Alcatraz sells out summer weekends 2-3 weeks in advance. If you're reading this within 10 days of travel, you're probably screwed unless you want to pay $80+ to scalpers on craigslist. Official site only: alcatrazcruises.com - avoid third-party booking sites that add fees.

Morning tours (first departure 8:45am) cost the same as afternoon but beat both fog and crowds. The audio tour happens during your 2-2.5 hour island visit plus 30 minutes ferry time each way. Total commitment is about 4 hours including waiting/boarding time at pier 33.

Math check for budget planning: $49.50 ticket + $40 pier 33 parking (or $25 nearby lots) + lunch = $105+ per person minimum. That's before you factor in the 2-hour round trip just to get to/from pier 33 if you're staying downtown.

Alternative: angel island state park uses the same ferry company, adult round-trip $31 ($19.50 with clipper card), way better hiking trails, incredible 360-degree bay views, and tickets available day-of. Less famous = fewer crowds but honestly better scenery than alcatraz. Plus you can bring food and make it a proper picnic day instead of rushing through a predetermined audio tour.