Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island is a former prison facility on a rocky outcrop in San Francisco Bay, spanning roughly 22 acres (9 hectares) and containing multiple cell blocks, guard towers, a lighthouse, and fortified walls. From the dock, steep paths and staircases climb to the three-story cellhouse with its narrow corridors and barred windows, while the exposed position offers clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city skyline.

The island served as a military post starting in 1850 and later housed a military prison before becoming a federal maximum-security facility from 1934 to 1963, where it held notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George Kelly. After closing due to high operating costs, the site became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and was opened to the public as a historic landmark.

Many visitors come to walk through the narrow cells and imagine the daily routines of the inmates who once lived here. The former prison is recognized worldwide as a symbol of punishment and confinement, which is why it continues to attract filmmakers and authors. Today you can still see graffiti and murals left by indigenous activists who occupied the site between 1969 and 1971 as part of their campaign for land rights and recognition.

Access is only by ferry departing from Pier 33 at Fisherman's Wharf, and tickets often sell out weeks ahead. Audio guides in several languages are available during daily visits from around 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and warm clothing is advisable due to strong winds and cool temperatures. Paths on the island are steep and uneven, making them challenging for wheelchair users, and since no food is sold on site, bringing water and snacks is recommended.

In June 1962, Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers carried out a carefully planned escape by breaking through ventilation shafts in their cells using handmade tools and leaving dummy heads crafted from soap and papier-mâché in their beds. They crawled through pipes, built a makeshift raft from raincoats, and entered the cold water, though no one knows for certain whether they survived the crossing or drowned in the current.

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: December 12, 2025 16:33