Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz can be windy and cool, warm and clear, and wet (fog and rain) most any time of year - even on the same day! We recommended wearing layers as conditions can change quickly.In general summers tend to be cool and foggy, winters cool and rainy, but nice days can happen any time of year."The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." (While usually attributed to Mark Twain, the actual source of these words of wisdom is unknown - there is no evidence that Mark Twain ever said this.)

There is no entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island. However there is a charge for the ferry service to and from the island which is supplied by a private company.

There are no formal guided tours of Alcatraz as such - visiting the island is primarily a self guided experience which you can do at your own pace.

Once on the island you can stay as long or as short as you wish - there is a ferry departing about every half hour and you can return to San Francisco on any ferry. We generally recommend about 2 to 3 hours to fully visit the island.

There are numerous videos and exhibits on the island, as well as an award winning cellhouse audio tour.

On arriving at the Alcatraz dock you will be greeted by a National Park Service representative who will give you a brief orientation including information on any special activities available that day.

The evening tour differs from daytime visits in several ways. The evening ferry ride to Alcatraz circles the island with a live narration about Alcatraz’s history. Upon arrival, visitors receive a guided tour from the dock to the Cellhouse level and also have the opportunity to participate in a number of other special tours, activities, and cell door demonstrations offered throughout the evening. Some areas of the island open during the day are not open in the evening due to safety concerns.

Generally, if you prefer to be on your own to explore you might prefer the day visit, if you prefer a more guided experience you might prefer the evening program (generally available Thursday through Monday).

The award winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour is available in English, German, Italian, Spanish, French and Japanese. It can be paid for when you purchase your ferry ticket, or can be rented once on the island. The audio tour covers the inside of the cellhouse (at the top of the island) during the penitentiary era (1934 - 1963). Additional exhibits and videos available on the island (at no additional charge) cover other aspects of Alcatraz's unique history.

Daily information regarding special programs, guest authors, and other opportunities to learn about the history of Alcatraz is covered in an orientation you will receive on arriving on the island, and on program boards at the dock and in the cellhouse.