Alcatraz Island

Why go

Alcatraz Island is defined by the cellhouse, military structures, and steep route from the dock. Another layer comes from views back to San Francisco that sharpen the island's isolation. Plan Alcatraz Island by remembering to secure the official ferry and allow for exposed weather. After Alcatraz Island, choose the Embarcadero waterfront; this keeps Alcatraz Island geographically coherent and avoids forcing Alcatraz Island into an unrelated crossing.

What to look for

• Look closely at the cellhouse, military structures, and steep route from the dock.
• Notice views back to San Francisco that sharpen the island's isolation.

The full story

Alcatraz Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. The small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison (1868), and a federal prison from 1933 until 1963. Beginning in November 1969, the island was occupied for more than 19 months by a group of aboriginal people from San Francisco who were part of a wave of Native activism across the nation with public protests through the 1970s. In 1972, Alcatraz became a national recreation area and received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Today, the island's facilities are managed by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area; it is open to tours. Visitors can reach the island by ferry ride from Pier 33, near Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Hornblower Cruises and Events, operating under the name Alcatraz Cruises, is the official ferry provider to and from the island.

Useful to know

• For Alcatraz Island, secure the official ferry and allow for exposed weather.
• Pair Alcatraz Island with the Embarcadero waterfront when the route and opening conditions align.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.