What You Need to Know Before Going on an Alcatraz Tour
If you are visiting the city of San Francisco, one of the attractions you are most likely thinking of visiting is Alcatraz Island. The site of the famous former prison is one of the city's most popular attractions. The island is a definite must-see place that is filled with history and ghost stories.
What are the things you need to know about going on an Alcatraz tour? Here are just a few things to be aware of.
Book In Advance And Arrive Early
Tickets to Alcatraz can sell out very early each day, so it's a good idea to book your tickets in advance. If you are able to, it's best to wait until the off-season when the crowds thin out, but if that's not possible, then book as early as you can for your trip. You will have a choice of several Alcatraz tours, most with other activities to do in the city as well. You can also book extra tours while on the island itself.
If you prefer, you can purchase tickets only to the prison, but again, it's a good idea to buy them early. You will have plenty of tour options to choose from, both day and night, so choose what's the best option for you.
Bring Your Photo ID With You
When you go to Alcatraz, you need to remember to bring your photo ID with you. If you are going with a group or family members, the person who booked the tickets is the one who needs to bring their ID. Your ID will be checked with the name on the ticket when you get into the line for the ferry to go to the island.
If you forget your ID, you will not be allowed to board the boat. Even though it's typical that the person who bought the tickets will be the only one required to show their ID, sometimes everyone in your group will need to verify who they are.
Wear Layers And Warm Clothing
It's a good idea to wear layers and warm clothing when heading out to Alcatraz island. Even on a warm summer day, the ferry ride and the island itself can be very breezy and cool. The ferry ride takes a few minutes to get to the prison, and the water is often choppy. The water could splash up onto you making the ride even cooler.
If you are taking a night tour of the island, it's recommended to bring extra layers and warm clothes. The night breezes on the island and ferry are chilly.
Stay As Long As You Want
One great thing about Alcatraz tours is that you can stay as long as you want on the island. Unless you book with a tour company, which will have other interesting and fun things planned for your tour, you can stay all the way until the island closes for the day.
The ferries run on a regular schedule, so you can hop on any one you want to as long as they aren't full. If you want to head back to the mainland at a certain time, it's a good idea to head back to the dock early, within an hour or so of leaving to get into the line.