Alcatraz Island, Oakland Travel Guide

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Explore the infamous former prison, Civil War fortress, and natural beauty of Alcatraz Island in the heart of San Francisco Bay.

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Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, a small island in San Francisco Bay, is famed for its notorious former federal penitentiary. Once a military fortress and prison, it housed some of America's most infamous criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the 'Birdman of Alcatraz'. Today, it's a popular national park, offering visitors a glimpse into its intriguing past.

A brief summary to Alcatraz Island

San Francisco, California, 94133, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Alcatraz Island.

Book your ferry tickets well in advance, especially during peak season, as they often sell out months ahead of time.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as there is a lot of walking and some steep areas on the island.
Dress in layers, as the weather on Alcatraz can be unpredictable and change quickly.
Allow at least 2.5 - 3 hours for the ferry trip and exploring the island.
There is no food available for purchase on the island, so bring your own snacks and water.

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Explore Alcatraz Island on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Alcatraz Island, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Alcatraz Island, take public transport to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, located along The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street. From downtown San Francisco, the MUNI F Line historic streetcar stops a short walk from Pier 33. Use the Bay Street stop. From Pier 33, Alcatraz City Cruises provides ferry service to the island. Purchase tickets in advance online. A round-trip ferry ticket, including the audio tour, costs around $41 for adults.
Walking

If you are near Fisherman's Wharf, you can walk to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing. Pier 33 is located along The Embarcadero, southeast of Fisherman's Wharf. From Pier 39, it's about a 7-minute walk. Purchase ferry tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises in advance. A round-trip ferry ticket, which includes the audio tour, is approximately $41 for adults.
Taxi/Ride-share

Take a taxi or ride-share to Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing, located along The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street. From Union Square, a ride-share will cost approximately $15-$25, depending on traffic. Purchase ferry tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises in advance. A round-trip ferry ticket, including the audio tour, costs about $41 for adults.

Discover more about Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, situated 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, boasts a rich and layered history. Originally named 'La Isla de los Alcatraces' (The Island of the Pelicans) in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, the island served as a military reservation, and construction of Fort Alcatraz was completed in 1858. Due to its location in the cold, strong currents of the San Francisco Bay, it was uniquely suited to serve as a prison.Over the years, Alcatraz has been a Civil War fortress, a military prison, and most famously, a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. It gained notoriety for housing some of America's most ruthless criminals. The island's isolation and harsh conditions led to its reputation as inescapable.Today, Alcatraz is a National Historic Landmark and a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can explore the cell house with a self-guided audio tour available in multiple languages, discover exhibits, and learn about the island's multifaceted history, including the American Indian occupation in the late 1960s. The island also serves as a bird sanctuary, hosting various species of seabirds.