Visitor centers, transportation programs, and what no longer exists.
Every CDCR state prison has a Friends Outside visitor center near the entrance — a nonprofit-run space where you can wait before your visit, get childcare during visits, borrow gate-compliant clothing if yours is rejected, and get local guidance. Hours vary by facility (most run Friday afternoons plus weekend mornings). Phone numbers by facility:
Friends Outside phone directory
Funding isn't always guaranteed, so a center may occasionally be unstaffed — bring a backup outfit in the car regardless.
An annual program that transports children (with a guardian or caregiver) to visit their incarcerated parents, typically around Father's Day and other summer dates. Facilities sometimes close regular visiting on event days. Ask your facility's Friends Outside center about participating.
The TransMetro family reunification bus service was discontinued June 30, 2024 due to state budget cuts — some older websites still list it. Statewide video visiting was discontinued July 7, 2023; visiting is in-person only (phone and tablet video calls through the facility's communications provider are separate and still available).
Ask your facility's Friends Outside center about local assistance first — they know what's actually available in that area. For visitors coming 250+ miles, some facilities offer accommodations like San Quentin's Long Distance Visit program (multi-day visits, booked monthly) — ask the Visiting Sergeant whether your facility has anything similar.