With Kids!
Could you hack it in this island prison with a mobility disability?
Apparently, yes! I mean, at least the modern tourist version.
I wasn’t sure about visiting with a 4, 5, and 8 year old, but it ended up being a highlight of their trip. The pre-recorded audio tour is loaded on what looks like a great walkie talkie. They loved having control of the buttons and doing the tour at their own pace. There’s also just something fascinating in learning about the place kids go when they don’t listen to their moms (totally kidding).
We weren’t the only ones with this idea, either. There were plenty of other young kids exploring the prison.
Here’s everything you need to know for your wheelchair accessible family trip to Alcatraz (don’t worry – it’s round trip).
Getting There
There’s actually really only one way to get there, and that’s through Alcatraz City Cruises at Pier 33. There are other sites for buying tickets, but they all send you to the same place.
The cruise is wheelchair accessible. When you arrive, head to the front of the line to let them know you’re there so that they can help you with preboarding. The bathrooms are downstairs on the boat, and there’s no elevator. If there’s a chance you may need the restroom during the 15 minute ride there, use the accessible restrooms on the pier.
Parking
Parking is complicated. If possible, public transportation is recommended. There is an accessible drop-off zone right in front of the pier. San Francisco has a decent amount of handicap street parking, and it’s all free, but it also fills up. Here’s a map of blue zones for easy reference. We managed to find a space about two blocks down the road, in front of the next pier, but we weren’t always so lucky.
Pier 33 and Alcatraz Island do not have their own parking lot.
Getting In
I was so excited when I discovered that Alcatraz Island is a National Park, because that meant we’d get free admission with our National Park Access Pass!
Well, guess what? Admission is free, so you don’t need the pass, and you still can’t get there without paying. While admission and the tour are free, there is no way to the island without a boat. (Unless you have really good arms??)
While there are plenty of tours to take you up to or around the island, the park’s approved ferry service is the only way in. Reservations are required and they can sell out months in advance for the busy season. This is one to plan for!
Adults are $41, children 5-11 are $25. We went for the family pack for $119.60 (two adults and two children), and added on the third child. It saves a couple bucks, anyway. There are no disability discounts.
The Island
Once you arrive, your guide will make a space for you and your party to be the first to exit.
There is a wide landing area where you will receive a brief orientation. You can also pick up a map, use the accessible restrooms, and catch your ride to the prison on the accessible tram.
The prison is located at the top of a steep and winding road (the equivalence of 13 flights of stairs). For this reason, there’s an a wheelchair accessible tram to transport guests to the top. The tram is only for the wheelchair user and one necessary companion. Jaden rode up with his dad, and I walked with the kids. That said, everyone was friendly and helpful. I’m sure if I had been traveling on my own with the kids, they would have made it work. It’s just an issue of space and being polite to other waiting guests.
The barracks are just beyond the tram pick up, so if you want a peek you’re on your own for a short roll up the bottom part of the sloped road.
The main prison has a ramped entrance and there are no barriers within. There is an elevator to the gift shop.
Restrooms
There are spacious accessible restrooms at the pier before you leave, at the landing when you arrive, and at the top of the hill. There are restrooms on the ferry, but they are not wheelchair accessible and do not have changing tables.
Covid Regulations
At this point, masks are required throughout the experience. This begins when you enter the pier, and continues on the ferry, in the prison, and around the island. Because of the mask mandate, food services on the ferry have been suspended and you are not allowed to bring your own food.
The tour is available on a preloaded device, or you can download the audio to your phone once you’re on site.
If you’re looking for more in the area, check out our wheelchair accessible family guide to San Francisco!
