ALCATRAZ- "Do it" or "Skip it"???
Aug 20th, 2002, 01:30 PM
#21
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xxx - I don't know what your motivation is to slam other people on this board, but I wish you would stop. This is a travel forum for people who wish to get advice about travel destinations from people who have been to those destinations. That's all.
Just for the record, I always post under J Correa, I am a California native, never been to Manhattan nor have I ever said I am from there. I do not work for the SF Vistor's Bureau or in any travel-related industry.
Just for the record, I always post under J Correa, I am a California native, never been to Manhattan nor have I ever said I am from there. I do not work for the SF Vistor's Bureau or in any travel-related industry.
Aug 20th, 2002, 02:05 PM
#24
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Here's a vote FOR Alcatraz IF you are interested in crime history. Many famous criminals spent their years here -- Machine Gun Kelly, Al Capone, Alvin Karpis, Robert Stroud -- and I found it fascinating to walk in the places where they walked. I also found it interesting to find out why this was the most feared prison in America, why nobody made a successful escape, and why it was finally abandoned.
If you have no interest in criminal history, it will be boring. If you do, I recommend it. It's personal taste, not a matter of right or wrong.
If you have no interest in criminal history, it will be boring. If you do, I recommend it. It's personal taste, not a matter of right or wrong.
Aug 20th, 2002, 02:17 PM
#26
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Grace, you gave away the surprise I mentioned! I didn't know about being locked in the cell beforehand, and I remember it was very dark, and I started to feel claustrophobic. I also had gone alone on the tour, as my husband was in SF on business. I remember having a panicky thought that maybe I hadn't mentioned where I was going, and they'd never find me!
Aug 20th, 2002, 02:46 PM
#27
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I think Alcatraz is a great place to see but I'm not sure why you want to do the night tour. I'd do a day trip since the ride out and back is one of the highlights. The view of the city from the bay is great.
Did you know that next week is the Parade of Tall Ships? It should be a great time to be on the bay. They arrive on the 28th and will be there until the 3rd. I will be out sailing on the weekend and am really looking forward to it.
If you are looking for an awesome dinner theater experience, check out Teatro ZinZanni.
Did you know that next week is the Parade of Tall Ships? It should be a great time to be on the bay. They arrive on the 28th and will be there until the 3rd. I will be out sailing on the weekend and am really looking forward to it.
If you are looking for an awesome dinner theater experience, check out Teatro ZinZanni.
Aug 20th, 2002, 03:02 PM
#28
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We did the night tour in June and it was great. The tour was well done and educational. Doing the night tour allows you to do other things during the day and you get a beautiful illuminated view of SF from the water on the way back. I am glad we didn't miss it. We watched Escape From Alcatraz prior to heading to SF and found that added alot to the tour. Go and have fun!
Aug 20th, 2002, 03:09 PM
#29
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In case you're interested, here's a website for the Tall Ships Event
http://www.sailsanfrancisco.org/
http://www.sailsanfrancisco.org/
Aug 20th, 2002, 05:17 PM
#32
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Who the heck is this xxx, man oh man LOL! Jacquee4 what are you doing other than Alcatraz while you are there? Are you going to Golden Gate? Are you going to Chinatown?, Coit Tower?, Fishermans Wharf?, Lombard St.?, Ghiradelli Square?, Are you on VACATION? (as in TOURIST). Or is this because you have no choice? Its really simple. If you are there on vacation and you WANTED to go to San Francisco then by all means GO! Call it what ever you want but it is a great place to see and experience in my opinion. (and several billion other people) And if you are on vacation you just might enjoy it. It always amazes me that people say they are "jaded" when it comes to vacation destinations or points of interest. Why would you even go on vacation to begin with when you are wearied or worn-out from tourist "traps"? Makes no sense to me! Why is it that most every vacation spot or place that ALOT of people visit becomes a "tourist trap"? No disrespect jacquee4 but with this mindset maybe you shouldn't go, to you it probably won't be all that. As jpm said the night tours are probably sold out by now. And by the way I'm from Atlanta if this is important to you naysayers.
Aug 20th, 2002, 08:09 PM
#33
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After hearing and seeing so many stories and movies about Alcatraz,it was pretty disappointing. Yes, it does have history and it is interesting.The building/island itself however is not what you think it is. I would do it if you have more time but if you are hesitant then don't waste your time and explore other things.
Aug 21st, 2002, 01:23 AM
#34
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It sounds like there is an even amounts of skip it or do it. Do you think you will ever get back to San Francisco? If so, maybe you should skip it this time. If you only have three days, this may be better to do when you are there for a longer time. On the other hand, if you've never been to SF before and don't know when you'll be back, I would do it. It is definately worth it. Great history, short boat ride, and you can go at your own pace. You can stay over there as long as you want (at least when I was there a few years ago). I would say to do it unless you plan to go again for longer, and you can go then. Night time may be creepy!
Aug 21st, 2002, 05:12 AM
#35
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Just the views of the city and the Golden Gate that you get from the island are worth the visit to me. I found the tour interesting but the best part was just checking out the views.
[{{Ends secret transmission - Operation 'jacquee4' to Alcatraz completes - +; Please remit payment in gold to Swiss account 34K998D1-7}}]
[{{Ends secret transmission - Operation 'jacquee4' to Alcatraz completes - +; Please remit payment in gold to Swiss account 34K998D1-7}}]
Aug 21st, 2002, 05:34 AM
#36
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I agree with the posters who think the views alone are worth it. Absolutely fantastic views of the city from the boat and the island.
And I was pleasantly surprised with the tour as well..wasn't expecting much but decided to go when some pretty particular and "non-tourist-trappy" co-workers told me they enjoyed it. I am not overly fond of organized tours, so I was pleased that they give you headphones and let you wander thru on your own.. you aren't sheparded around by a perky tour leader if you don't want to be.. you can go thru as quickly or as slowly as you want. Worth it, most definitely.
PS. I currently live in New Jersey but at the time I visisted SF, I was a New Yorker (imagine the odds of that, what with the city being so small and everything !?!) xxx, that was quite possibly one of the dumbest things I have read on this site.. way to go.)
And I was pleasantly surprised with the tour as well..wasn't expecting much but decided to go when some pretty particular and "non-tourist-trappy" co-workers told me they enjoyed it. I am not overly fond of organized tours, so I was pleased that they give you headphones and let you wander thru on your own.. you aren't sheparded around by a perky tour leader if you don't want to be.. you can go thru as quickly or as slowly as you want. Worth it, most definitely.
PS. I currently live in New Jersey but at the time I visisted SF, I was a New Yorker (imagine the odds of that, what with the city being so small and everything !?!) xxx, that was quite possibly one of the dumbest things I have read on this site.. way to go.)
Aug 21st, 2002, 05:44 AM
#37
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WOW! I had no idea this would be such a heated topic!
Tom: Rudy was great! He is sorely missed. You should find one in your own city- (there must be one out there) & get him in office!
J Correa: Thanks for your vote- even if others think you have multiple personalities, I will take your words under advisement.
JPM: It is not too late to get tickets for the night tour, I called yesterday & they were wide open.
Kelly: That's what I was thinking. Still not sure.
Judy: I already knew that they lock you in the cell.
Paul: You bring up a good point & a new perspective- thanks!
Grasshopper: Thanks for new suggestions & the info.!
Dee: Another option- thanks!
You ([email protected]): We are staying in Nob Hill, so we plan on walking around North Beach, China Town (we're doing Wok Wiz, just because we don't want to go on our own)Golden Gate Park, & Sausalito. Don't know in which order yet, we're just going to play it by ear & hopefully fit in more stuff as we go.
Our 'real' vacation will be touring the Sonoma Valley & Coast, (staying in Healdsburg & Jenner). We are flying in & out of San Francisco, so we'd like to see it since neither of us has ever been. We arrive fri. afternoon, & will leave for Sonoma sun. morning. We will return to the city the following sat. afternoon & go back to NYC sun. night. That really only gives me about 2 whole days to see San Francisco.
So you see, on such limited time, being a city person myself, I would rather spend it experiencing more of the city life as it is, & see what sets it apart from other cities (i.e. NYC).
I think I have my answer! Thanks a bunch to you all! This was fun!
Tom: Rudy was great! He is sorely missed. You should find one in your own city- (there must be one out there) & get him in office!
J Correa: Thanks for your vote- even if others think you have multiple personalities, I will take your words under advisement.
JPM: It is not too late to get tickets for the night tour, I called yesterday & they were wide open.
Kelly: That's what I was thinking. Still not sure.
Judy: I already knew that they lock you in the cell.
Paul: You bring up a good point & a new perspective- thanks!
Grasshopper: Thanks for new suggestions & the info.!
Dee: Another option- thanks!
You ([email protected]): We are staying in Nob Hill, so we plan on walking around North Beach, China Town (we're doing Wok Wiz, just because we don't want to go on our own)Golden Gate Park, & Sausalito. Don't know in which order yet, we're just going to play it by ear & hopefully fit in more stuff as we go.
Our 'real' vacation will be touring the Sonoma Valley & Coast, (staying in Healdsburg & Jenner). We are flying in & out of San Francisco, so we'd like to see it since neither of us has ever been. We arrive fri. afternoon, & will leave for Sonoma sun. morning. We will return to the city the following sat. afternoon & go back to NYC sun. night. That really only gives me about 2 whole days to see San Francisco.
So you see, on such limited time, being a city person myself, I would rather spend it experiencing more of the city life as it is, & see what sets it apart from other cities (i.e. NYC).
I think I have my answer! Thanks a bunch to you all! This was fun!
Aug 21st, 2002, 05:48 AM
#38
Guest
Posts: n/a
WOW! I had no idea this would be such a heated topic!
Tom: Rudy was great! He is sorely missed. You should find one in your own city- (there must be one out there) & get him in office!
J Correa: Thanks for your vote- even if others think you have multiple personalities, I will take your words under advisement.
JPM: It is not too late to get tickets for the night tour, I called yesterday & they were wide open.
Kelly: That's what I was thinking. Still not sure.
Judy: I already knew that they lock you in the cell. Thanks though, for trying to keep it suspensful!
Paul: You bring up a good point & a new perspective- thanks!
Grasshopper: Thanks for new suggestions & the info.!
Dee: Another option- thanks!
You ([email protected]): We are staying in Nob Hill, & we plan on walking around North Beach, China Town (we're doing Wok Wiz, just because we don't want to go on our own)Golden Gate Park, & Sausalito. Don't know in which order yet, we're just going to play it by ear & hopefully fit in more stuff as we go.
Our 'real' vacation will be touring the Sonoma Valley & Coast, (staying at b&b's in Healdsburg & Jenner). We are flying in & out of San Francisco, so we'd like to see it since neither of us has ever been. We arrive fri. afternoon, & will leave for Sonoma sun. morning. We will return to the city the following sat. afternoon & go back to NYC sun. night. That really only gives me about 2 whole days to see San Francisco.
So you see, on such limited time, being a city person myself, I would rather spend it experiencing more of the city life as it is, & see what sets it apart from other cities (i.e. NYC, ATL).
I think I have my answer! Thanks a bunch to you all! This was fun!
Tom: Rudy was great! He is sorely missed. You should find one in your own city- (there must be one out there) & get him in office!
J Correa: Thanks for your vote- even if others think you have multiple personalities, I will take your words under advisement.
JPM: It is not too late to get tickets for the night tour, I called yesterday & they were wide open.
Kelly: That's what I was thinking. Still not sure.
Judy: I already knew that they lock you in the cell. Thanks though, for trying to keep it suspensful!
Paul: You bring up a good point & a new perspective- thanks!
Grasshopper: Thanks for new suggestions & the info.!
Dee: Another option- thanks!
You ([email protected]): We are staying in Nob Hill, & we plan on walking around North Beach, China Town (we're doing Wok Wiz, just because we don't want to go on our own)Golden Gate Park, & Sausalito. Don't know in which order yet, we're just going to play it by ear & hopefully fit in more stuff as we go.
Our 'real' vacation will be touring the Sonoma Valley & Coast, (staying at b&b's in Healdsburg & Jenner). We are flying in & out of San Francisco, so we'd like to see it since neither of us has ever been. We arrive fri. afternoon, & will leave for Sonoma sun. morning. We will return to the city the following sat. afternoon & go back to NYC sun. night. That really only gives me about 2 whole days to see San Francisco.
So you see, on such limited time, being a city person myself, I would rather spend it experiencing more of the city life as it is, & see what sets it apart from other cities (i.e. NYC, ATL).
I think I have my answer! Thanks a bunch to you all! This was fun!
