Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, California, is a former federal prison and now a National Park. It was used as a federal prison from 1934-1963, infamously housing notorious criminals such as Al Capone, Robert Stroud and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. The prison cells were built on top of a former military fortress and were surrounded by freezing waters and dangerous currents.

Today, visitors can take a ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island and tour the prison grounds. The audio tour provides informative stories and insights on the history of the island while visitors tour the library, cells, and Warden’s Office. Other daily events on the island include lectures and guided tours. There are also opportunities to spot various wildlife on Alcatraz including sea lions and cormorants. The island is also the site of an ongoing protest by Native Americans. The 1970 Occupation of Alcatraz called attention to the history of forced relocation and discrimination against Native Americans, launched the careers of famous activists, and restored access to the island for traditional ceremonies. The island has cafeterias, a bookstore, and gift shop, making it a well-rounded National Park experience. Check the National Park Service website for more information about safety, hours and ticketing.