Cancel

Open app

Search

Alcatraz Island

4.6 (2k reviews)
Closed 8:30 am - 6:30 pm

By appointment only

Alcatraz Island Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Alcatraz Island

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Joe J.

Alcatraz felt less like a prison tour and more like walking into a rare place that's honest enough to tell the full truth about itself. The boat ride already sets the tone, the city getting smaller behind you while this rocky island just sits there in the middle of the water looking unbothered. Everybody knows it for the inmates and escape stories, but once you step on the island you realize it had layers. Military fort first, prison later, then occupied by Native activists who literally changed history, and the city chose to keep the markings and graffiti instead of pretending it never happened. That alone made it feel more real than most historic sites. Inside the cellhouse you see how small the cells actually were. Not movie small, real small. The kind of small that makes you understand why the silence there feels heavy. Then you look outside the bars and can see San Francisco clear as day, which somehow makes it worse knowing freedom was right there but impossible to reach. The audio tour honestly feels like being inside a documentary while you're walking. Doors slamming, voices echoing, guards talking about daily routines, and you start realizing this place ran more like a strict system than a chaotic jail. Organized, controlled, and mentally exhausting. What stood out most was how the island owns both the ugly and the important parts of its past. The harsh conditions, segregation, and the Native occupation are all acknowledged instead of cleaned up for tourists. It doesn't feel glorified, it feels explained. By the time the ferry leaves and the island gets smaller behind you, it hits different. Not scary, not sad, just heavy in a way history usually isn't when it's honest.

Alyssa A.

One of my top places to visit in San Francisco. Been here three times, and I know there's more visits in my future. There is so much incredible and rich history to learn about Alcatraz Island and all that has happened here. You get a self-guided audio tour with admission, and it's so fascinating to walk around and learn about all the different parts of the prison and beyond. They are not afraid of discussing their history, and on this last visit alone, I learned so much more about this island. Once you finish the tour, keep exploring. There is so much more to see than what they discuss. Enjoy the views of San Francisco, the bay, and the bridge. Ticket prices aren't that bad considering all you get - the ferry ride to and from the island, a self-guided tour, and access to explore the island. Definitely book your tickets in advance. If you are visiting during a high-tourist season, these tickets will go fast. And you don't want to miss your chance to visit. A must-visit while on your trip to San Francisco. Highly recommend.

Caili C.

I went on the all-access tour with friends visiting from out of town and it was my first time at Alcatraz. The all-access tour allows you to see some unique areas of the prison and outer grounds. We learned a ton from our guide about not only the federal prison area but also about its origin as a Civil War fortress and when it was a military prison. We continued onto the night audio tour which was worth the additional time spent on the island as you can walk through the cells and imagine life in the prison. It was a bleak and rainy day so we didn't spend much time outside walking around the grounds, but I can see how it could be a nice outdoor tour with good weather.

Fred L.

On a recent trip back to the Bay Area our family toured Alcatraz which is something that we never did when we lived here. After getting off the boat you are given a quick orientation, a walking tour with a guide that shares some history about the island, then off on the self-guided audio tour. After you complete the audio tour you are free to roam the island. This is a great deal of history and the family and I learned a lot. There is a lot of walking so bring comfortable shoes. There are lots of steep inclines/declines so be prepared for that also. It's very chill and windy, so definitely bring a jacket. The views are amazing + there are a lot of unique plants on the island. Overall a great experience and I highly recommend it for residents and tourists alike.

Chanté B.

If you're visiting Alcatraz Island, it's definitely something you plan ahead for, you can only get there by ferry, and that boat ride across the bay already sets the tone. Watching the city skyline fade behind you and pulling up to the island feels surreal. Alcatraz used to be a high security federal prison that held some of the most infamous criminals in American history, and now it's preserved as a museum. Walking through the cellhouse, you really feel the history. The audio tour is detailed and immersive...hearing actual correctional officers and inmates tell their stories makes it come alive in a way that's hard to explain. There's something about the atmosphere that feels heavy, almost cold even on a sunny day. The walls, the narrow cells, the isolation...you can't help but imagine what it was like living there. It gives you a different perspective on freedom. Standing in a tiny cell and looking out at the beautiful San Francisco skyline across the water...so close, yet completely unreachable, just hits differently. It's interesting, educational, and honestly a little eerie. Definitely not a rushed experience...give yourself time to explore the grounds, read the exhibits, and just take it in. If you're in San Francisco, this is one of those bucket list stops that's worth it. Unique, historic, and something you'll remember long after you leave.

Sasha K.

Alcatraz Island has got to be one of the coolest places to visit on the entire planet. A prison island visible from so many viewpoints and available to visit multiple times throughout your stay. There is so much to see and the ferry ride itself is so much fun. Once on the island, the audio tour is worth the listening to. You can hear the former inmates and guards narrate their experiences. Walking through the cells and imagining daily life there is fascinating. The views of San Francisco Bay must have been a small treat in their gloomy days for those past prisoners. It is a must-visit on your SF bucket list.

The jail you would never want to be in
David S.

I have visited San Francisco a number of times over the years, but I had never gone to Alcatraz Island. I went with my daughter during this visit because she wanted to go, and I am so glad she did. We both enjoyed it quite a bit. The audio tour lasts about 35 minutes and is very well done; I learned a lot more history about the island. I also have to admit that being a big fan of the movie *The Rock* was a factor in my interest as well. *Birdman of Alcatraz* and *Escape from Alcatraz* are also two fine movies.

Karlo G.

This is a must visit historical landmark. Known as the The Rock, this site was originally a military installation and then converted to a federal penitentiary. Alcatraz Island is also well-known for it's past resident, Al Capone. My friend and I decided on the morning tour and booked the first departure, which was at 8:40 AM. E-tickets can be purchased online. The ferry departs from Pier 33 and return sailing schedules are posted throughout the terminal. The early morning departure was perfect as it wasn't too crowded. First thing I will recommend is to dress in layers. The quick journey to Alcatraz Island was windy and cold. Next recommendation is comfortable walking shoes. The walking path to Alcatraz is full of uneven surfaces and the tour is all on foot. The total walking distance from the dock to the cell house is around a quarter mile with incline. The tour takes a little over 2 hours and includes the round trip ferry ride, inside tour of the prison, and cell house audio tour. This was self-guided tour and points of interests are clearly marked. This tour gave us a look into how the prisoners lived and their quarters. The views of the cells are quite interesting and haunting. We could even hear the wind through the window gaps and various creaks from the metal stairs and walkways. The location was isolating and we could feel the separation from the rest of the city. Overall, this was great experience and tour of this historical landmark. There's option for a night tour, however we were catching a flight in the afternoon and didn't have enough time. That'll be on my bucket list of this to do for Halloween.

Micki M.

Don't visit in August! We found out that they have a fly problem every August! I hate flies and it was gross and annoying to have these pesky F'ers landing on you. If you can, plan ahead and buy your tix online. My SILpaid $140 months in advance for the three of us. My son and his gf paid $180 for the two of them, two days before, so plan and save some dough! The island still looked the same as when I first visited thirty years ago. There was some graffiti and that was sad to see. There's other ways to get your point across, taggers! Highly recommend you do the audio tour, it's included in the tour and comes in several different languages. Also, ride the tram that's offered because those hills are very strenuous. It'll take you to the top and bring you back to the ferry dock. Enjoy your visit!

Our family really enjoyed this experience! Definitely buy your tickets well ahead of time as they were sold out the day of when we arrived. The whole process getting over to the island was super smooth and it's easy to find the return times through there website. The audio tour is a must. There was a long line to get your audio tour materials, but it moved quickly.

The ball and chain
Juan V.

Labor Day is almost here and we are about to the enter September and to what I refer to SF (Summer/ Fall ) which means we will have what is considered typical hot Summer weather in the beginning of the Fall Season in San Francisco . One atypical thing that this Native San Franciscan enjoys visiting is Alcatraz Island ( I know many Native San Franciscans who never visited). The boat ride to Alcatraz Island builds up the excitement. I usually have the nachos on the boat which are bit tourist trap cheesy. Expect to pay premium pricing just like any amusement or entertainment venue. Alcatraz name was given by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala because alcatraces (Alcatraz) meaning pelican. Landing on Alcatraz Island you have views of the San Francisco skyline. Inside Alcatraz prison it seemed like it was nowhere you want to sleep in overnight. The jail cells were small and no way you could have a private bathroom break. The dining room seemed where real food fights went down. This prison was home of Al Capone and also a former surviving prisoner who I met at Alcatraz during a book signing named Williams Baker who was inmate# 1259 who now lives in Ohio. For now Alcatraz is a fun tourist trap attraction. For the future of Alcatraz it is still up in the air. First time going to Alcatraz was when I was in "elementary"always was interested about the history of Alcatraz federal "penitentiary " since learning about it as a kid and watching a "documentary " enjoyed visiting Alcatraz and trying the cheesy Tourist Trap Nachos during the trip and they come separately because they are not "complimentary " Once upon "entry "Alcatraz has jail cells and the hole conditions back then were "rudimentary" where solidarity confinement which prisoners were locked down alone depriving them of the "sensory" escaping the Island was not a option swimming from Alcatraz on the ocean back to land was "treachery" no one swam and made it and escape back to land while it was opened in the early and mid 20th "century"

Cell
Stephanie C.

Beware...August is bird mating season and the docks smell like bird poop and you'll be dodging the poop squad. Birds aside, we did the night tour and it was really cool! We had an hour or two of light and the dark wasn't so scary since they had lights on the island. I highly recommend attending the free live talks led by volunteers. It's a fun way to learn more about Alcatraz and our favorite one was the escapes talk.

One of the pieces of history on the way up to the main building
Annika G.

I went to Alcatraz when I was a little kid, and the audio tour scared the life out of me. I did not like the low, scary voices of men saying the crimes they committed and all the crazy violence that happened on the island. However, now that I'm older, I had a much better experience on the island. First, we got off our ship to be greeted by a ranger who gave us a rundown of the island. She was very nice and friendly, and I appreciate all the information that she gave us. She also informed us of free guided tours up the hill to the prison, and my friend and I decided to join up with the ranger that was going to talk about some of the island's history as we walked up the hill. The tour was really fun and interactive, and I appreciated the insight into the other buildings on the island, the little photographs that the guide was showing, and the ability to listen to the stories of the other attendees was nice. Once we finally got up to the prison itself, we were given the audio guide and made our way inside. The audio tour gave good insight into how the prisoners lived, what the attitudes were like, and even went into the controversy of solitary confinement. In general, it was a lot easier to stomach all of this information as an adult, so I'm not sure if I'd recommend this experience for young children, but definitely for children over the age of 13 maybe. Once we finished the audio and read some stories of prisoners' lives after leaving Alcatraz, I was thoroughly satisfied with what I learned. I'd bring people back here.

See all

1 month ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 month ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Joe J.
1450
766
4614

3 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of Fred L.
178
575
5565

2 months ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 1
Love this 9
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 12
Thanks 4
Love this 14
Oh no 1
Photo of C T.
0
276
18

26 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 2
Love this 6
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Peter P.
257
2306
5450

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Sarah J.
24
81
222

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Andrea R.
3731
3415
1863

11 months ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 14
Thanks 3
Love this 21
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 51

Alcatraz Island Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Alcatraz Island

What is the approximate walking distance of the Alcatraz walking tour?

What is the correct website to purchase Alcatraz tickets?

Recently visited and purchased tickets from https://www.cityexperiences.com/san-francisco/city-cruises/alcatraz/

Is there somewhere or someone on the island who can stamp my Lighthouse passport?

At the information booze when you get off of the boat you can get an Alcatraz stamp

Where do you park to get on the ferry?

There is a public parking garage next to the ferry port. Walking distance.

Is Alcatraz open for tourist?

Yes. However the building where the jail cells are remains closed (NPS website says it's under construction). We just went yesterday - low crowds, and you can spend time walking the property. My son did the Jr Ranger program and still learned… Read more

If my tickets are for 10am, what time should we be at the Ferry Landing?

The ferries leave promptly. To be safe, you should allow at least 30 minutes to find parking and get to the line on the pier.

How would I book a Ranger led tour for Alcatraz?

Rangers offer guided tours and programs for the public. While we're unable to offer private tours, daily public program offerings are listed on the island upon your arrival. Please visit www.alcatrazcruises.com to purchase tickets.

Are there many steps and lots of walking on the Alcatraz Prison Tour?

Yes, there is a lot of walking uphill and stairs within the prison. There is a tram for those with disabilities or walking difficulties which takes you to the prison, but there are still stairs within the prison. I didn't see an elevator, but I… Read more

How long does the audio tour take?

The audio tour is roughly 45 to 50 minutes if continuously played. If you pause it to take pictures or have a look at the photo panels mentioned in the tour, it may take up to 80-90 minutes. The entire Alcatraz tour experience should take 2.5 to 3… Read more

Do you have to take a tour?

All day tickets (www.alcatrazcruises.com) include the cellhouse audio tour but you do not have to take it.

What website is the official website and you can actually walk the island right?

1) Alcatraz is run by the National Parks Service, so look for the website that has the official NPS logo.… Read more

Is there a student discount?

Check their webpage but I remember group discounts not individual... I went for $30 full price not including parking and food

Is 9:10am tour different from other tours that go every half hour? There is a 9:10am tour and the next one isn't until 10:30am and every 30 minutes thereafter.

The 9:10 is marketed with a different name (Early Bird) as off season it rarely sells out, unlike other departure times. And it's perhaps the best time to come out during the day as the island is less crowded.

I'm reading online not to purchase third party tickets from stubhub because your ticket must match your government ID. Does anyone have any experience with this?

Tickets must come from the official website. Scalpers tend to pre-purchase and buy out the tickets to sell them for a higher price on third party websites. Don't fall for this. Keep an eye on the official website. When the date you want to book… Read more

Which tour is better, Night tour or Behind the Scenes?

I believe the night tour is the better than the day tour for sure. You do have to make sure you are prepared for the cold depending on what time of year you go! Bone chilling in more ways than one. I would most definitely do the behind the scenes… Read more

Where do you catch the ferry and how do you book a trip?

Purchase Alcatraz tickets at www.alcatrazcruises.com. We recommend doing as far in advance as you can (up to 90 days) as we generally sell out, sometimes weeks in advance. The ferry terminal is at Pier 33, on The Embarcadero just south of the… Read more

Hi, What age of kids is this appropriate for? What age would find it boring or too scary?

It is a self-guided tour on headphones. Children under 8 would be bored silly and most likely would want to run around and "play" which would really annoy everyone there. It can also be chilly as heating is minimal and floors are concrete.… Read more

Do I have to have a printed ticket when I buy online? I want to buy from my phone but don't know if I'll have to print something or not.

I only had my mobile version and it worked fine. Have fun!

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

Review Highlights - Alcatraz Island

They only have two sets of bathrooms on the island though, and no public bathrooms directly in the prison.

Mentioned in 525 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Exploratorium - After Dark Thursday Nights - dog friendly and full bar!

Exploratorium

4.4(1.3k reviews)
1.7 miEmbarcadero, North Beach/Telegraph Hill

I have been here multiple times throughout the years, and have only had good experiences. However,…read moremy last visit stood out to me the most. A few weeks ago was my senior prom, which was at the Exploratorium. The exhibits and environment were very fun and made for a super engaging night! As a trans person, I have a lot of anxiety in public bathrooms. Although they were unable to open up the general neutral bathroom (I mean, it's high schoolers, you can't trust them). However, the staff was extremely accommodating and kind, and escorted me to a separate bathroom. They made sure I got to pick the bathroom I was most comfortable in, as well as apologized for the inconvenience. Not only is this place fun, entertaining, and family friendly, they are welcoming, kind, and caring. I will never forget the kindness that I was shown.

Exploratorium San Francisco, CA…read more Date went 4/25/26 Time went around 1:15pm on a Saturday It was very busy to say the least Bonus the entry fee is $5 for food stamp recipients Atmosphere It was so great to see a mixture of young children with parents, teenagers, and even older people in this establishments. I saw lots of laughter, play, and wonder and despite it being packed everyone was respectful and I didn't see any hogging of the different activities. You could easily spend at least 3 or 4 hours in there. Food Court I ordered a chicken avocado bacon burger and it was surprisingly delicious! Also, not too expensive. Overall I highly recommend coming her with your kids, on a date, or just for some fun scientific exploring! I didn't get to see what the regular entrance fee was, but I'd say this would be worth it for about $25-$30 per person. I wish I would've taken more pictures of the different activities Recommendations - More hand sanitizing stations, I only recall seeing one throughout the entire place

Photos
Exploratorium - Pitcher plant

Pitcher plant

Exploratorium - Fun with optics!

Fun with optics!

Exploratorium - Wooden replica of San Francisco

See all

Wooden replica of San Francisco

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - My perspective on Ruth Asawa pieces.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

4.2(981 reviews)
2.0 miSoMa, Financial District

Huge 7 floor Museum with lots of see. There were plenty of people and students. They have their…read morecafé and the fifth floor and then they also have a smaller café on the second floor before you enter. Each floor has both stairs and an elevator. Sometimes the stairs were hard to find. I only stopped by quickly for the special exhibitions. And they were pretty interesting and fun. There was lots to see, so I only stopped by very quickly by each exhibit. My favorite exhibition would probably be the yarn art exhibition as I was one of the few items that were very unique and different from everything else

San Francisco has always been a plain canvas and a city full of artist. You can see art on the…read morestreets with the architecture and buildings and you can also see it at a restaurant and especially at a Michelin guide restaurant on a plate of food. You can listen and watch San Francisco art on your analog and digital devices. The art of the deal is happening all over the city. The art of rebellion is part of the fabric of San Francisco. Even one of San Francisco's past Mayors is name Art ( Agnos). There is one place where you can see over five floors of modern art exhibits in San Francisco in the SOMA. It's called the SF MOMA. On a SOMA stroll I entered the SF Museum of Modern Arts building. Inside I went to many floors of different art exhibits and there was plenty to explore. I also was able to see the KAWS exhibition which had very animated art and is only available until May 3rd. You will also see visual art and also photography art. This place has a little bit of everything with the human touch and not totally made by a robot or AI ( time will tell). A good human experience of the human experience in San Francisco. Plan a visit when in SOMA. San Francisco art is everywhere and even in the restaurant food's "aroma"especially in the neighborhood of "SOMA" and to appreciate art you don't need to have an art "diploma" you can just go and appreciate the art inside of the "SF MOMA" Art is more than when someone paints or when someone "draws "some art can be digital as long it has a message and some have a "cause" some art museums are therapeutic like mental "spas"there is a few days left to watch the art exhibit at SF MOMA for "KAWS"

Photos
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Kaws: Family, May 01, 2026. I can imagine many of these images on colorful T-shirts.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Kaws: Family, May 01, 2026. I can imagine many of these images on colorful T-shirts.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - Got my tickets! Let's gooooo!!

Got my tickets! Let's gooooo!!

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art - Great gift shop with nicely curated items

See all

Great gift shop with nicely curated items

de Young Museum - de Young Museum

de Young Museum

4.0(1.9k reviews)
3.2 mi

Art, Atmosphere, and Joy…read more Unexpected visit to San Francisco turned into something truly special. I didn't plan it, but I happened to arrive while a Monet exhibition was on display, and it felt like perfect timing. Monet has always been one of my favorite artists, and seeing his work in person at the De Young Museum made the experience feel both intimate and powerful. The museum itself is just as impressive as the art it holds: calm, spacious, and thoughtfully curated in a way that lets you slow down and really take things in. The free audio guide was also very helpful and added meaningful context to the exhibition without feeling overwhelming. I also stopped by the café and had the lasagna with an American coffee. It came to about $35, which is on the expensive side, but I consider it part of supporting the museum and the experience itself. Everything was satisfying and well-presented. Overall, this visit felt unexpectedly meaningful. I'm glad I came when I did, and I would absolutely return again, especially for future exhibitions.

de Young Museum is a world class museum of art, right up there with the majors like The Getty, The…read moreMet, thought not quite as good. De Young has almost all of arts: Fine arts, classical art, medieval art, Renaissance art, religious art, contemporary art, ancient art, modern art, great art, bad art, talentless art, sculptures, amateur old arts, creat art, and more! There is also an awesome tower to for some great views of San Francisco. $20 for some culture and beauty, and ugly.

Photos
de Young Museum - De Young Museum "Art of Manga Exhibit"

De Young Museum "Art of Manga Exhibit"

de Young Museum - De Young Museum "Art of Manga Exhibit"

De Young Museum "Art of Manga Exhibit"

de Young Museum - De Young Museum "Art of Manga Exhibit"

See all

De Young Museum "Art of Manga Exhibit"

Museum Of 3D Illusions

Museum Of 3D Illusions

4.4(353 reviews)
0.8 miFisherman's Wharf, North Beach/Telegraph Hill

Had a fun experience here! Cool illusions near the wharf and they have markers for the best place…read moreto make the images work best. It was a little bit pricy since the space isn't that big but if you come in with the expectation of it being a short visit, I think you'll enjoy it. I was a little worried it would feel gimmicky but the experience of taking picture with friends and trying to figure out the best poses and angles to make the illusions work was actually really fun.

This was a fun little place, and I emphasize, "little." It worked out for us because we were the…read moreonly ones there. I get why this place would be super hot and not the best if there were multiple guests inside. The place itself is really tiny and it's quite stuffy inside. It was just, my husband, my son and I, so we were able to take time to take pics of all the backdrops. The backdrops are painted murals that create cool illusions. They have sample pics so you know where and how to pose and signs where you're supposed to stand to take pics. It took us about 30 minutes to circle the whole thing (maybe even less). This is a fun a little trip if you don't mind taking wacky pics like we do. Also, it would help if you don't mind lying on the floor. We enjoyed it, but I can see why the bad reviews of people expecting it to be much more. As long as you know what to expect, I still think it's an enjoyable experience. Pros: Cute murals that make for cool photos Fun family activity or with friends They have lockers for your stuff up front Cons: it's pretty pricey, and TBH, not worth $30 per person.

Photos
Museum Of 3D Illusions - Shark attack

Shark attack

Museum Of 3D Illusions - Surf scene

Surf scene

Museum Of 3D Illusions

See all

Palace Of Fine Arts - At Sunset

Palace Of Fine Arts

4.7(1.2k reviews)
1.1 miMarina/Cow Hollow

One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in San Francisco. Whether…read moreyou're a visitor or a local, it's the perfect spot to slow down and take in the scenery. The views are stunning from every angle, with the iconic rotunda reflected in the lagoon and surrounded by beautiful architecture and lush vegetation. The lake is full of life, and it's common to see swans, ducks, geese, and other birds enjoying the water, making it feel like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. The lagoon is known for attracting a variety of bird species throughout the year. There are plenty of grassy areas to spread out a blanket, relax with a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The walking paths are easy to explore, and every turn offers another great photo opportunity. On busy days, you'll often find vendors nearby adding to the lively and welcoming environment. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk, a romantic setting, or just a place to sit and enjoy nature, the Palace of Fine Arts delivers. A true San Francisco treasure that never disappoints.

Photos
Palace Of Fine Arts - Evening view

Evening view

Palace Of Fine Arts
Palace Of Fine Arts - 06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

See all

06.15.25 the domed rotunda is an open-air octagon supported by eight piers, triangular in plan, that frame arched openings

Alcatraz Island - museums - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...