The Alcatraz Island

With only half day left to explore the Bay area before embarking on a 6-hour drive back to L.A., I have decided to take a quick tour on one of the top destinations in San Francisco – the Alcatraz. Despite closing down in 1963, this iconic place continues to fascinate people across the world drawing at least 1.5 million visitors each year. Once home to America’s most famous criminals like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Robert ” The Birdman of Alcatraz” Stroud and etc., this island just about 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco is best known for its notoriety.

I booked my ticket online through the official website for Alcatraz Island tours. Day tours are available for: $29.95 for senior ages 62+, $31 ages between 12-61, $19.25 for children ages between 5-11, and free for children between 0-4 years old. Night tours are available for $$35.95 for senior ages 62+, $38 for ages 18-61, $37 for ages 12-17, $22.75 for ages 5-11 and free for children between the ages 0-4. Family tour package is also available for $94.25 for 2 adults + children ages 5-11. Tourists have the option to choose what type of tours to take; early bird, day tour and night tour (click here for comparison of tours and days of availability). I was hoping to purchase the night tour based on comparison and reviews but I wasn’t that lucky. Tip: Purchase your ticket way ahead of time as they sell out pretty fast.

 

Please allow enough time to find a parking space; I paid $30 for a parking spot on a Sunday in Pier 33. You must be onboard at least 10mins prior to departure (please note that early boarding is not allowed, may it rain or storm). Food and drinks are available for purchase on the cruise and on some selected spots in the island. The ferry ride to Alcatraz takes about 15minutes. For the first 15 minutes of the tour, enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of San Francisco City, the Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

As soon as you arrive at “The Rock”, the historical yet ‘eerie’ adventure begins. The audio tour set-up was amazing so don’t skip it. Through stories told by former inmates, visitors could relive and imagine significant events that happened in Alcatraz more than 50 years ago. The entire tour did not fall short in detailing what it was like ‘doing your time’ in “Hellcatraz”. Although I’ve learned about Alcatraz  in class, movies and books, to actually walk the prison ground and touch the actual cell blocks was a provided was a different feeling.

 

The famous “Escape from Alcatraz” by 3 escapees still continues to baffle security officials up to this day; an escape attempt that tarnished the reputation of Alcatraz as ‘inescapable’. It was pretty cool to see the actual prison cell of one of the 3 escapees, Frank Morris.

 

 

 

 

 

Violent and dangerous inmates were confined in this isolation cell for “treatment” which included complete darkness and restricted diet.

 

 

 

 

Traces left by American Indians during the “Occupation of Alcatraz” period in the late 1960’s.

Despite of its reputation for notoriety, Alcatraz Island still continues to attract people from all over the world due to its charm, beauty, history and….. mystery.

This beautiful lighthouse in Alcatraz is the first one ever built in the West Coast.

Visiting this iconic place MUST be on anyone’s itinerary when visiting San Francisco City.