Alcatraz Island has the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, early military fortifications, and natural features such as rock pools and a seabird colony (mostly western gulls, cormorants, and egrets).
Plan on spending at least a few hours on Alcatraz exploring the exhibits, checking out the video presentations or audio tours. Jr. Ranger books and programs are often available, and ranger tours are available every day!
Alcatraz Island, also known as ‘The Rock,’ a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, in the United States. From 1934 to 1963, a facility on the island served as a federal prison for some of the most dangerous civilian prisoners.
Book ferries to Alcatraz Island and explore the historic prison. Learn about tour options, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, night tours, schedules, and planning tips.
Features historical narratives and photos that chronicle life inside this historic maximum-security penitentiary. The definitive on-line Alcatraz History Archive.
In 1854, the West Coast’s first lighthouse was built on San Francisco Bay’s Alcatraz Island to guide the ships coming and going through the Golden Gate. Government officials quickly decided that the tiny, 22-acre island aptly nicknamed “The Rock” was also an ideal location for a federal penitentiary—so close and yet so far from ...
Whether immersing yourself in history, experiencing arts and culture, spotting wildlife, exploring the historic gardens, or soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we'll help you make the most of your visit to the famous island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. Get Alcatraz tickets here!
United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, also known simply as Alcatraz (English: / ˈælkəˌtræz /, Spanish: [a l k a ˈ t ɾ a s] "the gannet ") or The Rock, was a maximum security federal prison on Alcatraz Island, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) off the coast of San Francisco, California, United States.