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Docent-led tours of the Alcatraz gardens take place at 9:30 a.m. Fridays and Sundays. The tour takes you through all the restored gardens, including those usually off limits to most visitors. Take the 9:10 a.m. ferry from Pier 33 at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf to arrive in time for the tour. A docent is also stationed at Officers' Row 10 a.m. to noon Wednesdays for a garden talk and to answer questions. To buy ferry tickets, call (415) 981-7625 or go to http://www.alcatrazcruises.com.

TO LEARN MORE

Alcatraz Historic Gardens Project, http://www.alcatrazgardens.org