San Francisco Travel Forum

Hi

Before I book, I have read that there are different things to do on the night visit to Alcatraz than there is during the day visit. I'm assuming most people go on the day trip. Do you have any ideas which would be best? I want to go twice - during the day and night but my friend only wants to go once (he doesn't mind when) I like taking photographs so I'm assuming the day visit would be best.

Any ideas?

Helen x

We were looking into the same thing ourselves -- from what I can see the night visit is more structured and you can't wander around freely, but the programs offered are supposed to be more superior and different from the day programs. The trips leave the pier at 3 pm, so you do have some time to take photos and take advantage of the light.

We have gone during the day, and it's fun to wander freely, though many of the buildings are in disrepair and you cannot enter them.

I was on Alcatraz last week - for a day tour. I cannot say whether night would be better, but I thoroughly enjoyed the day tour. We did a tour with the volunteer guide - and he took us off the usual route into some of the closed areas (including the site of some crazy movie with Nicholas Cage in it). I am not usually a fan of the audio tours, but this is one of the better ones and definitely worth the time.

If you are going in the near future BOOK EARLY on line or you will miss out, and take a warm jacket because it gets cold over there!

There is also an interesting book in the bookstore called 'Children of Alcatraz - Growing up on the rock' which I thought was very good, and a little different.

And if you want a cheap, basic Chinese meal where lots of locals eat in Chinatown, can recommend Hunan Home's Restaurant at 622 Jackson Street 94133.

Enjoy !

Thank you!

What is the official ticket agent website?

My friend booked our tickets. All I have is an email from support@alcatraztrips.com, but that should give you a good guide.

I just bought our tix a week ago and there were 2 websites that were selling them. One was $20 higher than the other. I can't remember which was which, but I only found 2 total websites- check the prices! I can get it if you need- just let me know.

Mine were $31.25 per person- yes, the night tour. I think the other website was $42, or so. It boards from 6:10-6:30pm, so there should be enough light for part of the tour for photography. At least outside, anyways. I was there several years ago on a day tour and it was fine. But I don't know how the lighting is at night.

Thanks for your replies.

I have booked now. We are on the night tour, which sets off at 4.40pm.

Cheers