Alcatraz Island

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Alcatraz Island

Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself. Isolation, one of the constants of island life for any inhabitant - soldier, guard, prisoner, bird or plant - is a recurrent theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz. Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can not only explore the remnants of the prison, but learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. The island features many natural features as well - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare

IN DEPTH

Preservation Support Your Park If you are interested in opportunities to help support Alcatraz Island in our efforts to preserve and protect these cultural and natural resources, we recommend the...read more

Just For Kids For Kids Many families planning a visit to Alcatraz worry about bringing children to a former penitentiary - they often ask us if it is appropriate for them. Our...read more

Activities & Programs Things To Do There are no formal guided tours of Alcatraz as such - visiting the island is primarily a self guided experience which you can do at your...read more

Natural World Nature & Science Many visitors to the island have no idea that Alcatraz is a premiere spot for viewing colonial nesting seabirds. Most seabirds nest on inaccessible offshore rocks....read more

Sights to See Places In 1850 Alcatraz was declared a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore, and by 1859 troops were permanently garrisoned at the post on Alcatraces for the defense of...read more

Who's Who at the Park Bookstore The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy operates several shops on Alcatraz. In addition they have an online store featuring books, videos, and many other items related to the...read more

History People While the people most often associated with Alcatraz Island are the infamous inmates of the United States Bureau of Prisons (1934 to 1963), many others - before and...read more

Planning Your Visit Plan Your Visit The most important thing to know when planning a trip to Alcatraz is that all access to the island is through a private ferry company under...read more

Park Regulations & Safety Management The U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service administers Alcatraz Island as a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA). GOGA is part of the Central...read more

Visitor Services Maps ALCATRAZ ISLAND MAP This is a general map of the island showing various structures. For your safety, please listen to the announcements at the dock, since various areas...read more