Alcatraz -- Tourist Attraction

The National Park Service welcomed the first tourists to the Island in 1973.  Today, Alcatraz is the most popular tourist attraction in the Bay Area.

Tours of Alcatraz depart daily from Fisherman's Wharf.  After a short 10-minute ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, you will arrive on the infamous Alcatraz Island.  Tours include a movie about Alcatraz history and a 35-minute audio headset tour of the Alcatraz cell block featuring interviews of former guards and inmates.  After the tour, there is time to visit the Alcatraz Museum and the bookshop, or to just wander around the Island.  Ferries depart every 1/2 hour back to San Francisco.  You are free to stay as long as you like.  The average time spent is around two hours.

Wear comfortable shoes.  The walk to the Cellhouse is steep on uneven pavement.  It's well worth the effort as Alcatraz is a fascinating place, and it provides spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Over one million people visit Alcatraz each year.

Alcatraz is often sold out, so make reservations in advance.  For tickets and tours, go to  www.alcatraz.us, or call 866-268-8729 or 415-461-4608.

***

Click on each of the topics below to read about the history of Alcatraz:

Alcatraz the Early Years -- Alcatraz the Fort -- Alcatraz the Prison --
The Native American Occupation -- Natural Alcatraz -- Alcatraz the Tourist Attraction

Click on each of the headings below to read about each of the major areas at Alcatraz:

The Dock -- Guardhouse and Sally Port -- Post Exchange - Officers' Club -- Military Chapel --  Barracks - Apartments -- Warden's House -- Lighthouse -- Cellhouse -- The Gardens

***

For tickets and tours, contact Alcatraz Media at www.alcatraz.us,
or call 866-268-8729 or 415-461-4608.