This article was published on July 10th, 2016

Hop aboard Alcatraz Cruises from the piers of downtown San Francisco to observe and re-live the chilling past of one of America’s most dangerous and highest security penitentiaries. Once home to some of America’s most notorious criminals, this federal penitentiary that operated on an island from 1934 to 1963 brings a dark and chilling past to life for your viewing pleasure. Notable inmates such as Al “Scarface” Capone, and the “Birdman” Robert Stroud helped to establish the island’s notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world’s most legendary prisons and remains a must visit to anyone who is in the San Francisco Area.

Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco. The cruise takes around two and half hours to sail to to the island, explore, and return.

As a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice of 2016 and a regular recipient of the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the past 5 years Alcatraz Cruises gives one of the best novelty cruises in the world.

The infamous prison is not all there is to see at Alcatraz. Alcatraz is also now home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and thousands of roosting and nesting sea birds. Civil War-era buildings circle around the island giving insight into the 19th century when the island served as both a harbor defense fort and a military prison.

You can also see visible reminders of the American Indian Occupation that started in 1969 after the prison closed, highlighting an important milestone in the American Indian rights movement.

If you  love a fantasy of being restrained, locked up, and other kinks behind jail cell doors, a trip to Alcatraz is a must-do activity durning Folsom Street Fair, September 23-25, 2016.

Experience the beauty, history and infamy of Alcatraz on the San Francisco Bay. You’ll be amazed by what you learn and see. Visit the Alcatraz Cruise website at  to book your award winning Alcatraz experience today!

Need more trip ideas? San Francisco Travel has a host of pre-planned itineraries, whether you’re looking for a food adventure, fashion excursion, late-night shenanigans, or where to catch the locals. Got on it now and enjoy all the delights San Francisco has to offer.