Alcatraz Island, situated in San Francisco, California, this former federal penitentiary has transformed into a captivating tourist destination. Alcatraz Island holds not only historical and cultural significance but also an air of mystery and fascination. The belief that the spirits of past prisoners and guards linger on the island adds to its allure.
Whether you seek to delve into its intriguing history, explore its buildings and grounds, or experience its paranormal activity, Alcatraz Island offers an unforgettable experience for all. Enjoy the virtual tour of its haunted sites and find out how you can embark on a visit to this enthralling destination.
How to Visit Alcatraz Island
The first thing you need to know about visiting Alcatraz Island is that you have to take a ferry to get there. The ferry departs from Pier 33 at Fisherman’s Wharf and takes about 15 minutes to reach the island.
You can buy your ferry tickets online or at the ticket booth on the pier. However, we recommend that you buy your tickets online in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. The ferry tickets include access to the island and an audio tour of the cell house.
The ferry operates daily from 8:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The last ferry leaves the island at 6:45 p.m.
The island is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. The cell house is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Tours for Alcatraz Island
There are different types of tours available for Alcatraz Island, depending on your preferences and availability. The most common tour is the self-guided audio tour of the cell house, which is included in your ferry ticket. The audio tour features narration by former inmates and guards who tell you stories and facts about life in Alcatraz. You can listen to the audio tour at your own pace and explore the cells, corridors, and rooms of the prison.
Another option is the guided tour of the island, which is led by a park ranger or a volunteer docent. The guided tour covers various topics such as the history, ecology, and architecture of Alcatraz. You can also ask questions and interact with the guide during the tour. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A third option is the night tour of Alcatraz, which is a special evening program that offers a different perspective of the island. The night tour includes a round-trip ferry ride with live narration, a guided tour of the island, an audio tour of the cell house, and access to areas that are closed during the day. You can also enjoy sunset views and the nighttime sounds of Alcatraz. The night tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is available on Thursday through Monday nights.
Haunted Virtual Tour of Alcatraz Island
If you are unable to visit Alcatraz Island in person or if you want to experience its spooky side from your device, you can take a virtual tour of its haunted sites online. The virtual tour allows you to explore some of the most notorious buildings and locations on the island, and witness the ghost stories and paranormal activity that are associated with them. Some of the highlights of the virtual tour are:
Citadel: This was one of the original buildings on the island, and it served as a fort and a prison before being built over by the current cell house. It is said to be haunted by the spirits of the soldiers and prisoners who died there. You can see some of the remnants of the Citadel, such as the dungeon, the Sally Port, and the guard tower.
Morgue: This was where some of the inmates died or were disposed of. It is said to be haunted by the ghosts of the deceased, who sometimes make noises or move objects. You can see some of the equipment and instruments that were used there, such as the autopsy table, the embalming machine, and the body trays.
Tunnels: The tunnels connected the buildings and moved people or things. They have ghosts, such as a woman who was killed by an inmate. She screams or hurts visitors in her tunnel. She also leaves blood marks.
A man who was a worker died of a heart attack. He fixes or moves things and talks to visitors. He also writes on the walls or boards.
Cellhouse: This was the main prison building that housed some of the most notorious criminals in history, such as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert Stroud. It is said to be haunted by their spirits, who still linger in their cells or roam the corridors.
You can see some of the cells, such as Cell 14D, where an inmate was strangled by a ghost. Cell 181, where Al Capone played his banjo. Cell 138, where Robert Stroud wrote his books on birds. You can also see some of the other areas of the cell house, such as the library, the dining hall, the shower room, and the recreation yard.
Alcatraz Island is a fascinating and unique destination that will give you an unforgettable experience. You can visit the island and learn about its history, explore its buildings and grounds, and experience its paranormal activity. You can also take a virtual tour of its haunted sites online and witness the ghost stories and spooky attractions that await you. Alcatraz Island is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history and horror. Plan your visit or take the virtual tour today and prepare to be scared at Alcatraz Island.
Do you want to explore more of these places? Then keep on reading: Haunted Places: The USA
