Exploring the Historic Allure of Alcatraz Island
Discover the haunting history and breathtaking views of Alcatraz Island, a must-visit historical site in San Francisco Bay.
Alcatraz Island, a storied landmark in San Francisco Bay, invites tourists to explore its rich history as a notorious federal prison. Discover the tales of infamous inmates and learn about its transformation into a captivating historical site, surrounded by stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
A brief summary to Alcatraz Island
- San Francisco, California, 94133, US
- +1415-561-4900
- Visit website
Local tips
- Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
- Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly and it can be windy on the island.
- Take the audio tour for an immersive experience, featuring stories from former inmates and guards.
- Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours on the island to fully explore and appreciate its history.
- Consider visiting during the evening for special tours that offer a different perspective on the island.
Getting There
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit)
From San Leandro BART Station, board a train heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. Stay on the train for approximately 25 minutes. Disembark at the Embarcadero Station. From there, transfer to the Muni Metro subway and take the T-Third line towards Sunnydale. Get off at the 4th & King station. From there, walk to the nearby ferry terminal and catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Make sure to check the ferry schedule ahead of time.
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Bus
Start at the San Leandro BART Station and take the AC Transit bus line 90 towards the Coliseum. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off at the Coliseum BART Station. From there, board BART heading towards San Francisco/Daly City. Travel for about 25 minutes and get off at the Embarcadero Station. Then, walk to the ferry terminal to catch the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Be sure to check the bus and ferry schedules in advance.
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Walking and Ferry
If you're feeling adventurous, take a long walk to the San Francisco Ferry Building. Begin at a central location in San Leandro and walk towards the nearby BART station. Catch a BART train towards San Francisco/Daly City and get off at the Embarcadero Station. Once you arrive, enjoy the scenic walk to the Ferry Building. From there, purchase your ferry tickets and board the ferry to Alcatraz Island. This route may take longer but offers a great opportunity to explore San Francisco's waterfront.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Alcatraz Lighthouse
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Eureka Steamboat
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C.A. Thayer
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1890 San Francisco Bay Ark
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Black Point
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2905 Hyde St
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Pier 43 Ferry Arch
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Fisherman's Wharf
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Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
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California Historical Landmark 236: First Ship into San Francisco Bay
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Black Point Historic Gardens
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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
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Maritime Museum
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PIER 39
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Fishermans Wharf
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USS Pampanito Museum and Memorial
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Scoma's Restaurant
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Musée Mécanique
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Sea Lion Viewing Area
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Hyde Street Pier
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The San Francisco Sailing Company
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Sea Lions
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Red and White Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruises
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San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
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Essential places to dine
Franciscan Crab Restaurant
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The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House
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Cioppino's
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Capurro's Restaurant
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Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
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Crab House at Pier 39
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Fog Harbor Fish House
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Wipeout Bar & Grill
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Surisan
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Eagle Cafe
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Original Joe's
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Red Window
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Frank's Fisherman
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Safe Harbor
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Enlightenment
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I Love SF
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Fairy Tales
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The Cable Car Store
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