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Top things to do in San Francisco

Alcatraz Tours

Visit Alcatraz, one of America’s most notorious prisons. Hear real inmate stories, explore prison cells, and soak in views of the city’s skyline.

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Alcatraz Tours
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
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  • Set sail from San Francisco’s Pier 33 and enjoy a breezy ferry ride across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Alcatraz Island, once home to America's most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, is open to touring, either during the day or at night.

  • On the day tour, explore the prison cell blocks, outdoor spaces such as the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, the historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits.

  • On the night tour, listen to live narration on the ferry ride to the island, meet a ranger at the dock for a guided tour of the island, explore the prison cell blocks, and enjoy exclusive access to closed off areas like the hospital and kitchen.

  • On both tours, explore the prison areas on your own with the award-winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in 11 languages with narratives by former inmates and prison guards.

More details

  • Set sail from San Francisco’s Pier 33 and enjoy a breezy ferry ride across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Alcatraz Island, once home to America's most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, is open to touring, either during the day or at night.

  • On the day tour, explore the prison cell blocks, outdoor spaces such as the Recreation Yard & Eagle Plaza, the historic Gardens, and permanent exhibits.

  • On the night tour, listen to live narration on the ferry ride to the island, meet a ranger at the dock for a guided tour of the island, explore the prison cell blocks, and enjoy exclusive access to closed off areas like the hospital and kitchen.

  • On both tours, explore the prison areas on your own with the award-winning Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour, available in 11 languages with narratives by former inmates and prison guards.

from $97
$83.42

14% off

Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Save time and money with this convenient combo that covers two of San Francisco’s must-do experiences with a visit to Alcatraz Island and a cruise that takes you to Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Explore Alcatraz Island with round-trip ferry transfers and the award-winning “Doing Time” audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards.

  • Admire views of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Sausalito, and Angel Island from the water as you sail directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. You will even circle Alcatraz on your cruise, to take in the island’s fortress-like appearance.

More details

  • Save time and money with this convenient combo that covers two of San Francisco’s must-do experiences with a visit to Alcatraz Island and a cruise that takes you to Golden Gate Bridge.

  • Explore Alcatraz Island with round-trip ferry transfers and the award-winning “Doing Time” audio guide narrated by former inmates and guards.

  • Admire views of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Sausalito, and Angel Island from the water as you sail directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge on the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. You will even circle Alcatraz on your cruise, to take in the island’s fortress-like appearance.

from
$136
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Meals included
  • Take a guided walking tour of Fisherman’s Wharf, and enjoy a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island with a self-guided tour of the historic prison.

  • Walk along the waterfront and see top sights like the sea lions colony at Pier 39 and the old-school arcade games at Musée Mécanique.

  • Listen as your local guide shares fun stories about the Gold Rush, cable cars, and San Francisco’s colorful past.

  • Ride the ferry across San Francisco Bay and take in views of the skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.

  • Explore Alcatraz Island on your own with a multilingual audio guide that brings the prison’s history and former inmates and guards to life.

More details

  • Take a guided walking tour of Fisherman’s Wharf, and enjoy a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island with a self-guided tour of the historic prison.

  • Walk along the waterfront and see top sights like the sea lions colony at Pier 39 and the old-school arcade games at Musée Mécanique.

  • Listen as your local guide shares fun stories about the Gold Rush, cable cars, and San Francisco’s colorful past.

  • Ride the ferry across San Francisco Bay and take in views of the skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz.

  • Explore Alcatraz Island on your own with a multilingual audio guide that brings the prison’s history and former inmates and guards to life.

from
$99
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • This combo includes a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour and a ferry trip with entry to the iconic and historic Alcatraz Island.

  • Discover the city on an open-top bus with audio in 7 languages, covering landmarks like Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Hop off and explore at your own pace, with buses running every 15 minutes and a free app to track live arrivals for smooth sightseeing.

  • Your pass throws in extras! Visit the Aquarium By The Bay, set off on a sunset tour, explore Chinatown on a digital walking tour & rent a bike to see the sights.

  • Ferry to Alcatraz and explore the infamous former prison with an immersive audio guide featuring gripping tales by former inmates and officers.

More details

  • This combo includes a San Francisco hop-on hop-off bus tour and a ferry trip with entry to the iconic and historic Alcatraz Island.

  • Discover the city on an open-top bus with audio in 7 languages, covering landmarks like Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman’s Wharf.

  • Hop off and explore at your own pace, with buses running every 15 minutes and a free app to track live arrivals for smooth sightseeing.

  • Your pass throws in extras! Visit the Aquarium By The Bay, set off on a sunset tour, explore Chinatown on a digital walking tour & rent a bike to see the sights.

  • Ferry to Alcatraz and explore the infamous former prison with an immersive audio guide featuring gripping tales by former inmates and officers.

from
$120
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Transfers available
  • Enjoy a half-day guided trip from San Francisco, covering Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the coastal town of Sausalito, all with round-trip luxury transport.

  • Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods at Muir Woods and enjoy free time to explore Sausalito’s boutique shops, cafes, and waterfront charm.

  • Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and dive into the prison's haunting history with an award-winning self-guided audio tour included with your ticket.

  • Travel in a boutique, small-group setting with local, English-speaking guide, for a personalized and engaging experience.

  • Upgrade with a visit to Aquarium of the Bay, featuring over 20,000 marine animals including otters, sharks, and jelly fish.

More details

  • Enjoy a half-day guided trip from San Francisco, covering Alcatraz Island, Muir Woods National Monument, and the coastal town of Sausalito, all with round-trip luxury transport.

  • Walk beneath towering ancient redwoods at Muir Woods and enjoy free time to explore Sausalito’s boutique shops, cafes, and waterfront charm.

  • Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and dive into the prison's haunting history with an award-winning self-guided audio tour included with your ticket.

  • Travel in a boutique, small-group setting with local, English-speaking guide, for a personalized and engaging experience.

  • Upgrade with a visit to Aquarium of the Bay, featuring over 20,000 marine animals including otters, sharks, and jelly fish.

from
$159
Sightseeing Cruises
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
2 more
  • Board from near Pier 39 and enjoy a breezy 90-min cruise across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline.

  • Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, past the historic Angel Island, before it picks up speed towards the infamous Alcatraz Island.

  • Circle the island, listening to gripping tales of prison life and attempted escapes, on the multilingual audio guide.

  • Without setting foot, learn everything there is to know about the island. It’s an immersive experience, with the audio tour and up-close views.

More details

  • Board from near Pier 39 and enjoy a breezy 90-min cruise across the Bay, with sweeping views of the city skyline.

  • Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, past the historic Angel Island, before it picks up speed towards the infamous Alcatraz Island.

  • Circle the island, listening to gripping tales of prison life and attempted escapes, on the multilingual audio guide.

  • Without setting foot, learn everything there is to know about the island. It’s an immersive experience, with the audio tour and up-close views.

from
$48
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Transfers available
2 more
  • Experience the best of San Francisco on this 2-day tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Yosemite National Park.

  • Visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf and see 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea otters.

  • Explore the lively Pier 39 area with its sea lions, waterfront views, and fun local attractions.

  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison with an audio guide featuring stories from former inmates and guards.

  • Travel to Yosemite in a biofuel mini-coach for a narrated tour of Yosemite Valley, complete with photo stops and free time to hike or explore.

  • Select either a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour provides exclusive access to restricted zones and features special ranger-led programs, along with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.

More details

  • Experience the best of San Francisco on this 2-day tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Yosemite National Park.

  • Visit the Aquarium of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf and see 20,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea otters.

  • Explore the lively Pier 39 area with its sea lions, waterfront views, and fun local attractions.

  • Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic prison with an audio guide featuring stories from former inmates and guards.

  • Travel to Yosemite in a biofuel mini-coach for a narrated tour of Yosemite Valley, complete with photo stops and free time to hike or explore.

  • Select either a day tour or a night tour of Alcatraz Island. The night tour provides exclusive access to restricted zones and features special ranger-led programs, along with your visits to the Aquarium of the Bay and Yosemite National Park.

from
$285
Flexible duration
Audio guide
Transfers available
2 more
  • Enjoy a 2-day San Francisco tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country.

  • Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison with a gripping self-guided audio tour.

  • Discover over 20,000 marine animals at Aquarium of the Bay, where glass tunnels bring you face-to-face with local sharks, rays, and more.

  • Savor tastings at select wineries across the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, learning about local varietals and winemaking traditions.

  • Enjoy a seamless and comfortable travel experience with round-trip transportation and hotel pickup on day two.

More details

  • Enjoy a 2-day San Francisco tour. On day 1, visit Alcatraz Island with ferry tickets and an audio tour, and get entry into the Aquarium of the Bay. On day 2, go on a guided day trip to Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Country.

  • Take a round-trip ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the infamous former prison with a gripping self-guided audio tour.

  • Discover over 20,000 marine animals at Aquarium of the Bay, where glass tunnels bring you face-to-face with local sharks, rays, and more.

  • Savor tastings at select wineries across the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, learning about local varietals and winemaking traditions.

  • Enjoy a seamless and comfortable travel experience with round-trip transportation and hotel pickup on day two.

from
$275
Helicopter Tours
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
Flexible duration
  • Lift off from Richardson Bay and fly low over the coastline, with clear views of Marin headlands and the ocean meeting the shore.

  • Circle the Golden Gate Bridge at eye level, with time to take in its scale, structure, and the city skyline beyond.

  • Glide past Alcatraz and Angel Island, seeing the island layouts, prison buildings, and ferry routes from above.

  • Fly above downtown San Francisco, passing over Oracle Park, Civic Center, Alamo Square, and the Painted Ladies.

  • Listen as your pilot shares real-time stories, pointing out neighborhoods, history, and the landmarks you’re flying over.

More details

  • Lift off from Richardson Bay and fly low over the coastline, with clear views of Marin headlands and the ocean meeting the shore.

  • Circle the Golden Gate Bridge at eye level, with time to take in its scale, structure, and the city skyline beyond.

  • Glide past Alcatraz and Angel Island, seeing the island layouts, prison buildings, and ferry routes from above.

  • Fly above downtown San Francisco, passing over Oracle Park, Civic Center, Alamo Square, and the Painted Ladies.

  • Listen as your pilot shares real-time stories, pointing out neighborhoods, history, and the landmarks you’re flying over.

from
$399

Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is one of the world’s most legendary former prisons. Once home to notorious inmates like Al Capone and “Machine Gun” Kelly, the island is now a historic landmark offering immersive tours, stunning waterfront views, and stories of daring escape attempts. On this page, you’ll find the best Alcatraz tour options, expert tips to choose the right experience, and everything you need to plan your visit.

What to expect on your Alcatraz tour

Ferry with tourists approaching Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California.

Ferry ride from Pier 33 to Alcatraz

Your visit begins at Pier 33, where you’ll board a scenic ferry across San Francisco Bay. Enjoy views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel Island as you cruise toward Alcatraz.

Visitor exploring Alcatraz prison cell block at night.

Walk through the historic prison

Explore the once-maximum-security federal penitentiary, including cellblocks, the dining hall, the recreation yard, and solitary confinement.

Woman using audio guide on phone in a museum.

Immersive audio narration

The award-winning Cellhouse audio guide brings the stories of inmates and guards to life. Hear firsthand accounts from former prisoners and officers, learn about daily routines, infamous escape attempts, and the island’s transformation over time.

Golden Gate Bridge spanning San Francisco Bay during a cruise.

Outdoor viewpoints and photo opportunities

Step outside the prison to discover vantage points overlooking the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and San Francisco skyline — perfect for dramatic photos.

Alcatraz prison cell block interior with visitors walking through.

Exploration of island history

Beyond the prison, the island has a rich past as a military fortress and a major site of Native American activism. Exhibits and ranger talks shed light on its layered heritage.

Pro tips to help you make a pick

New Industries Building and water tower on Alcatraz Island, viewed from the water under a cloudy sky.

Day tours are best for first-time visitors

The Alcatraz day tour includes the full prison experience, ferry transfers, and access to most of the island’s exhibits. It’s ideal if you want a classic, self-guided visit with maximum flexibility.

Alcatraz Island with lighthouse illuminated at dusk, San Francisco Bay.

Night tours offer a unique, atmospheric experience

Night tours include special ranger-led talks, sunset bay views, and access to exclusive areas not open during the day. They sell out quickly, so book early if you want a deeper, more dramatic experience.

Ferries approaching Alcatraz Island with the historic prison in San Francisco.

Combo tours are great for maximizing your day

If you're short on time, consider combining your visit to Alcatraz with Fisherman’s Wharf or the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. These combine two popular experiences into one convenient package.

Aerial view of Alcatraz Island with ferry approaching in San Francisco Bay, USA.

Want a different perspective? Try the cruise or helicopter tour

See Alcatraz from a whole new angle with a Bay cruise that circles the island or a helicopter flight offering aerial views. Both options give you incredible photo opportunities without needing to step inside the prison.

Couple hiking in Muir Woods, part of Alcatraz Tour with Sausalito.

Visit nearby scenic locations like Muir Woods & Yosemite

Pair your Alcatraz visit with a trip to Muir Woods, Napa Valley, Sausalito, or Yosemite for a single-day or two-day adventure. These scenic add-ons let you explore the best of what San Francisco has to offer.

Your Alcatraz Island tour options

Alcatraz Island lighthouse with San Francisco skyline at night.

A more atmospheric, limited-capacity tour offering guided programs, access to exclusive areas, and sunset views. Perfect if you want a deeper, more intimate experience.

Duration: 2–3 hours

Guided tour: Cellhouse audio guide and ranger-led talks covering some areas

Ferry: Included with onboard narrationExclusive access: Select areas available only at night

Recommended experiences:

Highlights to explore at the island

Alcatraz Island prison cell block interior, California.

Cellhouse

Step into the main prison block, where rows of stark cells and echoing hallways capture the gritty atmosphere of daily life inside America’s most infamous federal penitentiary.

Alcatraz Island Warden's house ruins overlooking the bay.

Warden’s house

Perched beside the lighthouse, the former residence of Alcatraz’s warden now stands as a haunting, fire-scarred ruin overlooking the Bay.

Ruins of the Officers' Club on Alcatraz Island with ocean view in the background.

Officers’ Club

Once the island’s social center for guards and their families, the Officers’ Club now offers a fascinating glimpse into off-duty life despite its partial collapse.

Alcatraz Island Recreation Yard with prison building, San Francisco, USA.

Recreation Yard

This open-air yard gave inmates rare moments of freedom, and today it offers sweeping views that contrast sharply with its stark past.

Alcatraz mess hall interior with barred windows and peeling paint.

Dining hall

Known as one of the most volatile spaces in the prison, the Dining Hall is where inmates and guards shared meals under strict supervision.

Alcatraz prison interior with benches and barred windows, San Francisco tour.

Administration building

The prison’s nerve center processed new arrivals and housed key offices, still recognizable today by the iconic “Alcatraz” sign above its entrance.

Water tower at Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, with blue sky background.

Guard towers

Elevated watchtowers ring the island, reminding visitors of the constant surveillance that defined life in America’s most notorious prison.

Alcatraz Island garden with historic buildings and view of San Francisco Bay.

Alcatraz gardens

Restored by volunteers, these lush gardens—first tended by inmates and staff families—now add unexpected color and serenity to the island’s rugged landscape.

Alcatraz Island with lighthouse and ruins, San Francisco Bay.

Lighthouse

Standing tall as the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast, this iconic structure continues to guide ships while adding dramatic character to the island’s skyline.

Plan your visit

Guests viewing Alcatraz Island from a boat during San Francisco Bay Cruise.

Alcatraz Island operating hours: 9am to 6:30pm on Sundays and Mondays, and 9am to 9:30pm from Tuesday through Saturday

Alcatraz is open throughout the year, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Ferry schedule (2 November, 2025– 7 March, 2026)

  • Day tours: Boats depart for Alcatraz daily from 8:20am to 1:35pm, and return ferries operate from 9:05am to 4:30pm.
  • Night tours: Evening departures take place Tuesday to Saturday at 3:50pm and occasionally 4:45pm, with return trips at 4:30pm, 6:30pm, and occasionally 7:30pm.

Frequently asked questions about Alcatraz Island tours

  • The regular day tour is ideal for first-time visitors, offering full access and the complete audio experience.

  • Yes, all Alcatraz tickets include round-trip ferry transfers from Pier 33.

  • Yes, they’re more atmospheric, include special programs, and offer access to exclusive areas.

  • Book at least 1–2 weeks ahead; peak-season tickets often sell out earlier.

  • No. Access is only possible via authorized ferry tours.

  • Most guests spend 2.5–3 hours, including the ferry rides.

  • No, but snacks are available on the ferry. Only water is allowed on the island.

  • Yes, the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour is included with day and night tours.

  • You can stay on the island for as long as you like. The last ferry departs at around 6:30pm, however, timings vary based on the season.

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