Alcatraz Island (San Francisco)

A visit to the infamous island of Alcatraz is the most popular day out in the Bay Area, and is bound to be a definite highlight on cheap city breaks in San Francisco. Located a mile out to sea, Alcatraz is legendary as the world’s most notorious prison where no inmates (officially) escaped and lived to tell the tale. It is a place full of myth and legend and was home for such characters as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud, the legendary ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’. The only way to get there is by a 15 minute ferry ride from the harbour and you should plan on staying for around three hours as there is much to see and do.

 

The highlight is a walkabout in the famous cell block and it will really come to life with an audio tour. Recorded commentary comes from real life ex prison wardens and former inmates and it offers a vivid depiction of the harsh realities of life in a maximum security prison.  On short breaks in San Francisco at ‘the Rock’, as it is affectionately known, there is a lot more to see besides. It was originally a military fort during the American Civil War and there are still some historic buildings and fortifications to explore.

 

Despite its isolated and windswept location, Alcatraz is a surprisingly green and fertile place with some lovely natural scenery. Roses, fig trees and honeysuckle grow wild and it is a protected wildlife sanctuary. Nature lovers on a San Francisco city break may just encounter the Californian salamander or deer mice, and it is a breeding ground for countless species of sea birds such as herons, gulls and cormorants. It is a great place to kick back for an hour or so after the tour and enjoy the tranquil scenery and spectacular views across the bay.