Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island

Often referred to as 'The Rock' or simply Alcatraz, the island has been the location of a lighthouse, a fort, a military and federal prison and an American Indian protest. It has become a popular tourist attraction.

Alcatraz was home to many infamous inmates including Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert Stroud, the birdman of Alcatraz.

The original Spanish name was "La Isla de los Alcatraces" or Island of the Pelicans.

Alcatraz Lighthouse #1, built in 1853, was the first lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. The current lighthouse is the second on the site and was completed in 1909.

The island was used as a military prison during the Civil War, Spanish American War and World War I.

No prisoner ever successfully escaped from Alcatraz. Those that did make it off the island were drowned, shot or recaptured.

In 1969, a group of American Indians calling themselves the "Indians of All Tribes" began an 18 month occupation of the island. They claimed the island under the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty which stated that all unused federal land was to be returned to the native people. The protesters were finally evacuated, but new policies were established by the U.S. government because of the event.

Location

San Francisco Bay
California, USA

Getting There

Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, and it can only be reached by ferry. Here are the steps to get to Alcatraz Island:

Purchase tickets: You must purchase tickets in advance from Alcatraz Cruises, which is the official ferry provider to Alcatraz Island. Tickets can sell out quickly, so it is recommended to purchase them in advance online at www.alcatrazcruises.com.

Arrive at the pier: The ferry departs from Pier 33, located on the Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street and the Embarcadero. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for security screening.

Board the ferry: Once you have your tickets, you can board the ferry. The ferry ride to Alcatraz Island takes about 15-20 minutes, and it offers beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay.

Explore Alcatraz Island: Once you arrive on Alcatraz Island, you can explore the former prison on a self-guided audio tour or join a guided tour. There are also exhibits and ranger-led programs that provide insights into the history of the island.

Return to the mainland: When you are ready to return to the mainland, you can take any ferry back to Pier 33. Ferries depart from Alcatraz Island every 30 minutes, and the last ferry departs the island around 6:30 pm (varies by season).

Note that due to its popularity, tickets to Alcatraz Island can sell out several weeks in advance during peak travel times, so it is recommended to plan and book ahead.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in California that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.