I Am A Rock, I Am An Island: Alcatraz Island
Written: Jul 29 '02 (Updated Jan 19 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A very interesting no-longer-in use prison.
Cons: The weather.
The Bottom Line: I highly recommend this tourist attraction. It is well worth the money and the inclement weather.
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| jo.com's Full Review: Alcatraz Island |
Title courtesy of Simon and Garfunkel.
This is the 7th in a series of reviews of our trip to San Francisco. Alcatraz Island is a must see. I read about it before our trip to San Francisco right here at epinions and then again in the guidebooks.
About Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations. It offers a look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can not only explore the remnants of the prison, but learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. These structures and the island's many natural features - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views, are being preserved by the National Park Service. (Summarized from http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/ where you will find more historical information if you are interested.)
Alcatraz Island is in San Francisco Bay and houses what was once Alcatraz, the prison. For 7 years this prison housed the most dangerous of men, including Al Capone.
Hours and Price
The hours vary with the season The ferry runs about every 30-40 minutes to and from Alcatraz starting at 9:30am. The island closes at 6:30pm in the summer, 4:30pm in fall, winter and spring. Alcatraz is closed only on Christmas and New Year's Day, or due to extreme weather.
The price is $16.00 per person.
Tip: Get on the 11:15 ferry and you will be just in time for the ranger who gives a terrific talk for about 45 minutes. The ferry ride is an easy 20 minutes and food and drinks are served on board. When we went in June he only gave this talk once a day so if we had come earlier or later we would have missed this. There is additional information on tours at http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/welcome.html
Reservations
When we made our reservations (You must make reservations. Certain times of the day are more popular than others so it is possible even at the last minute to get a ticket, but don’t take the chance of waiting.) we were not told about the ranger’s talk. Perhaps now that you know, when you call you can find out what time his talk is and how often it will be. According to the website "advance ticket sales are strongly recommended and are available by calling Blue & Gold Fleet at (415) 705-5555, or online at Blue & Gold Fleet's webpage, or in person at their ticket booth at Pier 41, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. For groups of 15 or more call Group Reservations at (415) 705-8214."
If you don’t get to hear the talk, don’t worry, because the 35-minute recorded tour which is included in the price of admission is fantastic. It actually has won awards and is in several languages including Spanish, Italian, Japanese and French.
The sound effects on this tape are phenomenal. It makes it sound as if you are really in the prison with the men! The feeling of fear and anger comes out loud and clear.
There is a myth that men rarely escaped from Alcatraz. The myth is that there are “man eating” sharks in the bay, but that is not true. The sharks in those waters are not “man-eating.” The reasons are simple: the water is very, very cold and the current is impossibly rough. There had been a few attempts, but the men ended up coming back. Only 3 escapees were never found and are presumed dead.
Do you know why prisons are often called the slammer? At least that is what Alcatraz was called. It is because of the noise of the cell doors closing. They all close at once with a key and they do slam.
The prime cells were on an inside wall (This is good information to keep in the back of your mind in the event you have the misfortune to end up in prison and you get a choice of cells!) because they are warmer or up high because they are more private. You don’t have people walking by you as often as on the bottom floor.
Some information to have:
Dress in layers! The weather can be unpredictable in San Francisco and certainly on the island. When the fog rolls in not only does it give Alcatraz an eary feeling, but it brings the cold wind with it.
Some sections of Alcatraz are unsafe to visit. Areas closed to the public are marked by fences or barricades. You cannot bring back anything that you didn't buy so don't collect any "souvenirs." Plant and animal life are protected by law and you are asked not to feed the birds.
The island is steep (The elevation change is 130 feet.) and can be difficult to walk. If you have trouble with the climb or walking they now have a transport system called
SEAT - Sustainable Easy Access Transport, an electric shuttle which runs once an hour from the dock to the cellhouse, and once an hour from the cellhouse to the dock.
There is no food to buy on Alcatraz, however there is a picnic area located at the dock. Food, drinks and smoking are only allowed on the dock. You can bring bottled water and in fact you can buy it at the bookstore. This store is small but you can pick up a souvenir or film, videos, and books about the island's history.
My final thoughts:
I think Alcatraz would make a great prison today because of its isolation. Unfortunately is is very expensive to run which is why it was closed. At the time it was used there were 3 guards per prisoner plus the cost of getting supplies there was prohibitive.
I highly recommend this tourist attraction. It is well worth the money and the inclement weather. Don't forget to plan ahead. This is one site that you really do need reservations for most likely and you don't want to miss the opportunity of going because you thought you wouldn't need them.
If you would like to read more about this city, links are below:
Haight Ashbury
National Car Rental, Do The Driving Yourself
I Am A Rock, I Am An Island: Alcatraz Island
Muir Woods, An I Wood Do
From Chinatown To North Beach
The Stinking Rose Restaurant
American Airlines
Santa Cruz Boulevard
Neptune's Palace Restaurant
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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