Guide to Touring Alcatraz

Alcatraz is perhaps the most famous prison in American history, once having a reputation of being escape-proof and housing some of the most notorious criminals in our country’s history. Today, Alcatraz island draws in tourists from around the world who want to learn more about the significance of “The Rock”

Here is a short guide about touring Alcatraz and what to expect.

Brief History of Alcatraz

This famed island off the coast of San Francisco has served multiple purposes over the years, one of the most significant being as a military reservation from 1850 to 1934. During this time, U.S. troops were garrisoned there to defend the Bay Area.

Alcatraz is most famous as a renowned U.S. penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. The Justice Department felt it needed a high security prison to combat organized crime and decided upon Alcatraz Island due to its remote location as well as the availability of facilities already present on the island.

Over the years, many infamous criminals would stay at “The Rock”, including:

• Al Capone
• George “Machine Gun” Kelly
• Robert Stroud
• Alvin “Creepy” Karpis

The reason that Alcatraz prison closed its doors is not due to the famed disappearance of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, contrary to popular belief. In reality, the prison was simply too costly to keep operating as its day-to-day costs were three times more expensive than other federal prisons. In addition, the prison would have needed a whopping $3-5 million (a fortune at the time) restoration to stay open.

Alcatraz Island became open to the public in 1972 and has been a favorite destination for tourists ever since.

Visiting Alcatraz Island

In order to visit Alcatraz Island, you’ll need to head to Pier 33 in San Francisco and purchase tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises. Assistive Listening Devices are available at the ticket booth.

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll listen to a short introductory orientation before embarking on a tour. There are several tours available, including ranger-led, audio-assisted, braille transcripts, and more.

The main destinations on the island are the Alcatraz prison barracks and the Cell House. At the barracks, you’ll find a theater and multiple exhibits detailing the history of Alcatraz. You’ll also find a bookstore, filled with books, interactive games, and numerous quality keepsakes, such as replica cups and food trays. 

The Cell House offers an audio tour, where you’ll be guided through the building, learning more about the day-to-day life of prisoners as well as stories about the inmates, escapes, and more.

Note that most of the walking routes around the island are incredibly steep, so be cautious as you go from location to location.

Major Exhibits and Points of Interest

The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

The main exhibit on Alcatraz, The Big Lockup allows guests to more fully understand the significance and legacy of the prison through the context of slavery and incarceration. 

The exhibit is split into smaller themes that not only illuminate more about the history of the prison but also looks at America as a whole, the country with the most people incarcerated in the world at 2.3 million.

Other themes of the exhibit include:

• Who is harmed by the current prison system?
• Who is incarcerated?
• Who bears the costs?
• How can we do better?
• And more

Indians of All Tribes Occupation

In the sixties, American Indian activists, mostly college aged, laid claim to the island from 1969-1971, when they were forcibly removed. The civil rights occupation by this group, the self-proclaimed Indians of All Tribes, eventually led to significant changes in federal policy concerning Native Americans.

While the main exhibits are no longer on the island, you can see a virtual exhibit online. You can also see different messages left behind by the group that still remain after all these years.

Explore San Francisco While Staying at The Grove Inn

For over 150 years, The Grove Inn has been the perfect homebase for visiting San Francisco from our discreet location in the Alamo Square Historic District. Our multilingual staff are experts in the area and can give you personalized recommendations on what to see and where to go.

Our rooms are clean, comfortable, and fitted with modern amenities to help make your stay in San Francisco a great one.

Browse our accommodations and book your stay today.

Getting there from the Grove Inn

Take a left on Grove Street and walk for six blocks. Take a right on Franklin Street and walk 2 blocks. The SF JAZZ Center is located on your right hand side, between Linden Street and Fell Street. 

Estimation: 4 minute drive or 14 minute walk.