So, a few quick facts. Alcatraz was a lighthouse, then a military fortification, then a military prison followed by a federal prison until 1963, when it became a national recreation area. It was home to the infamous Al Capone and has been in several movies, recently The Rock.
When we got there, we went straight to the main attraction on the island, a self-guided audio tour around the main cell block, which took about an hour or so. It explained the history of the island and each room you went in to, with various escape attempts and incidents narrated by former inmates and guards. It was a little spooky at times but enjoyable and brought the place back to life.
After we'd completed the tour, we still had plenty of time, so went around the whole island to make the most of the slightly expensive ticket. We saw a few more out of hte way areas, like the bird colony and exercise yard that you might have otherwise missed. Although very windy in parts, the island also offers great views over the bay and of the rest of San Francisco.
After we'd had a good look around, we caught the ferry back to the city and went our seperate ways, as Isa and Emma would be flying back to Sweden the next day.
