How to visit alcatraz
It made me
fun 
"Day or night, a great place to visit."
How I did it:
- Determine if you want a day tour or a night tour. Each tour has its benefits. The night tours provide some extras that you wouldn't see on a day tour.
- Pick a day to go. If you're visiting in the summer, you will probably need to plan this before you head to San Francisco.
- Buy your tickets ahead of time. Especially if you travel on a holiday, times and entire days can sell out. The night tour frequently sells out.
- Bring your camera with plenty of film or memory space and an extra battery if you take lots of pictures. Also bring bottled water. Don't bring food (eat on the boat if it's allowed or before going). Dress with warm waterproof layers - it can be windy and cold and the fog can be thick.
- Get the audio tour. It is outstanding.
- Enjoy your tour - take your time, stand in the cells. Take lots of pictures. Don't use flash - hold your camera absolutely still and use the natural light. If you're on the night tour, it can be very difficult to take pictures.
- Take advantage of any extra tours or programs. These are great ways of seeing other portions of the island or prison.
Lessons & tips:
- It's important to book ahead of time. Tours sell out quickly.
- Buy your souvenirs at Pier 39's cheap stores to save money. If you buy them at Alcatraz, you can find NPS souvenirs not available at the Pier, but the souvenir shops on the Pier have good cheap stuff.
- The night tour is a completely different experience from the day. If you have the time, take the day tour and use that time to take lots of pictures in the prison, then visit on the night tour and take part in the special programs they only offer in the evenings.
Resources: NPS Alcatraz website and personal experience.
