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Can you throw a party at Alcatraz?

Private events on Alcatraz must be conducted in areas that are historically appropriate; for example, entertainment activities are not allowed in the main cell block areas. Receptions with catering are not allowed on island.



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Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, skates, 'wheelie' shoes and weapons are not allowed on Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, Alcatraz Cruises vessels or on Alcatraz Island. – There is no storage space for luggage or oversized bags at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing or on Alcatraz Island.

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Eating, drinking and smoking is only permitted on the dock. Beyond the dock only bottled water in non-glass bottles is allowed to be consumed.

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The weather on Alcatraz is unpredictable and liable to change unexpectedly, so be prepared by bringing along a light jacket or sweater no matter how nice the day starts out.

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Swimming from Alcatraz is one of the most famous, desirable, and enjoyable open water swims (wild swim) in the entire world. Despite lore that swimming from Alcatraz is dangerous, for experienced swimmers with proper support, swimming from Alcatraz can be safe and fun.

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For the slightly scary price of $666, on the 30th or 31st of October you'll get the chance to sleep exactly like a prisoner would. The experience is up to four people and includes a spooky bedroom story from a resident of the Dungeon.

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Before they open the prison in the morning, they have him come out and deliver an opening act for the crowd. He's like a standup comedian. What does Alcatraz smell like? A cross between sea air and decay, old paint.

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Visiting Alcatraz is partially a self-guided experience which you can do at your own pace. National Park Service staff and volunteers offer free interpretive programs throughout the day. Once on the island, you can stay as long as you wish.

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Cell phone coverage exists throughout most of Alcatraz. Please always use handrails that are provided. Steps can be slippery due to weather conditions and moisture. Please do not leave visible items in your vehicle, regardless of where you are parking.

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Alcatraz officials have suggested they drowned or died of hypothermia. Read more Alcatraz stories here. But now, more than 50 years later, the Anglin family has provided evidence that the men might have survived.

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Temperatures on Alcatraz Island seldom rise above 75°F (24°C) or fall below 38°F (3°C). It almost never snows on the Island, but winters can be wet and cold. Afternoon winds are common during every season.

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The bay is actually only as deep as a swimming pool. Heck, between Hayward and San Mateo to San Jose it averages 12 to 36 inches. So much for that bridge! With that said though, the water surrounding Alcatraz is on the deeper end of the scale, but still, it's just an average depth of 43 feet.

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Are there bathrooms on Alcatraz? There are bathrooms on most of the ferries on the way over and back. There are also restrooms in two locations on the island. One is right near the ferry terminal.

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The Early Bird tickets are best since you are the first group on the island. I also like getting there as early as possible because then you can participate in some talks on the island. These usually start around 11 a.m. with the final ones in the early afternoon.

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Identification. Photo I.D. is required when purchasing and picking up tickets. Photo I.D. is required to board the ferry. Photo I.D. is not required for all in your party, but only for those who purchased tickets.

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It was pretty dark by that time, but Alcatraz is well lit at night, so finding our way back down to the dock was easy. In mid-summer, you'll have to take the last boat back to see the city lights. It was so pretty out on the island with the lights of the city sparkling in the distance.

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A rotating schedule of menus authorized by Public Health Service nutritionists ensured that meals met nutritional standards, and were varied. A typical supper menu included soup, a green salad or vegetable, starches [bread or rolls, and potatoes, rice, or pasta], a meat entree, and dessert [pie, cake, or ice cream].

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A trip to Alcatraz Island is only possible by purchasing a ferry ticket to the island. The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the island, so you'll find park guides available to help you explore the island. It's a mostly self-guided tour, but there are also several tour options available throughout the day.

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