Overview
and Location:
Alcatraz Island is located in the middle of San Francisco Bay and is visible
from Fisherman's Warf. Alcatraz is one of the most popular tourist attractions
of San Francisco, offering a close view of the former federal prison, oldest
operating lighthouse on the west coast of America along with gardens, tide
pools, bird colonies, and breathtaking views of the coastline. The island can be
reached by ferry ride from Pier 33, near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.
Alcatraz is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The infamous island of Alcatraz has a rich history dating back to 1775. Juan Manuel de Ayala, a Spanish explorer discovered it and named it after the pelicans that nested on the Island. From the 1850's to 1933, when the army vacated the island, it served as a military post protecting the bay shoreline. By 1934, Alcatraz Island was a maximum security prison. Since it was surrounded with treacherous currents, sheer cliffs and cold temperatures of water, it was believed to be an escape-proof prison. However, in 1963, after an apparent escape in which no bodies were found, the prison was closed down by the government. After the desertion by the government of the prison, the island was inhabited by the American Indians, from November 1969 until June 1971. In 1972 the Alcatraz Island became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area making it a popular tourist attraction for the people visiting San Francisco. The wildlife that had been disappeared during the prison and military years, has been returning to the area, the various seabirds like black-crested night heron have also returned.
There are several tours available to the Alcatraz Island, most of the tours include a Ferry Ride to Alcatraz Island and a audio tour of the prison cell house. The award-winning Alcatraz Cell house Audio Tour brings history alive through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era. This audio tour is available in 6 languages: English, Italian, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. Alcatraz Island Prison is now a popular visitor destination as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. A representative will give you a brief orientation on your arrival.
The tickets are limited and sell out a week or more in advance especially during summers, holidays and long weekends, therefore it is best to purchase the tickets as far in advance as possible. Visit alcatrazcruises.com to book your tickets up to 60 days in advance.
There are a variety of tours available to explore Alcatraz Island, the best tours are -
Alcatraz Island Day Tour - approximate price - $35 for adults and $25 for children.
Alcatraz Evening Tour - approximate price $42 for adults and $30 for children.
Alcatraz Island and City Tour - apx. price $80 for adults and $48 for children.
There is no entrance fee to visit Alcatraz Island, the charge is for the ferry service supplied by a private company contracted by the National Park Service.
Other Tips and Information:
In addition to the historical prison of Alcatraz Island, you will have great views of San Francisco coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Visitors to the island cannot only explore the remnants of the prison, but can also learn about the Indian occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications, and the West Coast's first lighthouse. It is recommended to take something warm to the Alcatraz Island since it is quite cold all year round.
Phone
Ranger Station
(415) 561-4900
Ferry Tickets/Reservations:
(415) 981-7625
Official site: nps.gov/alcatraz
