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Alcatraz

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stranger
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4 out of 5
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51
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Alcatraz

  • September 10, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by FelineFrenzy from Calgary, Alberta
We had booked an Alcatraz tour in advance (you must do this in advance on the Internet at www.alcatrazcruises.com as they sell out well in advance) and it was worth every moment. We took the 11am sailing, and the time was just right to let us sleep in and then get lots of sunshine there and back. By the way, this is the only company that is licensed to take you to the island. Other tours can sail past, but cannot land. Going to Alcatraz is a definite must-do, and the included audio tour at Alcatraz was clearly the highlight. Beautifully narrated and organized, it really brought this site to life! They also offer evening sailings to Alcatraz, and apparently those sailings include some "surprises". You can read more about this at the Alcatraz Cruises website.

From journal Luxurious Weekend in the City!

Alcatraz

  • March 3, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Ricardo! from Santander, Spain
Alcatraz

You haven't had a complete vacation in San Francisco if you haven't been to Alcatraz Island. The trip starts boarding the boat in the Pier, the trip in the boat can be a little painful, just because of the cold temperatures, but you will survive it with a jacket. As soon as you arrive to the island you can go by your own, or follow the guided tour, which I recommend to do. And latter inside the main building there is an audio tour which will reveal every Alcatraz prison secret to you.

From journal The Amazing San Francisco

Editor Pick

The Rock

  • February 21, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by cindylou11157 from Pottstown, Pennsylvania
The Rock

Alcatraz, the infamous federal penitentiary, housed some of the most notorious criminals of our time. During its 29 years as a prison, Al Capone, Bird Man of Alcatraz, George Machine Gun Kelly, and Arthur Doc Baker were some of the most famous prisoners. This decaying structure was the first operating lighthouse on the west coast and served as a fortress. In 1933 Alcatraz became what it is most known for today, a maximum security prison. Today it is part of the National Park Service and this is why it is still standing today, SAVE THE ROCK.

It is best to purchase tickets ahead of time, they sell out fast. The ferry leaves from pier 33 at 9:30am and runs until either 6:30pm in the summer or 4:30pm the rest of the year. The ride takes about 1/2 hour. I would suggest taking the morning ferry so you are not rushed. Most tickets include the audio tour that is given by former inmates and runs about 50 minutes. The tape tells you blow by blow stories of their experiences. The former inmates reminisce about the cell blocks (Broadway, CD Street) the attempted escapes, the day the marines came to take back Alcatraz. I thought it was well put together.

Take time to explore the grounds. As you enter on the pier you are greeted by a park ranger that advise you of important information about the prison and special movies and tours that are shown that day. As you walk up to the main cell house you will pass the water tower and the military barracks. Keep going and you will run into the lighthouse. Once inside the main building, an audio cassette is given to you and your tour begins. You will cover every part of the main building, including the main cell block, dinner hall, Warden’s office, visitation room, and administration office. The dinning room was considered one of the most dangerous areas. You could only imagine having 200 or more inmates all together in one room with utensils!!

Once you are finished with the audio tour, take a walk outside. You have magnificent views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge. Do not forget to stop in the gift shop. There are very interesting books on the history of Alcatraz besides your normal souvenirs. One way you can contribute to Saving the Rocks is by buying of piece of it. An actual piece of the rock is told for about $5.

When visiting San Francisco, a must see attractions is Alcatraz. Please do not miss it.

From journal A San Francisco Treat

Alcatraz

  • February 10, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by lisa742 from Bellaire, Michigan
Alcatraz

This is definitely one of my favourite parts of the trip. I had so much fun here. If you're interested in anything historical, this is a place you HAVE to go. When I bought my tickets, I wasn't sure where to buy them from, but if you go on the Blue and Gold Fleet website, you can get the best deal. There is an option to purchase a ticket with audio. I wasn't sure at first what that meant, but since it was only a few dollars more I decided to go for it. I was happy I did when I got to the island. The people there hand out little headsets with a tape player of some sort attached. You listen to the tape they give you and it tells you all about the prison, and it pretty much guides you through the entire prison. I definitely recommend getting the tour with audio; you end up getting a whole lot more out of the entire experience. Below is the link for the website I used...like I said, this was the best deal I could find. Don't forget to book your tickets as far ahead of time as you can; I saw lots of people standing in line, trying to get a ticket for that day.

ttp://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/

From journal San Francisco—One of the Most Beautiful Places

Alactraz

  • February 10, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by becky387 from Bellaire, Michigan
I went to Alcatraz with my sister. Although we are both adults, I think that it would be a fun place for a family to visit. For a bonus, when we got there it was reunion day, when some of the old prisoners and guards came back and told us about being there. My sister and I paid the extra for the audio tour, which was really worth it! It was as if we had someone going through telling us all the inside details. Although we only did this in half a day, it could take more or less time.

From journal Trip to San Francisco

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