Tour of Alcatraz Island Prison
July 11, 2011 in tour of alcatraz island prison
Tour Of Alcatraz Island Prison – A Golden Gate National Park
Taking a tour of Alcatraz Island Prison definitely should be included in your family holiday plans to San Francisco, California.
Are you searching for some great San Francisco Attractions for families while in the City?
Then a ‘Tour of Alcatraz Island ‘ should certainly be at the top of your ‘to do list‘!
While visiting this beautiful City on the west coast of California, then one of the premier “must do” attractions is the Alcatraz Island Prison Tour.
This mystical, enchanted island, an unmistakeable landmark, looming in the San Francisco Bay, is full of history.
Alcatraz Island history takes you back in time when it served as a Maximum Security Federal Penitentiary during the days of ‘Al Capone‘ and the ‘Birdman of Alcatraz‘.
Here’s a short informative and entertaining video on the ‘Alcatraz Island History‘ to get you started.
Enjoy …
If you looking for a complete tour of Alcatraz, they run continuous throughout the year and ‘reservations are strongly recommended‘! This, especially true during the high season or summer months.
Alcatraz Island Prison … Ferries tours depart from Pier 33.
I’ve included a handy link for Alcatraz Cruises.
Here you can get complete details on tour reservations, times and much more.
Alcatraz Island Prison – Step Back In Time
Take a step back in time and visit one of the United States most fascinating national park sites by taking a complete tour of Alcatraz Island Prison.
Tour Length
You should allow at least 2 ½ hours for the cruise to the island, taking the Cell house audio tour, exploring the rest of the island and its historic exhibits, and then the boat cruise back to the City.
Feel free to ‘stay on Alcatraz as long as you wish‘.
Departures back to Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing are about every 30 minutes. Be sure to check for last departure times back to the mainland.
A favorite part of the tour is the ‘Audio portion‘. This is an award winning 45 minute self – guided tour throughout the grounds, literally taking back in time, with commentary from former inmates, correctional officers and island residents, along with realistic audio backdrop sounds, to heighten the realistic experience!
Here at Holidays for Family, we strongly recommend the ‘audio tour experience‘ when visiting this mysterious island.
Alcatraz Island Prison – Top 10 Questions Asked Of Visitors
Here are some interesting ‘Alcatraz Island History‘ questions most asked of the National Park Service on those embarking on a tour:
1) When and why did the prison close?
The last inmate left the island in March of 1963, as a result of deteriorating conditions, high operating costs, punishment to rehabilitation changes and other factors.
2) How many prisoners did Alcatraz hold?
The prison was never at full capacity. The average number of prisoners was about 260, the highest recorded was 320.
3) How many cells are there?
There are 4 cell blocks in the prison. A thru D. B and C blocks have 336 cells for general population. D block was kept for “unruly inmates” with 42 cells.
4) Which cells did Al Capone and Robert “Birdman” Stroud occupy?
Prisoners were often moved around from cell to cell during their stay at Alcatraz. Capone was no exception and also spent a little time in
D block for fighting. ‘Stroud’ was mostly in D block and then transferred to a
hospital wing on site.
5) How many correctional officers worked on the Island?
90 officers for 3 shift’s for the most part and then reduced in 1950 for budget cuts.
6) Where did the officers live?
Many lived on the island as well as off. Building 64 included a number of apartments , as well 3 apartment buildings, 4 separate homes and a duplex. The warden lived in a large separate home near the prison building.
7) Did anyone ever escape?
In the 29 years as a federal prison, 36 prisoners tried to escape from the “Rock”. All but 5 were recaptured or unaccounted for. The unaccounted made for the movie ‘Escape from Alcatraz’, starring Clint Eastwood.
8) Does Alcatraz have a Gas Chamber?
No. Federal executions were carried mostly on the mainland at San Quentin State Prison.
9) How many prisoners died on Alcatraz?
8 inmates were murdered, 5 suicides and 15 of natural causes.
10) Does the Federal Government plan to re-open Alcatraz as a prison?
Alcatraz Island Prison – National Historic Park
Alcatraz is now a part of the National Park Service and will remain this way for the distant future.
There is also much more detailed information on:
available for your convenience.
Just a very brief look at the infamous “Rock” or Alcatraz Island National Park.
The Alcatraz tour is simply a must do on your list of things to see and do while visiting San Francisco.
The ‘view alone‘ when crossing to and from Alcatraz Island Prison of the City and the Bay is worth the price of admission alone!
[ Click Here ] and view some more of our family photos taken of our Alcatraz Island Prison tour while enjoying our Holidays in San Francisco!
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Happy travels!
Robert Tellier
” Holidays for Family Survey “
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Taking a Tour of Alcatraz Island Prison should definitely be included in one’s “Bucket List!”
