Hi there, I'm going to San Fran later in August and I'm interested in the tour of Alcatraz. I'm talking about the tour where you actually go inside Alcatraz, not the boat tour around it. Does anybody know how long these tours are ?? Because I don't want to spend my whole day there. Also, does anyone recommend the tour ?
2006-07-23 04:56:40 · 12 answers · asked by REDSOX847 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
you can spend as much(or as little) time as you want on Alcatraz. the ferries run every 20 minutes back and forth. The audio tour is VERY informative and you can take it at your own pace, as you are given your own personal set of headphones. Think we spent a couple, maybe three hours there. or you could skip the audio tour and just wander around reading the signs. but I don't recommend that. The audio tour really brings it to life, and is narrated by actual former inmates and officials. one of the docents is the daughter of one of the Officials, and she grew up on the island.
2006-07-23 05:03:37 · answer #1 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went when I was in the Navy. Got a 4 deal pass to tour Alcatraz, go to a couple other places I can't recall, and a wax museum. Of course, I think I got a Military Discount, but that was in the early 1990's. It wasn't bad, either. Only a couple hours, and we got to tour the inside. Also had found out that where the Naval Station on Treasure Island is was orginally going to be the sight for the San Fran Airport, and the location where the San Fran Airport is was going to be a Navy base, but it got changed around. Good thing, too...I'd highly recommend that you go to Fisherman's Wharf, and check it out.
2006-07-24 16:52:25 · answer #2 · answered by jazzdrummerdave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend the tour.
A couple things you should be aware of.
1. San Francisco can be cold and foggy in August, bring some warm clothing with you.
2. There is a lot of walking , bring comfortable shoes
3. I recommend renting the headphones which give you a lot of
information you wouldn't otherwise get.
4. The tour can be an hour or longer, depending on how long you
wish to stay. (Boats come and go on a regular basis, you can get
any return boat)
5. It is a very popular attraction, MAKE SURE YOU MAKE RESERVATIONS. Phone (415) 705 8200.
2006-07-23 12:19:37 · answer #3 · answered by curiousgeorge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, take the tour. Get the earliest tour you can. You can either get a guided tour on a particular topic, down at the dock, or you can walk up the cellhouse on your own and get a tape-recorded tour (keep your boat ticket for this--it gets you the tape-recorder). Boats go back to the mainland every 20 minutes or so, and you can catch one of them at any time. Just make note of when the boats are going back to shore, walk around the island, see the cell block, and then head back when you want. I bet you can be on and off the island in two hours, walk around Pier 39 for a bit and have lunch on shore, no sweat.
But remember get yourself on the earliest boat you can. Book tickets at least a week in advance, because they're not easy to get. If you're planning for a trip in mid-August, buy them now, as a matter of fact.
Have a great trip!
2006-07-23 12:04:20 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Anonymous 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tours are as long as you make them. It all depends on what time you get on the ferry. You can leave whenever you want pretty much. There are lots of ferry pick ups during the day. There is a self guided audio tour that is about an hour that takes you all around the facility and tells some interesting stories. I have done it twice; it is awesome. Just make sure you either buy your ferry tickets in advance if possible as they go fast during the day. Other than that I hope you have fun.
2006-07-24 15:17:33 · answer #5 · answered by kman252 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tour to the island is GREAT - if you get the tour through the headset, then that is really powerful:) - I can't remember the minimum length - maybe an hour? - but you can stay there for a while and just explore if you want - but you could just do the tour and come back on the next boat.
2006-07-23 12:02:35 · answer #6 · answered by Derek K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tour is awesome. They let you off the boat and have audio guided tours in and around the compound. It only takes a few hours, and it's very informative. Have fun! San Francisco is a beautiful city. :)
2006-07-23 12:02:38 · answer #7 · answered by Edith 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was a couple of hours and I did the headset tour - it was well worth it. I wouldn't get that close and not do it. It's really cool then when you're watching movies that are filmed there and you go wow, I've been there and saw that!
2006-07-23 21:14:19 · answer #8 · answered by dph_40 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/Alcatraz.htm
2.5 hrs. long, roundtrip from Fisherman's Wharf including a tour of the prison and island. About $16. Best deal in town.
2006-07-23 22:11:18 · answer #9 · answered by elk312 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the boats are in fishermans wharf and it takes 2-4 hrs its worth the time to go in but you better be in shape its a long walk up the hill to get inside there is a ranger that is with the group
2006-07-23 12:02:54 · answer #10 · answered by lugwrench3@verizon.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋