Alcatraz Prison, located on the same name island in San Francisco Bay, is America's most notorious prison and San Francisco's top tourist attraction. The federal penitentiary operated there between 1934 and 1963 and housed some of the worst criminals in the US history. Its most infamous inmates were Al Capone or “Scarface”, Robert Franklin Stroud or the “Birdman of Alcatraz”, and James "Whitey" Bulger. Later on, during the American Indian Occupation that occurred from 1969 to 1971, the legendary island served as the harbour defence fort as well as a military prison.
The only possible way to get to the island is by a ferry. The most popular tour options are Early Bird and Day Tours. Night Tour available on a few nights a week offers a more personalized experience. Behind the Scenes Tour runs only once a day between Thursday and Monday. While most tours are year-round, Alcatraz & Angel Island Tour is seasonal and runs on weekends between mid-March and October, and daily from June to early October.
Although one can visit Alcatraz Prison all year round, the best time is either late spring or early autumn months. Summer months tend to be too foggy to enjoy the views, while winter is uncomfortably cool and rainy. However, January and February are the best choice for those who want to be there with thinner crowds. The most popular season on Alcatraz Island is September–October, the warmest months and without fogs. We recommend coming early to hop on the first ferry while there are only a few other people on the island.
One more landmark featured on the tours to Alcatraz Island is the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Alcatraz Prison to avoid the crowd?
The best time to avoid crowds while visiting Alcatraz Prison is the late spring or early autumn months. Since the area tends to be quite foggy in the summer and uncomfortably cold in winter, January and February are the best months for travelers seeking solitude. September to October is the warmest season and a popular time of year, thus visiting earlier in the day can limit the number of people on the island. Show more
What is the history of Alcatraz Island apart from being a prison?
In addition to serving as a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz Island previously operated as a harbour defense fort, a military prison and Indian Occupation occurred from 1969 to 1971. A National Historic Landmark in the US, it features as the first American lighthouse on the Pacific coast. With a rich history in its past, Alcatraz Island and prison highlight both challenges and triumphs of American history and the integral role it plays in U.S. history. Show more
Where is Alcatraz Island located in San Francisco Bay?
San Francisco Bay is home to Alcatraz Island, situated one and a half miles off the coast of San Francisco. Visitors who take the ferry to the island can enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge and a panoramic view of the bay. The island is one of the few unique islands in the world with only ferry access, making it all the more special to visit in the San Francisco Bay area. Show more
What other landmark can visitors see during a tour on Alcatraz Island, apart from the prison?
Along with the notorious prison, Alcatraz Island also features the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast. Operating from 1854 until upgraded to an automated light in 1963, the lighthouse provides a fantastic view of the San Francisco Bay, Bridge, and Marin Headlands. The architectural structure offers an exciting experience for visitors during the tour and is a significant landmark for history and architecture enthusiasts. Show more
