Alcatraz Island: The Rock's Haunting History
Explore the infamous former prison, Civil War fortress, and natural beauty of Alcatraz Island in the heart of San Francisco Bay.
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
- +1415-561-4900
- Visit website
Local tips
- 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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Alcatraz Lighthouse
0.1 km
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Eureka Steamboat
2.0 km
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C.A. Thayer
2.0 km
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1890 San Francisco Bay Ark
2.1 km
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Black Point
2.1 km
Experience the historical allure and stunning vistas of Black Point, a premier tourist attraction in San Francisco's Fort Mason.
2905 Hyde St
2.1 km
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Pier 43 Ferry Arch
2.1 km
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Fisherman's Wharf
2.2 km
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Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
2.2 km
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Site of John C Frémont and Jessie Benton Frémont home
2.2 km
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California Historical Landmark 236: First Ship into San Francisco Bay
2.2 km
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Black Point Historic Gardens
2.2 km
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San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
2.3 km
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Maritime Museum
2.3 km
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PIER 39
2.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
SS Jeremiah O'Brien
1.8 km
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Fishermans Wharf
1.9 km
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USS Pampanito Museum and Memorial
2.0 km
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Scoma's Restaurant
2.0 km
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Musée Mécanique
2.1 km
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Sea Lion Viewing Area
2.1 km
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Hyde Street Pier
2.1 km
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The San Francisco Sailing Company
2.1 km
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Sea Lions
2.1 km
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Red and White Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruises
2.1 km
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San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39
2.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Franciscan Crab Restaurant
2.1 km
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The Stinking Rose A Garlic Fish House
2.1 km
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Cioppino's
2.1 km
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Capurro's Restaurant
2.1 km
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Pier Market Seafood Restaurant
2.2 km
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Crab House at Pier 39
2.2 km
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Fog Harbor Fish House
2.3 km
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Wipeout Bar & Grill
2.3 km
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Surisan
2.3 km
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Eagle Cafe
2.3 km
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Gary Danko
2.4 km
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Fior d'Italia
2.7 km
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Original Joe's
3.2 km
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Red Window
3.2 km
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Sotto Mare
3.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ess Eff Gift Shop (Inside)
2.1 km
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Frank's Fisherman
2.1 km
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Safe Harbor
2.1 km
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Enlightenment
2.2 km
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Solve It! Think out of the box
2.2 km
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I Love SF
2.2 km
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Fairy Tales
2.2 km
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The Cable Car Store
2.2 km
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Under the Golden Gate
2.3 km
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Only In San Francisco
2.3 km
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Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
2.3 km
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Route 66
2.3 km
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Lola of North Beach
2.3 km
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Missing Audrey Vintage
3.0 km
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Vacation
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Luau Lounge
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Players Sports Grill & Arcade
2.1 km
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The Socialite Crafthouse & Kitchen
2.2 km
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Hard Rock Cafe
2.3 km
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Northpoint Craft Cocktails - Local Brews
2.4 km
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The Interval at Long Now
2.4 km
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Red Jack Saloon
2.6 km
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Sweetie's Art Bar
2.6 km
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Bodega North Beach
3.0 km
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Bar Iris
3.2 km
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Tony Nik's CAFE
3.2 km
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Gino & Carlo
3.3 km
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Maggie McGarry's
3.3 km
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The Showdown
3.4 km
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The Saloon
3.5 km
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