Alcatraz Island

In honor Halloween, I've decided to cover one of the spookier National Park venues, Alcatraz. Once a high-security prison, Alcatraz offered little chance of escape for some of the most dangerous criminals. A few prisons are rumored to have escaped the prison, but no one has ever found proof as to whether they survived the cold waters.

Leaving from San Francisco aboard Alcatraz Cruises, visitors can ride over to the island and explore. Some areas of the prison are open to the public, while others are closed off. The staff working on the island can provide visitors with information about the history of the island and its prison, including escape attempts, the natives, its military history and other historical significances.

If you choose to visit the island, you will have two options: a day tour and a night tour. The day tour is self-guided and allows you to tour the island at your own leisure. It is recommended to set aside at least two to three hours for the tour. You can return to the mainland at any time. If you choose the night tour, however, you will get to ride around the entire island on the boat and learn of the island's history. During night visits, tourists can enjoy special activities, tours and even a cell door demonstration, making it an excellent Halloween choice.

Because tickets to Alcatraz are limited, the National Park Service recommends that you purchase your tickets in advance. During the busier seasons, such as summer and near holidays, you may need to make your purchase more than a week in advance. There is no cost to visit the island itself, however. The tickets are actually for the ferry to the island.