The Alcatraz Gazette

A beautiful city, the Pacific Ocean, and The Rock. What more could you ask for? It is my belief that Alcatraz, in itself, is a wonderful vacation idea. But the fact that it is located in the city of San Francisco, makes it all too tempting.

TIPS FOR TRAVELERS: If you are thinking of visiting here is some information you may want to know:

1) No, I do not have a toll free number for Blue & Gold Fleet (if I did I would have given it to everyone).

2) You can now reserve your Alcatraz tickets on-line by going to Blue & Gold Fleets page at: Blue & Gold Fleet

3) Yes, you should order your tickets IN ADVANCE! You don't have to order them months in advance, but don't be disappointed if you can't get tickets for tomorrow today. I would order tickets about one to two weeks in advance and two to three weeks in advance during the summer.

4) The ferry trip takes about 15 minutes both ways and you can stay on the island as long as you'd like (or until the last ferry departs).

On the Approach to the Island

Alcatraz is open almost year round. It is closed Christmas, and New Year's Day. It is, however, open Thanksgiving, starting at 4:30 am. Blue & Gold Fleet transports Native Americans for their annual Sunrise Ceremony and Unthanksgiving Day Celebration.

Admission to Alcatraz is free but there is a charge for the ferry ride to the island. The ferry ride and an audio tour (audio tour is optional and all procedes go to Alcatraz Island) is $16 for adults, $14.25 for seniors, and $10.75 for children (5-11). If you opt out of the audio tour you save $4.50 on adult and senior tickets and $2.50 on children's tickets.

For specific information, hours of certain dates, or reservations call: 1-415-705-5555 Blue & Gold Fleet Info. 1-415-773-1188 (Recorded Information)

You can also check out the Blue & Gold Fleet web page!

San Francisco is one of the most exciting cities in all of California. Not only does SF have outstanding tourist attractions by day, it also has a hoppin' nightlife!

For more information on events and services in SF check out these links:

http://www.sanfranciscobay.com

http://www.sanfranciscoonline.com

There are many forms of transportation in SF. the most popular (and with the longest wait) is the infamous SF Cablecar. A little less hectic and very affordable is their bus system.

I personally always take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit -SF's subway system) but unfortunately the BART does not run down to Pier 39 yet. BART Market St Station should have a connecting muni train to Pier 39/41 next summer. Yipee!!!

For those of you who are not as concerned about financial matters there are plenty of Taxis and expensive public parking lots if you decide to bring your own car, but you'd probably be sorry (have you EVER driven in a CITY, not a pretty sight!). I drove once and will never do it again!