VISIT ALCATRAZ – THE COMPLETE GUIDE 2026
Best time to visit Alcatraz | Where to buy tickets | Alcatraz visiting tips
Everything you need to know about Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island served as a fort, military, and maximum security prison. It is known for the fact that it was never proven that any prisoner escaped during its 29-year activity. Although there have been multiple attempts of escape, everyone who managed to do it was caught, and five prisoners were declared missing and probably drowned.
Facts about Alcatraz
Infamous prisoners
Infamous prisoners kept in Alcatraz were Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz”. Al Capone was a gangster in Chicago, George “Machine Gun” Kelly was a gangster during the prohibition era, and the “Birdman of Alcatraz” got his nickname because he liked to study canaries at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary in Kansas. There is a movie named after him, but he was never allowed to see it.
Did anyone escape Alcatraz?
There were multiple attempts to escape Alcatraz, including the “Battle of Alcatraz”, when prisoners managed to steal guns. Still, no one officially escaped the prison, with five people reported as “missing and presumed drowned”. Two prisoners escaped the island but were soon caught.
Why did Alcatraz close?
Alcatraz closed due to deterioration and financial reasons, as it was the most expensive prison.
Plan your visit to Alcatraz
Best time to visit: If you want nice weather, visit Alcatraz in spring and fall. It is not very hot in summer, but it is the peak season, and tickets may be booked months in advance, so there may be crowds. In winter, on the other hand, it can be rainy a lot, but there are fewer crowds.
How to get there: The only way to visit Alcatraz is by ferry, which leaves from Pier 33. All our Alcatraz Tours include a ferry ride to the island.
Visit Alcatraz with one of our best tour deals!
Ferry ride included
Alcatraz Day Tour
Visit Alcatraz Island at your own pace and learn about its history with an audio guide. Explore the cell blocks and learn about Al Capone, "Machine Gun" Kelly, and other infamous prisoners, as well as why escape from the island was hard. The tour includes a convenient round-trip ferry ticket.
Private experience
Alcatraz Night Tour
Discover Alcatraz after sunset on a self-guided tour and listen to stories from an audio guide. Catch a glimpse of the illuminated Golden Gate Bridge. You can stay for as long as you'd like, so you can walk at your own pace. The ticket includes ferry rides to the island and back.
FAQ - Visit Alcatraz
Should I book Alcatraz tours and tickets in advance?
How much time do I need at Alcatraz?
Are there toilets at Alcatraz?
Can I get something to eat at Alcatraz?
Can I bring a water bottle to Alcatraz?
What should I wear when visiting Alcatraz?
Alcatraz DO’s & DON’Ts
DO have something to eat at the dock
There is a recreation area where you can eat some food. This is the only area on the island where food and drinks are allowed. This includes gum. Only bottled water is allowed in other areas.
DON’T go beyond fences and barricades
Some areas at Alcatraz are off-limits because they are dangerous.
DO buy a souvenir
You can buy videos, books, and memorabilia available in the bookstores at the dock, in the cell house, and close to a part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
DON’T take anything from the island
Collecting any items from the island is prohibited.
DO explore more of the San Francisco Bay
Get the San Francisco City Pass to gain access to more attractions the city has to offer.
DON’T feed the birds
Wildlife on the island is protected, so please don’t feed the birds.
Why not see more of San Francisco?
Private or small group
Alcatraz Helicopter Tour
See Alcatraz Island and other top landmarks in San Francisco on an exciting helicopter ride! Get a unique photo of the Golden Gate Bridge, referred to as the most photographed bridge in the world. You can also see Ocean Beach, Oracle Park, Downtown San Francisco, and more. Learn about the city's history from the pilot and the helpful audio guide, and choose a private or small group tour for maximum enjoyment!
30+ attractions
San Francisco City Pass
Enjoy access to more than 30 attractions in San Francisco! See Alcatraz on a cruise, visit the San Francisco Zoo, the Aquarium of the Bay, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Walt Disney Family Museum, see the city on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and more. Your pass includes a digital guide and is valid for 1-5 days, so you can have fun at your own pace.