No trip to San Francisco is complete without a trip to Alcatraz Island. From the many vantage points along the piers at The Wharf, you’ll be able to see some remarkable views of this 22 acre island. So get your camera and be prepared to shoot some great photos.
General Information and directions on How to Purchase Tickets are below. For a summary of the island's lively and unique history, please visit the Alcatraz History page.
GENERAL INFORMATION
To catch the ferry to Alcatraz, take a short walk to Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing). Or you can take the Alcatraz shuttle which runs a 20-30 minute loop throughout the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf area. Some of the stops include: The Aquarium of the Bay (PIER 39), Blue & Gold Fleet (Pier 41), Musee Mechanique (Pier 45), National Maritime Museum (Ghirardelli Square) and Super Sightseeing, as well as several of the hotels in the neighborhood.
Alcatraz Island is one of San Francisco's most popular attractions and tours frequently sell out a week or more in advance. Tickets are rarely available for same-day sailings, so plan ahead! (See information below on how to order tickets.)
You can stay on Alcatraz as long as you like before it closes for the evening, but allow at least 2 ½ hours for sailing to the island, taking the cell house audio tour, exploring the rest of the island and its historic exhibits, and returning to the mainland.
The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and liable to change unexpectedly,so be prepared by bringing along a light jacket or sweater no matter how nice the day starts out. The best advice is always to dress in layers. Be sure to wear rain gear during wet winter months. Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking long distances uphill.
HOW CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS TO VISIT ALCATRAZ?
You can purchase tickets to visit Alcatraz Island online, in-person or by telephone. It is best to purchase tickets in advance in order to avoid disappointment.
Online: Please visit the Alcatraz section of the National Park Service website for information and instructions on ordering online.
In-Person: You can purchase tickets in person by visiting the Alcatraz Landing Ticket Office at Pier 33, The Embarcadero.
Telephone: Phone reservations can be made by calling the Alcatraz ticketing center at 415-981-ROCK (415-981-7625).
For information on ferry schedules, ticket prices, reservations and sales, please visit the Alcatraz section of the National Park Service website .