SAN FRANCISCO VACATION RENTALS: Vacation Homes, Condos, and Cottages By The Bay. All oceanview private San Francisco vacation rentals. Dog friendly by prior arrangement.

CALIFORNIA: SAN FRANCISCO VACATION RENTALS: VACATION RENTAL HOMES, CONDOS, AND BUNGALOWS. ALL OCEANVIEW OR OCEANFRONT. MODERN, UPSCALE SAN FRANCISCO VACATION RENTALS.

ALCATRAZ ISLAND

	GETTING THERE: Could not be easier. A very short & scenic 5 minute walk along the bay, just past Pier 39, will deliver you to Pier 41. Look for the Alcatraz signs at the Blue and Gold Fleet office. There is usually a line of people waiting to buy tickets for Alcatraz or other Bay tours. The line moves quickly, and the Alcatraz ferry schedule is displayed from the ticket window.
	ALCATRAZ HOURS: The ferries begin service to Alcatraz at 9:30 a.m. in the morning, and continue to depart every 1/2 hour or so throughout the day. The island is open until 6:30 p.m. (summer time) or 4:30 p.m. for the rest of the year. If you want to drop by the ticket office early in your stay, tickets for future departures may be purchase in advance. See section on tickets below. The self-guided tour is approximated to be 2-1/2 hours. It took us a little over 3-1/2 hours from start to finish. Visitors travel at their own pace, then board one of many departing ferries when ready to return to San Francisco.
	ALCATRAZ TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased at the Blue and Gold Fleet ticket office at Pier 41, by phone (415) 705-5555, or on-line at www.blueandgoldfleet.com. If you buy tickets by phone or on-line, there is an additional charge of $2.25/ticket. Blue and Gold tells people that tickets often sell out in advance for holiday weekends, and peak summer season. See the Blue and Gold web site for more information. Alcatraz tickets offer the option of "with or without audio." The audio provides each person with a headset and tape recorded tour guide. The voices on the tape include those of former inmates and guards who recollect their memories and experiences at Alcatraz. We recommend paying the extra few dollars for the audio tour. We find the audio portion makes the self-guided tour far more informative and interesting. The audio tour comes in a variety of languages, including: English, Spanish, Italian, Spanish, German or Japanese. The 2003 tickets are priced at $13.25 for each adult, $11.50 for senior, and $8.00 for child (all prices with audio tour included).
	EXPECTED WEATHER: It's anyone's guess in San Francisco, but a safe bet to expect wind and maybe some fog. We recommend toting a sweatshirt or a windbreaker. During winter months, visitors might want a jacket.
	DISABLED ACCESS: Alcatraz is wheelchair accessible, and also accessible to others with health and mobility limitations. The following quote is taken from National Parks Alcatraz web site: "The distance from the dock to the cellhouse at the top of the island is about 1/4 mile, the elevation change is 130 feet (equivalent to a thirteen story climb). Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatraz's steep road may take advantage of SEAT - Sustainable Easy Access Transport, an electric shuttle which runs once an hour from the dock to the cellhouse, and once an hour from the cellhouse to the dock." For more information on Alcatraz Island Accessibility Resources, call 415/705-1045 or TDD 415/556-2766.
	FOOD: There is no food available on Alcatraz. While waiting to board the ferry, there are several restaurants and concession stands clustered around Pier 39. Some of the ferries have small snack bars onboard. Visitors can bring snacks or lunch and picnic on the dock area on the island. We recommend bringing a bottle of drinking water to Alcatraz. If you forget, they sell bottled water at the bookstore.
	THE FAMILY DOG: Although San Francisco is a dog friendly town, dogs are not permitted aboard the Blue & Gold Ferry or on Alcatraz island. You can walk your dog along the bayfront, and we've seen dogs at Pier 39, but they are not welcome at Alcatraz.
	MORE INFORMATION: We provide guests with an arrival package, about thirty (30) days prior to arrival (unless otherwise requested), that provides more information on Alcatraz and other nearby San Francisco activities. Please let us know what your interests include, and we'll get information to you!

CALIFORNIA: SAN FRANCISCO VACATION RENTALS: VACATION RENTAL HOMES, CONDOS, AND BUNGALOWS. ALL OCEANVIEW OR OCEANFRONT. MODERN, UPSCALE SAN FRANCISCO VACATION RENTALS.