We will be in San Francisco, and need to make a reservation for the Alcatraz tour. Does anyone recommend a particular time of day to cross over? They offer a night tour, but I am not sure that is the best choice, since I would like to walk around the island a bit.

Can anyone please suggest the time of day/tour that would offer the best experience for two older Canadians?

Thanks so much Fodorites

We took the earliest one . . gave us a little time on the island without big crowds. Bought the tickets the afternoon before the trip

Depending on time of year - I would take a late afternoon, early evening tour. One that gets you there with enought light to see the grounds upon arrival, then starts to get dark for inside part of tour. It is really extra creepy at dusk. And then the ride back in the as it gets dark as the lights come on in the city.

Also, IF this is still the case- the night tours have less people per tour and you get to go to places you don't get to during day tours, I.e. The Birdmans cell and the hospital/infirmary.

When are you going? Month is important. It is often foggy in the morning and/or in the afternoon/evening depending on time of year. If you are going in summer, then middle of the afternoon is safest re fog. In the Fall -- any time is fine since that is the best weather all year.

The evening tour would be great -- but not if it is fogged in.

Agree with Deb. We did this tour and the photos with the sun setting were spectacular

Alcatraz is north and slightly west of downtown. The sun will be in a much better position to "light up" downtown in the late afternoon - as Deb & rncheryl have noted.

Stu Dudley

We went last October; it had been somewhat unseasonable mild in San Francisco. However, be aware that it can be rather COLD out in the middle of all that water and the later it gets, the colder and more damp it can seem.

I would NOT go late in the day if I ever went again.

Oh, and fog is not going to prevent you from seeing what you go there for: the INSIDE.

We went last March around 1 p.m. While it was (unseasonably) warm when we left, once over there the wind hit in force. Sun was headed downward drenching downtown with light. Took photos outside, but all I can say is, lucky I wasn't wearing a wig that day, and even luckier we all brought hoodies, because it was definitely NOT a warm wind.

going at that hour is best, I think, because it really gives you a whole afternoon at a relatively slow pace and get in touch with the audio they give you describing each area you're looking at.

Be advised to get your tickets well in advance. Many people expecting to purchase tickets on the same day, or the day before, are disappointed due to no availability, though, as above, there are exceptions.

We will be there April 3 to 8th. Does that change the advice?

Fog shouldn't be an issue then -- but the advice to pre-purchase is always good. Space is limited and they regularly sell out. Plus that is Easter week so more families will be vacationing.