 North Point, San Francisco, CA
Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

3 out of 5
550 N Point St, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco

3 out of 5
2620 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
Marriott Vacation Club®, San Francisco
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

4.5 out of 5
2700 JONES STREET, San Francisco, CA
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island offers a range of activities, including scenic boat trips and captivating sightseeing tours. Visitors can enjoy the stunning sunsets, explore local attractions, and delve into the island's rich history through audio tours. Daytime tours provide an immersive experience, making it a must-visit destination for tourists. Don't forget to take in the vibrant art scene and nearby shopping options to round off your visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Ghirardelli Square, just 1.6km from Alcatraz Island, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Winery Collective, also 1.6km away, is perfect for unique gifts. For more options, Main Street is 6.4km away, featuring various shops and local businesses.

Recreation

At Oracle Park, soak in the electric sports atmosphere while catching a game. Experience live performances at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, where entertainment comes alive. For a leisurely day, enjoy a round of golf at Presidio Golf Course, surrounded by serene outdoor vibes.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Perimeter Road, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, located 3.2km from Alcatraz Island. Enjoy ice skating at the Union Square Ice Rink, situated 4.8km away, or embark on a thrilling hike along the Tennessee Valley Trailhead, which is 11.3km away and boasts stunning scenery.

Nightlife

At night, Alcatraz Island offers a unique atmosphere with nearby attractions. The Golden Gate Theatre, about 4.8km away, showcases captivating performances, while the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas provides a romantic film experience. For a whimsical touch, enjoy the San Francisco Carousel, just 1.6km away, amidst vibrant outdoor vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island offers a unique blend of culture and history, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore the infamous former prison and its surrounding urban parks, or delve into the fascinating exhibits at the local museums. Just a short distance from San Francisco, visitors can also discover nearby attractions such as Fort Alcatraz, enhancing your family experience on this iconic island. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the captivating stories of its past.

  • Pier 39: A vibrant jetty filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers, Pier 39 offers stunning views of the bay and Alcatraz Island. You can observe the playful sea lions, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and fun.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: An iconic symbol of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge showcases remarkable engineering and stunning vistas. Walking or cycling across this historic bridge provides a unique cultural experience, allowing you to appreciate its beauty and significance up close.
  • Lombard Street: Known as the crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street features eight hairpin turns surrounded by beautiful gardens. Strolling down this charming street immerses you in the city’s unique character and offers picturesque views of the surrounding hills.

Best time to go to Alcatraz Island

The best time to visit Alcatraz Island can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Alcatraz Island falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Alcatraz Island falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Alcatraz Island

To save money on your trip to Alcatraz Island, consider visiting in February or November to December, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim for a Sunday stay, as it’s the cheapest day, while Tuesday tends to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget, location, and accommodation type for great deals. Combining your hotel booking with flights and activities in an Expedia package can also save you money. Keep an eye out for discount hotels and always check prices to find the best rates.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Alcatraz Island are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Alcatraz Island is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Alcatraz Island is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best deals and lowest prices, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Alcatraz Island hotel booking with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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