The short answer
- Bring: a warm layer, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunglasses, your phone with your ticket, photo ID and headphones.
- Leave at the hotel: suitcases and big bags, picnic food, alcohol and anything in glass. Pier 33 has no luggage storage.
- Food rule: on Alcatraz, you can eat and drink only on the dock. Bottled water is the only exception.
- Arrive at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing about 45 minutes before your departure.
A visit to Alcatraz is short on distance but long on wind, hills and rules. Pack the right things and the day is easy. Pack the wrong ones and you may end up carrying them up a steep hill or throwing them away at the dock. Here is what to bring, and what to leave behind.
The short list
- Layers: a fleece or sweater plus a windproof jacket, even in summer.
- Comfortable shoes: closed-toe, with a good grip. The road up to the cellhouse is steep.
- Water: a non-glass bottle. You can refill it at the fountains by the restrooms.
- Sun protection: sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The bay reflects a lot of light, even on cold days.
- Phone: charged, with your ticket and the Le Way Go City Guide ready.
- Photo ID: Alcatraz City Cruises asks all adults to carry a valid photo ID.
- Headphones: for the City Guide audio tours before and after your visit.
Weather on the bay
San Francisco weather surprises many visitors. The National Park Service notes that Alcatraz is often chillier than the mainland. Fog is common in summer and rain in winter. Out on the water, the wind makes it feel colder still.
Dress in layers you can add or take off. The climb to the cellhouse warms you up, and then the wind on the open terraces cools you down fast. In the rainy season, a light rain jacket is better than an umbrella on a windy island.
Local tip: on the Night Tour, bring one more layer than you think you need. It gets cold quickly after sunset, especially on the ferry back.
Food and drinks
This is the rule that catches most people out. On Alcatraz, eating, drinking and smoking are allowed only on the dock area. Beyond the dock, you can drink only bottled water, in a non-glass bottle. Alcohol is not allowed on the island, and food is not allowed on the Pier 33 Landing.
- On the ferry: food and drinks are sold on board, both ways.
- On the island: there is no restaurant or café. The park bookstores sell bottled water and light snacks, and the Building 64 bookstore sells hot drinks.
- Water refills: drinking fountains and a bottle refill station are near both restrooms (by the dock and by the lighthouse).
Our advice: eat a good meal before you go, and plan lunch on the waterfront after your visit. The Where to eat list in the City Guide has picks near the piers.
Bags and strollers
Travel light. Alcatraz City Cruises does not allow large bags, luggage or oversized backpacks on the island. Smaller bags and daypacks are fine, but expect a security check. There is no luggage storage at Pier 33. If you are checking out of your hotel that day, leave your suitcases with the front desk.
Families with small children: the S.E.A.T. accessible tram cannot carry strollers or families with small children, so plan to walk the hill. Check the operator’s Visiting with Kids page for the current stroller rules before you go. A baby carrier is often easier on the steep paths.
Pets are not allowed on Alcatraz. Service animals are welcome.
Accessibility
The cellhouse sits at the top of the island. From the dock, the walk is about a quarter mile and climbs 130 feet, about the height of a 13-story building. Most people take 10 to 15 minutes.
- S.E.A.T. tram: an accessible tram takes visitors with limited mobility from the dock up to the cellhouse. Seating is first come, first served, and one companion may ride if space allows.
- Wheelchairs: the ferries are wheelchair accessible, but no wheelchairs are lent at Pier 33 or on the island. Bring your own.
- Inside the cellhouse: an elevator reaches the second floor. The audio tour comes in ASL, audio-described and written versions, and assistive listening devices are available at the Pier 33 ticket booth.
If you need help getting around, contact Alcatraz City Cruises before your visit so you know what to expect on the day.
What to leave at the hotel
| Bring | Leave behind | |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | A small daypack | Suitcases, large bags, big backpacks |
| Food | Snacks to eat on the dock or the ferry | Picnics and coolers |
| Drinks | Water in a non-glass bottle | Alcohol and glass bottles |
| Clothes | Layers and a windproof jacket | Sandals and heels |
| Pets | Service animals only | Pets |
Before you leave the hotel
- Check your ticket email. Le Way Go emails your official Alcatraz City Cruises ticket 24 hours before departure (right away if you book later). Keep it on your phone.
- Download your audio tours on Wi-Fi. In the Le Way Go City Guide app for iPhone or Android, download the Alcatraz tour and any others you want, such as Fisherman’s Wharf & the Waterfront. Downloaded tours play offline in the app. The browser version needs an internet connection.
- Charge your phone, or bring a small power bank.
- Leave early. Ferries leave from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing on the Embarcadero, not Piers 30, 32 or 34. The operator asks you to arrive about 45 minutes before departure.
Ready to book?
Both tours include the official Alcatraz City Cruises ticket (round-trip ferry from Pier 33 and the Cellhouse Audio Tour) and the Le Way Go City Guide with San Francisco audio tours. Day Tour from $80, Night Tour from $105 per adult. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Questions
Is there food on Alcatraz?
No restaurant or café. Alcatraz City Cruises says there are no dining options on the island. The park bookstores sell bottled water and light snacks, and food and drinks are sold on the ferry, both ways. Eat a good meal before you go, or bring a snack to eat on the dock, the only place on the island where eating is allowed.
Can I bring a sandwich to Alcatraz?
Yes, but you can eat it only on the dock. Beyond the dock, the only thing you can drink is bottled water, and you cannot eat anything. Food is also sold on the ferry.
Is there somewhere to store luggage at Pier 33?
No. There is no luggage storage at Pier 33, and large bags are not allowed on the island. Leave your suitcases at your hotel before you go.
Do I need internet for the City Guide on the island?
Not if you use the iPhone or Android app and download your audio tours on Wi-Fi before you go. Downloaded tours play offline. The browser version needs an internet connection. See How It Works for details.
