Alcatraz Travel Guide | California Travel Tips

California travel guide Veronica Hill shares her video tour of Alcatraz Island in this episode of California Travel Tips.

Alcatraz is one of the top San Francisco attractions. Here's what you'll learn in our Alcatraz Travel Guide.

Gangsters like Al Capone, George Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud were among the infamous residents at the Alcatraz prison, which operated between 1934 and 1962. Several ferries depart from Fisherman's Wharf daily to Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz Cruises (the official ticket source) leaves from Pier 33.

After a 10-minute ride, you'll arrive on the island, where you can pick up their highly-regarded cell house audio tour and begin exploring. Plan on at least 3 hours for touring the island and cell house, which averaged roughly 275 prisoners at a time. During its operation, 36 men attempted to escape from Alcatraz. The most famous escape was in 1962 when John and Clarence Anglin, along with Frank Morris, created plaster dummies and fake vent coverings to fool the guards.

Tips: If you want to avoid the crowds, book the Early Bird Tour, which departs Pier 33 at 9 a.m. The spooky night tour leaves at 4:20 p.m. Be sure to buy your tickets at least two weeks and up to 90 days in advance. They are rarely available the same day. For discounted fares, consider buying a San Francisco CityPass.
Blue and Gold Fleet offers an "Escape from the Rock" tour which circles the island.

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