Visiting the Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

If you are planning a one-day outdoor activity in San Francisco and wish to combine a hiking, photography and sightseeing trip along with a cruise, a visit to Alcatraz Island can be a perfect weekend getaway. You get to walk or hike all the three-sloped levels on the island to reach the main prison. The water on all sides of the Island, cool windy breeze and cries of the sea gulls is an amazing experience.

It is advisable to buy the tickets well in advance as Alcatraz tour tickets sell out very soon. It is easy to find a convenient schedule and tickets on the internet. You can also buy them at the pier in case you live around the area. On the day of the trip, you might have to arrive 30-40 minutes prior the departure. Once you reach Alcatraz, you can spend as much time as you wish and the last boat from Alcatraz to San Francisco is at around 6pm. You can also find a ferry departing every half an hour from the island back to SFO.

Maps and guides in English and other languages are available for a dollar at the island. The Cell house audio tour begins at the third level as you walk into the main prison. You can opt for an English audio tour or other languages as per your convenience. Be prepared for chilly and windy weather on the Island during all seasons. Hence, it is ideal that you dress warmly and in layers. Avoid wearing heels or uncomfortable footwear if you wish to walk all the levels. Shoes and flats can also be a good idea.

If you are an avid photographer, do not forget to carry your camera or a camcorder. You can take plenty of pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Alcatraz Island and its gardens, the main prison and cells, capture the breeding Western Sea Gulls and take photos of the dilapidated structures on the Island. There are no additional charges for photography or for using a camcorder.

Few areas of the Alcatraz Island are not open to public for safety concerns. These would include going inside the dilapidated buildings and the parade grounds closed to allow safe breeding of Western Gulls. However, you are free to take pictures and view these places from considerable distance. Ensure to keep a close watch on your kids and keep them away from going towards the cordoned areas.

The view from the Warden's office room on the third level of the main prison gives you an awesome view of the San Francisco Bay and the sparkling waters. All the time that you are on the Alcatraz, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and water on all sides. If you plan an early morning trip or an evening trip, you could get nice pictures of the sunrise and sunset from the cruise or the island.