Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Planning a visit to Alcatraz? To make the most of your experience, it’s important to book your tickets early, dress in layers, and arrive ahead of time. 

From exploring the prison’s fascinating history to enjoying scenic views, our essential tips will ensure your trip to this iconic island is unforgettable.

Book Early, Especially in Peak Season

Buy your tickets well in advance. Alcatraz is extremely popular, and tours often sell out days or weeks ahead – especially for weekends, holidays, and all summer long. In summer, regular day tour tickets can be gone 4–6 weeks in advance and night tours even earlier. 

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco, try to reserve your Alcatraz tickets as soon as your dates are firm. 

The official tickets go on sale about 90 days prior. Booking on the official Alcatraz City Cruises website is the most straightforward way. They charge face value with tax, no extra fees.) You can also call +1-415-981-ROCK to book by phone. 

Same-day tickets are rarely available at the Pier 33 ticket booth, so don’t count on just walking up. 

If you didn’t plan ahead, see the “Last-Minute Tickets” section below for backup strategies.

Arrive Early (and don’t miss the boat!)

Plan to arrive at Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry time. Boarding usually starts ~30 minutes prior and closes 5-10 minutes before departure. 

If you cut it too close and hit a delay (traffic, Uber running late, etc.), you risk missing your ferry – and you likely won’t get a refund or a later boat, as same-day exchanges are not guaranteed. So give yourself a cushion. 

There can be a line to check in and another line to board. Use that extra time to take a photo with the Alcatraz Landing sign or browse the outdoor exhibits at the pier. 

Bonus tip: Weekday mornings are generally less crowded than afternoons or weekends at the pier.

Dress in Layers & Wear Comfortable Shoes

Alcatraz can be surprisingly chilly and windy, even on a sunny day—the weather on the Bay is unpredictable. It might be warm in San Francisco, but out on the water and island, it can feel much colder. Conversely, the sun’s reflection off the water can suddenly make it feel hot. 

The best strategy is to dress in layers: bring a light jacket or sweatshirt even if it’s warm out, and consider a windbreaker or scarf for the ferry. 

Also, wear good walking shoes. You’ll be trekking up steep hills and on uneven concrete and dirt paths. High heels or slick-soled sandals won’t be fun. Think comfy sneakers or hiking shoes. Your feet will thank you as you climb the 13-story equivalent hill to the prison. 

There is a tram for those who can’t walk, but most people will walk. 

If it’s a rare hot day, don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen – there is not much shade on parts of the island and the sun can be stronger than you expect even when the air is cool. 

If you’re doing the night tour, extra layers like a beanie or warm coat are wise – it gets cold after dark.

Travel Light (No Large Backpacks/Luggage)

There are no storage lockers at Pier 33 or on Alcatraz, and large bags are not allowed on the island. The rule of thumb: keep it to a day-pack size or smaller. 

Standard backpacks are okay, but anything larger (like big travel backpacks or suitcases) will be turned away. 

If you’re in transit (e.g., heading to the airport after the tour), make other arrangements for your luggage. 

Additionally, strollers are allowed on ferries, but only folded and only on certain parts of the island (the island has some stairs and narrow areas that strollers can’t go). 

If you bring a stroller, you can use it at the dock and on the road up to the cell house, but not inside the cell house itself.

Food and Drink

No food is sold on Alcatraz Island, and eating is only permitted at the picnic tables in the dock area. 

There’s a snack bar on the ferry (with drinks, pretzels, hot dogs, etc.), but once on the island the only thing you can consume beyond the dock is water. 

So plan your meals accordingly. It’s a good idea to eat a meal before you go (there are many restaurants and cafes in Fisherman’s Wharf and along the Embarcadero). 

You can bring a water bottle – in fact, do bring one, especially on warm days. There are water fountains to refill up top. 

If you want, pack a light snack (granola bar, etc.) but you’ll have to eat it down at the dock area before or after touring the cellhouse. 

Definitely do not bring a big lunch expecting to picnic anywhere except the designated area at the pier – park rules prohibit food outside the dock to avoid attracting wildlife (pesky seagulls). 

Alcohol is also not allowed on the island. But you can buy beer/wine on the ferry ride back from Alcatraz if you’re so inclined.

Facilities at the Island

There are restrooms at Pier 33, so use them before you board the ferry.

On Alcatraz Island, restrooms are located at two main points: near the dock (where you arrive) and at the top of the island near the lighthouse and cellhouse entrance. 

There are no restrooms inside the cellhouse audio tour route. So it’s smart to take a bathroom break either when you arrive (before hiking up to the Cellhouse) or right after finishing the audio tour, before you head back down. 

Lines can form at the top restrooms, especially when a ferry of people finishes the audio tour around the same time. 

Plan accordingly to avoid discomfort – maybe duck out a minute early from the audio tour to beat the rush if needed.

Accessibility on the Tour

If you or someone in your group has mobility issues, know that Alcatraz has an accessible tram called the S.E.A.T. Shuttle (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) that runs from the dock up to the cellhouse and back. 

It’s primarily for those who physically cannot make the climb (elderly, disabled, those with certain health conditions). 

It runs every half hour or so. If you need it, use it – that’s what it’s there for. 

At Pier 33, inform staff and they will let you pre-board and use the elevator on the ferry if needed. 

The cellhouse itself is wheelchair accessible (there is an elevator to reach the second level where the tour continues). However, some parts of the island (like the steep steps to the laundry building or the trail to the top of the water tower) are not accessible. But you can still have a fulfilling visit by focusing on the main areas. 

All films shown on the island and the audio tour have transcripts or other accommodations – just ask a ranger.

Guided Tours and Programs

Once on the island, check the chalkboard or signs at the dock for any special ranger tours or talks that day. 

Often, rangers lead free short tours on topics like “Alcatraz Gardens” or “Escapes” at certain times. These are optional but can be very interesting. They’re included with your ticket (no extra cost). 

Also, explore the exhibits: for instance, the New Industries Building sometimes has an exhibit about prisoner labor, and the cellhouse has the “Alcatraz and the American Prison” exhibit. 

If you have questions, talk to the park rangers! They are super knowledgeable and can share stories or answer curious questions (they’ve heard it all, from ghost tales to “Did anyone actually escape?”). 

On the dock, there’s usually a ranger available to chat as well.

Photography Tips

Alcatraz is a photographer’s delight. For the best views of the San Francisco skyline, turn around as the ferry arrives or departs Alcatraz – you’ll see the city with the Bay in front. 

The Golden Gate Bridge view is best from the west side of the island (near the old officers’ club ruins or from the recreation yard). 

Inside the cellhouse, flash photography is allowed but often not needed; try using the natural light from windows for moody shots of rows of cells. 

If you take the night tour, a tripod could be useful for low-light shots (tripods are allowed, just be considerate of space). 

Also, keep an eye out for wildlife: on the island you might see seagulls (lots of them), cormorants, and other seabirds up close. 

In spring, parts of the island close for bird nesting, but you can still get photos of chicks and nests from a distance. 

Sometimes harbor porpoises or seals are spotted in the waters around Alcatraz, so have your camera ready on the ferry.

Mind the Time (Last Ferry)

If you’re on a day visit, remember the time of the last ferry off the island (usually 6:30 or 6:45 PM in summer, 4:25 or 4:30 PM in winter. Don’t miss the last boat! 

Rangers will sweep the island to ensure everyone leaves, but you don’t want to be that person they have to search for. 

There is no way to stay overnight unless you’re part of a special sanctioned event (and no, hiding in a cell until everyone leaves is not allowed ;-). 

So keep an eye on your watch. You can always ask a ranger, “When is the next ferry back?” to be sure of your options.

Kids on Alcatraz Island Tour

Alcatraz can be a great family outing as long as it is a Day Tour. Night Tour might be too eerie for young children.

Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times (you can’t leave kids roaming alone). 

Engage your kids by making it like a treasure hunt – ask them to find Al Capone’s cell, or count how many steps it takes to pace a cell’s length, etc. There are Jr. Ranger activity booklets available sometimes. 

The content of the audio tour is appropriate for kids aged 8 years and up. Some younger kids might find it a bit long or intense.

If you have a toddler or baby, a carrier is better than a stroller for getting around the cellhouse. 

Note: Remind kids not to run on the trails or climb on structures, both for safety and preservation. 

Respect the Site

Alcatraz is a National Park site with a lot of history and meaning. While it’s fine to have fun, remember many consider it a solemn place too. 

Treat the buildings and exhibits gently – don’t deface anything or take “souvenirs” (removing any rocks, plants, etc. is illegal). 

You’ll see peeling paint and rust – that’s part of the authentic decay and is monitored by preservationists, so leave it as is. 

Smoking is only allowed at the island dock area. And please don’t feed the birds or wildlife.Basically, follow the “Leave no trace” principle as much as possible so Alcatraz remains as evocative for the next visitors as it was for you.