Sara

My parents are planning a trip to San Francisco. I initially recommended they go to Alcatraz during the day because I went a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the audio tour. Now after reading this website, I've seen nothing but raves for the evening tour. It looks like it is led by a park ranger rather than an independent audio tour. Is the night tour much better than daytime? Would you recommend the night tour over the day tour?

JP

We went to Alcatraz last June and did the night tour ("Alcatraz After Dark"). The waning daylight's influence on the mood and atmosphere was tangible. It was great.

Kate

Yes, definitely go at night. It's spookier, more beautiful, more educational, and much less crowded than during the day.

San Francisco Magazine selected the Night Tour as "Best Tour of the Bay Area" in its July 2001 issue.

Kate

Kate

I forgot to add that the Night Tour includes both a Ranger-guided tour at the beginning of the evening and the audio tour, plus cell door demonstrations and other programs only offered at night. During the day, there are only a few programs and it's luck of the draw whether there will be a ranger program going on during the time you're on the island.