Obviously, there's only 1 way to get out to the Rock. You can try driving, but you'd be stopped dead in your tracks as soon as you hit the water. Alcatraz is run by the National Park Service, and although free to visit (thanks to taxes) you need to pay to get out there, unless you want to try your luck at swimming. Tickets cost around $15 per person, but I promise you that it is worth every single penny. Go there if you happen to make it out to San Francisco. You can thank me afterwards.