Alcatraz Island Complete Guide - Taking the Boat & Touring the Infamous Jail
Alcatraz Island sits in the San Francisco Bay and is one of the cities top tourist attractions. You can visit the island by taking a 15 minute boat ride over and it is a fun adventure touring the island and seeing all of the unique history. The island is also great for bird watching and there were thousands of birds there on my last trip.
Let me know what you think in the comments and read more at californiathroughmylens.com/a...
Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:43 Parking & Tickets
1:06 Taking the Boat
2:22 Exploring Alcatraz
3:18 Cellhouse Tour
7:05 Birds, Views, & Recreation Yard
9:19 Officer's Club, Powerhouse and Model Industries
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Call of duty players knows well
A vicio😂
Yap bro
I remember I died here repeatedly on this map lol 😂
Kkkk yepppp
A lot of people are getting shot there right now
After playing too much call of duty that was easy to recognize every place and understanding of each detail.
Rebirth island 😢 it may be gone but its always alive in our hearts 💕 you will never be forgoten😭
True
Why is it called rebirth island?
Why is it called rebirth island?
@@yellowstarproductions6743a map in COD i believe
We back tho 🎉
As someone who used to work on the island. This is a pretty good explanation of what you'll see. Everyone should visit the west side gardens as you did, it's a lovely place with those amazing views. There is a lot more history to the place. It was a Civil War era fortress with a guardhouse where the cell house is now and gun emplacements all around the island. Far more important to the history of the place than the escape story, is the occupation of Native American activists in 1969, years after the prison had been abandoned. It was a major turning point for native people's rights in the U.S.
The escape is more interesting though
Thanks, I was wondering why he did't highlight the occupation. it was a major point in history that I always taught my HS students about when we were looking at 20th century US History.
@zssllayers19460 About the occupation? There is plenty written about it. THe original graffiti is all there.
This place is waste of time to visit, completely useless and boring. Not recommended!
Hey Mel. Are the brochures still the same like they were in 1989?
Visited almost 20 years ago when I was stationed down in Monterey. Great video. Thanks for rekindling my memories. Need to return one day. 😁
Oh wow, I bet it has changed since then!
I was there a few months ago and I really enjoyed it. Important to note that the audio tour is included for no extra fee. 🙂
Did you do the easter egg as well?
I visited years ago and really enjoyed it. The audio tour at that time was very well done, looks like the devices they use now are more sophisticated. The garden club does an amazing job with the island too.
What a joke, waste of your time and money lol
I could of done nothing and been better off
Good video Josh. Always a pleasure to watch anything around SFO, Alcatraz being one of the highlights. Watching movies like 'Escape from Alcatraz', 'The Rock' or some KZhead videos about real stories of the prison before visiting will make it much more interesting.
Wonderful video! I've been there a couple of times. You did a great job ..... a complete summary of visiting this historic place!
I could spend all day there. Just soaking in the history. Awesome video!! Thanks!!
Nice job on this. Such a great view of the Bay when you venture out to take this trip!
Great video! I visited Alcatraz back in 2008 and it was a lot of fun, and a great learning experience.
Wow great shot of those baby egrets! Nice to see your Dad again!
Same.
This is the best video yet that I have seen of Alcatraz. Great job! Aloha🤙
Excellent tour! Glad you were able to escape Alcatraz 😃
I always look forward to watching your videos! As a native Californian, I still have not visited Alcatraz. Maybe on the next trip to the Bay Area. Thanks!
When I toured it in the early 1990’s, the guide from the boat to the block, was as really old gent , that had been a guard there! It was his last summer as a guide, and we felt privileged to have him as a guide.
Great tip to get the first boat of the day. Thanks, I'll keep that in mind
I was not interested going to Alcatraz but I love the beautiful gardens and the natural beauty of the island. Your tour just change my mind and I will definitely go.
I am going on vacation for a month to California tomorrow and I'm using your videos as my guide book.
Great video mate!! I’m going back for my 4th visit next week!! It never gets old.
AWESOME! UNREAL! Video!!
We liked the music, the video was informative and you were well spoken, We also liked your connection to COD. Thanks, Mr. Kelly's class AKA The Satellite Crew
I’ve viewed Alcatraz from the mainland, but didn’t have time to visit so was great to see this! Thanks.
Same here.
You do such a great job on these videos. Please do more live stuff. Definitely want to view those. And COME TO CLEVELAND sometime lol. We got stuff to do 😂
Very interesting and well presented thank you 👍
Great video. We took the night tour and it was quite the experience.
I always wanted to visit alcatraz great to see your video on it
Great coverage of the island …and that Cell block D portion of the audio tour is no joke for sure
One of the things that really struck me when I was there was the thought of the prisoners watching the Golden Gate bridge construction during those first years the prison was opened. Something they would likely never get to cross themselves You could see it so clearly from the dining room.
Sitting on the top deck of the ship is nice if the weather cooperates. I was there in March 2013, during the WBC. We went to Alcatraz, but sitting on the top deck wasn't nice, as it was cold and there were gusty winds. Nevertheless, a great experience. Absolutely worth visiting.
Your handheld work is impeccable!
Thanks, Josh I really appreciated the tour. I will never make it, but I got closer, thanks!! Ed P
Thank you this was beautiful
Cool tour! I went to Alcatraz over 30 years ago with my dad. He was NOT impressed that I wanted to visit Alcatraz and went with me reluctantly lol
Awsome thank you this was dope to see again, just looking at the old buildings and it was so nice there was crappy obviously to be locked up but it had everything there I loved it I just watched this 3 times in a row thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@californiathroughmylens I actually really really did I didn’t search for it and it never dawned on me to search but this popped up n was like what the heck n it was dope loved it
Excellent video! Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. You videos are well done.
So nice of you!
This is great and accurate information, just got back from the tour and it was so incredible.
Did the tour last May 23, unbelievable experience, very eerie but so worth the ticket and a must when visiting San Fran
I first visited 40 years ago. Found the ranger-led tour and history fascinating. I hope they still offer this.
There is a special night tour offered by the guides which builds on what the audio tour offers.
Waste of time and space ! You should spend your time more wisely
Thanks Josh. We did the VIP tour with Ranger John Cantwell. Highly recommended 👍🏻
Good job Josh!
I used to travel to San Francisco for work so many times, know downtown very well, but never been to Alcatraz!! 😲This is a great video!, thank you!
It took me a while before I decided to visit as well but it is a really interesting spot to explore
@@californiathroughmylens for sure I will check it out next time I am in SF! Will take my youngest travel buddy with me :)
Done this tour several times find it interesting it's a part of our history
We passed by ALCATRAZ ISLAND 🏝 on the cruise 🚢 ship 🚢 around the Bay Area in San Francisco it was so fun 🤩 and exciting by the way!
I always got to see it in the distance growing up in Bay Area. I also remember "Escape From Alcatraz" by Clint Eastwood. I'd love to go there one day
Great stuff, thanks!
awesome video my friend, The prison ran for 29 years, when it was closed in early 1963 it was not because of the 3 escapees that were never captured,, but it was one of the most expensive prisons the federal govt. spent on. what fascinated me about the prison was the notoriety of some of the most famous prisoners.. and its history of being one of the most strictest prisons I think some of the rules were no talking while in their cell block and of some the conditions the prisoner were put through during their incarcerations.
Visited Alcatraz on my last day in the U. S. after living in the Bay Area 5 and a half years. Want to go back!!!
Great video Josh. I have been fascinated with Alcatraz my whole life. I watch every new documentary about it and have read many books about the people and prison. I've been there twice. In 2001 I was there and met the son of one of the guards that was involved in the 1946 riot. I talk to him about his dad and the riot for a 1/2 hour. It felt like touching history, it was a great day. I need to go back!
Wow I bet those stories he shared were pretty amazing!
@@californiathroughmylens Yes, it was a great conversation.
We are visiting from the UK in September- so excited to explore here 😍
Hope you enjoy it!
Have fun in California! 😃
Be sure to book your tickets well in advance. September can have nice weather, but you may experience a fair number of flies. The nesting birds leave a lot of guano behind and in the Fall the flies often come out, until the rain falls. Don't keep that from keeping you away, it's the closet thing we have to The Tower of London, in California.
Super awesome video
Thank you!
Hahaha....November 2023 just last night i was playing CODM the Alcatraz map with my friends, and I told them I really really wanted to visit Alcatraz. I live onl55 minutesns away. Thanks for sharing the video.
Cool I did not know you could stay all day, seems pretty darn exciting if you're into history.
My wife and I have visited multiple times. We have also done the evening tour which was a lot of fun. You got access that day trips don’t give and it becomes much less crowded. Definitely recommend if it’s still an option.
I want to do the evening tour next time, I bet that would be cool!
I remember they used to do halloween tours too at night
@@mixeddrinks8100 that sounds like a lot of fun too. It is a fascinating place to see day or night
What a waste of your time, this is total bust and not worth the time spent being bored and trapped on an island that is useless!
amazing
Hey. Did you get any brochures or Pamphlets from the NPS? I’m curious on what they look like. Haven’t been back since 89’
Thanks for sharing! Plan on going in a couple of weeks, how long does the complete tour take? From boarding to getting back to land? Thank you!
Nice & Thanks :)
I don’t need to go block ops showed me everything I need to know 🤙🏻😂
Cool 😎
Codm alcatraz ❤️ i loved to be landed on power house haha
I went to San Francisco the first time with my ex in 1998 or 99 when he was on a business trip and I found my own things to do during the day and I took a boat out to Alcatraz but it just went around Alcatraz it didn’t stop I didn’t have enough money to do that that day but I had so much fun while I was there and it was so cold
Watching this video got me hopping back on COD hoping that one day they’ll bring the map back
Zombies 😐
I wish to see this place one day, I've known this alcatraz only in the online game Forge of empires
It's a good video
Cool will like to go
Just to clarify parking is how far from the location? Great video btw!
Raddy, ddy. Thank you this channel, scenery lk wonderful, weather lk cooler, brighter, peaceful, windy, heard of rtythm, sound of water, air blow from blue sky, birds around flying, this island of location is good to making movies as escaped from penalty death row, silence of voice apparents along areas, death walking in silence, behind bars cell in the hell,and others titles of movies, this prison middles island lk great amazing lk interesting to ddy, lots of memorys cannot be lost, lv4 this channel, thank you good luck, stysafe, take care, be careful whom involved this channel, to all team.
My Grandmother has a Condo in the Marina District (right next to Ghirardelli Square) overlooking the bay. Would be able to see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge from her place.....and watch all the tourist take the ferry to Alcatraz.
Wow, that is pretty awesome!
1:11 is the best advice when traveling anywhere: Try to go really early and be first=less crowds and competition, less stress, less time wasted, less germs, etc.
This Is Fascinating Research Studies While Relaxing Or Recuperating From The COVID 19 Turbulence pray 🙏🙏 💤💤 No SPAM Alerts Please
Hey, not sure if you can share it, but where's a good place to park?
what are some good ways to get there? like what tour company
Il film "fuga da Alcatraz" e' un vero capolavoro Clint Eastwood ha interpretato Frank Morris in un modo direi magico, sembrava una sorta di reincarnazione.Dopo oltre 60 anni si parla di questa fuga, come se sia avvenuta ieri e' incredile. Il fascino di Alcatraz e' rimasto intatto, anzi nel corso degli anni continua ad aumentare lo spettacolo della baia di San Francisco dovrebbe essere da mozzafiato, spero di poterla visitare al piu' presto.
How long does one usually take to complete the whole island ? ( In Hours )
wherre did you buy ur tickets which website?
Hi! May I know where can I book this tour?
Cold drab gloomy colorless grey place. But they did take my picture when exiting the ferry. 😮
Baseball was a big sport in the old prisons like this
New cod update look fire
I read that Robert Stroud did the majority of his bird research & writing of his bird book during his stay at Leavenworth , but the title “ Bird Man of Leavenworth” didn’t have the same ring to it as the title of “BirdMan of Alcatraz” has.
Did u film this on the 23 of juli
Quite similar to the level in THPS4
I've been Living here in the Bay Area for almost 20 Years and I Haven't Visited that Place yet
A lot of locals associate Alcatraz with the tourist trap of Fisherman's Wharf. I used to work on the island and it's really a worthwhile place to see. Beyond the prison. it's actually a great place to take in views of the Bay and the gardens really are lovely. If you like birds there are dozens of species nesting at different times. You can even see gulls caring for their chicks right next to the paths. The native American occupation in 1969 is an incredibly important piece of history to explore, with a new expanded exhibition int he new industries building. Look for the remenants of the civil war era fort that used to protect the bay, part of the series of forts that includes Fort Cronkite tucked under the Golden Gate Bridge.
I’ve been to SF three times and still haven’t make it to the rock. I keep getting sidetracked with other things there lol
You are cool 😎
It's amazing that they actually built the prison from call of duty! The architect must have been a gamer
Tell that to Jason Blundell.
Holy F that's embarrassing.
Glad you mentioned the car break ins, cause tourist think sf is so sweet , with zero Thief’s. when it’s not .
I wish I could go to the island because I have never been there
My great uncle was there.
Question Is the audio your In Spanish
they still selling rocks? One of the coolest and heaviest souvenir I ever bought hahaha a big rock from The Rock.
haha I didn't see that but I didn't look around the gift shop too much
This was a brilliant idea of someone in the NPS. A lot of work has been done in the last decade to keep the cell house from collapsing, so they decided to sell some of the old wall they've had to remove!
Why was it only used 30 years?
Lol weird I remember going there with my brand new T-mobile phone I bought in San Francisco while I was there , don't even remember having to get it out to see if i got service there lol and the phones don't work there I don't think anymore...the only phones I saw there were in the offices locked up lol .Almost bought a book from there (big hardback book of the prisoners that escaped....i just flipped thru it while i was there...3 main ones escaped....3 years later the economy crashed), it was cold and rainy when I went 😅 🙃 🙂 not many went to the edges because of it(wanted to see if there were sharks around it lol didn't see any where I was touring....I stopped at the baseball fields pretty much
Ahhh rebirth island
Visited Golden Gate but didn't get to visit Alcatraz. I hope to someday . Is it required to wear a mask inside structures?
I hope you can as well! I am not sure what the current mask policy is there as it does change frequently
Me: Sees Alcatraz Also me: *WHERE ARE WE GOING FROM HERE*
Can't wait to visit this week...the closest i've been able to come is by using Microsoft Flight Simulator/WatchDogs 2 🤣
I hope you enjoy it!
0:05 is it an indian island? it's in USA right??