Alcatraz
Island "The Rock"
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Alcatraz
Island is a must see destination while visiting San Francisco.
The buildings on the island are remains of the federal prison
that operated from 1933 to 1963. Several tours are available for
Alcatraz Island. There are guided and self-guided tours that explain
the history of the facilities, and tell stories of some of it's
famous residents. The audio tour of the prison is very enjoyable
and informative and is highly recommended. The weather on the
rock can be chilly so dress warmly. Also be prepared for a lot
of walking up and down ramps. If you want a much less crowded
experience than during the day try night tour. Purchase your tickets
ahead of time or you might end up viewing Alcatraz from shore.
During peek season the tours tend to sell out a weeks in advance.
The trip out to the island takes about twenty minutes. Plan on
spending at least three hours exploring Alcatraz. There is a gift
store that sells souvenirs but there is no place to eat on the
island. Once you get back to Fisherman's wharf you can warm up
with clam chowder.
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Alcatraz
Package Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Fisherman's
Wharf
- Experience all that Alcatraz offers. This is the site
of the first lighthouse and US fort on the west coast as
well as being best known for its legendary prison. Also
take in the more natural side of the island with its gardens,
tide pools and spectacular bay views. Enjoy your stay at
the newly constructed Holiday Inn Express Fisherman's Wharf.
More
information |
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Fisherman's
Wharf Pass - Make the most of your trip
to Fisherman's Wharf with Wharf Pass.It's the best way to
save on your visit to San Francisco's #1 destination, Fisherman's
Wharf. Where else can you have the option of seeing the
best attractions over the course of two days? Wharf Pass
includes 40 additional discounts for Wharf area dining,
shopping, rentals, parking and sightseeing. More
infomation. |
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Blue
& Gold Fleet - Escape From the Rock -
It’s a bay cruise journey that sails under the Golden
Gate Bridge and then circles Alcatraz allowing you to see
every angle of this mysterious island. You’ll hear chilling
accounts of harrowing escape attempts by Alcatraz’s
notorious criminals as well as their descriptions of the brutality
of life on the island. This special San Francisco bay tour
“fully-loaded” with sound effects.... More
information |
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to the island is only through Alcatraz Cruises, a private ferry
company. This is the only way to get on the island unless you work
there. Tickets are limited and it is recommended that you purchase
tickets in advance. Summer and holidays tickets for the ferry sell
out days ahead. Several tour company's offer Alcatraz trips but
they only circle the island they do not land on the island. If you
wish to tour the prison take you need to take Alcatraz Cruises ferry
boat. If you just want to view the rock from up close try one of
the tours. Some tours also take you out to the Golden Gate bridge
and give you a view not possible from land. If you do decide to
tour the island then the view of San Francisco from Alcatraz is
worth the price of tickets alone. Visiting Alcatraz is not a tourist
only trip, locals will also enjoy visiting this historic Island
in the San Francisco Bay. Its surprising how many bay area residents
have not made the trip. |
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| Alcatraz Cruises are the authorized
concessioner of the National Park Service. They are located on The
Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south
east of Fisherman's Wharf. Pier 33 has more than 3,000 parking spaces.
However we recommend public transportation if at all possible. Parking
in this area can vary greatly, as little as $8-10 for all day, to
as high as $6 an hour. |
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