Alcatraz Island, Federal prison on an island in San Francisco Bay, United States
The 22-acre limestone outcrop contains cell blocks, guard towers, a lighthouse, and fortified walls surrounded by cold Pacific waters.
The facility operated as a maximum-security federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, housing notorious criminals including Al Capone and George Kelly.
Native Americans occupied the island for 19 months in 1969 to protest federal policies and brought national attention to indigenous rights.
Access requires a ferry from Pier 33 at Fisherman's Wharf, with audio tours available in multiple languages during daily visits from 9:00 to 16:20.
Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers executed the only possible successful escape in 1962 by creating dummy heads and swimming through bay waters.
Location: San Francisco
Location: San Francisco County
Elevation above the sea: 41 m
Website: https://nps.gov/alca
GPS coordinates: 37.82672,-122.42283
Latest update: June 16, 2025 09:05
This guide lists real locations where multiple Netflix productions have been filmed around the world. From New York prisons turned into filming sets to medieval fortresses in Spain, and historic palaces in Eastern Europe, these natural settings have allowed creative teams to bring their stories to life. The collection includes sites as varied as Highclere Castle in England, which hosted the filming of Downton Abbey, the Duomo in Milan seen in Master of None, and the Ikoyi Bridge in Lagos appearing in Sense8. It also features the Georgia Aquarium used for Stranger Things, Washington Square Park in New York for Jessica Jones, and the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest for espionage productions. These authentic locations offer visitors the chance to see the original settings of their favorite series.
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
Pier 39 Sea Lions
2 km
USS Pampanito
1.9 km
Balclutha
1.9 km
Alcatraz Dining Hall
32 m
Warden's House
93 m
Building 64
103 m
Hercules
1.9 km
Eureka
1.9 km
Recreation Yard
85 m
C.A. Thayer
2 km
Hyde Street Pier
2 km
Model Industries Building
245 m
New Industries Building
177 m
Alma
1.8 km
Eppleton Hall
1.9 km
Social Hall
119 m
Alcatraz Library
37 m
Alcatraz Island Light
78 m
Little Alcatraz
343 m
Power House
205 m
Barker Beach
100 m
Alcatraz Water Tower
127 m
Pier 43 Ferry Arch
2.1 km
Tubbs Cordage Company Office Building
1.9 km
Pumping Station No. 2 San Francisco Fire Department Auxiliary Water Supply System
2.1 km
Former Military Chapel
71 m
Castagnola's
2.1 km
Hyde St. Pier Historic Ships
2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes