From The Fairmont San Francisco Best Nearby Historic Sites (Attractions & Activities) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: San Francisco, CA Alcatraz (Attractions & Activities - Historic Sites) Bay St and The Embarcadero Pier 33, San Francisco  CA • 415-981-7625 • 415-561-4900 Distance: ~1.04 mi User Rating: 8.25 / 10         Description: EMBARCADERO. During Alcatraz's 34 years as a prison, most of its inmates were simply high-risk escapees and troublemakers. Still, the prison plays strongly in national memory thanks to infamous residents like Al "Scarface" Capone and Robert "Birdman" Stroud. An average stay on "The Rock" lasted five years, and although liberties were abbreviated, prisoners were afforded magnificent views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours of the island focus largely on the desolate prison itself, including cell blocks, the cafeteria and the prison yard. Spring for the audio version of the tour, and get tickets in advance if at all possible. Booking windows and departure docks can be found at Pier 33. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.