The historic and infamous Alcatraz penitentiary, located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, is one of America's most infamous prisons. Converted from a lighthouse station to a military prison in the 1870s, and upgraded to a maximum-security prison in 1934. The rocky island of Alcatraz was once home to well-known criminals like Al Capone, George' Machine Gun' Kelly, Robert 'The Birdman' Stroud, and other convicts. They were considered violent, dangerous, or escape risks. It operated for almost thirty years, closing in 1963 and re-opening as a tourist attraction in 1973. In the course of its 30-year existence, the penitentiary received a total of 1,576 convicts. There were never more than 250 at any one time, even though there were 450 cells measuring about 10ft x 4ft. At times the number of guards and staff was greater than the number of convicts. Today you'll only make it to "The Rock" via ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Once there, the self-guided audio cell house tour narrated by former inmates and guards will fill you in on harrowing escape attempts, prison riots, and the 19-month long occupation of the site by Native Americans demanding reparation for broken treaties in 1969. To get a more creepy bang for your buck, try a night tour. Plan to spend about a three-hour round trip and bring a jacket to protect you from the heavy year-round fog and the agonized spirits of the island's former residents. Alcatraz regularly sells out, so booking in advance is strongly advised.
Alcatraz tickets include a round-trip ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, an award-winning Cellhouse audio tour, optional daily programs, and exhibits. Alcatraz day tour ticket price:
Adult (18-61 years old) US$ 39.90
Junior (12-17 years old) US$ 39.90
Child (5-11 years old) US$ 24.40
Senior (62+ years old) US$ 37.65
Toddler (0-4 years old): Free
Alcatraz night tour ticket price:
Adult (18-61 years old) US$ 47.30
Junior (12-17 years old) US$ 46.25
Child (5-11 years old) US$ 28
Senior (62+ years old) US$ 44
Toddler (0-4 years old): Free
Alcatraz