I was just about to buy the online tix to Alcatraz for the night tour when I did a last minute search on here and the feedback is mixed as to whether to do day or night tour. We are family of 4; 1st visit to San Francisco & only have 3 nights there. I really want to make the most of our time of course & initial thoughts were that with the kids, it might make a nice evening to do the tour....others have said the day is better....any thoughts on our group specifically? This visit will be 8/1,2,3. Thanks!

We did an afternoon tour with our then-teens several years ago - had I known about the evening option then, I would have picked it. It would have been a better use of our time since many things either closed in the evenings or became more adult-friendly...and we wouldn't have been so tempted to just go back to the hotel and turn on the tv.

I have not taken the night tour, but have taken the day tour, most recently with my oldest daughter and four grandchildren (ages 11 - 15). I would like to think that the day tour would be better in that you would be able to see more of the details both inside and outside the Alcatraz building.

I took the night tour in May, and it was not dark (I think we departed for the island at 5?). Only drawback was that it got quite cold.

I think that they both have their merits. The night tour is a good evenning activity with kids since there aren't a whole lot of options. Plus, I think it is really neat out there at night anyway. The drawbacks - if there is fog, you wont have the views and it can be quite cold. In the day time you will have the views and it will be warmer - probably not warm, just less cold

what is the web site to buy the Alcatraz tickets ? tks

http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/alcatraz_service.htm

Another fun thing to do with teens is to take them to the Metreon. It's on 4th St. The Sony Entertainment Center (Metreon)has huge. It has four levels with 15 movie theaters, an IMAX theater, interactive attractions, restaurants, shopping and lots of the latest video games. It's open from 10-10.

is huge not "has huge" sorry.....

Hi!
Just had to write and recommend highly the night tour! We were there last year. In mid June. I have three kids ages 10, 13 and 14. It was a huge hit! I think that we departed SF dock around 6:30p. By time we were 1/2 way thru it was pretty dark out. I had to use my flash for pics outside.

Do not miss this adventure. My youngest loved being able to follow the 'tour' with her own head set. They locked people in solitary confinment with a huge bang. It was a blast and one my kids are still talking about. Several other family's from our group of friends have followed our recommendation and everyone has been pleased!

I would recommend that you follow up the adventure with some In & Out Burgers...best thing we've ever had!
Janet

Thanks everyone; I think I'll go ahead & arrange the night tour & be sure to bring warm clothes. I think it will be a good option for us to spend the evening with the kids and maximize the daylight hours in the city. I appreciate all the input!

We did the day trip in July and by the time we left the island we were freezing! I totally underestimated how cold S.F. could be in the summer. Twain was right!

Night tour, absolutely. The view from the boat coming back into San Francisco is great - all the lights sparkling on the water. Plus, you go over while it is light and are still on the rock as it gets dark at least we did when we went). It kind of made some of the passageways a little spookier and my teenage sons loved it.