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If you are lucky enough to be in San Francisco on a day where it is not completely blanketed in fog, you will more than likely see Alcatraz Island across the bay. To the untrained eye, it might look like a decrepit light house. Upon closer view, its tall walls and small windows yield the reality that it once served as a federal prison. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to tour Alcatraz Island and see this unique piece of American history.
About Alcatraz Island
It was the ultimate prison. A federal penitentiary. The worst of the worst. There was not a better place at the time to keep the bad ones locked up. Think about it. These men were locked up on an island a mile of choppy waters away from civilization.
With nothing but time on their hands, many dreamt of escape. But, it would not come easy. It would not come without a price.
1. Go For Two Boat Rides
Going To Alcatraz
Were you wanting to go on a boat ride in the San Francisco Bay? Well, you may be able to kill two birds with one stone. The tour of Alcatraz includes the boat ride there, and back. So, now you get two boat trips!
Our Alcatraz Tour departed from Pier 33 in San Francisco. As we pulled away from the dock we got a full peripheral view of the city. The Coit Tower sits atop the hill overhead and watched us depart.
Returning To San Francisco
It always seems to be foggy in San Francisco. The fog lifted up a bit as we left our tour of Alcatraz Island. We were able to see the city skyline. The blue waters glistened in the sunlight and the bridges were more visible than before.
Both boat rides provide time to look at San Francisco from a different angle and take unforgettable pictures.
2. See The San Francisco Skyline
Alcatraz Island was torturous for prisoners. They were among other not-so-great men and locked behind metal bars. They were kept on a short leash with the guards, for good reason.
One of the most torturous parts of Alcatraz Island, however, were the views of the city. San Francisco sits out in the distance posing for this small island. It feels close enough to touch. Unless there is fog, then it is almost impossible to see.
This torture was two-fold. On one hand, it causes mental turmoil to have such a beautiful cityscape to look at day in and day out knowing you will not be able to enjoy it.
The second reason the views caused prisoners anguish is the false sense of closeness it gave them. It does not seem that far away. The waters do not seem too choppy. Escape seems like a possibility. Oh, the misconception. We will talk more about that later.
3. Soak In The Exterior Of Alcatraz
The lighthouse and main cell house have become a fixture of San Francisco Bay. If it is a clear day on the water you can most likely see the famous penitentiary. We have become accustomed to seeing it and I cannot speak for everyone, but I sure love seeing it! Even if you do not like the way it looks out in the San Francisco Bay, it is there. Unless the government decides to bulldoze it in the future, it is there to stay. Learning to about the site and what it has experienced helps us appreciate this little island.
4. Explore The Interior Of Alcatraz
You will walk around inside the cell house. There are rows of cells. These were the metal houses for prisoners for years. I cannot imagine their cries or screams at night and how they must have echoed along the cold hard ground.
5. Take A Glimpse Into Our Prison System
I watch a lot of murder mysteries so I have zero sympathy for the prisoners who committed senseless crimes. Walking through Alcatraz Island, I was taken aback by the conditions these prisoners lived with. Again, it did not make me feel sorry for them, but rather this tour opened me up to a world I never knew existed.
6. See A Morgue
According to the National Park Service, the morgue at Alcatraz Island was not used much. Wink wink. Who really knows for sure?
It is crazy seeing a morgue that was operational until 1963. 1963 was not that long ago! I wonder what spirits and ghosts live on this island and in this little shack.
7. Hear About The Escape Attempts
According to the FBI’s official website, three prisoners escaped the island using a raft. They have never been seen since. There are so many theories about what could have happened. Did the waves swallow them in? Did they make it to land? I do not think we will ever know their fate. If they did escape Alcatraz Island, they would be the first confirmed escapees. I love how folklore it is that we will never know the answer. It is one of the great stories that keeps Alcatraz Island a powerhouse of intrigue.
8. Learn about The Battle At Alcatraz
The Battle of Alcatraz sounds like the plot of a movie but it was very real. An escape attempt gone wrong, prisoners and guards were killed as the island was a spot of mass destruction for a few days.
Read more about the Battle of Alcatraz HERE.
9. Learn About The Notable Residents
“Say hello to my little friend”. The famous Scarface, Mr. Al Capone was kept behind bars at Alcatraz Island. Another notable resident was 1920’s gangster Machine Gun Kelly. Not the popstar dating Megan Fox, despite the same name.
As the (supposed) most secure maximum federal prison, there were many bad people living on The Rock.
10. Take In The Beauty
For being a former prison, Alcatraz is beautiful. Exploring the different buildings proved to be a pleasing sight. Even if they were falling apart or growing moss, they are enjoyable to take in.
Book Your Trip Now
The first time I visited San Francisco, I want not interested in touring Alcatraz Island. A few years later I went back and on a whim, I booked a tour in advance. I am glad I did. The tours do not take long and made for a great day in San Francisco.
Plan your tour of Alcatraz Island HERE!
Since I was indecisive at first, I thought I would share the top 10 reasons I enjoyed my tour of Alcatraz Island island and why you should incorporate it in your next trip.
Want more of the city? Check out 10 things to do for a great day (or weekend!) in San Francisco.
