San Francisco Attractions
Alcatraz island
Alcatraz
Out in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, or
‘The Rock’, is one of Golden Gate National Recreation
Area’s most popular destinations. The notorious escape-proof
island with its dreaded maximum-security prison once held the
likes of Al ‘Scarface’ Capone, George ‘Machine
Gun’ Kelly and the ‘birdman of Alcatraz', Robert
Stroud. With sheer cliffs surrounded by the icy waters of San
Francisco Bay, known for its treacherous tides and currents, it was
regarded as the perfect place to detain the country’s
most-wanted and dangerous criminals who were isolated in dark
solitary confinement cells. There have never been
any successful escapes from The Rock. Visitors
can explore the prison as well as learn about its
history: from its discovery as a pelican nesting ground, its
location as a military outpost, and the years between
1933 and 1963 as an off-limit federal penitentiary. It was also
inhabited by Native Americans before being declared a
Recreational Area and protected bird sanctuary. Thousands of
tourists flock here each year and take the excellent self-guided
audio tours that contain commentary from former guards
and prisoners about life on the island. There is also a slide show
and a tour of the island’s ecology and bird life led by a
park ranger. The view from the island looking across to San
Francisco is awesome.
E-mail: goga_alcatraz@nps.gov;
Website: www.nps.gov/alcatraz;
Telephone: (415) 773 1188 (ferry schedules and information), or (415) 705 1042 (park information);
Transport: Blue & Gold Fleet boats depart throughout the day beginning at 9.30am, from Pier 41, Fisherman’s Wharf. Night tours in summer and combined Angel Island-Alcatraz Island trips are also available;
Opening time: The last boat leaves the island at 6.30pm in summer (April to October) and 4.30pm in winter;
Admission: Admission includes the ferry trip and is $26 (adults) or $16 (children). Night tours: $33. Other concessions are available. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially in peak season
