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If you read stories about Alcatraz and its prisoners, or saw some movies about it, then the visit is very interesting for the revival of your memories. But, if as it happened to Fernanda, you never paid to much attention to its references and go there expecting something really appealing, then you will be disappointed.
Of course, the audio tour creates a good ambiance, of course the trip in the bay is positive, but thinking on the price you pay and the long lines to take the boat, maybe you'd try something else
Updated Aug 18, 2010
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Well we had not booked and went and stood in line. Those who had booked still had to queue for their tickets BUT they had a special "carpet". Do not laugh. You have to be very good, stand in line on your "not booked " section and be patient and do not complain and there could be a vacancy. We got 2 places.
Now where the 2 carpets meet it becomes one line AND when all the booked folk have crossed the line to the main queue you may be allowed to take a large step forward( across a gap in the carpets) and you will be in line for a ticket. Attention! But if you are not good you may not be allowed into the line proper! You think it is time to cross but another booked person comes...but smile...keep smiling..you are next.
Well it was like that on our day. I was so good I got 2 tickets on the very next cruise out and did not have to wait the 4 hours.This was 1n 2008.
Good luck. It was worth it. Just marvelous to see and experience Alcatraz
Unique Suggestions: Well you would prebook if you could.
Fun Alternatives: The alternative is to miss Alcatraz and I would not suggest that. But there is a ferry trip : you only view ...you do not go ashore
Updated Aug 11, 2009
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Well, this is a tourist trap, although one of the better tourist traps in the City. There really is not much to do once you're on the island, yet it is very crowded and will take a good chunk of your time. And you'll most likely have to spend your time in Pier 39 while you wait for your ferry departure time (which is waaayyy worse than Alcatraz).
Unique Suggestions: Despite the fact that Alcatraz is a tourist trap, I enjoyed my time there and I'm glad I visited (after living in SF for 22 years; still haven't walked the Golden Gate Bridge though!). The prison gave me the creeps (in a good way - not that I believe in ghosts ! well maybe ...), and the stories about prisoners escaping the island were pretty interesting. Come with a little bit of an imagination and you'll be ok. If not, you'll just be staring at one prison cell after another, which can get boring.
Fun Alternatives: San Quentin. This is a max security prison with prisoners who are the real-deal. I believe they give tours, although it's a little drive out of the City.
Written May 24, 2009
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I am not disabled myself but if you are you will here about this shuttle system well its extreemley cheesy as you may have to wait HOURS to get aboard because of the schedual.. otherwise its great and very educational with the audio tour aswell
Unique Suggestions: disabled people should find out the time table so that when they arrive they won't have to wait to long.
Written Jun 5, 2005
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Ok, its a trap, but in a good way. If you go, try to make it earlier in the day rather than later. Take the time to really get a feeling of what it must have been like to be so close, but yet so far.......
Written May 17, 2005
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I understand that the tour of this prison is fairly well done, but to go on it would mean devoting at least half of your day and a significant chunk of change. Unless you're really enthusiastic about seeing an old prison, skip this one.
Written Apr 4, 2005
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Most tickets are bought up by ticket touts, who then sell them nearby for more than what they are originally from the ferry franchises.
Which means if you turn up on the day to do the trip you will either be disappointed or have to pay extra.
Try to book up the trip either by phone or the internet before you get there.
Updated Apr 11, 2004
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Alcatraz is definitely a trap, though luckily they do let you go after a few hours (otherwise the crowds would suffocate you). Expensive, but interesting. Anyway if you’re there in high season I’d suggest that you head down to Pier 39 and book your ferry tickets over there a good few days before you intend to go because each sailing is absolutely packed during the summer!
Written Feb 26, 2004
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Whenever you're thinking about visiting Alcatraz, be aware that you have registered for tickets in advance. We were NOT able to go to Alcatraz because every single ticket was sold out.
We made a circle around the island when we made a boattrip through the entire bay. It gave us a good impression about the island anyway.
Still we were sorry to learn that you need at least 3 weeks in advance to get ticket. Massive tourist trap!!!
Written Dec 30, 2003
History is what draws people to Alcatraz. Those who say its "boring" are the same morons who would say that "Gettysburg" is just a pretty field.
If ALL you see is burned out buildings then you should have done a little research about the history of the island before watching "The Rock".
Unique Suggestions: Day tours and night tours are interesting in their own ways. Where the day tour has more access to the island, the night tour has less crowds and seeing Alcatraz at night, up close and the surrounding San Francisco Skyline, is magical.
But wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, be prepared for sudden changes in temp.
Fun Alternatives: Marin Headlands and Angel Island for history buffs.
Written Dec 23, 2003
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