We definately want to see Alcatraz when we are in SF. Can someone fill me in on the specifics? Which do you recommend - day or night? Where do we get tickets? Are reservations needed? Thanks!

Alcatraz Island is part of the National Park Service and they have contracted with a private company, Alcatraz Cruises, for tours to the island. Check the NPS website for Alcatraz Island for a link to this company.
I definitely would recommend booking your tour in advance. I have been to SF twice and taken this tour both times. On each visit, we saw many people disappointed when they tried to get tickets for the tour and were told it was sold out.
I've done both the day tour and the night tour and I must say I really enjoyed the night tour. It wasn't significantly different from the day tour, but seeing the SF skyline at night on the return trip was special.
The website for Alcatraz Cruises mentions some of the pro's for each of the various tours on their website which may help you decide which tour you want.

I agree that booking ahead is really the best way to go. I also recommend going on a night tour. There are far less people and you can really go at your own pace and still see everything.

Also, night tours include a tour of the medical wing where Robert Stroud's cell [Birdman] is located. You don't see it on day tours, as they medical wing is only open at night.

We were just there a few weeks back and the night tour was excellent. Be sure do go to the 6:40 pm door closing demo; it was eerie to say the least.


Pictures

http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/Alcatraz2008

and more info:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35116703

Also, the Pier 33 where the ferry departs is not right in Fisherman's Wharf. It is about a 10 minute walk away. Plan for that. Also, I would suggest having a late lunch before you get on the ferry or have dinner when you get back, but not at Fisherman's Wharf. It was our most dissappointing meal.

Deb

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/index.aspx

I don't remember if it is optional or not, but do get the self-guided audio tour. I don't recall guided tours for groups, so it's walking around on your own. The tapes are great for starting and stopping at your own pace.

The night tour includes Audio tour with the price of admission.
Deb

The audio tour is well-worth doing. I usually shun those dorky tape recorders, but the one at Alcatraz is very well done.

Does the night tour leave in daylight? It would b swell if one could see views of both the island and the city in daylight AND after dark.

It left the pier at 4:30 and we left Alcatraz at 7:15 pm. Since it was the day after the start of daylight savings time, it was getting dark as we returned to SF. Great sunset over Golden Gate Bridge and nice city lights. I'd imagine that during summer, it would still be light during return.

NewBe - did you look at my pics? You can see for yourself.

Deb