Most buildings on the island are now in ruins but the
cellhouse is intact and can be visited. Rent one of the self-guided
audio-tours available at the entrance; they are well made and a good value
for the money. While you stroll through the corridors between the blocks
you get to hear former inmates talking about the harsh life on Alcatraz and
you listen to details about different escapes tried by the prisoners. Some
of the cells are open so you can enter and look around. We went there on a
cold day (which is every other day in San Francisco) and the wind blowing
through the corridors and the freezing temperature gave this place an even
more depressing look.
