Visiting someone in a California State Prison?

Friends Outside will help you with the information and tools you need for a successful visit. Our Visitor Centers are on prison grounds, usually by visitor parking, at all 30 California State Prisons.

Find your Visitor CenterBefore you go

Visitor Center hours are not prison visiting hours. CDCR sets visiting hours and can change them on short notice. Check today's visiting status with CDCR before you travel.

Your visit is important

People who receive visitors are likely to do better while incarcerated, with fewer violations and write-ups. They're also more likely to succeed when they get out.

Visits keep family bonds strong, especially between spouses and between parents and children. Come to the Visitor Center at any California State Prison and we'll help your visit go well.

How to plan a visit
A boy plays with a wooden toy in a Visitor Center playroom.
A calm place to wait

What we do on visiting day

  • Clothing to borrow

    Prisons have strict rules for what visitors can wear. If your clothes don't meet them, we can loan you clothing so your visit can still happen. Sizes for men, women and children.

  • Rides to the prison

    Need a ride from a nearby motel or bus station? Call the transportation number for your prison, listed below, to arrange a ride to and from the institution.

  • Care for children

    Short-term childcare for children who came with their caregiver, so the adult can finish the visit.

  • Local information

    Ask the Visitor Center for directions, nearby restaurants and motels, or public transportation schedules.

  • Help with the rules

    Prison rules can be confusing and intimidating. Visitor Center staff explain the regulations and help you follow them.

  • People who understand

    Sometimes the ride or the wait becomes a chance to connect with others going through the same thing.

Find your Visitor Center

Each prison has its own link you can bookmark or share, for example /in-prison-services/visitor-centers#wsp.

Showing 30 Visitor Centers

Before you go

First time visiting? You'll need to be approved by CDCR and schedule your visit before you travel. Our step-by-step guide walks you through it.

How to plan a visit

Helpful links

Visiting day questions

All CDCR and visiting questions
Are Visitor Center hours the same as visiting hours?

No. The hours we list are for the Friends Outside Visitor Center. CDCR sets visiting hours and can change them. Check CDCR's visiting status page before you travel.

Can my child stay at the Visitor Center while I visit?

Yes. Short-term childcare is available for children who come to the prison with their caregiver.

What if my clothes don't meet the dress code?

Stop at the Visitor Center. Staff can lend you clothing that meets the prison's rules.

How do I get a ride to the prison?

Call the transportation number listed for your prison above. Rides run between the prison and nearby motels or bus stations.

We Believe In Second Chances: the Rising Phoenix mural artwork

Since 1955, support for people in California prisons, people coming home, and the families who love them.

Get help

Organization

Resources

Visit or call

Main office & Resiliency Lab
1148 W. Fremont Street
Stockton, CA 95203
(209) 955-0701
info@friendsoutside.org

Stanislaus County (by appointment)
422 McHenry Avenue
Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 486-0473

Mail: P.O. Box 4085, Stockton, CA 95204

© 2026 Friends Outside. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID 94-1539901.