Description

This infamous former maximum-security prison is now a National Park, open for public tours. Much of the island is rough, hilly, and/or a former prison, and the road from the dock to the prison proper is about 1/4 mile long and uphill, so be prepared to do some walking if you visit. Although the tourist areas (museum displays, theater, etc.) are wheelchair accessible, parts of the island are not.

Strictly speaking, walking around at Alcatraz is free. However, access to the island is controlled by Alcatraz Cruises; they carry people to and from the island and oversee the tours, and their services are not free.

Tour space is limited and tours frequently sell out early (particularly the night tours), so if you want a specific date or time you should buy your tickets well in advance. Also, be aware that groups of 15 or more are required to make special arrangements for their ticket reservations.

Nearby Angel Island, while much less famous and nowhere near as popular with tourists, is also maintained by the National Park Service. Alcatraz Cruises also handles tours of Angel Island.

Nicknames include "The Rock", "The Big House", and "Devil's Island". The name "Alcatraz" is itself an anglicized version of the Spanish word "alcatraces", which means "pelican". "Pelican Island" just doesn't inspire the sort of dread that a prison really deserves, though.

Main Web Site

http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/ (The National Park Service site.)

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/ (Alcatraz Cruises, "authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service" for Alcatraz.)

Location

The ferry departs from from the Hornblower Alcatraz Landing on Pier 33, in San Francisco.  (This is just east of the Fisherman's Wharf area.)

Both the prison and the pier are shown in the Google Map.

Drive Time

from Ames to Pier 33 (per Google maps): 48 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes, depending on traffic

Public Transit

Hours

Hours vary seasonally. For Summer 2008:

first tour departs Pier 33 at 9 AM, 7 days a week AMeneral admission: 7 days a week, 10 AM to 5 PM

last day tour departs Pier 33 at 3:55 PM, 7 days a week

last day tour returns approximately 6:30 PM

evening tours depart after 6 PM and return after 9 PM, Thu - Mon only

See the Alcatraz Cruises schedule for details.

Cost

Day Tour $24.50

Night Tour $31.50

Alcatraz/Angel Island Tour $56.50

There is no student discount.