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Alcatraz Review

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Alcatraz

Address: Pier 33, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA | Map It
Phone: 415/981-7625
www.nps.gov/alca, www.parkconservancy.org/visit/alcatraz, www.alcatrazcruises.com

Category: Architectural Sites, Jails
Location: Fisherman's Wharf

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 5.0/5

Fodor's Review:

The boat ride to the island is brief (15 minutes) but affords beautiful views of the city, Marin County, and the East Bay. The audio tour, highly recommended, includes observations by guards and prisoners about life in one of America's most notorious penal colonies. Plan your schedule to allow at least three hours for the visit and boat rides combined. Buying your tickets in advance, even in the off season, is strongly recommended.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by 38states from Boise, ID on 3/27/09
I can't recommend this enough - worth every penny. I took my two kids - ages 12 and 14 - on a Wednesday morning, late March. Not too crowded, beautiful weather. The audio tour is excellent. While the cellhouse is cold and dank, it's like another world when you step outside. Beautiful grounds, nesting gulls and cormorants, incredible views of the city and the bay. The contrast between the two worlds on Alcatraz is striking. Not for small children, but a must-see for everyone else.

Member Rating: 5.0
Ratings details: Experience: 5.0 Ease: 5.0 Value: 5.0 Don't Miss: 5.0

Reviewed by Donna_M from Pennsylvania on 1/20/07
We went on a Friday in August ( bring a light jacket! ). I would recommend buying tickets online ahead of time for weekend or busy times. We did but they sold out for the whole weekend by midday Friday. The whole wharf area is nice to walk around. The boat ride was crowded but enjoyable. The audio tour was amazing and even though there was a crowd, you could see everything well at your own pace. Very interesting for ages 10 and up ( I think younger kids would be bored by the audio tour maybe just walk them around w/o it ).