If a tourist trap is a place that exploits tourists then Alcatraz is not one of them. But, you must decide whether the time spend is important to you. Some folks would never think of coming to SF without going to Alcatraz (think those who would never go to Ireland without kissing the Blarney stone (although that qualifies as a trap for me) You take a ferry ride out, get an audio tour and can do it in as little as 2 hours and be back on your way to SF proper. It really comes down to what you want to do. If you don't want to walk around the prison, take the ferry to Sausalito and have lunch and enjoy the great views of SF and Alcatraz. It's your vacation! Do what makes you happy.

jackee4, check to see when the parade of the tall ships occurs in SF. That's really worth a look and if you're in town for a Saturday, don't miss the Farmers' Market for breakfast at the Ferry Building. Have a great trip and relax-----SF is an easy fun city. Again, do what you want to do.

"Do it and skip it."

Check out neighborhoods such as the Missions District, Fillmore Street, Cow Hollow (Union Street.) etc. Sounds like you are a real city person. Would recommend the Ferry Market Farmer's Market and then some time in the Mission District/Noe Valley and then in Cow Hollow. Hope you find something to love in the Non touristy part of SF.

I really don't know anything about the night tour, but I must say that my day tour of Alcatraz was one of the most interesting tours I have ever taken. I have been fortunate to travel through most of Europe and the US. My husband had a meeting in California several years ago and I was fortunate to travel to San Francisco - I loved it and one thing I managed to do was to tour Alcatraz. I can't explain it but it was an experience I will always remember and glad I did - my only regret was that my husband did not have the time to join me for this experience. I did not find it touristy at all, kind of eery in fact, but so realistic. I would recommend it highly.

jpm, there are tour companies which sell Alcatraz in a "package": city tour plus Alcatraz. Do you need help searching for it?

jacquee4 - Sounds like you've made your decision, but for what it's worth, I would recommend the day tour. I have done the day and night tour. They were very similar and the night tour doesn't give you all the extra access that they claim. It's also too long. Plus, we went in April and the night tour was in broad daylight. And to top it off it's more expensive. The tour is very interesting and I would recommend going during the day. Enjoy.

I recommend the night tour at 6:20 p.m..
The difference between day and night tours are you are guided from the boat to the entry way and given a personnal talk by very interesting park rangers.
Next, you get the audio tour included which is extra during the day. Finally, after the audio tour you have may choses of behind the scene tours from knowledgeable volunteers. We heard all about where the most famous prisoners cells were and interesting history as well. Don,t go later than the 6:20 pm tour as you run out of time on Alcatraz.
Last ferry back to S.F. is 9:30 pm.

We loved San Francisco and really enjoyed staying at Hotel Sheehan.

We lived in SF for six years, but never did Alcatraz while there. Last year on a visit, we finally went. I HATED it, my husband and kids had a blast. It is freezing cold out there (dress warm if you go). Life is short, so you may as well go and cross it off your list.
Kirsten

I would do ALcatraz - My Husband & I finally did go out there (yes - it is very cold sometimes, but your out in the middle of the bay!!!) We enjoyed the fact that we could take the audio tour on our own pace. I would also recomend going to Golden Gate Park, ride the local bus system (what a way to see the local side of SF)& I would avoid the Wharf (unless you go down towards the Golden Gate Bridge end - better place to eat & more of where the locals will be at) and Pier 39 -- very definate tourist traps. We live in the Central Valley of California and go over to SF 2 - 3 time a year. We enjoy it very much.

I agree w/stool pidgeon. My friend and I went on the 6:20 tour this past weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was nice hearing on audio some people who "lived" and worked there. There are 2 return trips at night: 8:45pm & 9:30pm. We went back on the first boat and enjoyed the rest of our evening.
I went on the daytime tour several years ago & enjoyed it as well.

Do the tours stop on September 2nd? Just checked out the website and it appears to be that way. If so, I'm really disappointed as I was planning to visit later on that month.

hr ([email protected]):

Only the Island Hop runs until 9/2; the rest of the regular tours run year-round. If you want to book way in advance, you'll probably have to call directly.

Thanks Jacquee, I'll do that now. Hope your San Francisco trip is a success!