Alcatraz Prison?

[SL6827]

Husband wants to do a tour of Alcatraz prison. Any advice on this topic. Not excited about this, lol.

 

[Disneypeach]

I’ve done the tour and found it interesting, but I’m a history buff so that plays into it. If the weather is good (no fog) then the views from the island are great.

 

[Mathmagicland]

Husband wants to do a tour of Alcatraz prison. Any advice on this topic. Not excited about this, lol.

Definitely buy your tickets ahead of time, otherwise you might have a long wait for the next available ferry or sometimes the day ends up sold out.

I enjoyed the nighttime tour option, less crowded and a quieter experience on the island, imagined it felt a little more like it might have for those housed there.

 

[bluezy]

I did the tour way back in 1989....a few weeks after the big earthquake. I wasn't sure if I would like visiting the prison. Because of the earthquake, the city in general was pretty well void of tourists. As a pp mentioned, I had been advised to purchase a ticket ahead of time because they often sold out (that advice was given before the earthquake happened). The friend I was staying with out there went and got a ticket for me before I arrived. There were 25 of us on the ferry the day I did the tour (at least at the time I went). At the prison, I did the self-guided audio tour (with a Sony Walkman cassette player ) There were so few tourists there that at times, I'd be the only one in the area of the prison which was a little creepy. Overall, I really enjoyed the tour and was glad I did it.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I've gone a few times over my lifetime. As it deteriorates, less parts are available to see. Personally, I find it fascinating and would like to see it again.

 

[Rogue1677x]

I did the night tour and loved it. Fewer people and it was stormy so that gave an eery atmosphere. My daughter was 4 at the time and called it "the timeout store"

 

[bcla]

The regular visit is just a self-guided audio tour that's included with the transportation.

There might be some park rangers with special programs. The last time I visited, there was a park ranger with a Chicago accent who was telling stories about (former Alcatraz resident) Al Capone during his Chicago days. I got there part way in, but his storytelling style was really fun. And yeah I know Capone was from Brooklyn.

 

[China Expat]

It's actually quite interesting!

 

[jujubiee4]

Done it a couple times while visiting the city. Last time was with the family around halloween so we did
the night tour. Most definitely eerie. Whole family preferred that one instead of daytime. However it
was COLDDDD.

 

[Lumpy1106]

At the very least it's a lovely boat ride. We were on the water with some racing sailboats that came very close to the ferry when we went. We all enjoyed the prison tour too. Concur with @Mathmagicland, be sure and get your tickets ahead of time.

 

[mdmost]

It's oddly quite beautiful around the outskirts of the island when you're walking around. There's lot of great flora that's sprung up around the ruined buildings. There's also a lot of interesting history after the prison was shut down. Plus, great 360 degree views of the bay. We did the self-guided audio tour.

 

[evilmommie]

I think it’s a cool tour! You should do it if you have the opportunity.

 

[SL6827]

Any recommendations of where to stay in Fisherman's Warf for a couple nights?

 

[cruisehopeful]

Any recommendations of where to stay in Fisherman's Warf for a couple nights?

I stayed at the Marriott there in 2021 and liked it.

Many years ago, I stayed at the Travel lodge and it was fine.

 

[Penguinempress]

Any recommendations of where to stay in Fisherman's Warf for a couple nights?

I stayed at the Riu Plaza in Fisherman's Wharf last October and would recommend it. Super close to lots of touristy things (Alcatraz boats, Pier 39 etc) and it included free breakfast, which was a nice bonus.

 

[LKing]

Based on today's news. Alcatraz might not be opening for tours when you visit.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Based on today's news. Alcatraz might not be opening for tours when you visit.

I was coming here to say it's a good time to prioritize a visit while it's still an option.

 

[SL6827]

Well we have decided against Alcatraz (before this announcement actually) and would like to see the Grand Canyon instead. So plan change there, for now. Could be two million more changes to come. Who knows?

 

[bcla]

Well we have decided against Alcatraz (before this announcement actually) and would like to see the Grand Canyon instead. So plan change there, for now. Could be two million more changes to come. Who knows?

There are some serious concerns now with funding and safety at national parks. Maintenance staffing is low, so apparently biologists and law enforcement have tasked with picking up trash and cleaning bathrooms.

 

[SL6827]

There are some serious concerns now with funding and safety at national parks. Maintenance staffing is low, so apparently biologists and law enforcement have tasked with picking up trash and cleaning bathrooms.

Oh, ok. Didn't realize such. Hopefully this will not affect our possible trip, but thanks!!