My family got free Alcatraz tickets from our local library through the Discover & Go program! The experience included the ferry ride to the island, admission, and the award winning self-guided audio tour of the prison.

If you’ve been wanting to visit Alcatraz but don’t want to spend over $100 for a family, here’s exactly how to get free Alcatraz tickets.

Watch the Video

Favorite Things About Alacatraz

1. The Ferry Ride

It was my kids’ first time riding a ferry or any type of boat so this was a bucket list moment for them. Also, there are amazing views of the city of San Francisco and Bay Area. I was anxious that I would get seasick, but I was fine. The ride was pretty smooth and relaxing.

2. The Bird Area

Alcatraz has a bird sanctuary area where you can do some bird watching. Some birds were up close with their babies so that was fun to watch!

3. Prison Blocks

The prison blocks are so iconic as they have been featured in many films like The Rock and Psych: The Movie.

4. The Cells Where Prisoners Escaped

They feature the prison cells where 3 convicts escaped, as it was, with the dummy heads and holes in the wall that they dug.

5. The Corridor Where They Escaped

It’s so interesting to see their escape route. They have lights and a glass door to so you can the escape corridor that is among pipes and that connects all the cells.

6. The Gift Shop

We enjoyed looking around the gift shop. There were fog snow globes, large prison keys, books, merch, and a piece of the rock to purchase.

What Is Discover & Go?

Discover & Go is a program offered by many California public libraries that provides free admission to museums, attractions, and parks.

Some participating library systems occasionally offer free Alcatraz tickets, but they are extremely limited and go quickly.

Depending on where you live, participating libraries may include:

• San Francisco Public Library (SFPL)
• South San Francisco Public Library (SSFPL)
• San Mateo County and Peninsula library systems

Availability can change and be based on your zip code, so check with your local library to see if they participate in Discover & Go and offer Alcatraz passes.

How to Get Free Alcatraz Tickets

Step 1: Visit Your Library’s Discover & Go Website

Go to the Discover & Go page for your local participating library and sign in with your library card.

If your library participates, you’ll be able to browse available attractions.

Step 2: Search for “Alcatraz”

Use the search feature and type Alcatraz.

Keep in mind:

• Tickets are very limited.
• They may not appear every time you search.
• Availability changes frequently.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see them right away.

Step 3: Reserve Your Date

If tickets are available, reserve them immediately.

A few things to know:

• Reservations are typically available for up to four people.
• Usually only one date and departure time is offered for each reservation.
• The best time to check is the first day of each month, when new reservations are often released.

Because these passes are so popular, they can disappear quickly.

Step 4: Go to Pier 33 on the Day of Your Visit

On the day of your trip, head to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.

Bring either:

• the QR code on your phone, or
• a printed copy of your reservation.

An employee will scan your QR code and print your official boarding tickets.

Step 5: Board the Ferry

When your boarding time is announced, line up to board the ferry to Alcatraz Island.

The ferry ride offers beautiful views of:

• the San Francisco skyline
• the Golden Gate Bridge
• the Bay Bridge
• Angel Island

It’s worth arriving a little early so you can enjoy the scenery before boarding.

What’s Included?

Your free Discover & Go reservation includes:

• Round-trip ferry transportation
• Admission to Alcatraz Island
• The award-winning self-guided audio tour inside the prison

The audio tour is excellent and features stories from former correctional officers and inmates, making the experience much more immersive.

Helpful Tips for Visiting Alcatraz

Plan for 2–3 Hours

Most visits—including ferry rides—take about 2 to 3 hours.

You can stay on the island for a while before catching a return ferry.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

One thing many visitors don’t realize is that getting to the prison requires walking uphill.

The walk is roughly equivalent to climbing 13 stories using several long ramps.

It’s not difficult if you take your time and take a break in the middle, but comfortable shoes are definitely recommended.

Accessibility Transportation Is Available

If you have mobility challenges or simply need assistance, transportation is available from the dock up to the prison.

Ask a staff member after arriving on the island.

Food Is Limited

Food is not allowed throughout most of the island.

You may eat:

• on the ferry
• near the Alcatraz dock/pier area

Food and drinks are available for purchase on the ferry if you’d like a snack before or after your visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available:

• in the Pier 33 waiting area
• on the ferry
• on Alcatraz Island

Is It Worth Visiting Alcatraz?

Yes!!! I have been to Alcatraz over 20 years ago but I didn’t remember much except for the long hike up to the prison. This time, I brought my kids and they loved it!

Between the ferry ride, incredible views of San Francisco Bay, fascinating history, and the unforgettable audio tour, it’s easy to see why Alcatraz is one of the city’s top attractions.

Best of all, getting tickets through Discover & Go made this adventure completely free for our family as we saved $125!!!

Alcatraz Tickets Tips

If you do purchase tickets to Alcatraz, I recommend buying it ahead of time from the official Alcatraz City Cruises because 3rd party sites can mess up on the ticket times. The man waiting in line behind us to redeem our tickets, had the wrong boarding time, as he thought it was 2 hours ahead. Because he booked through a 3rd party site, they gave him the wrong time and he was frustrated.

The staff said that they couldn’t do anything about it because he booked through a 3rd party site.

Alcatraz Night Tour

There is also a 4-5 hour Alcatraz Night Tour where they take you to forbidden areas, bunkers underneath Alcatraz, and more! I would love to see this one day. This isn’t available for free through Discover and Go.

Have You Been to Alcatraz?

Have you ever visited Alcatraz Island, or are you hoping to score free tickets through your library? Let me know in the comments!

Air fryer chicken wings are the best because the wings don’t come out oily but they are crispy and crunchy on the outside yet juicy on the inside. These wings are SO incredibly easy to make with an air fryer and with just a few ingredients, that you’ll probably never buy cooked wings again.

Check out these 4 easy recipes – Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, Teriyaki, and BBQ (inspired by Wingstop). And watch the YouTube video above for all my tips.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

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Mother’s Day is coming up and I wanted to share my favorite gift ideas for Mom, grandma, mother-in-law, or any other motherly figure in your life. It’s the thought that counts but moms love gifts and to be thought of!

Moms go through SO MUCH so please think of her on this day, even if she says she doesn’t need anything. We all say that and secretly want to be honored on Mother’s Day.

This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Want to make Hong Kong style milk tea at home without spending a lot of money? This easy drink uses just a few simple ingredients and costs only about 16 cents to make. It is creamy, sweet, comforting, and incredibly easy for beginners.

If you love café-style drinks but want an easy homemade version, this Hong Kong style milk tea recipe is a great one to keep on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Hong Kong Style Milk Tea Recipe

This homemade Hong Kong style milk tea is perfect because it is:

• Easy to make
• Budget-friendly
• Made with just a few ingredients
• Rich, creamy, and sweet
• Easy to adjust to your taste
• Great for a quick afternoon drink or cozy treat

Watch the Hong Kong Style Milk Tea Video

What Is Hong Kong Style Milk Tea?

Hong Kong style milk tea is a strong black tea drink made creamy and sweet with milk and sugar. In this easy homemade version, sweetened condensed milk adds both creaminess and sweetness, making it simple to prepare with ingredients you may already have at home.

It is a delicious drink to enjoy when you want something warm, comforting, and a little special without leaving the house.

Ingredients for Hong Kong Style Milk Tea

For this easy Hong Kong style milk tea recipe, you only need a few ingredients:

• English breakfast tea from Trader Joe’s, or Lipton tea bags
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Sugar
• Hot water

That’s it. Simple ingredients, but such a satisfying result.

How to Make Hong Kong Style Milk Tea

This Hong Kong style milk tea recipe comes together in just a few easy steps.

1. Add hot water to your cup

• Pour 8 ounces of hot water into a cup
• For the video, 12 ounces were used to fill the cup more

2. Steep the tea

• Add 2 tea bags
• Steep for 4 minutes
• Dunk the tea bags in the hot water to bring out more flavor
• When removing the tea bags, give them a squeeze

3. Add the sweetened condensed milk

• Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk
• Stir well
• Watch the tea turn creamy and lighter in color

4. Taste and adjust

• Taste your tea
• If it is not sweet enough, add sugar 1 teaspoon at a time
• Adjust until it tastes just right for you

That’s all it takes to make a creamy cup of Hong Kong style milk tea at home.

Tips for the Best Hong Kong Style Milk Tea at Home

Here are a few simple tips to make your homemade Hong Kong style milk tea even better.

Use 2 – 3 tea bags for a stronger tea flavor

Because you are adding sweetened condensed milk, using 2 – 3 tea bags helps the tea flavor stand out and keeps the drink from tasting too weak.

Dunk the tea bags while steeping

Dunking the tea bags helps release more flavor into the hot water.

Squeeze the tea bags before removing

This helps get every bit of tea flavor out, which is especially helpful for a stronger milk tea.

Adjust the condensed milk to your taste

You can use:

• 1 tablespoon if you want it lighter
• 2 tablespoons if you want it creamier and richer

Add sugar only if needed

Since sweetened condensed milk is already sweet, taste first before adding extra sugar.

Why Make Hong Kong Style Milk Tea at Home?

One of the best things about making Hong Kong style milk tea at home is that you can customize it exactly how you like it.

You can adjust:

• The strength of the tea
• The creaminess
• The sweetness
• The serving size

That is the beauty of homemade drinks. You get the flavor you want without paying café prices.

How Much Does This Hong Kong Style Milk Tea Cost?

This Hong Kong style milk tea costs about 16 cents to make! Hello!!! It’s SO affordable to make at home.

If you enjoy milk tea often, making it at home can save you a lot over time.

My Favorite Things About This Drink

Here’s what makes this Hong Kong style milk tea recipe so good:

• It is creamy and delicious
• It tastes sweet and comforting
• It uses pantry-friendly ingredients
• It is easy to make anytime
• It feels like a café treat at home

The sweetened condensed milk is what really makes it special. It adds richness, sweetness, and that smooth creamy texture all in one step.

When to Serve Hong Kong Style Milk Tea

This easy Hong Kong style milk tea is perfect for:

• Afternoon tea at home
• A cozy morning drink
• A budget-friendly café-style treat
• A simple dessert drink
• Serving with pastries or light snacks
• Pairing with Asian-inspired snacks or brunch

Final Thoughts on Hong Kong Style Milk Tea

If you want an easy homemade drink that feels special but takes almost no effort, this Hong Kong style milk tea recipe is a great one to try. With just tea, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and hot water, you can make a creamy and delicious drink at home for just pennies a cup.

It is simple, budget-friendly, and easy to customize, which makes it perfect for everyday enjoyment.

Print

Hong Kong Milk Tea

Make this creamy and delicious Hong Kong Milk Tea for just 16 cents.

Cook Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Fanny Camota

Cost 16 cents

Ingredients

• 2 tea bag English Breakfast Tea
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 tablespoon Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 – 2 teaspoon sugar optional

Instructions

• Pour 1 cup of hot water into a cup. Steep 2 tea bags in the hot water for 4 minutes. Feel free to dunk the tea bags to release more flavor. When it's time to remove tea bags, squeeze the tea bags to push out all the water.
• Pour 2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk into the tea and stir well. Taste test the tea to see if you want to sweeten it further. If you want it sweeter, add 1 – 2 teaspoons of sugar.

Leave a Comment

Have you ever made Hong Kong style milk tea at home? Do you like yours extra creamy or less sweet?

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How to Make Boba Milk Tea Like a Boba Shop

Want to create a beautiful Asian afternoon tea at home without spending a fortune at a tea room? This easy idea uses mostly Trader Joe’s items to help you put together a special tea spread that feels elegant, fun, and surprisingly simple.

This Asian afternoon tea at home is perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, girlfriends’ get-togethers, or anytime you want to make an ordinary day feel extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

If you want a simple way to host an Asian afternoon tea at home, this idea is a great place to start.

• Easy to put together
• Uses mostly ready-to-heat Trader Joe’s foods
• Feels elegant without a lot of cooking
• A fun twist on traditional afternoon tea
• Great for special occasions at home
• Easy to customize with your favorite Asian-inspired finger foods and desserts

Watch the Asian Afternoon Tea Video

What to Serve for an Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

For this Asian afternoon tea at home, I used a mix of savory bites, sweet treats, and tea.

Savory Items

• Kimbap
• Scallion pancakes
• Char siu bao
• Mini shrimp bao

Sweet Items

• Red velvet cupcakes
• Almond cookies
• Green tea mochi
• Blood orange mochi

Tea

• Chrysanthemum tea

This mix gives you a nice balance of savory, sweet, soft textures, and pretty colors for your tea stand.

Where to Buy the 3-Tier Stand

Sweese 3-Tier Porcelain Cupcake Stand, Tiered Dessert Stand, Cake Stand – White Porcelain Round Plates for Tea Party Wedding Baby Shower Buffet Server

Buy Now

Trader Joe’s Ideas for Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

One of the best things about making an Asian afternoon tea at home is that you can mix and match based on what Trader Joe’s has in stock.

More Savory Trader Joe’s Options

• Chicken pot stickers
• Mini wontons
• Steamed chicken soup dumplings
• Pork shumai
• Vegetable dumplings
• Shrimp noodle rolls
• Edamame

More Dessert Options

• Portuguese custard tarts
• Dozen sweet bites
• Mini tarts
• Japanese mini taiyakis
• Bubble waffles
• Japanese soufflé cheesecakes
• Caramel flan
• Chocolate pudding
• Rice pudding

These are great options if you want to build your own version of an Asian afternoon tea at home using easy store-bought foods.

How to Prepare an Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

The best part about this setup is that most of the food is very easy to heat and serve.

How to Prepare Kimbap

• Remove it from the package
• Place it on a plate
• Cover with a paper towel
• Microwave for about 3 minutes
• Let it cool slightly before serving

How to Prepare Scallion Pancakes

• Air fry at 400 degrees for 8 minutes
• Flip halfway through
• Cut into quarters for easy finger-food portions

How to Prepare Bao

• Steam the char siu bao for 10 to 12 minutes
• Steam the shrimp bao for 6 to 8 minutes
• Remove carefully so they do not tear or stick

Tips for a Better Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

After putting everything together, here are a few helpful things I learned.

Steam the bao instead of microwaving

For this Asian afternoon tea at home, steaming the bao worked much better. Microwaving made the char siu bao hard.

Be careful with the shrimp bao

The shrimp bao started sticking together and falling apart while steaming. Next time, it may help to:

• Separate them more before steaming
• Use parchment paper
• Add a liner to the steamer basket
• Steam at a lesser time like 6 minutes

Mochi melts quickly

Mochi looks beautiful on a tea stand, but it can melt if it sits out too long.

Keep portions small

When building an Asian afternoon tea at home, it is easy to add too much food. Small bites work best and make the stand look prettier too.

How to Arrange an Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

A three-tier stand makes your Asian afternoon tea at home feel beautiful and special right away.

Traditional afternoon tea usually follows this layout:

• Bottom tier: savory items
• Middle tier: breads or heartier bites
• Top tier: desserts

For an Asian-inspired version, you can keep the same idea but use foods that fit your theme.

Bottom Tier Ideas

• Scallion pancakes
• Bao
• Kimbap
• Shrimp bites

Middle Tier Ideas

• Cupcakes
• Cookies
• A mix of sweet and savory items

Top Tier Ideas

• Mochi
• Small cookies
• Mini tarts
• Egg tarts
• Bite-sized desserts

When planning your Asian afternoon tea at home, smaller treats work best on the top tier because there is less space.

Best Tea for Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

For this tea setup, chrysanthemum tea was a perfect match.

Why Chrysanthemum tea works well

• Light and refreshing
• Commonly served with dim sum
• Pairs well with both savory and sweet items
• Feels elegant and different from standard black tea

You could also serve:

• Hong Kong-style milk tea
• Jasmine tea
• Oolong tea
• Green tea

Choosing the right tea can make your Asian afternoon tea at home feel even more special.

My Favorite Items for Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

Here were some of my favorite parts of this spread.

Best savory picks

• Scallion pancakes – crispy, flavorful, and easy to share
• Char siu bao – delicious when steamed
• Mini shrimp bao – flavorful and a little more unique

Best sweet picks

• Red velvet cupcakes – pretty and delicious with cream cheese frosting
• Almond cookies – perfect size for a tea stand
• Mochi – beautiful color and fun texture

Best Occasions for Asian Afternoon Tea at Home

This Asian afternoon tea at home is a wonderful idea for:

• Mother’s Day
• Birthday brunch
• Anniversaries
• First dates at home
• Girls’ tea parties
• Weekend gatherings
• A fun family treat

Leave a Comment

Would you try an Asian afternoon tea at home? Which Trader Joe’s item would you add to your tea stand?

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