Thinking of taking the Alcatraz Tour in SF. Any opinions of whether it's worth doing? The night tour sounded sort of neat, but it's sold out when we're in SF. Thanks!

I went on the Alcatraz tour about six years ago and loved it (I guess it's because I am used to bars). Very interesting and even met an old inmate (very old). I'm going to take it again later this year for my website.

I guess it's because I am used to bars -- good one! Any recommendations on the best time to take it?

We did the night tour - it was so creepy as the sun went down and it got dark!

Since you can't do that, I would go early as possible. That will give you as much time as possible with as few [that being relative] people as possible. You can come back on any boat so you can take as much or little time as you like. If you go late afternoon, you HAVE to take the last afternoon boat back, you can't stay on island into dark/evening

We were in SF some years ago over July 4th - and all tour times were sold out. As a remedy, we signed on to a half-day city bus tour that included tickets to Alcatraz. City tour was surprisingly informative and gave us an overview of neighborhoods, history and stopped at a few key spots. Helped us decide what we would return to see for the remainder of our trip - and got us tix to Alcatraz on short notice.

I think it is worth it - day or night.

I've been several times and think it's really a neat tour. The first time I went, you could go into a "solitary confinement" cell - I refused to go in, afraid I wouldn't get out!

I believe we took the earliest tour available...

Thanks for the info.

SF-I think I'd be too freaked out to go in.

We live in the area. The Alcatraz tour is one of the most popular things to do in the City. You need to figure out when you want to go and then go to booking.com or some other travel site...expedia or kayak and buy your tickets in advance. Do not wait until you arrive as you will probably not get a ticket. Buying in advance is the best way to go.

And yes.......you will enjoy the tour!

Buy your Alcatraz tickets directly from this site, not from a 3rd party reseller. There is only one boat service that goes to Alcatraz.

https://www.nps.gov/alca/planyourvisit/fees.htm

sf7307 is right -- only buy from the nps website -- not from booking or expedia or kayak.

I somehow missed this thread! Just chiming in to say that day or night, the Alcatraz tour is great. I highly recommend the audio guide.