Alcatraz Prison A San Francisco Top Sight To Visit

Alcatraz Prison A San Francisco Top Sight To Visit

San Francisco's Alcatraz Island

San Francisco Sights

What is Alcatraz and where is it located: Just a mile off of Fisherman’s Warf, Alcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast, then a federal prison.  Now it is one of the Sa Francisco’s most popular and most visited attractions. For more informations and tickets, visit here. 

Alcatraz Island

When was Alcatraz used as a Federal Penitentiary: From 1934-1963 Alcatraz was used as a federal penitentiary with famous convicts such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly as residents. Now, this  prison is part of the Bay Area’s 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Alcatraz Island

What to expect when you visit: When visiting Alcatraz expect to tour the prison (audio tours available), visit the 9 X 5 foot cells, the mess hall, library and the “dark holes,” where the really bad criminals spent time in solitary confinement.   Be sure to note the ferry times to and from as they’re only every hour or hour and a half so you want to time your visit, allow 20 minutes or so to wait in line for the return ferry back to San Francisco. Do not forget to pack layers! San Francisco is much colder than it looks especially in our colder summer months (June – August). Our summer is September/October where you’ll need less layers, but still a few!

Alcatraz Island

Friends Lisa and Neill visited me and we explored Alcatraz together and they explored the solitary confinement cell (shown above).  It’s pretty creepy!

Alcatraz Island

Me and Lisa during my first Alcatraz visit

Alcatraz Island

Another visit with pal Becky. We loved the audio tour as it provides some great information so be sure to grab one when you start the tour!

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco's Alcatraz Island

The prison yard with fabulous Golden Gate Bridge views

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco's Alcatraz Island

San Francisco's Alcatraz Island

Farewell Alcatraz, until I visit again….

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