5 Reasons to Put Alcatraz On Your List of Things to Do In San Francisco

When we went on our honeymoon at the start of the year, we made a point of visiting Alcatraz as part of our San Francisco trip. I have written a separate blog post giving you some tips for actually visiting the island, but this blog post is focused more on the reasons why you should give it a visit in the first place. So why should you put Alcatraz on your list of things to to do in San Francisco? Let me explain!

1. It's part of the National Park system

There are multiple Nation Parks across America and Alcatraz island is one of them. Not only is it a place of historical significance, but it's also home to an array of different bird species and other wildlife that are protected, even to the point where you're not allowed to feed or interact with the animals while you're there. If you're wanting to tick a National park off your bucket list, then Alcatraz would be an easy, straightforward one to visit. 

2. You're guaranteed a boat ride across San Francisco Bay

You can't actually get to Alcatraz Island any other way, so while you don't have a choice, it's still an experience that people pay for, if they aren't planning on visiting the island. While it's not going to be smooth and you're very likely to get wet, it's still something that you should look at as part of the experience overall.

3. An informative audio tour is included in the price of your ticket

There are loads of places these days where you pay for a ticket and then have to pay extra for an audio tour, just to get some more insightful information. But that's not something you have to worry about when you visit Alcatraz. The audio tour is incredibly descriptive and informative. 

You can't really get around without it. It will give you a fair few facts about the place that you wouldn't have learnt otherwise. If you're interested in history, or Alcatraz itself, even down to its grounds and wildlife, then add it to your list of things to do in San Francisco. 

4. You will get amazing views that you won't get anywhere else in the city

Not only does Alcatraz give you an incredible view of the Golden gate Bridge, but it also gives you the opportunity to look back at San Francisco as a city. You're unlikely to get that from that angle anywhere else in the city. Even if you go across the Golden Gate Bridge and look back from the other side, like we did, the views just aren't the same. If you want so unique views during your trip, then Alcatraz Island is the place to go.

5. You'll get to experience a piece of history that won't be here for ever

Alcatraz is looked after very well, but it's just not enough to keep it going for as long as they'd like. There are still sections of the prison that are closed off to the public because they're simply unsafe and there are set to be more areas like that in the future. 

You should go and walk the hallways of history before it closes for good, because it's not unlikely. It might that it closes for refurbishment, but then it loses its history and authenticity. Go an pay it a visit as soon as you're able for one very unique experience.


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I hope you enjoyed this blog post? Let me know in the comments below what you enjoyed about visiting Alcatraz as part of your San Francisco trip and I'll see you again very soon with some brand new content!

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