Alcatraz Island
The views from Alcatraz Island are spectacular. You can’t get a better view of the San Francisco Bay area from anywhere else.
Because of how famous Alcatraz Island was for being a prison, many people don’t realize the other important pieces of history this location holds. Alcatraz Island is home to the first lighthouse on the west coast. It was also the location where Indians of all tribes lived during the American Indian Red Power Movement.
Things to Do on Alcatraz Island:
National Park Service rangers and other volunteers offer outdoor tours that go over the military history including famous inmates and escapees, the natural history of Alcatraz, and the Indian Occupation. You can find out more about these at the dock or inside the cell house.
You can go on a self-guided tour with a brochure available for only $1. This is available in most languages so that everyone can get a chance to experience this tour.
Watch a video that is less than 20 minutes long that highlights Alcatraz’s 200 year history. This is available at the theater just 150 feet up the road from the dock. This video is in English but Spanish and English subtitles are available.
See the exhibits behind the theater. See how Alcatraz was during all of it’s many changes.
Getting to the Island:
You can only get to Alcatraz Island by the ferry owned by Alcatraz Island. Tickets to the Island sell out in advance so as soon as you know the dates you are going to be visiting the San Francisco, California area, go ahead and buy your tickets for the ferry. Order tickets by calling 415-981-7625.
There is no charge for entrance to Alcatraz Island, just the cost of the ferry ride to get there. |
