We are heading to San Francisco this summer and have never been to Alcatraz... so it's something we really want to do. I know we can purchase tickets in advance, but since weather and fog is so unpredictable, I'm hesitant on getting them early. Just how difficult will it be to get tickets upon our arrival in SF for a day or two later? I see the Blue-Gold line offers different departure times usually 1/2 hour apart. Thanks!

This usually sells out, especially in the summer. I would buy the tickets now and not worry about the weather. Even if it is rainy or foggy, it is still a great site.

Hi Fairway, I agree with mms..buy your tickets in advance. You don't want to stand in a real long line and you don't want to find out you can't get the tickets for when you want them.

Don't worry about the weather, it will not keep you from having an interesting and fun time. Do bring something to wear (windbreaker or whatever) in case it is chilly and/or windy. And wear good walking shoes. Enjoy!!

As soon as school gets out, lines for Alcatraz tickets on Fri Sat and Sun are REALLY long. Plus is it like going to a new movie - as you stand in line and stare at the electronic board, the 9:30 is sold out, the 10 am is sold out, and so forth. Very frustrating.

Fog generally "burns off" by 11:30 am, so if it is a big concern for you, buy tickets for a afternoon tour.

HAve fun!

Hi, we're also planning a trip to San Francisco and were hoping to get to Alcatraz.
Wondering if anyone had opinions about the night time tour?
Super creepy? More interesting than day tour? We don't scare too easily but have heard stories about it being creepy even during the day. Any thoughts?

Creepy? Well it was a federal prison. Kids usually love it and most adults seem to also. It would have been more then creepy if one had been incarcinated there, lol. What is the most creepy to me is all of the bird droppings. Certainly nothing to be scared of khoffmann.

Oh good, I must have been hearing that from some wussies! I think they said it feels a bit haunted.

I think the night tour would be pretty interesting. You obviously don't get the same view as day, maybe not worse, but different? Is day better to go to than night for that reason maybe?

Wow! I can always count on this board to get quick results. I have one more question: is the www.blueandgoldfleet.com website the only place to purchase them or is there another that I don't know about? And we definately were planning to purchase the audio tour.
Thanks again for the help!

We went to Alcatraz last week - bought our tickets a couple of weeks before on the Blue and Gold Fleet website and picked them up at the will call window.

Even though most schools were still in session, our boat was pretty full, so you definitely want to purchase in advance, and the audio tour is a must.

We'd never been there, either, and found it very interesting.

Lee Ann

In season the tickets may be sold out 3-4 days in advance.

Well... let me explain. Alcatraz is an island. One relatively small boat runs back and forth. It takes on a limited number of passengers.

Hi Fairway, yes the Blue&Gold is the best place to buy the tickets. Do you need the website or the phone #? If so, post back here. Best wishes.

Thanks so much everyone! I will be getting them via the website shortly - before school is out for sure.
I've been reading about people's picks for restaurants and we are getting very excited to go. Kids have never been there so they are in for a treat. They want to ride the cable cars so that's my next topic to pursue. It's changed since I was there last.
Thanks again!