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Alcatraz City Cruises
The official website and only source for tour tickets to Alcatraz Island
Explore Alcatraz Ticket Options
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Alcatraz Day Tour
Now is your chance to explore Alcatraz Island and visit the world-renowned Cellhouse without the usual crowds! Step back in time during the Alcatraz Island Day Tour and experience the legendary Island that has been a Civil War fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious Federal penitentiaries in US history. -
Alcatraz Night Tour
Experience the many moods of Alcatraz Island with an evening visit. Enjoy the beauty of a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge, experience a cell door demonstration, and hear compelling stories about the Island’s history and residents. Evening talks by Island expert historians are offered on a variety of topics and change every night. The Alcatraz Night Tour is a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening that includes special programs, tours and activities not offered during the day. Be sure to check out the visiting and permanent exhibits during your visit to Alcatraz Island. -
Alcatraz Behind The Scenes Tour
Discover areas not otherwise available to the public! Join a group of 30 people or fewer on a guided 4-5 hour adventure to explore off-limits areas and hear little-known-stories about the Island's fascinating past, then join the Alcatraz Night Tour (including Cellhouse Audio Tour) for a full evening's experience. -
Alcatraz & Angel Island Combination Tour
Angel Island State Park is a hidden gem among the bay’s beauty and your tour includes a breathtaking tram tour of the Island. Alcatraz Island National Park is a San Francisco must-see. Above all, plan your day for both leisure and excitement while learning about San Francisco history.
Bone-Chilling Things to Do for Halloween in Berkeley 2024
September 18, 2024
Calling all ghosts, goblins, pumpkin lovers, and thrill seekers! Whether you’re a little kid or a big kid at heart, there are Halloween events for you and your family
Berkeley Beginnings: Wedding Events and Celebrations 2024
August 22, 2024
On the east side of San Francisco Bay, you will find northern California’s hidden gem, Berkeley. This lively city is rich with arts and culture and is brimming with experiences to engage you. It is one of the most underrated...
The Best Restaurants Around Alcatraz: Where to Eat Near the Island
August 15, 2024
Alcatraz is one of San Francisco’s most popular landmarks, drawing well over 1 million visitors annually. People travel from far and wide to get a glimpse of the island’s rich
Discover a Hidden Gem in San Francisco Bay: A Captivating Angel Island Tour
August 1, 2024
San Francisco and the Bay Area are full of world-famous attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and its proximity to Napa Valley. While Alcatraz is
Uncovering the Truth Behind the Legends: Myths of Alcatraz Explained
July 24, 2024
Alcatraz has long been a place of mystery and intrigue. This infamous prison, known as, “The Rock,” has captivated the imagination of many with daring escapes, ghostly sightings, and stories
Behind the Bars: Why was Alcatraz Built
June 26, 2024
Alcatraz, or “The Rock,” welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually. Interest in this former military fort (turned maximum security prison to some of the most sinister criminals) doesn’t seem to
Witnessing the Occupation of Alcatraz
June 17, 2024
Eloy Martinez is a retired contractor in the flooring business. Originally from four corners in Colorado, he grew up in a mining camp in Walsenburg, Colorado and came to California
Alcatraz Cruises Announces Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Gatherings
June 17, 2024
The Indigenous Peoples Sunrise Ceremonies are annual events held on Alcatraz Island to honor the Indigenous Peoples of America and to promote their rights. Held annually since 1975, the Alcatraz
Alcatraz Cruises’ Illustrious Night Tour
June 17, 2024
Alcatraz is mysterious at any time of day, but for those who want a real thrill, check out the Island’s Night Tour, which is particularly curious at night. As the
Escape to Alcatraz – How to Get to the Island
April 24, 2024
Although Alcatraz has been closed for over 60 years, it remains a place of intrigue and fascination for over 1.5 million visitors annually. Located off the coast of San Francisco,
Alcatraz History
1934 – 1963
Alcatraz and history go hand in hand
Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to “The Rock”. The presence of infamous inmates, like Al “Scarface” Capone and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud, helped to establish the Island’s notoriety. Yet, many people are unaware of the historical significance before and after it was one of the world’s most legendary prisons.
1969 – 1971
The 20th Century
Civil War-era buildings, cannons, and subterranean rooms give insight into the 19th century when the Island served as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison. As you dock at Alcatraz Island, visible reminders of the American Indian Occupation, which began in 1969 and ended in 1971, remains etched on “The Rock”, recognizing an important milestone in the American Indian rights movement.
