Not entirely sure how to rate a prison because I think I really have no idea how good it is because I am not an inmate and I honestly haven't visited any other prison, but I thought I'd review based on my experience. We went on a Sunday and the visiting hours start at 10:30am and go until 2:30pm, but you should arrive early and I think I overheard you can make an appointment which will secure you can see the person you are visiting. I have a long time friend who is like a brother there serving a life sentence. Side note, I never knew that San Quentin Village is the town before the prison where regular people can live. It is such a cute old town that I fell in love with. Originally I think it was built for the people who worked for the prison, but now it is a mix of people. Super charming and cute. Follow the signs of where to park and enter in. There is a STRICT dress code: no jeans, no tight paints (they wouldn't let my sister in with yoga pants so we had to go to visiting center where they have donated clothes for people who have to change. The woman who worked there was a delight and helped ease our stress from the checking in process.) No under wire in bras, no sleeveless shirts or cleavage showing, and no open toe shoes. I am sure there are more so check if you are going. There are lockers before you go in to put your purse or other things. Once approved to go in, you go through metal detector and take a long walk to the visiting area where your ID and pass are checked. Then you can go in. The visiting room is a wide open space. There are vending machines and you can even take pictures with inmate. The inmate cannot touch the money so be advised. I was surprised at how much contact was allowed, but I think that is only because my friend is not on the strictest level of security. The death row people have to visit behind a glass window. We had a great visit and the other inmates were pretty cool and respectful. I'll definitely go back to visit him. read more

My review is going to be a bit bias - I was only in for about 4 hours...and voluntarily. I play on a baseball team in San Francisco that has been going in for a number of years. What an experience. I had blast! The team we played, SQ Giants are pretty good. They have a solid ball team that knows how to play. We fortunately did not have any stoppages. The Giants were all kind. For most of the game I forgot I was even in one of the most notorious prisons around playing against inmates. I can't wait to play the Giants again. This experience really changed my views on a lot of things. I am grateful to have had such an opportunity. read more

I get family visits here every 60 days. The place is really old and ran down. But the apartments for our visits are pretty decent. It's nice to not eat the crappy food in the vending machine. But the food from Safeway that we have to purchase is very expensive it costs 100 for a 2 day visit. Sometimes the visiting coordinator forgets food items which is very annoying. We ordered 2 gallons of water and he forgot it the next visit our cheese was missing so annoying lol Weighs out to be the same as the vending machine for 2 day visiting though. The family visiting CO is a nice man. But he needs to get the orders correct before he leaves the grocery store.Great experience that I'll choose over the visiting room any day and it beats having someone looking over our shoulder all the time. read more

If you must be here, I hope it is as an officer or at least as a visitor, like me. And if you have the chance... watching dawn break on the horizon from the Visitor's parking lot is actually an awe inspiring experience. The deep burnt orange with the black silhouette of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge looming over the turquoise water of the bay, reflecting back a mottled salmon reflection of the sky is the stuff of postcards and calendars. If the inmates could see it they might forget where they are for a moment. But inside there is no chance of that. The facility is old... I mean storybook kinda old. And if you have a moment, look around you. There is some architecture that blow your mind. If you are visiting the mainline, check out the ironwork on the round building to your left as you walk up to the visiting room. And if you visit H-Unit, consider that bus ride a mini tour!! I don't what it is up and to the right as you pass the North Block, but the cement artwork is cool! The South side of the SQ isn't nearly as pretty... but if you keep your eyes open you may spot a herd of deer wandering about. Overall... way too much tall fencing and barbed wire for my tastes... but as an outsider who only sees a few spots... what a juxtaposition of beauty, both natural and man-made, and sadness, mostly man-made. read more

Do not listen to those that tell you that on your 1st day you should find the biggest, toughest inmate and pick a fight. This man is big, tough, and very likely at least a 6th degree rapist. Instead, I suggest you bide your time and wait until shower time. Scan the mass of man ass to find the inmate with the smallest penis, walk over and pummel him. If you win, you gain respect and possibly prolonged butthole virginity. If you lose, oh well, at least it wont hurt as bad, remember, this dude has the smallest penis in san quentin. read more

this is an arbitrary rating - how can you rate a prison? i visited SQ through the Prison University Project, which runs college programs for inmates (check them out: www.prisonuniversityproject.org). It was the first prison I've ever visited, and it was actually not as bad as I expected it to be. Inmates were jogging around with ipods (which was surprising - and how do they download music?) and playing sports. Of course these were the medium security inmates, which make up only about a quarter of the prison population there. since SQ is located in the Bay Area, they have access to more volunteer resources than other prisons that are located off in the boondocks. anyway...it was an interesting experience, to say the least. and oddly positive. read more

Four stars--comparatively speaking, that is. All things considered, I have a few fond (and a few not so fond) memories. It was certainly an experience to remember, although a whole other life at this point. read more

I took a tour here a few years ago and must say this place is awesome. I believe every junior high aged kid should take a tour. It is very scary! It's nasty and dirty inside... just like I want a prison to be! Rat traps, smells of urine and trash, open air toilets with no privacy, criminals walking about, and I could go on and on. I highly recommend this as a place to stay away from if you can help it. If not... well, enjoy our state's finest! Oh ya, btw, the medical facility inside is seriously 5 star. If you want to get into a political debate go tour that facility and then go to your neighborhood free clinic. Not sure it makes sense but hey what do I know!? read more

Taking a tour was hard at first but when you know someone that work there shoot the tour was easy as 123 haha to me it was scary because all you see if big ass guy that ready to scare you like that one TV show scared straight read more

Possibly my favourite of all the state prisons I've visited in America. The Great Sam gave a great tour to myself and my associates and the other members of staff and inmates alike made sure we fealt comfortable with the prison. The amount of opportunities the Gen Pop and PC inmates are offered was outstanding from papers and sports to art and finances just about every opportunity to reduce recidivism and keep moral high is taken. Those partaking in the art project complete works that frequently go out to non- profits or donated by other means to universities and the such. Manu artists are truly talented at what they do whether it be small scale voluntary work for charities or larger project work for murals or ongoing projects. All of the staff we met were on their game and ever ready should anything happen. We were graced with the opportunity to visit the furniture factory as well as the media centre including a paper and podcast 'ear hustle' which are in the public domain. If you are given the opportunity it is well worth the time to tour around. read more

It keeps criminals away from society after they committed a crime. It is the best place for them they are given food 3 times a day, interact with new friends and even take classes to learn something. This is while they are taken care of by the taxpayers who were wronged by their crime. I give it 5 stars. read more

It is kinda hard to escape, The spoons in the cafeteria are plastic so you cant dig your way out with them, I recommend you bring your own spoons. Also when I was trying to turn my toothbrush into a shank, the guards took it away and now I have gingivitis. read more

Wow... I was looking online to see if there's a way to get a tour & stumbled upon ...Yelp reviews?? I am a court reporter, and I've quietly observed people get sent away to this place for lots of different reasons. I also happen to have had an elderly friend whose husband was sent to prison - basically for money problems, and according to law he deserved it, but as another yelper said, it's not something to make light of. (That said, I do have a crazy sense of humor and did have a chuckle over some of the more clever comments by other "reviews.") On to MY review- I had a tour of this somber place as part of my law class. It is both fascinating and a very sobering experience. If you ever get a chance, go. It's basically a miniature self-contained city. It will give you tremendous insight to how our prison system USED to work and also how it presently DOESN'T work. But not to be missed is the incredible mural in the mess hall. It was painted by inmates who had to use only leftover paint from their maintenance jobs, so it looks like a sepia photo (kind of). it's basically the history of California. As you walk from one end of the hall to the other, Rosie the Riveter's face turns to watch you walk away - and the cable car on the turntable turns around!!! It's an incredible optical illusion - the Smithsonian wanted to buy it! Which would suck because you know the money would only go to the system and not the original artist's family... read more

I love this place. . .not a joke. I've been to see my friend at least 5 times thus far and as long as you are friendly to the staff, they are friendly back. We always have a good time visiting. It's never dull. Yes, you are allowed to laugh! You have to remember, this is not the local mall. This prison holds dangerous inmates and gang members. It can go out of control at any time. What do you all expect? These officers are doing their jobs. And oh boo-hoo to those who feel insulted because they didn't wipe your nose for you. Get over it!! They have to keep their eyes open and their minds ready to act at any time! Some of these posts are just ridiculous! If you are going to San Quentin to have the red carpet laid out for you, just maybe stay home or go miniature golfing or something. Or just suck it up and follow the rules and things will be just fine! Chill out. You are there for the one who is locked up, not for your own ego or self service! read more

Ok, so I drive from the central valley, Ca. every Sat, and Sun to visit my Fiance who is residing in San Quentin Prison. Now I read most of the reviews, and they came from the point of views of old inmates, and idiots who just want to put down people in prison. So from the point of view from a female who has a loved one behind bars, San Quentin is one of the better places Iv'e had to visit. The dress code is basic, don't wear prison blues, or guard green. No low cut or v-neck shirts, and no under wire in your bra. When visiting, there is a really good number system in place, (number lady, if you read this, you rock) that we as visitors try to uphold. 1st in the parking lot usually at about 5am, is 1st threw the door for the visit, and so on. IT WORKS!!! of course there are always people who do not want to "play nice" and bully there way to the front of the line, but such is life, and RUDE people are every where.. What most people need to realise is San Quentin is a different kind of atmosphere for there inmate. There are 2 base ball teams, Giants, and A's, a football team, and i believe there is a tenis teem as well. (some thing to help them feel free for a couple hours a day) San Quentin is the only degree granting prison in the state of Ca. There are many different programs for rehabilitation. Most people believe that the men in prison do not desirve a degree, and I was one of those people. Until I realised what a education doses for the men. When they can focus there minds on school, and work, they are less likely to spent the time on fights, and prison politics. (Don't get me wrong, the politics are still there :( but less fights, and lock downs are a good thing) and if they are not educated and then released, what kind of man are you letting out? the answer is just another criminal. San Quentin, along with Patton collage helps the men in ways we can't even imagine. San Quentin is grossly over crowded. And they just shipped inmates from Folsom, and other Ca. prisons to San Quentin, where they are now crammed in closer than sardines. My Fiance says the food is not good, and would rather eat a noodle a day that the quality of food that is served. The men I have met during my weekly visits are always very polite, and never rude. But that is just a tiny percent of the men who reside in this prison. The guards are always very respectful, and Iv'e only incountered one with a chip, and a large ego apon her shoulder. I don't know if this will be of use to any one, but it needed to be said. San Quentin in the point of view of a person with a loved one behind the bars, is a good prison. and I'm thankful that my Fiance was accepted in the transfer to this facility... read more

5 star rating for the men an women wearing green . They walk the TOUGHEST beat in the state protecting YOU the community from the evils of crime Stay Safe and thank you for putting your life on the line for all of us. Peace read more

Million dollar view...Ten Cent room. Was here for an earthquake in 87, and it was not a nice place. Don't ever wish to return

five stars for all the morally polished inmates who participated in "champions for peace"...i spent 5 hours in the open yard at san quentin yesterday with a group of about 30 "free people" from Amala foundation. a group of inmates arranged all the details for us. i have never felt so welcomed in my life. no cat calls, no sexism. felt quite safe, not because guards were all around, but because the inmates were watching out for us. they had set up a stage & a program of interfaith prayers, live (and good) music from various music groups in prison and we could talk with whoever we wanted. it was an incredibly moving experience. huge education. natural curiousity about what "they did" to find themselves in there--and left with being amazed at how powerful, wise, respectful, insightful & upright these guys were--how many times they had to make GOOD decisions, smart decisions, life-affirming decisions to be in low security san quentin-- to everyday deal with the inhumane conditions, the constant power testing from other inmates, the guard domination, bad food, overcrowding, bad justice system etc. the 3 men i spoke the most with were lifers, not short term, had been in prison for 15-20 years, and yes were involved with guns & murder. and i can honestly say they were some of the most interesting heart/soul/spirit people i have ever met. and you cant bullshit someone for hours. no coning, no games, no jockeying..we werent bringing anything nor were they "getting ": anything but time together, a chance to be seen for who they were. no addresses, no last names, nothing but 5 hours together. i was impressed with how they have used their time, with the depth of spirit they had had to cultivate, the choices they made to be better persons, to try to somehow give back. it's not like i didnt see despair, bitterness, anger, fear, etc but for the hundreds of men that came onto the field, there was a genuine interest to know and be known that is rarely available in the free world. i will never drive SQ again without thinking of the soulful men that have some of the most difficult conditions to practice in there and who's spirits shine like gold. may we find better ways of creating community that is fairer, put more money into education to help prevent people from making bad decisions in the first place, find ways to help re-integrate prisoners back into more useful people in society. andif you have the chance to meet some of these men, im pretty sure you'll be surprised yourself. read more

San Quentin is my absolute favorite Nor Cal prison. The climate is mild year round peaking around 78 degrees in the summer with a cool bay breeze when inland prisons cook well over 100. I had one of the big buck cells on first tier bay side with a view of the ferry crossings every day. The food is to die for. Food service is vertically integrated; beef is raised in Corcoran, fresh milk from the CA prison dairy, and fresh vegetables from the San Joaquin valley prisons. Put a hundred cons in a kitchen with 99 razor sharp knives plus one forklift and out comes homeboy cooked meals fresh twice a day, with very generous portion sizes. They no longer serve the T-bone steaks because guests ground down the bone into shanks, so now it's steak fajitas and prime rib + baked potato - two excellent meals. Even the bag lunch is special, such as the tuna steak pita sandwich with CA almonds. Be sure to bring your improvised steak knife to dinner. 4 alarm Quentin Arsonist's chili beats 3 alarm texas firehouse chili hands down. Sunday brunch at Quentin's by the Bay in Marin is one of the best breakfasts. Cells are somewhat smaller in Marin with only 60 square feet, but they feature upgraded stainless kitchens. And matching bathroom fixtures. There's plenty of wildlife to watch including ducks, geese, and several hawks that swoop down and kill jail rats in the SNY yard. As an added bonus, SQ has more free tattoo shops in the downtown historic district than anywhere else in Marin. After dark, the city comes to life with live talent performances, boxing, or Quentin Cable free in every guest room. The education department offers a PhD in XIV. If you are going to live it up at the hotel California, San Quentin can't be beat. read more