Tour Alcatraz

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Alcatraz is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco. This 25 acre island is situated in the heart of San Francisco Bay and hosts over 1.4 million visitors come to see this National Historic Landmark each year!!

In 1934, Alcatraz became a Federal Prison. In its 59 years as a prison, Alcatraz saw many hardened criminals and has housed some of the world’s most famous criminals: Al Capone, George Kelley and Robert Shroud are amongst some of the most famous convicts. Dubbed as America’s first escape proof prisons, with many of the prisoners trying to prove this as false. Many a dramatic escape attempts failed but it is believed that two inmates might still be living in South America after successfully escaping from Alcatraz.

For prisoners here on Alcatraz, life was isolated. Cloaked by mist and fog this remote island is cut off from the world. Daily life at Alcatraz was harsh and prisoners had to work for all rights. Today, Alcatraz is a busy tourist attraction. There is a sad energy on the island and many believe it is haunted.

The Audio Tours are a great way to explore the island. You are provided with a walkman and can tour the cells and grounds at your own pace. Visitors take a ferry to the island which departs every 30 minutes, so you can choose how long you wish to stay on the island. On many of the tours you will see an orientation video, the prison and cells, the Alcatraz museum, various exhibits and the unique marine and bird life on the island. There is also a historic lighthouse worth seeing. Take a night tour to Alcatraz and experience the San Francisco sunset from a completely new angle with the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco city lights as a backdrop.

Tours and ferries to Alcatraz are usually booked up far in advance so be sure to book early!