Our Alcatraz Experience and Adventures

 

Family on the Island with a gorgeous view of San Francisco in the background.

Photo Cred: First-Born  This was a spontaneous shot I just love of me & the Youngest.

The First Born couldn't resist taking a picture with this photogenic Alcatraz bird.

Photo Cred: The Huz  Doesn't this bird look like he's literally posing for the camera? Too cute!

San Francisco has been a repeat destination for our family over the years and in previous times, The Huz has always said that he wanted to check out Alcatraz Island but for some reason or another, we didn't do it. On this particular trip, I intentionally went online to make sure I reserved the date. It's an easy process, just pick the date & time. The boat loads on Pier 33. 

We arrived on the loading pier a few hours early just to make sure we knew where it was and they told us we could go ahead and board the boat so we were able to get on the island before our scheduled time. Without planning it, we actually gave ourselves more time to explore the island. For those that typically get motion sickness, the short boat trip is definitely choppy so I suggest taking some kind of motion sickness deterrent (Dramamine works well for me, personally). 

Once on the island, there is an informative audio-guided tour that features fascinating perspectives of life in a maximum security penitentiary from the prisoners themselves as well as the guards who oversaw them. After that tour, guests are pretty much free to walk around and explore. It is a National Park so keep in mind that you shouldn't touch plants and wildlife and definitely don't take anything that you didn't buy from the gift shop. 

There is a lot of walking involved and many steep, upward and downward hills. Wear comfortable shoes. Also, it can get windy, so be prepared for that and definitely bring at least one layer.

We had such a good time. The Island is absolutely beautiful with some fantastic views of the Bay, the water, greenery and foliage all over. It has sights, sounds and picture perfect opportunities, but also profound history.  If you have the chance and opportunity definitely put this Island on your "To Visit" list. 

We love San Francisco.💓