alcatraz tour rain

OurSausalito.com

The Insiders Guide to Sausalito

Alcatraz Weather and What to Wear

Click here to return to the Alcatraz Menu

Note both the sunny skies and the cool fog blowing in on this video!

Alcatraz Weather and What to Wear (Hint: Layers!)

Always bring layers of warm clothing on a trip to Alcatraz, even if the day seems nice in San Francisco.   Alcatraz weather is dominated by the fog that likes to creep into San Francisco Bay. When it does, Alcatraz is directly in its path.  The temperatures can drop rapidly even as the wind comes up, creating a one-two punch that can make your teeth chatter.

Insiders Tip: During the summer and autumn a sweater covered by a windbreaker is more practical than a heavy coat for Alcatraz weather patterns, since you have to carry an extra layer when it’s sunny and warm i9n case the fog rolls in. The windbreaker can be folded to a small size and stuffed into a purse or backpack, and the sleeves of the sweater can be tied around your waist.  If the fog comes back in you can add one or both layers and be warm again.

Alcatraz weather is unique in the Bay Area because it’s a small rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. It’s exposed directly to the opening to the Pacific Ocean that is spanned by the Golden Gate Bridge.  For this reason Alcatraz weather is influenced both by the Bay and by the ocean and its banks of fog.

It may sound illogical, but summer is actually the foggiest part of the year on San Francisco Bay.  We almost never get rain during the summer, but we can get wild swings in temperature.

In many years September and October are our warmest  Alcatraz weather months, as the fog recedes and the long days still give us plenty of sunshine.

During the winter we have less fog on Alcatraz, but we’ll get one, two or even three days of rain at a time as Pacific storms cross the area. A winter visit to Alcatraz also allows you to buy tickets without ordering several days in advance, as opposed to the summer, when many days sell out far in afvance.

Insiders Tip: Want to make sure you get a dry Alcatraz weather day during the winter?  Buy your ticket “at the last minute,” and you can avoid coming on a rainy day, or at least know in advance that you need to wear a good raincoat.  Last minute tickets are tough to come by on summer weekends, but during the winter they’re often available.

• Top SF Attractions
• Fisherman's Wharf
• Golden Gate Bridge
• Lombard Street
• Ghirardelli Square
• Golden Gate Park
• Japanese Tea Garden
• Haight Ashbury
• San Francisco Beaches
• Conservatory of Flowers
• Botanical Garden
• The Embarcadero
• San Francisco Zoo
• California Academy of Sciences
• The Exploratorium
• de Young Art Museum
• Legion of Honor Art Museum
• Musée Mécanique
• 65 Things to Do in San Francisco
• Ride the Cable Cars
• SF Bay Cruises
• Bike the Bridge
• Go Car Tours
• Best Places to Stay in SF
• Chinese New Year
• Cherry Blossom Festival
• Christmas in SF
• Napa Wineries
• Angel Island
• Santa Cruz Boardwalk
• Whitewater Rafting
• Vintage Plane Rides
• Getting Around SF
• When to Visit SF
• Parking Tips for SF
• SF Homelessness
• Bad SF Travel Advice
• San Francisco Attractions

Alcatraz Tours

• Visit Alcatraz

By  Karen

Updated December 27, 2023.

Visit Alcatraz Like an Insider

Before you visit Alcatraz, check out these tips from a local.

I've been out to Alcatraz a number of times in the 30 years I've lived in the city, and I've done all three of the Alcatraz tours.

• How to  get to Alcatraz .
• Getting tickets to Alcatraz.
• Where to  catch the boat  to Alcatraz.
• Driving or public transportation ?
• Tips for  taking the ferry .
• What to expect  on the island .

They are back to the normal ticket schedule now, and the Cell Block is open now for the audio tours.

How to Visit Alcatraz

The only way to visit Alcatraz is to take one of the ferries operated by the  City Experiences company.

Other Bay cruises may include a trip past or around Alcatraz, but they don't let you get off on the island (see  other San Francisco Bay cruises ).

The boats leave from  Pier 33  on the San Francisco Embarcadero, the waterfront boulevard running from Fisherman's Wharf to the Ferry Building.

Pier 33 is also called  Alcatraz Landing . See maps below.

City Experiences offers four ways to visit Alcatraz:

• Day Tour of Alcatraz
• Alcatraz Night Tour
• Behind the Scenes Tour

For information on what is included during these tours and the free guided tours on the island, as well as information on what you'll see in the prison, see  Alcatraz Prison Tours .

To find out more about what the the  night tour  is like, and photos, see  Alcatraz night tour .

For the scoop on the newest tour, see the  Behind the Scenes tour .

Taking the Alcatraz Ferry

The ferry to Alcatraz leaves from Pier 33 (Alcatraz Landing) on the Embarcadero.

The City Experiences company operates the ferries to Alcatraz.

This ferry only goes to Alcatraz (and Angel Island on the combination tour).

Reservations are required via City Experiences at cityexperiences.com .

Boat Schedule

Day Tours.  The Alcatraz ferries for the day tours depart from Pier 33 daily, every 30 or 60 minutes (depending on the day and season) from 8:40 am to 3:50 pm (1:35 pm in winter), or later, and return every 30 or 60 minutes.

Departure times for the return boats are posted at Pier 33 and at the dock on Alcatraz. You can take any boat back, but  don't miss the last one!

Night Tours.  The night tour runs Tuesday through Saturday, at 5:55 and 6:30 p.m, in summer, and lasts about 2.5 hours. Return boats leave Alcatraz at 8:40 and 9:25 pm.

In winter the boats leave at 3:50 pm.

It varies with the seasons; winter has only one night tour sailing, and summer season has two.

The  Behind the Scenes tour  also runs five days a week, two sailings.

4.5 hours for the tour.

In winter, the sailings are at 2:25 and 2:45 pm, summer sailings are later in the afternoon.

Alcatraz Tour Tickets

Buying tickets to alcatraz.

City Experiences  is the official concessionaire for the U.S. Park Service which administers the island and prison.

They sell the Alcatraz tickets online, at  cityexperiences.com , by phone at 415 981-7625, or at the ticket booth on Pier 33, 9 am to 6:30 pm.

How the Tours and Tickets Work

The ticket that you buy from City Experiences includes:   1. The ride to and from the island   2. The Audio Tour of the prison

The Night Tours and Behind the Scenes tours have additional activities.

See  Alcatraz tours and tickets  for tips on buying Alcatraz tickets and what to expect on the various Alcatraz island tours.

If you don't plan on doing the  Alcatraz Audio Tour  (which is excellent) because of time constraints, language difficulties, restless children, etc.,  you can get a refund  for that portion of the tour ($8.00 for adults, a bit less for others).

The Audio Tour is available in English, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese and Mandarin.

How to get the refund : Unfortunately you can't get it when you buy your tickets. When you enter the prison, you will be offered the headsets for the tour. Tell them you don't want one and you will get the voucher. The refund is only available on the Day Tours.

The rest of the  activities on the island  are  free :   (a) Guided Tours: volunteers with the National Park Service give 45 minute tours on various topics (English only).   (b) Videos on the history of Alcatraz.   (c) Walking through the cell block and recreation area.   (d) Exploring the island, including the old Civil War fort and the nature preserve.

When you arrive at Pier 33, you can get a brochure with a map of Alcatraz and other information.

Booklets about Alcatraz are available on the Alcatraz dock for $1, in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.

There is also a bookstore on the island with a large selection of material about Alcatraz.

Alcatraz Combo Tours

Another way of getting Alcatraz tickets is to purchase a combination tour, where Alcatraz tickets are paired with one or more other San Francisco attractions or activities.

Since there are no discounts for Alcatraz tickets, getting a package deal can be one way of saving some money, if there are other tours you plan to do while you're here.

Also, it's one way to get tickets for Alcatraz when the official seller, cityexperiences.com, is sold out.

Alcatraz can be be paired with a large variety of other activities, where the total cost can be less than buying the tickets individually.

If you're planning to do a  city tour , or see  Muir Woods  or  Sausalito , or go on a  bay cruise , you can find tours like that combined with Alcatraz.

Also things like food tours , Segway tours , beer pub tours , and lots of other fun things may be available along with Alcatraz.

I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through some of the affiliate links on this page, at no extra cost to you. See  disclosure policy . This helps me provide all the free information on the site. Thank you!

Alcatraz & SF City Tour.  You can get Alcatraz tickets and a bus tour of the main SF attractions, with pickup from your hotel. $160. See  Alcatraz & City Tour  for more info and booking.

Alcatraz & Bay Cruise.  See Alcatraz and also spend 60 minutes sailing around the bay and under the Golden Gate Bridge. Gorgeous views! $138. See   Alcatraz and Bay Cruise    for info and booking.

Alcatraz and Bike Tour.  Do Alcatraz one day and another day do a guided bike tour, along the SF waterfront, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and down into the charming town of Sausalito. $179. See  Alcatraz and Bike the Bridge  for info and booking.

Alcatraz, SF City Tour, Muir Woods & Sausalito.  Tour Alcatraz, San Francisco, and explore the ancient redwoods of Muir Woods all in one day, with a stop in the charming, seaside town of Sausalito. $109. See  Alcatraz, SF, Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour  for info and booking.

To check out the  available Alcatraz combo tours , see  combination tours  (lots to choose from!).

Alcatraz tickets sold out? Don't despair! There are ways to get tickets. See  Last Minute Tickets

The Alcatraz ferries and tours run all year round, but the island is closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Thanksgiving.

What is the best time of year to visit Alcatraz? 

The best time of year to visit Alcatraz is in the fall , September or October, our most reliably warm and sunny months.

The ferries run rain or shine, but some months are rainier than others.

As a general guide,  September  and  October  are the warmest and sunniest months,  November, December, January and February  are the coldest and wettest,  March  can be wet, but not that cold,  April  is variable (often sunny, with occasional rain), and  May, June, July and August  are often foggy, but with no rain.

Our rainy season is nothing like Seattle's; even in a typical "wet" year, it will rain off and on for two or three days, then we get a few sunny days, so you can get a good day any time of year.

Blessed as we are with a quasi-Mediterranean climate, even in wet years the rain usually disappears by May, often by April, and doesn't start up again until November.

See more about our San Francisco weather  and the best times to visit San Francisco .

What to Bring With You When You Visit Alcatraz

No matter what time of year you visit Alcatraz,  be sure to bring a jacket!  

What may look like a warm sunny day when you start out often turns into a cold, foggy and windy afternoon, especially in the "fog season": May, June and July.

Also, it tends to be colder and windier out on the Rock.

If you forget, however, you can always buy one of those "Alcatraz" sweatshirts once you get there, in the bookstore on the dock or in the gift shop at the prison!

City Experiences has some requirements for boarding the ferries:

 # 1. Don't forget to  bring an ID with your photo  on it when you visit Alcatraz. It is required as a safety precaution, first to purchase or pick up your tickets at Pier 33, and as you are boarding the ferry if you have a pre-printed ticket. If you used a credit card on the phone, you will need to show them the card used to buy the ticket. Only the person who purchased the ticket on the phone or online needs to show ID.

 # 2. Certain items  cannot be taken on the boat , in addition to the obvious ones like weapons. They include:

• Oversized backpacks (larger than 16" by 20", or 40 by 50 cm)
• Skateboards
• Roller Blades/Skates

And  parents take note :

• Shoes with Wheelies

There is no place to store stuff at Pier 33 while you visit Alcatraz. A few bike racks are available, but they can fill up.

The California Visitors Center at Pier 39 used to store luggage for a small fee but it appears they don't do that anymore.

More things to bring:

Bottled water. Bring your own, or you can buy bottled water at the shop on the dock. You can carry your water bottle all over the island.

Current food rules: They prohibit eating anywhere on the island except on the dock, so you could bring something to eat either before or after you tour the island. They are serving food and drinks on the ferry again.

Your mobile phone or other camera.

The  best  views of San Francisco (in my opinion) are from a boat out in the Bay.

It's worth going to visit Alcatraz just to see the City from this amazing vantage point.

The usual items . Sunglasses, sunhat, sunblock, etc. Anything you think you might need for the next 3 or 4 hours.

Shopping is  very  limited on the island, unless you need a shirt, baseball hat, bottled water or a special Alcatraz prison cup!

Getting on the Ferry

Covid rules:  no vaccination proof is required to get on the boat, and masks are recommended, but not required, in the loading area, on the boat, and on the dock at Alcatraz.

Thirty minutes before departure, there will be a long line waiting to get on the boat.

Should you get there early so you can be at the front of the line and get a good spot?

No.  Good News!  There is plenty of seating and the best spots are standing along the railing anyway. People rush on and take the seats on the open decks up above.

When the boat starts, many people leave their seats to go over to the rail where the view is better, or walk around the boat, so the seats will open up if you want one.

You also have a choice to sit outside on the decks or inside and look out the windows.

The ferry company asks you to be at the pier 30 minutes prior to boarding, but you don't have to be in the line for 30 minutes.

There is a snack bar and shop on Pier 33 next to the departure point, so you can relax and have a cappuccino while you're waiting to visit Alcatraz.

Have a snack, too; no food is available on Alcatraz.

On the Island: food, drink and more...

The Park Service has strict rules about food and drink when you visit Alcatraz. 

No eating or drinking  other than water is allowed anywhere on Alcatraz (except eating is okay in the dock area).

On the ferry, there's a snack bar serving sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos and snacks, plus beverages (beer and wine are served only on the return trip). 

Something new: you can now pre-order food and drinks to eat on the ferry. See food & drink preorder . Not sure what the advantage is, though.

The ride over to Alcatraz is gorgeous and only 15 minutes, so I recommend getting some snacks in the snack bar before you get on the boat so you can enjoy the views, and not be standing in line to get food on the ferry.

Your visit to Alcatraz will last several hours, so I suggest bringing a snack or sandwich with you to eat on the dock before or after you explore the island. 

The only beverage allowed past the dock area is water. Cold bottled water is for sale in the bookstore. Good idea to take some with you; it can be a warm hike up the hill to the prison.

Are there bathrooms on Alcatraz? Yes, there are bathrooms on Alcatraz. However...

A word to the wise, especially those traveling with children: there are  only two restrooms  on the whole island.

One bathroom is on the dock, but the other bathroom is at the top of the hill near the Alcatraz lighthouse, a long way from the dock.

You won't get to it until after the climb up the hill and at the very end of the Audio Tour in the prison.

The climb up to the prison is a rather steep and long: a distance of 1/4 mile (.4 km) with one switchback. You will be climbing a hill 13 stories tall.

Wear comfortable  walking shoes  when you come to visit Alcatraz.

Prior to the federal penitentiary, the island was used as an  army fortress , and later as a military prison.

Confederate prisoners were held here during the Civil War. You can explore some of the buildings still remaining from that period.

Some of the buildings were burned during the Indian occupation of Alcatraz in 1969-1971.

The warden's house on top of the hill was one of the casualties; only the shell remains.

Special transport  is available for those with difficulty walking.

An electric vehicle pulling two small cars carries passengers from the landing dock up to the prison every 35 minutes. Ditto going down.

Shopping on Alcatraz

If you're interested in getting  Alcatraz souvenirs , there is a large selection for sale on the island.

The bookstore has some, but the biggest collection is in the gift shop at the top of the hill, just as you leave the prison.

Along with the usual T-shirts, hats, mugs and posters, you can stock up on replicas of prison clothing, cell keys, official guard pins and tin prison cups!

There are lots of books and DVDs about Alcatraz as well.

Getting to Pier 33

Pier 33 is located on the Embarcadero, near Francisco and Beach Streets.

Going by Car - Parking Tips

Street parking in this area is dismal.

There are a few metered spots, but not long enough to visit Alcatraz, so plan to use a parking garage or lot (expensive) or park on the street without meters in another neighborhood (like the Sunset District) and take public transportation.

Or use the Spot Hero app to book a space in one of my recommended parking garages. You can often get good discounts for parking that way.

Best Spots for Parking Near Pier 33

There's no parking available right at Pier 33, but there's a cluster of parking garages in the general area of Pier 33 and several parking lots.

Unfortunately, this area, like a number of other popular tourist areas, has become a favorite hunting ground for car burglars.

I've changed my recommendations for where to park near Pier 33 because of the frequent car-break-ins at certain locations. 

I put together a new group of best places to park in this area that appear to have a lower likelihood of break-ins.

See my article on  Embarcadero parking  for details and maps showing their locations.

You can see my suggestions for Alcatraz parking as well as parking for other attractions on the Embarcadero.

The easiest parking used to be at the lot right across the street from Pier 33, or in one of the cavernous pier garages like Pier 19 ½, Pier 23 or Pier 29. But these have become the favorites of thieves, so I don't recommend parking there.

There's a big lot at Pier 27 which is convenient and not as risky as the other lots on the Embarcadero, but I wouldn't say it was safe, either. 

In any case, be sure never to leave anything valuable in your car, or anything visible.

I have parked at the lot across from Pier 33 (2 Bay Street lot) for two of my visits to Alcatraz and my car was okay. But one time when we got back after dark, after doing the Night Tour, one of the cars in the lot had been broken into. I've used the lot at Pier 27 also, without a problem. But others have reported break-ins there. 

Parking Caveat  for self-park lots. There have been instances of thieves pretending to be parking attendants and collecting parking fees at unattended lots.

Check carefully to see what the payment arrangement is for the place you're parking. You'll see signs telling you to get a ticket from the machine to place in your car (and see the machines) if it's a self-park lot or garage. This has happened at the Pier 27 lot and other places.

Taking BART to Alcatraz Landing

If you're coming into the City on BART, get off at  Embarcadero station  and come up to the surface on Market Street.

There is an F-Line trolley stop in the same block (see map below); you will want to be on the south side of Market Street (going towards the end of Market Street where the Ferry Building is).

The next F-Line streetcar  stop is Steuart Street, just past the end of Market Street towards the Ferry Building and the bay.

Take the trolley along the Embarcadero to the  "Bay Street" Stop  at Pier 35, and walk back a short distance to Pier 33.

(Also see  Map of F-Market Line and Bart Stations  for the entire F-Line route).

Standard adult fare  on San Francisco buses and streetcars is  $3.00, exact change required . Youths 5-18, and seniors 65 and over, pay $1.50.

Or use the Muni Mobile app , $2.50 per adult.

Market Street Trolley San Francisco has a collection of antique streetcars from U.S. and European cities that run on the F-Line, from the Castro District along Market Street to the Embarcadero, past Pier 33 and Pier 39 to Fisherman's Wharf.

The Alcatraz stop is " Bay Street " at Pier 35, close to Pier 33.

Buses The #10 Townsend bus stops at Pier 33.

You can go to a page to download a  Downtown Transportation Map  showing the BART, bus and streetcar routes.

Using public transportation in San Francisco.  There are now alternatives to needing exact change on the buses and trolleys.

See  getting around SF  for my transit tips and a description of the passes, mobile apps, and cards you can use instead of cash.

Walking from Embarcadero BART station . Come up on Market Street and head for the Ferry Building, straight ahead one block at the end of Market Street, then go left and walk along the Embarcadero to Pier 33.

About a 16 minute walk at a brisk pace.

Coming from Fisherman's Wharf

Take the "F-Line" Trolley  along the Embarcadero and get off at the  Bay Street  stop at Pier 35, and walk a short distance further to Pier 33.

If you want to take the trolley, get on at the first stop on Jones Street and Jefferson Street. It gets really full and for later stops you probably won't get a seat and sometimes can't get on at all.

Or  walk the whole way  (about 7 minutes along the Embarcadero from Pier 39, and 20 minutes from the Hyde Street Pier at the other end of Fisherman's Wharf).

There are also pedicabs that go from Fisherman's Wharf down the Embarcadero.

Enjoy your visit to Alcatraz!

What should you wear to visit Alcatraz?

• Wear layers, even if it's a warm day in the city. It can be cold and breezy out on the island. 
• A warm jacket is handy all year round, except for maybe September and October.  
• Consider wearing a sun hat and sunglasses on sunny days because you will be outside for a good part of the time.

Can you eat on Alcatraz?

They don't want visitors eating on Alcatraz, and there is no food to purchase on the island. It used to be okay to eat on the dock, but I don't know how strict they are about that now. Better to eat before you go. They don't serve food on the ferry going over now, either.

Is Alcatraz wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cell block area is wheelchair accessible, as well as  the ride up to the cell block.

Other areas require going up and down stairs, but the cell block is the most interesting area. You would need someone traveling with you to help you get on and off the transport vehicle needed to go up to the cell block. It would be difficult or impossible for someone to push a wheelchair up the hill to the cell block.

More to explore...

Share this page: 

Best things to do in San Francisco

Top San Francisco Attractions

Get the latest tips on visiting San Francisco.

SF Bus, BART & Cable Car Routes

Get Alcatraz tickets...

Home | Sitemap | Contact Me | About Me  

  Privacy Policy | Use Policy | Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FogCitySecrets.com Inside-Guide-to-San-Francisco-Tourism.com

Copyright© 2009- . All rights reserved.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

10 Things To Know When Planning A Visit To Alcatraz

Sharon Odegaard

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• San Francisco
• United States

Alcatraz Island sits so close to the city of San Francisco that it’s as if it’s beckoning to you to visit. It’s visible from all along the wharf and from the high hills of the city, and it’s sure to pique your curiosity.

You’ve likely heard of its reputation as a maximum-security prison, but the island is more than old buildings with barred windows. Alcatraz provides hours of fascinating sights. And the boat ride there, with its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, makes the trip worthwhile before you even set foot on the island.

Tours of Alcatraz have grown in popularity, and you will want to book ahead to ensure you get a spot.

Here are 10 things to know before you go to ensure you enjoy your visit to the fullest.

1. Be Sure To Book Ahead

If you postpone making a tour reservation until the week you are visiting San Francisco, you may be disappointed. Book at least a few weeks in advance, if possible — you can order tickets up to three months in advance. Only one company, Alcatraz Cruises , sells tickets for island tours. Go online and choose a day tour, night tour, or behind-the-scenes tour. Your ticket will be for a specific time. Boats depart until mid-afternoon, so even the last boat of the day will allow for plenty of time to tour Alcatraz.

Some sites sell bay cruise tickets that include “seeing” Alcatraz from the boat, but not landing there. Be sure to book through the official site if you want to do more than a sail-by.

2. Wear Layers And Comfortable Shoes

You’ll be walking up steep hills and old steps, so wear flat-soled shoes. I wore tennis shoes that were nicely cushioned, which turned out to be perfect for the somewhat uneven paths and worn stairways.

San Francisco can be chilly even in the summer, and fog and rain are common. A windbreaker jacket is a good idea at any time of year. Dress in layers if the weather is iffy.

3. Arrive Early For Boarding At Pier 33

It’s tour day! With your pre-purchased timed ticket in hand, head for Pier 33 about a half-hour early to check in. The numbered piers on the wharf begin at the Ferry Building and go in order toward the popular Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf just beyond. You’ll have no trouble finding Pier 33.

Board the boat at your assigned time and settle in for a lovely 20-minute cruise with views of the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and the city of San Francisco. Little white sailboats dot the water. It’s quite a picturesque ride.

4. Pick Up An Audio Tour At The Cell Block

Disembark at the dock, right next to the iconic guard tower. Listen to the brief orientation talk given by a National Park Service guide, then head up a hill to the main attraction of your tour: the prison cell blocks. Alcatraz is best known for its years as a federal prison (from 1934 to 1963), though in earlier years it served as a fort.

Enter the main building, just as the prisoners did. When a prisoner arrived, clothes were issued, along with shaving equipment and other basics. The receiving area is set up to show you how this looked. Move through the communal shower area to pick up an audio tour in your language.

I often pass on audio tours, since they can be more cumbersome and distracting than helpful, but at Alcatraz, the audio guide will tell you exactly how to navigate the large building. Hearing the stories told by guards and prisoners will enrich your experience of Alcatraz.

5. You Can Experience A Jail Cell

At Alcatraz, you can go inside a few of the cells and get a good feel for life behind bars. Look out at your fellow tourists wandering the hallways at leisure and envy them.

When I first visited Alcatraz, a guide would shut the door of the solitary confinement cell, leaving you in total silence and darkness. That’s no longer an option — I’m guessing it was too frightening! But it’s still a remarkable experience to stand in the place where prisoners spent months and years and imagine their lives.

6. The Island Has Its Own Lighthouse

After hearing the stories of the prisoners and guards and wandering up and down the cell blocks, you’ll emerge from the main prison building, and right in front of you you’ll see a tall lighthouse. Built in 1854 at the tip of the island, the lighthouse burned in 1970, but most of it survived, and it is operational today.

The shell of a large house next to the lighthouse, with its prime view of the city, once housed the warden and his family. It also burned in 1970, but in its heyday it was a mansion surrounded by ornamental gardens.

7. Look For Signs Of The Native American Occupation

A water tower rises above the north end of the island, and it tells of another era in the history of Alcatraz. Native American activists from San Francisco occupied the island for 19 months starting in 1969. They claimed the land for “Indians of All Tribes” (the name the occupiers gave themselves). When the last occupiers were removed from the island by government officials, graffiti on some of the buildings as well as on the water tower remained: It now reads Peace and Freedom .

8. The National Park Service Tour Is Worth It

Alcatraz Island is now maintained and run by the National Park Service , which offers informative free tours throughout the day. Check the schedule of tours when you arrive at the dock.

I took the tour on escapes from Alcatraz and learned about the cell area where one escape attempt happened. The guide explained the differences between bar shapes and which were easier to saw through. I ended up returning to the cell blocks to study the bars and cells: Some bars were flat, and others were rounded. Details like that are what make the National Park Service tours so interesting.

9. The Old Officers’ Club Has Quite A History

Take a few minutes to examine the large ruined building just above the dock. This was at one time the Post Exchange and Officers’ Club. It’s mind-boggling that during its time as a federal prison, Alcatraz also housed the families of the prison officials in close proximity to the prisoners.

Those who were raised on Alcatraz remember the Officers’ Club fondly, recalling that they were almost unaware of the prison that stood a few yards away. The club featured a soda fountain and a bowling alley, and dances and parties regularly took place there. The children hopped on a boat to San Francisco for school each weekday.

10. Plan To Bring Your Own Food

I spent about four hours on Alcatraz. There’s plenty to see in that much time, but I was there at lunchtime, and I got hungry. No food is sold on the island, but you can pack snacks or a lunch, and I was so glad I did. Visitors are only allowed to eat in the picnic area beside the dock, which sounds restrictive. But there is a good reason for this. The island is a bird sanctuary and nesting site. The mission of the National Park Service is finding a balance between the high volume of visitation and the impact on the island’s wildlife. And sitting on a picnic bench, gazing at the skyline of San Francisco while munching on a deli sandwich is a great experience. You just need to plan ahead.

A day tour of Alcatraz will live in your memory for a long time. Stand on the island with the prison looming ominously above and sailboats gliding peacefully on the water below. You’ll find yourself imagining what life behind bars here was like, knowing that beauty and freedom were tantalizingly close but just out of reach.

More on the City by the Bay:

How To Spend An Amazing Day In San Francisco

12 Amazing Hidden Gems In San Francisco

9 Interesting Things To Know About San Francisco’s Columbus Tower

8 Totally Free Things To Do In San Francisco

9 Tips For Riding Cable Cars In San Francisco

Visiting San Francisco’s Marin Headlands: 9 Things To Know

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

Alcatraz Now

We Take You to Prison!

Frequently Asked Questions

I bought your package. now what.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOKING ! By now, you should have received your booking confirmation with all pertinent information. If not, call us immediately at (415) 561-9999.

You are booked for two(2) tours: Alcatraz Tour & Bike Tour.

1] ALCATRAZ TOUR:

Pick up tickets at Pier 33 [Alcatraz Landing], San Francisco.

Make sure to go the window called “GROUPS/TOUR OPERATORS” 20 to 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

Present your I.D. to the “GROUPS” teller to retrieve your ticket(s), and board the ship. Boat is right there…

2] BICYCLE TOUR:

Bike Pick-up and Departure Point: Columbus Cyclery Bicycle Shop at 2011 Mason Street, San Francisco.

– Self Guided (All year round) : Pick-up the bike anytime after 10am and return it by 6pm to the shop. The bicycle path to the Bridge is just a few blocks away…

Note : The Bicycle Tour can be done on a different day than the Alcatraz Tour. The day before, the same day, the day after Alcatraz.

If you have any questions, call us 7 days at 415-561-9999 from 8am to 8pm.

Everybody else is out of tickets and you are not.  Why?

As an Alcatraz Cruises Partner, we are allocated a certain amount of Alcatraz tickets per month.   We purchase them one (1) year in advance, and start releasing them 30 to 45 days prior the event.  So, during high demand, we may still have tickets when the main stream is sold out.  

Does your Tour actually land on the Island?

Yes it does.  It is the only Alcatraz Tour we offer.  No gimmick ! It takes 30 minutes to reach the island by boat and about 1.5 hours to visit the prison and its amenities.  Nothing Left Behind!  You take a ship back to the main land when you are done with your jail time… Alcatraz is a National Park administered by the National Park Rangers.  They will welcome you upon arrival and give you an orientation before you head to the Cell House. Alcatraz Cruises only provides the maritime transportation to this national park and back.

Are the tickets shown as available guaranteed?

Yes they are.  Our booking system is solid and accurate.  No overbooking.  If the system lets you purchase tickets, they are available.  If not, it means we do not have them in the quantity requested.

What do I need to know before I book my Alcatraz Now Tour?

Visiting Alcatraz Island is truly a unique experience and a highlight of any trip to San Francisco. However, it is also one of the most popularly visited landmarks in the Bay Area and tickets are limited. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that visitors who wish to visit the Alcatraz Island book their reservations in advance. Typically, the summer season and holidays fill up quickly, so it is recommended to book Alcatraz tickets a few weeks in advance in order to secure tickets during these times. Bookings for Alcatraz are made available 90 days in advance.

What are the departure times for Alcatraz Island?

Though the departures to Alcatraz Island generally leave around every 30 minutes from 9am, the Alcatraz ferry schedule varies slightly with each season. There are also Alcatraz Evening Tours and Alcatraz Tours combining a visit to Angel Island (Alcatraz-Angel Island Tours) that are available seasonally. It is important to note that Alcatraz Island is closed for tours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

How do I purchase “Alcatraz Now” Tickets?

Alcatraz Tour Tickets are limited and we strongly recommend that you purchase them in advance. Tickets can be purchased directly at our store located at 2011 Mason street in San Francisco [415-561-9999] or securely online.  We do not accept payments over the phone.

Our Alcatraz ticket is comprehensive and includes the ferry transportation service to and from Alcatraz Island, the jailhouse audio tour, and full access to all the island’s amenities.  It also includes the bicycle tour across the golden gate bridge all year round.

What kind of weather can I expect for my Alcatraz Tour?

Alcatraz Island weather can be unpredictable and is subject to change unexpectedly.  Therefore, we recommend always bringing a light jacket or sweater with you on your trip to Alcatraz Island.  A general San Francisco advice is to dress in two or three layers and to wear rain attire for rainy days, which tend to be more during the winter season. We also recommend wearing closed-toed walking/tennis shoes with some sort of grip pattern on the bottom for walking around Alcatraz Island.

How do I get to the Alcatraz Ferry Landing?

The Alcatraz Ferry Landing is located at Pier 33 in San Francisco.  We recommend public transportation using the San Francisco transit system, known as MUNI. Destination to enter is : Pier 33 Click here: MUNI

If you plan on driving, please see next paragraph.

Where do I park for my “Alcatraz Now” Tour?

a] For the Alcatraz part of the Tour: The only way to get to Alcatraz Island is by ferryboat, therefore there is no parking on the Island. However, there are a variety of options when it comes to parking a vehicle or motorcycle near the Alcatraz Ferry Landing at Pier 33 in San Francisco. With regards to parking lots, there are a total of fifteen commercial parking lots within five blocks of the Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33. Please note that prices from these lots can vary from $10 to $40+ per day. The nearest parking lot is located at 80 Francisco street (one block from Pier 33). For those driving with individuals with disabilities or special needs, the Alcatraz Ferry Landing has an “Accessibility Drop-Off Zone” that can be used to unload passengers going on the Alcatraz Island Tour. On-street parking in the Fisherman’s Wharf area is not recommended because spaces are hard to find and equipped with time-limited meters that are unlikely to allow enough time for a full Alcatraz Island visit. If at all possible, we recommend arriving by public transportation.

b] For the Golden Gate Bridge Bike Ride part of the Tour: Columbus Cyclery is located at 2011 Mason street (@Columbus Ave. #801).  Parking is free on Sundays and not too hard to find in the morning.  On the other days of the week, we recommend parking at 1636 Powell street .  Between $10 and $15 all day, and about 3 blocks from our store.  Additionally, bus line 30 has a stop across the avenue from our shop, and the Cable Car has also a stop across the street.

What accessibility services are available at Alcatraz Island?

The Accessible Features of the Alcatraz Tour include: – Accessible Parking at Alcatraz Landing – Accessible Restroom Facilities – Accessible Tram (S.E.A.T) – Assistive Listening Devices – Audio Described Tour – Braille Transcript of Cell House Tour – Open Captioning

The Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 is fully accessible and has limited accessible parking, available on a first-come, first-served basis. To use accessible handicap parking, drivers must display a permanent or temporary disabled placard at the entry of Pier 33.

An accessible restroom is available at the dock, once arriving on Alcatraz Island and an accessible tram (S.E.A.T) is available to the left for transportation to the Cell House. Inside the Cell House, there is an elevator that can be used to access the second story of the building, where an audio-described or Braille transcript of the Alcatraz Island Tour can be acquired. Next door to this building is a second accessible restroom on the island.

Note: Most of the walking paths and paved routes on the island have sharp inclines and may also have uneven surfaces. If you would like to access the videos and exhibits in Building 64, before getting onto the S.E.A.T vehicle at the dock, you will need to head uphill approximately 100 feet from the dock to access the entry ramp. This route is extremely steep, so please proceed with caution. An accessible ramp is also available to reach the New Industries Building. The path to the Check Station has sharp inclines as well, including an eight-inch step to enter the building, and the stairway between the Cell House and the Prison Yard contains 45 steps. The space in front of the Morgue Building also has varying degrees of level ground.

The National Park Service is striving to get the Alcatraz Island Tour as accessible as possible. You may leave comments and suggestions for the National Park Service by calling +1 (415) 561-4700.

What is the pet policy for Alcatraz Island?

Pets are not allowed to board the Alcatraz ferry or to be on Alcatraz Island. Only trained service animals, which does not include “emotional support animals”, are permitted since they are specifically trained to perform a task in support of an individual with a disability.

• SF City Tour
• Sunset or City Lights Tour
• Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour
• Full Day – Ultimate City Tour Plus Giant Redwoods
• Holiday Lights & Sites Tour
• Guest Reviews
• Attractions

The Ultimate Alcatraz FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

The ultimate insider guide: 32 faqs about planning and visiting alcatraz.

Hey there, friend! So you’re thinking about checking out Alcatraz, huh? Man, you’re in for an adventure that’s as chilling as it is thrilling. This iconic island has got it all—history, mystery, and some killer views of San Francisco Bay. Whether you’re an SF local or just passing through, this is one must-see attraction. To make your life a whole lot easier, We have rounded up all the need-to-know info for you. Buckle up, because we’re diving into 32 super useful tips that’ll make your trip to “The Rock” a total breeze.

Table of Contents

• Where to Purchase Tickets
• Advance Tickets
• Payment Methods
• Pricing & Family Discounts
• Alcatraz Location & Departure Pier
• Hours of Operation
• Night Programs
• Time Required
• Food & Dining
• Weather & Clothing
• Wildlife & Best Time to Visit
• Accessibility Features
• Rescheduling & Running Late
• Luggage & Bag Policy
• Guided and Self-guided Tours

Ticketing and Booking 🎟️

1. where can i purchase tickets.

Hey, guess what? You’ve got options! The  easiest and quickest way to grab your tickets is online through the official  Alcatraz City Cruises website . But if you’re old-school, you can also ring them up at  +1-415-981-7625 . They’re open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm PST.

👉 Or if you’re the spontaneous type, you can waltz up to the ticket booth at  Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing . Just know they open an hour before the first tour departs and close when the last tour sails away for the day.  Spoiler :  Same-day tickets are often sold out!

2. Should I Purchase Tickets in Advance?

Absolutely, my friend! Trust me, you don’t want to show up and find out it’s sold out. Especially during the summer or holiday weekends, these bad boys get snagged weeks in advance.

3. Can I Pay with Cash?

Nah, sorry, no cash. Alcatraz City Cruises are all about those cards. So whip out that credit or debit card.

4. What About the Kiddos?

Little ones under 4 are free and don’t need tickets. For kids 5 and up, you gotta buy them tickets. Oh, and you can totally bring strollers, but just not on the S.E.A.T. Tram.

5. National Park Passes: Yay or Nay?

Big nope! Your National Park Pass won’t cut it here because the ticket price is actually for the ferry and audio tour, not an entrance fee to Alcatraz.

6. How Much is This Going to Cost Me?

• Adult: $45.25
• Child (5-11): $27.55
• Junior (12-17): $45.25
• Senior (62+): $42.65
• Family Pack: $131.85

7. Got Any Family Discounts?

Yep, they’ve got a Family Pack. It covers two adults and two kiddos for $131.85. Call them at  +1-415-981-7625  or get it in person.

Your Visit 🌉

10. where’s alcatraz what pier do i leave from.

Alcatraz is 1.25 miles offshore from SF. You’ll take a ferry from  Pier 33  operated exclusively by Alcatraz Cruises.

11. Different Tours, What’s the Deal?

Day Tour:  Plan to hang around for about 3 hours, including the ferry and cellhouse audio tour.  Night Tour:  A 3-hour evening tour with guided programs and dramatic SF skyline views.  Behind The Scenes Tour:  A 2-hour tour in smaller groups and access to areas off-limits in other tours.

12. What Time Can I Go?

First ferry is at  8:45 am . They leave every 30-40 minutes and the island closes at  6:30 pm in summer ,  4:30 pm otherwise . If you have not printed your tickets prior to your tour date then you may pick up your tickets at Pier 33 at the Prepaid Ticket booth (will-call). Please arrive  half an hour (one hour during peak seasons) prior to your departure time  to check-in.

13. Is Alcatraz Always Open?

Almost! It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. That’s it!

14. How About a Night Tour?

Night tours are available  Tuesday-Saturday . They feature special programs and a wicked view of the city skyline.

15. How Long Will I Be There?

For a Day Tour, block out  2.5 to 3 hours . That includes the 12-15 minute ferry each way.

16. Can I Bring My Own Lunch?

Nope! The island is a bird sanctuary. You can bring bottled water though!

17. Tell Me About the Audio Tour

You’ll get a pair of headphones and an audio guide that’ll walk you through the Alcatraz Cellhouse. It’s available in  11 languages , and you can get refunds on the island if you change your mind.

18. What Should I Wear?

Something comfy and weather-appropriate. SF can be super foggy and chilly, even in summer.

On The Island 🏝️

19. how much time do i need.

The rule of thumb is about  3 hours  for a complete experience. You’ve got the ferry ride, the walking tour, the audio guide, and maybe some chill time.

20. Is There Food on Alcatraz?

You wish! But nope, you gotta eat before you board or after you return to the mainland. No picnic spots on this island it’s a bird sanctuary.

21. The Audio Tour: How Long is That?

The audio tour lasts about  45 minutes , but you can pause, rewind, or fast-forward if you like. Plus, there’s tons of stuff to explore beyond what the audio guide covers.

22. What’s the Weather Like?

This is SF, baby! Expect the unexpected. It can be sunny one moment and foggy the next. Mornings are often chilly and afternoons can warm up, so  layers are your best friend .

23. What About Wildlife?

Seagulls are the real VIPs here. Also, harbor seals sometimes hang out around the dock. No squirrels though, in case you were wondering.

24. Best Time to Visit?

Honestly, anytime is a good time, but  spring and fall  offer the best combo of good weather and fewer crowds.

25. Accessibility?

Alcatraz is pretty steep and hilly, but there’s a  S.E.A.T. Tram  that can take you from the dock to the cellhouse. Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared for walking long distances uphill. The distance from the dock to the prison at the top of the Island is about .25 mile (.4 km) and the elevation change is 130 feet (40 meters). This is equivalent to climbing a thirteen-story building. Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz’s roads may take advantage of the  S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram  — an electric shuttle that meets each scheduled arrival at the Alcatraz dock and transports visitors requiring mobility assistance from the dock to the prison building. S.E.A.T. returns visitors requiring mobility assistance from the prison building back to the dock at regular intervals throughout the day.

The following areas are completely wheelchair accessible:

• Alcatraz dock area
• Prison building main floor
• All bookstores
• Museum displays
• Island theater
• Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing
• All Alcatraz City Cruises vessels

Miscellaneous 🔍

26. can i reschedule or get a refund.

If something comes up, you can change the date/time for a  $6.50 fee per ticket . Refunds? Only if you cancel  72 hours in advance .

27. Running Late, What Now?

You gotta make it to your specific ferry, otherwise, your ticket is forfeited. No refunds or rescheduling if you miss the boat. Literally.

28. Luggage Policy?

Travel light! No luggage, backpacks larger than 16” x 20”, or coolers are allowed on Alcatraz.

29. What is there To See and Do on the Island?

Places you can wander and explore during the Alcatraz Day Tour include:

• The historic Alcatraz Cellhouse as well as the Cellhouse audio tour
• Eagle Plaza, Recreation Yard, the Sallyport, and the Rose Garden
• Iconic views of the Cellhouse, Building 64, Water Tower, Warden’s House, Officer’s Club, and Model Industries Building
• Native American Occupation era political messaging on the exterior of many Island buildings
• Special access to “Red Power on Alcatraz: Perspective 50 Years Later” – an extensive exhibit telling the story of the 19-month Native American occupation of the Island on display in the New Industries Building

A new permanent exhibit: The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

30. Can I Take Photos?

Absolutely, and you should! Just no drones, tripods, or commercial photography without a permit.

31. How Do I Get Back?

Ferries leave Alcatraz  every 30 to 40 minutes , and it’s all on a first-come, first-served basis.

32. Parking? Public transit?

No parking is available at Pier 33. There are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing with a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. The closest and most convenient lots are located at 55 Francisco Street and 80 Francisco Street. Rates can range from as $40-$60 per day for parking. There are no parking validation services offered.

For the best public transportation route, please visit  511.org’s website  to map out the best public transportation routes. One option to get to Pier 33 is to take the F streetcar line that runs from Market Street down the Embarcadeo. This historic streetcar runs about every 15 minutes.

Alright, buddy, that’s a wrap! Visiting Alcatraz is more than just a ferry ride and a walk through an old prison. It’s a journey into America’s complex history, spiced up with incredible vistas and an eerie yet captivating atmosphere. So grab your camera, your sense of adventure, and maybe even a spooky story or two to tell when you get back. With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to rock “The Rock.” Trust me, this is one experience that’ll stick with you long after you’ve sailed back to the San Francisco shore.

Learn More and Plan a Trip to Alcatraz

Unlocking alcatraz: a deep dive into the four essential tours, travel like a pro: 17 tips for visiting alcatraz island, alcatraz history and how to visit, behind bars and beyond 21 movies and 14 tv shows that explored alcatraz – the rock, 17 fun and weird facts about alcatraz island and prison, want to explore san francisco on a private small group tour .

San Francisco Jeep Tours   is the ideal tour activity in San Francisco onboard their private tours. The customized city tour routes and entertaining tour guides cover lots of information on the “not to miss” attractions including Alcatraz.

Book a  San Francisco Jeep City Tour ,  Sunset and City Lights San Francisco Jeep Tours , or the  Full Day Combo City and Muir Woods tour  to travel to many of the bucket list and off-the-beaten-track locations in and around San Francisco.

Check out the  San Francisco Jeep Tours  website for more information on exploring the city by the bay.

Want To Explore San Francisco?

Private San Francisco Ultimate City Tour by Convertible Jeep

San Francisco Sunset or City Lights Private Jeep Tour

More info and travel tips, our goal is to provide an amazing private tour experience for our guests from around the world., got a question or special route request please don’t hesitate to contact us., pick your tour.

• Holiday Tours
• Muir Woods Tours
• San Francisco City Tours

Visiting San Francisco Info

• Alcatraz Island and Prison 6
• Fisherman's Wharf 3
• Golden Gate Bridge 6
• Muir Woods Giant Redwood Trees 4
• San Francisco Cable Cars 3
• San Francisco Icons 15
• Sausalito California 2
• Travel Tips 16

Recent Blog Posts about Exploring San Francisco

• Dressing for San Francisco’s Summer: The Foggy and Very Chilly City
• Movie and TV Magic: Exploring 10 of San Francisco’s Famous Movie and TV Show Houses
• PIER 39 and Sea Lions
• The Sea Lions of PIER 39 A Must-Visit San Francisco Attraction
• 12 Best Scenic Views In San Francisco

• Visitor Resources
• Wineries We Visit
• Lodging Guide
• Shopping Guide
• Getting Around
• Live Web Cams
• Giving Back
• Satisfaction Guarantee
• Our Reviews
• For Partners
• Last Minute Deals
• Special Offers

Alcatraz Island and Guided San Francisco City Tour

Combine the official Alcatraz tour and a fully guided city tour for a day of San Francisco highlights

This full-day tour breaks you into Alcatraz Island prison and features guided entertainment and stops to explore Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, Land’s End and Twin Peaks.

• See San Francisco’s top attractions like the Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Castro
• Make stops to photograph and experience the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Land’s End, and Twin Peaks.
• Ferry to Alcatraz Island for the famous prison tour
• Hear guided tour narration in your own language
• Begin with a pickup from two major San Francisco hotels

What’s Included

• Pick up at two San Francisco locations
• Local expert guide commentary in English
• Foreign language audios for the city tour available (specify at checkout)
• Alcatraz Island admission

What’s Not Included

• Meals or beverages
• Guide gratuity

Description

Ride in comfort before you float the bay as you tour the city’s top attractions, on this San Francisco City tour plus Alcatraz . Our city insider guide goes way beyond a “hop-on, hop-off” experience to deliver a fully-narrated San Francisco sightseeing adventure. Your comprehensive 4-hour morning City Tour ends in style with a ferry ride to and tour of the (in)famous Alcatraz Island in the afternoon.

Morning: Bus City Tour

Stop #1 – palace of fine arts.

After a morning pickup at one of two convenient San Francisco locations, your city tour will begin on San Francisco’s waterfront in the popular Fisherman’s Wharf before rolling through the Marina District on your way to your first stop. At the lovely and instagrammable  Palace of Fine Arts , you will have the chance to stop and photograph the historic building, grounds, and stunningly beautiful lagoon.

Stop #2 – Golden Gate Bridge

Continue to the most iconic stop at the Golden Gate Bridge . Spend 10-15 minutes at a perfect vista point taking photos and creating memories.

Stop #3 – Land’s End Overlook

The next stop on your San Francisco City Highlights tour will be the historic Land’s End where you can stretch your legs while overlooking Sutro Baths and the Pacific Ocean coastline. Later, you will be blown away by the beauty of Golden Gate Park as you ride past Dutch windmills, Queen Wilhelmina’s tulip garden, the bison paddock, and old redwood and eucalyptus groves. Next, we’ll take you through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, where you can see some of San Francisco’s famous Victorian homes, known for their iconic architecture.

Stop #4 – Twin Peaks

Fog-permitting, the next stop on this tour gives you a birds-eye-view of the whole Bay Area from atop Twin Peaks. Here, you’ll get an amazing panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais, Mount Diablo, the whole Bay and more from the viewpoint sitting 1,000 feet above sea level. To say it’s breathtaking would be an understatement!

Afternoon: Sail to Alcatraz Island for the Famous Prison Tour

Grab some lunch in Fisherman’s Wharf , then make your way to Pier 33 to board your ferry for the Alcatraz Island Prison Tour. The 15-minute sail has incredible views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Francisco Bay and Angel Island   — have your camera ready!

On arrival to Alcatraz Island, pick up the Cellhouse Audio Tour included with the purchase of this San Francisco and Alcatraz tour package. Hear the voices of prisoners and guards describing their experiences at Alcatraz in English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Dutch or Mandarin.

After touring on Alcatraz Island to your heart’s content, take one of the returning ferries back to Pier 33. If you’ve worked up an appetite or thirst, there are plenty of Fisherman’s Wharf options before making your own way back to your hotel.

Things to Know About this Tour:

You must bring a government-issued photo ID to board the Alcatraz Ferry

Children under the age of 8 must have an appropriate child seat for the city tour

08:30 AM to 10:00 AM - Pick up, Palace of Fine Arts

• Pickup at one of two convenient San Francisco locations in either Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf
• Drive through the Marina district while enjoying the views of Alcatraz Island
• Stop and explore the picturesque Palace of Fine Arts (15 minutes)

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Golden Gate Bridge and Land’s End

• Stop at a spectacular vista for photos of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
• Stop at Land’s End for the Pacific Ocean coastline views
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sutro Baths and the Cliff House

11:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Golden Gate Park and Twin Peaks

• Drive through Golden Gate Park with its many gardens and museums
• Drive through San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury with it’s Victorian architecture
• Stop at Twin Peaks overlook and enjoy the 360 degree views of the whole Bay

12:00 PM to 1:00 PM - Mission District, Fisherman's Wharf

• Drive by Misión San Francisco de Asís in the vibrant Mission District
• Ride through the Civic Center
• Return to your pickup point

2:00 PM to 4:30 PM Enjoy the Infamous Alcatraz Prison Tour

• Board your ferry for the Alcatraz Island tour at Pier 33
• Enjoy the “The Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour” (foreign languages available)
• Free time to explore Alcatraz Island; take a return ferry to Pier 33

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

Authentic guide.

Our guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable, and thorough. She also adapted well to detours and other unplanned obstacles.

Read Full Review

Nathan M, TrustPilot

All in all, we felt the price justified the experience and recommend Extranomical to future visitors to San Francisco. Our guide was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, approachable, and thorough. She also adapted well to detours and other unplanned obstacles. She even handled well an interruption by a participant who took a mobile phone call. Moreover, she was authentic and really cared that her guests would have a quality experience.

Everything we expected!

Our guide Don was excellent. Loved his laid back California vibe. We had a pretty thorough tour of the city, with great commentary. The coach was comfortable & sheltered us from the chill.

Leenora B Broussard, GetYourGuide

Our guide Don was excellent. Loved his laid back California vibe. We had a pretty thorough tour of the city, with great commentary. The coach was comfortable & sheltered us from the chill. By the afternoon, Alcatraz was everything we expected & the boat ride was gorgeous.

Amazing tour!

SF tour and stops at key areas . Alcatraz good and able to stay as long as you want so no pressure!

Jane Corser, GetYourGuide

Awesome tour!

Joseph was our tour guide and Archie was our driver and they made a great team with their combined knowledge from growing up in the area.

Lindsey Feld, GetYourGuide

We did this tour on the first full day we were in San Francisco and we felt it was a great introduction to the city! Joseph was our tour guide and Archie was our driver and they made a great team with their combined knowledge from growing up in the area. Alcatraz was awesome and we were lucky enough to experience it during fleet week with the Blue Angels flying above us. Highly recommended activity!

Excellent experience

Both the city bus tour and Alcatraz Island experiences were excellent, with a very experienced and well understood morning tour guide.

Ralph L Lewis, GetYourGuide

Both the city bus tour and Alcatraz Island experiences were excellent, with a very experienced and well understood morning tour guide. Unfortunately, coordination between Extranomical and the Guided City Tour people was not as seamless as it should have been. When we arrived in the morning, the on site coordinator didn't have us listed for the afternoon tour and I had to make a last minute phone call to Extranomical to be apprised of the afternoon check-in details.

Very Exceptional!

Tour guide Kimmy collected us on time from our Hotel and proceeded to give us a wonderful insight and tour of San Francisco in her mini bus - 12 people in total and very covid safe

Suzanne Fitzgerald, TrustPilot

Tour guide Kimmy collected us on time from our Hotel and proceeded to give us a wonderful insight and tour of San Francisco in her mini bus - 12 people in total and very covid safe (masks mandatory) - we covered so much area and learnt so much about each area... history, movie sets and famous people, restaurants to visit, etc - I now feel very wise about SF! We had two stops along the way and even did a trip along the Golden Gate Bridge. Amazing photo's from this vantage point (a whale even made an appearance in the bay on queue). Kimmy's knowledge (being a local) is exceptional! We were then dropped off at the Pier to head off on the Alcatraz tour with plenty of time to buy lunch. Was a really interesting and informative day. (For lunch, if you are not into the hamburgers and fried fish available along the wharf area - cross the road from the pier to a really lovely cafe - beautiful indoors/outdoors, food and bathrooms). The visit to Alcatraz is a must - very sobering indeed and definitely a 'must do' when in San Francisco. It is a really good idea to research the 'Escape from Alcatraz' story before you go as this will really give you a better understanding of the prison and day-to-day life. When you arrive on Alcatraz - go to the top where the prison is actually located and where you are able to pick up (free) an audio machine to take you on a personal tour. Excellent tour - highly recommend to all visitors to SF - run by a very professional company.

Very enjoyable

Went on the full day tour of San Francisco and Alcatraz. It was very enjoyable. Bus driver Jack was super friendly and Michelle our tour guide was very knowledgeable about San Francisco.

Ingrid Bennett, TrustPilot

Went on the full day tour of San Francisco and Alcatraz. It was very enjoyable. Bus driver Jack was super friendly and Michelle our tour guide was very knowledgeable about San Francisco. Took us to a lot of sights and different areas of the city.

A must tour!

The Alcatraz/City tour was good. Our guide showed us all the major sites & explained them well. Alcatraz is a must & the tour made it as easy as possible.

Kerry Dubbert , TrustPilot

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, 2000+ 5-star reviews, what will we see during the city tour.

Easily the most comprehensive city tour of San Francisco, including visits to: Marina District, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Haight-Ashbury, Fisherman’s Wharf, Land’s End, Castro District, Union Square, Twin Peaks and, of course — the Golden Gate Bridge!

Is the Alcatraz portion of the tour guided?

All tours of Alcatraz are operated by the National Park Service. While rangers are available for questions, the primary content of the tour is delivered through an audio guide available in English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish languages.

What should I wear?

San Francisco can be chilly in the morning so it’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Do I need to bring my ID?

You must present valid government-issued photo identification to pick up your tickets at Alcatraz Pier 33. A photocopy of a passport suffices as valid photo identification.

What should I bring?

Besides your valid government-issued ID, bring a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, water bottle, hat, sunscreen, umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and a credit card or cash for purchasing souvenirs or snacks.

How much time will I have on Alcatraz island?

The amount of time you can stay on Alcatraz Island is up to you. Return ferries to San Francisco leave the island about every 20 minutes. Most guests find that 2 hours is sufficient time to do the complete prison tour. The ferry between Alcatraz Island and San Francisco takes about 15 minutes.

Is Alcatraz accessible for those with disabilities?

Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing is fully accessible. Many areas on Alcatraz Island are also accessible with the use of the S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram.

Why not purchase Alcatraz and a city tour separately?

First, the combo tour makes for an easy, seamless day in which we pick you up near your hotel and deliver you to Pier 33 to catch the ferry to Alcatraz. Also, our contract with the National Park Service allows us access to Alcatraz tickets only when they are part of a tour package.

Are meals included? Can I buy or bring my own?

Meals are not included on this tour. There are multiple food options available in Fisherman’s Wharf where you can purchase lunch or snacks. Please note that food is not permitted on Alcatraz Island.

Do I need to be at Pier 33 - Alcatraz Landing before my departure?

We will manage the day so that you are at Pier 33 one half-hour prior to your departure time to check in. You must present valid government-issued photo identification at the will call booth to collect your Alcatraz tickets.

Why is this tour non-refundable?

Tour operators like Extranomical must purchase the Alcatraz tickets in advance and they may not be transferred or refunded after purchase.

How do I collect my Alcatraz tickets?

When you arrive at Pier 33, there is a separate “Will Call” line for visitors to pick up prepaid tickets. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time to check in. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID or passport.

Are there dining options on Alcatraz Island?

There are no dining options on the Island. Guests may bring bottled water to drink. Please plan accordingly and enjoy your lunch after the City Tour and before your Alcatraz experience.

Other Popular Tours

Exclusive Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

The only wine country tour to combine three Napa & Sonoma Valley wineries with a morning excursion to San Francisco’s stunning Coast Redwood forest – Muir Woods.

Muir Woods Redwood Forest and Sausalito Morning Tour

This is the only Muir Woods tour with guided audio narration inside the park. Walk under the world’s tallest trees, then enjoy charming Sausalito.

Explore five private gardens next month during Marshall's 'Welcome to My Garden' tour

MARSHALL — The Marshall Area Garden Club is once again offering an up-close look at several private garden landscapes in the city during its 33rd annual "Welcome to My Garden" tour next month.

Five private gardens in the city will be featured July 13-14, including the Ghiban Garden at 347 High St.; the Bouwens/McIntosh Garden at 340 N. Mulberry St.; the Keiper Garden at 521 Sibley Lane; the OverhiserGarden at 215 N. Marshall Ave.; and the Mankerian Garden at 301 S. Liberty St. The tour also includes a visit to Bosserd Family Farm at 14721 Verona Road.

Tours will be offered from 10 am. to 4 p.m. both days, rain or shine.

Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Happy House Gift Shop, 100 E. Columbia Ave. in Battle Creek, or online at marshallareagardenclub.org by 4 p.m. July 12.

Tickets are $15 on both days of the tour and will be available at the Choose Marshall Welcome Center, 323 W. Michigan Ave. Children’s treasure map tickets are free for ages 12 and under.

The tour also features a Farmers and Garden Market from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 13 at 125 W. Green St. Vendors will be selling unique gardening tools, plant material, and garden art. Admission to the market is free.

For more information, visit marshallareagardenclub.org .

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at [email protected]

• Summer Racing ExternalLink
• Champions League
• Motor Sports
• High School
• Shop ExternalLink
• PBR ExternalLink
• 3ICE ExternalLink
• Stubhub ExternalLink
• Play Golf ExternalLink

Best waterproof hats for all your summer sports adventures in 2024

Keep the rain, sweat and sun off of you with the best waterproof hats for summer in 2024..

Don't let rain (or sweat) stop you from enjoying all your favorite outdoor activities this summer. Whether you're hiking  through an unexpected storm, getting your daily run in on a drizzly morning, or squeezing in a round of golf  on a rainy day, a waterproof hat is essential.

The best waterproof hats for summer keep the rain and sun off of your head while still being breathable so you don't end up drenched in sweat instead of rain. If you live somewhere with a lot of summer rain, you might also want something that looks good enough to wear on the regular. No matter where or how often you plan to wear it, we found the absolute best waterproof hats you can get in 2024.

Best waterproof hat overall: Outdoor Research Seattle rain hat

The Outdoor Research Seattle rain hat is one of the most versatile and functional designs you'll find, making it one of the best waterproof hats for almost any sport or activity. To make it waterproof, Outdoor Research added a Gore-tex shell.

The same material used in waterproof hiking boots  and other premium waterproof gear, Gore-tex is uniquely designed to create a waterproof barrier that still allows air to pass through. It's not as breathable as a hat without Gore-tex, but it's more breathable than many other waterproofing materials.

The full brim provides wraparound rain and sun protection. It's also lightly stiffened with foam so that the brim won't flop down and stick to your face and neck in intense storms or high winds. So the rain will still roll away from you, no matter how bad the storm you're caught in gets.

With an adjustable (and removable) chin strap, we also like this hat for biking , surfing and other sports where there's a risk your hat could fly off of your head.

Get the premium performance waterproof hat from REI for $65.

Why we like the Outdoor Research Seattle rain hat:

• A Gore-tex shell keeps rain out while still allowing some airflow.
• The wide, full brim provides some neck protection and offers better sun protection.
• An adjustable chin strap allows you to get a secure fit for high-intensity activities.
• The durable hat can be folded or crumpled up to stash it in your bag when you don't need it.
• The UPF 50+ adds full sun protection along with rain protection.

Best waterproof hat for golf: Footjoy Dryjoys Tour rain hat

Some golfers  stay home when it rains. The rest of us know that's the best time to enjoy a near-empty golf course. Whether you're taking advantage of the rainy day to beat the crowds or you got hit with an unexpected downpour halfway through, you want this Footjoy Dryjoys Tour rain hat with you.

The bucket hat style with a stiffened brim directs the rain away from you while the waterproof material keeps your head and face dry. A Velcro strap on the inside allows you to adjust the fit to your head. And when the sky clears up, you can crush this into a pocket in your golf bag  without worrying about it losing its shape.

Get the waterproof golf hat at the PGA Tour Superstore for $35.

Why we like the Footjoys Dryjoys Tour rain hat:

• The waterproof fabric keeps you dry.
• With a full, stiff brim, the rain will roll off and away from you.
• Use the Velcro strap inside to get the most comfortable fit.
• Foldable and packable, you can shove this into your golf bag and it won't lose its shape.

Best waterproof hat for running or biking: Adidas Terrex Rain.Dry cap

For a high-intensity activity like running  or biking, you need a hat that's not only waterproof but lightweight, moisture-wicking and breathable so you can stay comfortable while you work up a sweat. That's the Adidas Terrex Rain.Dry Cap.

On the outside, it's a waterproof baseball-style hat that sheds rain. On the inside, a moisture-wicking band absorbs sweat. So this waterproof hat has the power to keep you dry even when you're sweating in the rain. Plus, it's made from a thin, lightweight material and includes a buckle closure at the back so you can adjust it for a snug fit that won't fly off your head, no matter how fast you're racing (or cycling) through those rainy miles.

Get it from Adidas or Amazon while it's on sale for $21 (reduced from $30).

Why we like the Adidas Terrex Rain.Dry Cap

• Built for trail runners , this hat is lightweight and comfortable even when you work up a sweat.
• It's waterproof on the outside to keep the rain off your head.
• A moisture-wicking band on the inside keeps the sweat out of your eyes.

Best waterproof hat for water sports: Everyday California Floating Waterproof Snapback

Summertime is water time. Whether that means surfing, whitewater rafting or floating in a lake with a cold beer, you want a waterproof hat that stays put -- but also is easy to find in case it doesn't. This waterproof hat from Everyday California is the perfect sidekick for your water adventures.

It's fully waterproof, durable and adjustable so you can get a snug fit. If the rapids or the party gets a little out of hand and your hat still manages to fall off, don't worry. It floats, so you'll easily be able to snag it from the water.

Functionality aside, this is also a stylish waterproof hat made from aviator flight satin and featuring Everyday California's surfing bear logo on the front. It looks good enough to wear all summer long, even on days when there isn't a body of water in sight.

Get the floating waterproof hat from Amazon for $34.

Why we like the Everyday California Floating Waterproof Snapback:

• The aviator flight satin fabric looks good and makes this hat fully waterproof.
• The snapback closure lets you get a snug fit that stays on your head.
• This hat floats, so you can find it again if you happen to lose it on the water.
• Durable fabric and double-stitched hems ensure this hat will hold up through all of your adventures, both in the water and on dry land.

Most stylish waterproof hat: Outback Trading Co. Aussie Slugger Cap

Luxury meets durability in the Outback Trading Co. Aussie Slugger Cap. The classic baseball cap design is made from 100% cotton oilskin--that's a thick cotton material that's been treated with oil to become waterproof. Worn by sailors and fishermen for centuries, oilskin is super durable, waterproof and it preserves the breathability and odor-resistant properties of cotton. That breathability is enhanced by the addition of strategically placed air vents.

The timeless style and premium look of this hat make it a great option for someone who wants a waterproof hat that looks good enough to wear everywhere, all summer long. But don't let the stylish look fool you. This hat can hold up to the demands of working on a fishing boat in the middle of a storm. So it can definitely hold up to the demands of your kayaking trip or round of golf .

Get the Outback Trading Co. Aussie Slugger Cap from Amazon  for $35.

Why we like the Outback Trading Co. Aussie Slugger Cap:

• The 100% oilskin design is waterproof, durable and breathable.
• The baseball cap has a timeless look that will pair well with just about everything in your summer wardrobe.
• The snapback closure allows you to get the right fit.

More top-rated waterproof hats:

• A stylish waterproof golf hat from Titleist: Titleist Players Stadry Cap, $40
• Keep the sun and rain off during hikes: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Storm Hat, $45 (reduced from $64)
• A sweat- and water-resistant runner's hat: Alter Ego Running Cruiser Splash, $49
• A versatile, waterproof Boonie for $20: Frogg Toggs boonie hat, $20
• A waterproof hat you won't lose in the water: Rip Curl Saltwater Culture Surf cap, $40

Our Latest Essentials Stories

Best tents for the 2024 summer camping season

Rachael green • 5 min read.

Best golf deals to shop ahead of Amazon Prime Day

Meredith gordon • 7 min read.

Is Amazon Prime worth it for sports fans?

Florida Panthers Stanley Cup Final gear on Fanatics

Cbs sports promos • 2 min read.

Tennessee Vols College World Series gear on Fanatics

Will golf equipment be on sale for Prime Day 2024?

Rachael green • 8 min read, share video.

Best waterproof hats for every summer sports adventure

Best Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers fan gear

Best early Amazon Prime Day deals on smartwatches

When is Amazon Prime Day 2024?

• Search Experiences
• Manage Booking
• Phone # SMS #

Alcatraz Tour Options

As the official concessioner to the National Park Service, Alcatraz City Cruises offers in-depth visits to Alcatraz. Your visit includes round-trip transportation to the Island and outdoor National Park access.

Alcatraz Tour Options Overview

Pertinent information.

At Alcatraz City Cruises, our guests’ well-being is our number one priority. We have proudly implemented new COVID-19 procedures to keep everyone safe & healthy.

Age Policy Adult- 18-61 / Junior- 12-17 / Senior- 62+ / Child- 5-11 / Toddler 4 and under are Free

Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to tour Alcatraz Island without the accompaniment of an adult.

Group Tours If booking a group of 20 or more people, please contact the Alcatraz City Cruises Group Services Department at 415.438.8361; or e-mail  [email protected]

Ticket Price

Please refer to our  Fee Breakout FAQ  for complete overview of Alcatraz Island ticket prices.

Alcatraz Island Named #1 Landmark in the U.S.

Alcatraz City Cruises is a Proud Partner and Authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service

Alcatraz tours faqs, is alcatraz open for tours, how long is the alcatraz tour, can you tour alcatraz, what is the cost of an alcatraz tour, what is the best time of year to visit alcatraz, what is the best way to get to alcatraz, is the alcatraz tour worth it, are dogs allowed on alcatraz tours, how early to arrive for the alcatraz tour, where to buy alcatraz tickets, are alcatraz tickets refundable, what if i miss my alcatraz tour, shopping cart, find your experience.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Recommended Posts

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail on Sun Princess®
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Thursday at 08:52 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 07:30 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 05:03 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 03:34 PM

LauraS · Started Tuesday at 03:22 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, guided tours.

Last updated: August 28, 2019

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

Alcatraz Island Golden Gate National Recreation Area 201 Fort Mason San Francisco, CA 94123

415-561-4900 United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

Stay Connected

Travelers Championship weather forecast: Round 4 tee times moved up

Change Text Size

Update: Sunday, 6:50 a.m. ET: The final round of the Travelers Championship got underway at 6:50 a.m. with players grouped in threesomes. Hot and humid weather will be seen in Cromwell, Connecticut, with the heat index in the afternoon in the upper 90s. Overcast skies will develop for potential pop-up thunderstorms to grow by late afternoon. Towards 6 p.m. ET anticipate that thunderstorms will become more numerous, with some possibly strong to severe with wind gusts of 20-25 mph. Expect wind throughout the day increasing to 12-17 mph.

Update: Saturday 7:40 p.m. ET: Due to expected inclement weather, Round 4 will be played in threesomes with tee times running from 6:50-11:15 a.m. ET and play ending by 4 p.m.

Update: Saturday 6:20 p.m. ET: Round 3 play resumes at 6:20 p.m. ET.

Update: Saturday 3:30 p.m. ET: Round 3 play is suspended at the Travelers Championship due to lightning.

Update: Friday 7:25 p.m. ET: Round 2 play has resumed at the Travelers.

Update: Friday 6:46 p.m. ET: Round 2 play is scheduled to resume at 7:25 p.m. ET.

Update: Friday 4:11 p.m. ET: Round 2 play is suspended at Travelers Championship due to lightning in the area.

Forecast for Round 2, as of Friday 6:30 a.m. ET: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy Friday morning with increasing clouds in the afternoon as a cold front drops in from the north. Showers and thunderstorms will begin to pop up around midday and increase after 2-3 p.m.. Afternoon thunderstorms will produce heavy downpours and potentially a few strong wind gusts. Rain and thunderstorms should rapidly diminish in coverage after sunset. The temperature will reach a high in the low 90s as the heat index peaks in the middle to upper 90s.

Friday’s second-round tee times at the Travelers Championship have been moved up one hour due to weather, PGA TOUR Communications announced Thursday. Heavy rain is slated to hit Connecticut on Friday afternoon, and the weekend could be soggy as well.

The first tee time will now be at 7:05 a.m. ET at TPC River Highlands; players will still compete in twosomes off No. 1 tee as originally scheduled. Will Zalatoris, who opened in 6-under 64, will play alongside Ben Griffin in the leadoff pairing.

Friday morning’s forecast calls for isolated showers and thunderstorms, with a 25% chance of rain. The forecast darkens for the afternoon, though, as a cold front is slated to enter from the north just after noon, with a 70% chance of rain. Expected rainfall is 0.5 to 1 inch, but some areas could see up to 2 inches, per the TOUR weather forecast.

“Severe cells are expected to produce prolific rainfall rates,” wrote the forecast.

The forecast improves for the weekend but still could be problematic. Saturday calls for a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, a percentage that increases to 50% in the afternoon. The same 30% to 50% range is slated for Sunday.

The silver lining: The Travelers' limited field of 70 players offers greater flexibility for same-day rounds to be completed after a delay.

Here’s a look at the Travelers Championship's day-by-day weather forecast:

• Friday morning: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, 25% chance of rain. Rainfall less than 0.1 inch. Low 69F. Winds N-NW moving W-NW, 3-7 mph.
• Friday afternoon: Heavy rain and thunderstorms likely, 70% chance of rain. Rainfall 0.5 to 1 inch. High 89F. Winds W-NW moving E-SE, 5-10 mph.
• Saturday morning: Few showers and thunderstorms, 30% chance of rain. Rainfall less than 0.1 inch. Low 66F. Winds E 4-8 mph.
• Saturday afternoon: Scattered thunderstorms, 50% chance of rain. Rainfall 0.25 to 0.5 inches. High 84F. Winds S 5-10 mph.
• Sunday: Few AM and scattered PM thunderstorms, 30% to 50% chance of rain. Rainfall 0.25 to 0.5 inches. High 89F, low 67F. Winds S 10-15 mph, afternoon gusts to 20 mph.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Carlos Alcaraz, 3 others to compete in tennis exhibition in Charlotte in December

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz attends a training session ahead of the Wimbledon Championships, at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The tournament starts on July 1st. (John Walton/PA via AP)

• Copy Link copied

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Defending Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz will take part in a tennis exhibition in Charlotte on Dec. 6.

The third-ranked Alcaraz will face Frances Tiafoe in one match, while Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens will meet in another at the Spectrum Center, home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

“All eyes will be on Charlotte as some of the biggest names in tennis face off in an event unlike any other,” Charlotte Sports Foundation executive director Danny Morrison said. “Expect unparalleled, elevated hospitality that only the Queen City can provide and, of course, elite competition in a sport that’s captivated the world.”

Alcaraz won this year’s French Open, making him the youngest male tennis player to win a Grand Slam on all three playing surfaces — hard, clay and grass.

“I am appreciative for the opportunity to compete in the Charlotte Invitational this December,” Alcaraz said. “Fans can expect an incredible night and we look forward to providing an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.”

Match times are still to be determined.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in the middle of July.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis