I recall several years ago having a guide take us through the prison/cellblock area. Looking at the website it appears there are only self-guided or audio tours now. That the informational tours are all outside? It appears maybe the evening tour includes a guided tour inside? Can someone clear up the confusion. We will be with our kids age 9 and 13 and would prefer a real guide over audio if it is available. Thanks for any help!!

I haven't been there in 7 years, but I live in SF, and plan to go there again this summer with visitors. I don't recall having a guided tour ever available. Even then it was an audio tour. The audio tour is fabulous! It gives you the actual sounds of being in the prison, as well as factual information. Some info is told by former inmates. You won't be disappointed! Even the kids will love the audio tour.

Hi jgg, I like andiamo have not been on the Alcatraz Tour for quite awhile either, but never knew about a guided tour inside. There was a talk before we started the tour. And I agree that the audio tour is fantastic. I believe you will have an interesting time. BTW, never did the evening tour so don't know about that.

Hi LoveItaly,
Just wanted to say hi. I've seen your posts on quite a few of the same posts I've commented on. I, like you, "love Italy"! (Hence my name, Andiamo!) Just wanted to say hi! Do you live in the Bay Area?

We (DH and I) took the evening tour about three years ago. Rangers of the NPS served as guides for the first part of the tour from the dock and into the prison to the cellblock. The rest of it was an audio tour. We took the Blue and Gold Fleet tour from Pier 39 - http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/alcatraz

The evening tour fills quickly, so if you are going to be in SF for only a day or two, consider purchasing your tickets on-line. (We had gotten this advice from other Fodorites and are glad we order in advance. We saw many disappointed families at the dock. Thanks!) The evening tour gives the added bonus - views of SF Bay at sunset and the city aglow at night.

We went in the evening just over a year ago. From what I remember, a guide takes you to the jail entrance from the ferry. At that point, you get your audio tour and walk around by yourself listening to it. It really is a good audio tour!

After that, and I think this is only for the evening tours, they offer various guided tours that you can do. I think we were able to do two of them based on how long they keep you there and what times the tours were. We did do one indoors - they discussed how the doors/locks work. That was really interesting. We went on an outdoor one that was less interesting, but you can see the whole schedule when you get there and sign up for the ones you want.

Definitely buy your tickets online if you can. You don't want to risk them selling out!

I've done the audio tour and have to say that though you wouldn't think it would be impressive, it really is fabulous. I really think even your kids would enjoy it. You are each given you own portable walkman type device and the tour is narrated by former prisoners. You can all walk together and listen to the same thing at the same time, but you really feel like you are in the past moments of Alcatraz listening to the audio. I would highly recommend it - I was suprisingly impressed!!

Thanks everyone! Sounds like the audio tour should be good. We are going mid-June so I will try to book it today!

the audio tour is REALLY good. We did the night tour of Alcatraz.

It was better than I thought it was going to be.

I highly recommend the night tour, especially the kids. Much more interested.

Plus the night I was there, it was thundering adn lightning...pretty eerie.

Good luck.

Ciao Andiamo, I have noticed your post too! And thought the post about your delivering the birthday cake to the UK couple in SF was wonderful.

Don't mean to hijack your thread jgg!

Andiamo, my family came to SF in 1868. SF is the "home of my heart" no matter where I live. I was born in Oakland, lived in Albany, then further north. Now live in Vacaville. The first time in my life that I do not live along the water. That was a big change for me.
Most of my life, went into SF every week or two. Now that I live in Vacaville do not go to SF as much. Will be going into SF this coming Tuesday.

How long have you lived in SF? Think we both love SF and Italy. Maybe we can meet one of these days? My best wishes to you.