Great experience! I’d recommend this for all ages! But bring a jacket/sweater. I know it’s hot and t shirt weather up in San Francisco but the second you get out on the water and onto the island it’s COLD. Windy, foggy and cold. Still a great experience just be prepared! Also I recommend wearing tennis shoes. A few hills and lots more walking than you think. They also have a little train for people who have trouble walking, that drives you up to the cell house. The tour was very cool and I highly recommend this one! Ferry was easy, not sure why there are reviews that say it wasn’t good. Tickets were easy, everything went great!
C
Cristie_D
September 29, 2026 · via Viator
Disappointed
Was super disappointed in the visit. You were only allowed to walk half of the floor and there was so many people. A lot of areas closed off.
L
LaShawn_G
September 5, 2026 · via Viator
The tour was great but...
The tour was great but there is a significant uphill climb to get to Alcatraz. They should have more tram rides up the hills.
5
550russellv
August 28, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Must see
It was a good site to visit. Didn’t feel rushed nor harassed by anything extra.
H
HelenS180
August 13, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great trip and tour. Bundle up for the wind.
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Alcatraz. The audio tour was great. All of the employees were friendly. I can't wait to see more improvements on the island. I do think it was excessive to have to show our tickets three times before boarding.
P
Poindna
August 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Dylan’s Red van tour - Laura -and Alcatraz island mostly self guided tour
The first part of the tour was with Dylan’s tours- Laura was my tour guide. The red open air van was so nice as it traveled and maneuvered the hills.from Fisherman’s wharf through several neighborhoods- viewed Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, Fort Point ( we saw the surrounding grounds but didn’t go into the fort). We viewed North beach, Russian hill, the Broadway Tunnel, into parts of Chinatown, and back to Fisherman’s wharf to depart to Alcatraz Island.
Turn your online voucher in for a ticket at the Kiosk. Bring ID.
Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island- viewed the various buildings some only viewable from outside- saw the American Indian displays. The main prison sits atop the hill. After entering, you pick up your electronic tour guide with headsets. After following the tour, return your headsets and exit the prison.
I learned that the prison was expensive to upkeep and thus its closure, the cells are 5 by 9 feet. I was shocked by how tiny they are. The open yard for prisoner recreation was where I could breath freely, but the air on this day was cold.
Birds of various kinds and gulls occupy the island as the island is a bird sanctuary. The park system maintains the site. The rangers great you with a short orientation when first exiting the ferry. Maps are 1 dollar American that you slip into a slot.
All together my Dylan’s tour and the ferry trip and tour of Alcatraz was five hours- you can stay on the island for as long as the ferry is running. I stayed for about 2 hours.
There are snack foods and drinks on the ferry. It is pricey. For example I bought a seven dollar hotdog- nothing else- I brought my own water bottle and a small tote.
There is a very well stocked gift shop. Postcards, books, sweat and tee shirts, brass souvenir keys- I bought one-
Cups, I don’t expect so many people working for this park- in the gift shop, on the grounds, and in the prison. It was really nice for me to see. The people in the bookstore- come over by ferry earlier in the morning- I asked.
Overall a worthwhile combination of tours- I would do this again especially since I know better what to expect.
I would bring a water bottle and a protein bar, wear hiking shoes, bring a hat, maybe sunglasses, cash if you want a map, money for gift shop.
Remember Laura with Dylan’s tours!!! She’s great and very knowledgeable and outgoing.
Tips. Enough said.
Bathrooms located on Alcatraz and before the ferry ride. There might have been one on the ferry.
Enjoy!!
C
Curious276753
July 29, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Alvarez trip - plan extra time for boat travel
Touring Alcatraz was really nice, but I did feel like it was slightly overpriced. I wish more of the island was restored so that you see it all. D boat ride to the island and back was smooth, however, we had to wait a long period to get back to shore. One small boat came dropped people off and left. It would be nice if they posted times the boats would come pick so people could be prepared. I believe we waited 45 minutes.
