5 Things You Didn't Know About Alcatraz

January 20, 2020

Located on a small island surrounded by choppy waters, just off the coast of San Fran, lies a prison that has held the country’s most dangerous criminals...

Alcatraz -- like something out of a comic book, it’s no wonder it’s the most notorious incarceration facility in the country. Home to likes of Al Capone, George “Machine-Gun” Kelly, and Arthur “Doc” Barker, the high security federal building operated from 1934 to 1963, containing the murderous gangsters of the 1920s and 30s. In its 29 years of operation, the prison managed to rack up quite a colorful -- and sometimes violent -- history.

Here’s a quick look at some intriguing Alcatraz facts you may not know. If you don't get your fix here, read on to check out the activities we offer that will take you there to see it for yourself!

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    Bridge to Bridge Cruise

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    Go under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge on this scenic cruise along picturesque San Francisco Bay. Pass Alcatraz, Treasure Island and AT&T Park, and enjoy views of the city skyline dotted by Coit Tower, the Ferry Building, the Transamerica Pyramid, the Palace of Fine Arts and more. Fascinating audio commentary lets you learn about the construction of these famous bridges, as well as San Francisco's unique architecture, history, geology and culture. Head to Fisherman's Wharf in the afternoon to board your cruise. Then, sit back and relax as your expert captain takes you along picturesque San Francisco Bay. Pass Alcatraz Island and soak up views of San Francisco's stunning skyline, dotted with famous landmarks and attractions including Coit Tower, the Ferry Building, the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and the domed Palace of Fine Arts. Have your camera ready as you cruise under the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, where the Pacific spills into San Francisco Bay. You'll get unparalleled views from right underneath the bridge! You'll also travel under the colossal Bay Bridge, linking San Francisco with Oakland and the rest of the East Bay. Admire Treasure Island and snap photos of AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Throughout your cruise, audio commentary, available in 16 languages, teaches you interesting facts about how these bridges were built. You'll also learn about San Francisco's unique architecture, history, geology and culture. Your vessel features restrooms and indoor and outdoor seating. You're free to bring your own lunch on board to enjoy while you take in the sights, and there is also a full bar and snacks available for purchase.
    Bridge to Bridge Cruise

    43 The Embarcadero, San Francisco

    • Travel under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge on a scenic cruise of San Francisco Bay
    • Hear fascinating audio commentary about the construction of these famous and historic bridges
    • Take in spectacular views of Alcatraz, Treasure Island, AT&T Park, and the city skyline
    • Learn about San Francisco's unique architecture, history, geology and culture
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    9 positive reviews
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    The Official Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

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    Tour the highlights of this San Francisco gem in two and a half fun-filled hours! We are the exclusive licensed Segway tour operator in Golden Gate Park and know every nook and cranny of this gorgeous 1000+ acre park. Our professional guides will treat you to the park's best views and hidden locations while entertaining you with the history and tales of this oasis in the city. Segways give you eco-friendly access to bike paths and trails that allow you cover lots of ground quickly! Explore 8 miles of the Eastern part of the park which covers both famous landmarks and hidden and less explored areas. Your experienced and fun tour guide will narrate your tour through a compact single ear-bud sound system. Each guest is issued a compact radio receiver so they don't miss a detail of what the guide is saying about each site seen on the tour.
    The Official Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

    82 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco

    • Glide through the iconic Golden Gate Park on a Segway
    • Hear stories from your tour guide and experience seven miles of the Golden Gate Park
    • Partake in a brief Segway training and then see The Music Concourse and Temple of Music
    • Ride on your Segway and enjoy not having to walk
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    1 positive reviews
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    Chinatown and North Beach Night Walking Tour

    Spend an evening exploring two of San Francisco's vibrant areas for food and nightlife on a walking tour through Chinatown and North Beach. On their own, they will stir your senses. Together, they awaken you to new flavors, ancient cultures, and a diverse lifestyle.

    You'll start your walking tour in Chinatown. Explore the area by twilight, including tasting dim sum from one of the oldest bakeries in the area. Delve into Chinese mysticism and culture, as you explore local sculpture and architecture.

    Search out authentic Chinese and Italian crafts and pottery and uncover their hidden secrets only intrepid locals know. You'll be astonished by the new finds in secret alcoves and the wonderful aromas and taste of some of the best coffee, dim sum, and other food on this two-hour tour.

    Chinatown and North Beach Night Walking Tour

    North Beach, San Francisco

    • Explore two of San Francisco's food and nightlife hubs on a walking tour through Chinatown and North Beach
    • Sample dim sum from one of the oldest bakeries in the area
    • Search out authentic Chinese and Italian crafts and uncover hidden secrets only locals know
    • Awaken your senses to new flavors, ancient cultures, and diverse lifestyles
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    San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

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    Take the ultimate sunset cruise, California-style! Relax as you enjoy amazing views of San Francisco and a hearty appetizer buffet during this casual two-hour cruise of San Francisco Bay. The sailings are timed to coincide with sunsets; the Sunset Bay Cruise departure time and route will differ to the Twilight Cruise which sails during the winter months. With live commentary by the captain and cool background music, this cruise is a wonderful way to explore San Francisco Bay at twilight during late March through early November.

    As the sun begins to set over the Marin Headlands, you'll cruise past Alcatraz, Angel Island and the shorelines of Tiburon, Belvedere and Sausalito. Watch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean as you sail west toward the Golden Gate Bridge. On your way back to Fisherman's Wharf you'll see many more famous sights, including the Presidio, the Marina District and Fort Mason.

    During the cruise, enjoy an assortment of vegetarian, turkey and roast beef sandwiches, antipasti, crudite with dip, potato and Caesar salads, seasonal fruits, freshly baked miniature desserts, and a complimentary beverage.

    A full bar with drinks and merchandise is available aboard. All cruise vessels offer indoor and outdoor seating, and restrooms. There is no assigned seating or formal dress required, come as you are for an evening of relaxed sunset sailing! Vessels operate on bio-diesel, a renewable energy source. In the winter, the cruise changes its itinerary to make the most of the spectacular city lights view of San Francisco. As the sun sets over the horizon, you'll sail past San Francisco's modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, the infamous island of Alcatraz and both the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge.

    Your evening of breathtaking San Francisco views will be accompanied with live guitar entertainment, hearty buffet of sandwiches, salads, dessert, and a beverage from the bar.

    Whether you are enjoying the skyline views from the ship's heated indoor spaces or out on the outdoor viewing decks, the city lights are an unmissable San Francisco attraction.
    San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise

    43 The Embarcadero, San Francisco

    • Sail on a cruise along the spectacular San Francisco city skyline under the setting sun
    • Take superb photos of the historic Alcatraz Island, Sausalito and the Golden Gate Bridge
    • Indulge in a hearty hors d'oeuvres buffet of different assortments, along with complimentary drinks
    • Hear live commentary by the captain and enjoy the smooth background music
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    9 positive reviews
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    Tandem Paragliding

    Elite Paragliding offers a safe and relaxing environment to experience the magic of paragliding, with no prior experience needed. Once connected to an experienced instructor, you will lift into the sky and enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, Ocean Beach and other iconic San Francisco landmarks. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins below, or soar amid hawks. You will also learn about paragliding and this flight can count towards a future paragliding certification. You will always remember the sensations and joy of flight.
    Tandem Paragliding

    San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco

    • Connect with a safety focused and certified tandem paragliding instructor.
    • Some of the most breathtaking views in the San Francisco Bay Area.
    • Enjoy the sensation of soaring flight under a paraglider.
    • Learn about the history of the fragile San Francisco coastline.
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    Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure (San Francisco)

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    Price is for a group of 2-5 people Looking for a way to turn San Francisco into a giant game board? Urban Adventure Quest has created an interactive scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the amazing race with a three-hour sightseeing tour of SF highlights! Guided from any smartphone, you'll make your way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. Answer questions to uncover the next, secret location. Your adventure takes you through the Union Square area, which houses some of the city's finest designer shopping and cafes, through the bustling Chinatown and other historical neighborhoods as you make your way down through the famous Wharf District. Traverse its contoured landscape both on foot and by Cable Car, as you gain an entirely new perspective ol San Francisco and learn to see the city by the Bay in a whole new way!
    Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure (San Francisco)

    Yerba Buena Park, San Francisco

    • Embark on a tour that allows you to experience San Francisco as if it were a scavenger hunt
    • Answer fun trivia questions to uncover the next secret location and advance in your journey
    • Explore the most iconic SF neighborhoods, such as Union Square, Chinatown, and the Wharf District
    • Snap breathtaking photos of the city from above as you ride through the sky in a cable car
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    1 positive reviews
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    Waterfront Segway Tour

    Enjoy spectacular views of San Francisco Bay while you glide from site to site on an eco-friendly Segway - it's the coolest ride of the 21st-century! Far easier than walking, and more unique and personalized than a coach tour, getting around San Francisco on a Segway personal transporter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Note: Booking note:
    Waterfront Segway Tour

    Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

    • Segway through San Francisco's waterfront on this two-hour narrated tour
    • Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Fish Alley and many iconic waterfront highlights
    • Snap breathtaking photos of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island
    • Participate in a unique and eco-friendly way to tour the world's most beautiful city
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