Things to do on Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island sits in San Francisco Bay, reached only by a roughly 15-minute ferry from Pier 33 with Alcatraz City Cruises, the sole operator authorised by the National Park Service.

The visit centres on the cellhouse audio tour, narrated by former officers and inmates, which winds through the old prison blocks in about 45 minutes to an hour, plus time on the grounds. 15 for children 5-11.

Tickets are released 90 days ahead and commonly sell out for weeks, especially in summer, so this is a booking to make early rather than a walk-up plan.