We’ve all seen the movies or documentaries on Alcatraz, but until you experience it in person, you won’t really get it. Part of the excitement of going to Alcatraz begins when you first get on the ferry that leaves from Pier 33 on Fisherman’s Wharf. The ferry leaves every half an hour so you are sure to catch a ferry that will take you to this fascinating former home to many of the most notorious criminals.

With the dark mystique that surrounds this famous rock, there is much more to learn then just what “Scarface” and “Birdman” did to pass their days away. Although the legendary prison is the main draw of this appealing area, there are numerous other stories to be told. Now seen as a marine wildlife, many of the locals go to visit to see the rare flowers and plants that adorn the once dark and scary place. There are thousands of nesting sea birds that bring out the birdwatcher in all of us. The botanical draw of the rock is why many of the locals get together to visit this impressive place. It isn’t so much about what used to be there, it is what is there now.

Everyday beginning at 9:30am you’ll see many people boarding the ferry to Alcatraz and there is no wonder as to why. If you aren’t an early bird you should consider an evening tour as well as the combined Angel Island tour to get a real feel for what it is like to live on this remarkable island when the prisoners lived there as well as the military personnel. They are open every day except for Christmas and New Years Day but during the popular times such as the summer and holidays the tickets to Alcatraz sell out sometimes a week in advance.

The tickets range in price from $15.25 for children, and $24.50 for adults but the tour is something that you just can’t pass up. You’ll get a 45 minute audio presentation as well as a video, ranger tours, and best of all you’ll be able to spend a lot of time in the historic gardens among the abundant wildlife. The evening tickets are $18.75 for children and $31.50 for adults. Here you will get a more intimate look at Alcatraz complete with a stunning sunset as you cruise around the island on the narrated boat tour.