Day 20: SAN FRANCISCO (Fisherman's, Alcatraz Island)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Today we have one of the most anticipated visits on this trip, the visit to Alcatraz Island, with his famous prison. We have read very good opinions in the forums and we already have the entry reserved from Spain so when we arrive we will only have to wait a while until our turn comes.
After breakfast at the Grant Hotel we walk to the area where we have been boarding. We arrived about 20 minutes before the hour, which we took advantage of to enjoy this part of the port that we did not see the other day.
The boat ride to Alcatraz does not last long but we can enjoy some incredible views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate.
Views on the way to Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island It is located in the center of San Francisco Bay and has a small dock where the boat leaves us.
More practical information to prepare your trip to San Francisco
- 10 things to see and do in San Francisco
- The 5 best tours and excursions in San Francisco
- San Francisco guide in one day
- San Francisco guide in two days
- San Francisco guide in 3 days
- 10 essential tips for traveling to San Francisco
- 10 essential tips for traveling to the United States
- The best travel insurance for the United States
Alcatraz island
Upon arrival, the first thing we do is take an audio guide in Spanish that tells the whole story of Alcatraz prison. Essential to get an idea of the whole history of this prison that has long since ceased to be used as such and is now one of the San Francisco's most tourist claims.
Alcatraz Prison
In 1962, Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin escaped making a hole in each of their cells and left in the beds some heads that had been made with papier-mâché so that the guards did not notice their absence, it is one of the cells that We can see in the visit and on which the movie "Alcatraz Fugue" is based.
Alcatraz prison cell
Alcatraz prison has had prisoners as famous as Al Capone.
Alcatraz Prison
After all the interior tour, we went to an outdoor area that was the patio, from where there are stunning views, which made the prisoners' stay even harder to see freedom so close and not being able to reach it.
Book the best rated Spanish tours and excursions in San Francisco by travelers:
- San Francisco in full with Alcatraz
- Full San Francisco Tour
- Excursion to Muir Woods and Sausalito
- Boat trip through the San Francisco Bay
- Excursion to Yosemite
- More excursions and tours here
Book the best rated Spanish tours and excursions in San Francisco by travelers:
Alcatraz Prison
To get an idea of life in prison, just read one of its rules: “You have the right to receive food, clothing, shelter and medical care. Anything else you receive is a privilege.”
The visit to the prison of Alcatraz is about 3 hours or so If you want to see well. They have happened to us very fast, since with the audio you do not stop moving through all the corners that it indicates.
Back to San Francisco we enjoy good views of Alcatraz Island, this time in the opposite direction.
Alcatraz island
Alcatraz Island with the Golden Gate in the background
When we arrive it is already noon, so we go to the port and eat at Fisherman's Wharf, at Crabe House, a restaurant known for the famous crab and seafood soup we tried and it is very good. For dessert, to finish off the meal, we're going to Guirardelli, where we get a couple of giant ice creams.
Ghirardelli ice cream
After that there is no one who can move and we choose to take the afternoon quietly, as we did yesterday after touring the most tourist spots with the San Francisco tram.
Day 21SAN FRANCISCO (TWIN PEAKS, GOLDEN GATE, SAUSALITO)
