Which pier for alcatraz

An electric vehicle pulling two small cars carries passengers from the landing dock up to the prison every 35 minutes. Ditto going down. Wheelchair accessible areas: the dock, bookstore, video area and ground floor of prison cellblock only that floor is open to the public. 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. 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. There is a cluster of parking garages in the general area of Pier 33 and a couple of parking lots that are possibilities, price-wise.

There are about a dozen garages and lots within a few blocks of Alcatraz Landing at Pier 33 that I would recommend. See my page on Embarcadero parking for details and maps showing their locations. Pier 27 very close to Pier Open 6 am to 11 pm You would need more than 2 hours for Alcatraz. Pier 27 closes when a cruise ship is docked there. See ship schedule for unavailable days. Pier 23 6 minute walk to Pier Cavernous parking area inside the pier building.

Weekdays 7 am to 8 pm, Sat. Insider Tip: Something to try: there's a parking lot right across the street from Pier 33 at 2 Bay Street , which is usually full and generally quite expensive. But I've had luck getting good deals using parking apps along the Embarcadero. See what you can find on Spot Hero. But two suggestions: book it in advance and don't leave anything visible in the car. When we got back after dark, one of the cars in the lot had been broken into.

This is becoming an epidemic in SF, unfortunately. Parking Caveat for self-park lots. There have been instances of thieves pretending to be parking attendants and collecting parking fees at unattended lots and garages. 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. Take the trolley along the Embarcadero to the "Bay Street" Stop at Pier 35, and walk back a short distance to Pier 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 About a 16 minute walk at a brisk pace.

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.

All residents were ordered to stay home, except for necessary trips to grocery stores and essential medical visits, and solo outdoor activities like hiking. The city was gradually reopening of many businesses and activities, but in December, came under a strict, stay-at-home directive, due to a sudden increase in infection and hospitalization rates.

Big changes arrived June 15, California is "fully reopened", meaning all business sectors will reopen to full or almost full capacity, including concerts, stadium sports and festivals.

SF is basically open, though somewhat more cautious in some regards. Vaccine requirements: Starting August 20, , SF requires that all restaurants, bars, theaters and gyms check for proof of full vaccination.

See SF Chron article re: vaccination. Public transportation options had been cut back, but are expanding again. See SF transit for more info. The cable cars are running again and are free during August!

In September, they will resume full paid service, starting with the Powell-Hyde Line, and the other 2 lines to follow after. Mask rules: another change, starting August 3, Everyone is now required to wear a mask indoors in SF, whether vaccinated or not. People may go without masks outdoors unless the area is densely populated. Hospitals, schools, nursing homes and public transit, still require masks.

Restaurants can now be open to full capacity for indoor and outdoor dining, and many restaurants are open for take-out or delivery. Alcatraz is open. The Day Tours and Night Tours are running on a somewhat reduced basis. The Cell Block is open also. See Alcatraz. Hair salons , and open air tour buses , outdoor walking tours , and boat cruises can now operate.

Travel to SF. The ferry is currently operated by a company called Alcatraz Cruises. They operate all of their ferries out of Pier This is a change from previous years, when the ferry to Alcatraz left from Pier The odd numbered piers are north of Pier 1 now called the Ferry Building. The even numbered piers are south of Pier 1. One option to get to Pier 33 is to take the F streetcar line from Union Square. This streetcar runs about every 15 minutes up and down Market Street.

You'll want to get off at the Embarcadero and Bay Street stop. The driver will sometimes just call it the Bay Street stop, so listen for either version. Driving is another option. However, there is no parking right at Pier 33, so you'll have to find a lot and walk over to Pier 33 for your ferry to visit Alcatraz.

There are several lots within just a few blocks of Pier Here is a map showing Pier 33, the streetcar drop off point and some of the parking available. The blue "P"s on the map mark a few of the popular parking areas. The red "F"s on the map mark the stops for the F streetcar. The time on your ticket is the time the ferry leaves the Pier, so make sure you arrive no later than 20 to 25 minutes before the ferry departs.

This sign at Alcatraz Landing shows which ferry is currently boarding. As long as you have a ticket in hand, you are guaranteed a spot to get on that ferry. You are welcome to line up, but you can also sit back and hang out in the waiting area until the ferry starts to board. Before you head over to visit Alcatraz, you might also want to plan for which return ferry you want to take.

You will find this sign in a number of places. They are strict about leaving on time, so arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes in advance to secure your place on your return ferry.

You can take any ferry back to San Francisco after your visit. You will have a specific time for when you need to leave San Francisco for the island, but the return ferries are open to anyone wanting to return.

Each ferry does have a limit, so if the one you are in line for fills up, you will just need to wait for the next one to arrive before you can leave. You will receive a short briefing as a group and then head up the hill to the main building to visit Alcatraz. It's not a race, so feel free to take your time getting up the hill. The hill is about a fourth of a mile long. The hill is steep and is broken up into four football size sections with flat landings in between.

Within the fourth of a mile walk, you will climb the equivalent of 13 stories. Don't hesitate to stop along the way, take some photos and look around at the buildings you see during your walk. If you need additional assistance, you can request a seat on the shuttle shown in the picture below. It will take you from the ferry up to the entrance to the Cellhouse. Once you arrive, ask a ranger about the shuttle and they will help you find the pick-up point.

You will be able to access the New Industries Building, which includes a powerful exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the influential Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes.

Did you know they once all spent time on The Rock for their crimes? You can walk past their cells and learn about how they spent life trapped in these walls. The cellhouse audio tour ends at the entrance to the biggest gift shop on the island. In between replicas of prison keys and old-timey tin mugs, is a small desk.

Before his passing a few years ago, former Alcatraz inmate turned dedicated foster parent, Darwin Coon was a regular guest author on the island. This is 1 at the top of our list for major mistakes to avoid while visiting Alcatraz. Yes, tickets are hard to find. But the solution is not buying tickets from scalpers or non-legitimate sites. We promise you will end up feeling taken advantage of or scammed altogether when you never set foot on the island.

Yes, this ferry runs from morning to night almost every day out of the year. That does not mean you can stroll on the boat at the last minute! These tickets especially during the summer can be sold out months in advance. While there is a lot to see and learn during your trek to the prison, the road to the Alcatraz cell house is a long and steep one. Stable walking shoes are a must for feeling comfy and un-blistered for the entirety of your tour.

There are little to no food opportunities for tourists visiting Alcatraz, aside from small cookie packets in the gift shop. Spending a 3-hour tour starving will not be great for your overall experience, so either bring a snack to enjoy on the picnic tables or eat beforehand. The last thing you want is to start your lengthy tour damp and chilled — so make sure to wear layers for both warmth and water protection.

You may have your ferry to the island set in stone, but getting back is more of a free-for-all. Because people can return to the city on any ferry they choose, you need to be strategic to get on your desired return ferry. It is very common for ferries to fill up — so if you have a time you need to be back, plan on being at the front of the line.

Of course, the same goes for getting there! Be safe rather than sorry by showing up for your ferry a litter earlier than you think you need to. So, you just got off the Alcatraz ferry and are officially finished with a day of some serious exploration. Thanks to the lack of food opportunities on the island, you are sure to be hungry.

Thankfully, you just jumped ship into one of the best foodie areas in San Francisco! North Beach is packed with delicious seafood and mouth-watering Italian fare. But, there are some local favorites mixed in that will be your future favorite as well. Experiencing a second wind? As they say, the early bird gets the worm!

We recommend renting e-bikes for a morning cycle through Golden Gate Park! While we see the Golden Gate views from our Famous Tour of San Francisco and Muir Woods , there is something very exhilarating about being able to hop on an easy-to-use e-bike and explore the area up close and personal.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter filled with San Francisco travel tips and occasional discounts on tours and rentals. Skip to content October 20, Do you have what it takes to escape to Alcatraz? What is Alcatraz? This tour is perfect for individuals or groups booking in advance for a one-day ultimate San Francisco experience. This is a great option if we have run out of our reserved Alcatraz ferry tickets. Explore the most unique and interesting neighborhoods of San Francisco with a guide who will give you the inside scoop on all the facts and stories you should know.

Enjoy a delicious lunch and a quick stroll in the quaint and cute waterfront town of Sausalito. This sweet area tends to have a warmer, sunnier microclimate than across the bridge in the city, so you may even catch some rays during this break! Enjoy over an hour of exploring the majestic redwood trees and gorgeous coastal and forest views.

Have a convenient drop-off right at the ferry to Alcatraz to start your self-guided adventure of this historical prison. Great for Movie Buffs There are several reasons why Alcatraz is a household name — and one of those is its prominence in pop culture and the film industry.

A Must-See for Believers of the Supernatural A unique part of this tour is the chilling ghost stories that are told within the walls of the prison. How do you get to Alcatraz? What is the history of Alcatraz? The history of Alcatraz is a long and varied one. It quickly became a holding place for military prisoners, confederate sympathizers, and American Indians fighting for land against the federal government.

This was known to be the biggest reinforced concrete structure in the world at the time. From to , this island was in use as a fully functioning federal prison that housed some of the most infamous, dangerous, and hostile criminals including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. The Penitentiary closed in due to higher than average prison expenses.

In , the island was opened to the over 1 million tourists that visit Alcatraz each year. How much time does it take to visit Alcatraz? When should you arrive for your Alcatraz tour? Know your parking options before you come to the busy waterfront area.

Plan out your trip in advance for accessible options to comfortably experience Alcatraz from parking to exhibits to ferries. Alcatraz Island sits in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, and the climate is unpredictable…check out our recommendations. Connect to routes and schedules for ferry service across San Francisco Bay.