Experiencing the small holes used for escapes was quite surreal. I recommend taking the guided tour where you have a guide sharing real stories. We opted for the audio tour which was good, but I would have preferred the guided one. I didn’t know there were different tours to choose from. Also, I STRONGLY SUGGEST the night tour. The city of San Francisco at night is stunning! 😎 Be sure to check online for advance tickets. On weekends or holidays, they may sell out. Typically, you can walk to Pier 33 and get a ticket on weekdays.
I truly enjoyed the experience. It’s a small piece of modern history - an iconic landmark! I highly recommend the prison and island tour! Also, it's a fantastic chance to get some of the best views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge!
An incredible historic masterpiece! It's worth the short ferry ride! Just an escape into history! It's very educational and a fantastic experience for all ages. The audio tour is a great free addition to the ticket! The lines move quickly, and then you’re free to explore on your own, which is nice!
I was eager to visit the famous prison I had heard about. Overall, it was a good experience, definitely worth a visit if you have the time. However, if you’re short on time, I wouldn't plan your San Francisco trip around it. I wish there was an actual guide leading the tours instead of relying on audio; I find audio tours are typically meant for those who prefer to set their own pace. There’s also a lovely garden that I enjoyed; I didn’t ask if the plants are native to the Bay Area, but since the island was once barren, I assume many were not originally found there.
This is a great place to visit if you want to learn something about American history and one of the most infamous prisons. There were areas under renovation during my visit, but aside from that, the self-guided audio tour lasts about 40 minutes. It’s much smaller in reality than it appears in the media. You can comfortably navigate the island in about 2 hours if you take your time after the tour. The ferry schedules and restrooms are all clearly marked. It’s advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes.
