Ah mate, the Alcatraz visit was the highlight of my trip. We did the last trip when you are there as it goes dark……I remember everything suddenly went quiet and even the birds stopped singing.
I did LA and SF about 30 years ago too - SF miles more enjoyable that LA. Did Alcatraz too, and have a photo of me in both Al Capones cell and the one the Clint Eastwood was in. Had some great nightlife in SF too, managed to catch some local bands in bars. Ended up down in San Diego on that holiday, and went to a rave at the indoor football stadium, insane!
I did New Orleans and Houston a couple of years earlier - really did have a great time there, but that's also gone right downhill, especially after Katrina devastated the place.