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Alcatraz Island
Next: Arches National Park
Back to: United States National Parks - Overview
Back to: United States National Parks - Overview
United States National Parks - a network of nearly
400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across
the nation. The treasures in this system – the first
of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the
American people to preserve, protect, and share,
the legacies of this land. These pages
400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across
the nation. The treasures in this system – the first
of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the
American people to preserve, protect, and share,
the legacies of this land. These pages
provide a sampling of some National Parks. Perhaps this will spark an interest that
will inspire you to seek more information and explore national parks throughout the
United States.
will inspire you to seek more information and explore national parks throughout the
United States.
Alcatraz Island, California, Part of the Golden Gate National
Recreational Area
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the
West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18
month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is
also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond
compare. Alcatraz Island is located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. A ferry,
located at Pier 41 will take you to the island. Just remember to make your reservation in
advance since this popular attraction tends to fill up fast.
There are no formal guided tours of Alcatraz as such - visiting the island is primarily a
self guided experience which you can do at your own pace. Park Service staff offer
numerous free programs throughout the day on a variety of topics: escapes, military
history, American Indian occupation, natural history, etc.
Once on the island you can stay as long or as short as you wish - there is a ferry
departing about every half hour and you can return to San Francisco on any ferry. We
generally recommend about 2 to 3 hours to fully visit the island.
There are numerous videos and exhibits on the island, as well as the cellhouse audio tour
which is included in the price of the ferry ticket.
Recreational Area
Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the
West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18
month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is
also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond
compare. Alcatraz Island is located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. A ferry,
located at Pier 41 will take you to the island. Just remember to make your reservation in
advance since this popular attraction tends to fill up fast.
There are no formal guided tours of Alcatraz as such - visiting the island is primarily a
self guided experience which you can do at your own pace. Park Service staff offer
numerous free programs throughout the day on a variety of topics: escapes, military
history, American Indian occupation, natural history, etc.
Once on the island you can stay as long or as short as you wish - there is a ferry
departing about every half hour and you can return to San Francisco on any ferry. We
generally recommend about 2 to 3 hours to fully visit the island.
There are numerous videos and exhibits on the island, as well as the cellhouse audio tour
which is included in the price of the ferry ticket.
On arriving at the Alcatraz dock you will be greeted by a National Park Service
representative who will give you a brief orientation including information on any special
activities available that day.
The evening tour differs from daytime visits in several ways. The evening ferry ride to
Alcatraz circles the island with live narration about Alcatraz’s history. Upon arrival on the
dock, visitors receive a guided tour from the dock to the cellhouse level and also have the
opportunity to participate in a number of other special tours, activities, and cell door
demonstrations offered throughout the evening. Some areas of the island open during
the day are not open in the evening due to safety concerns.
Generally, if you prefer to be on your own to explore you might prefer the day visit, if you
prefer a more guided experience you might prefer the evening program (generally
available Thursday through Monday).
Alcatraz Island frequently sells out - up to a week in advance in summer and near
holidays. It is strongly recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.
The weather on Alcatraz can be some what unpredictable and can change quickly - it may
be warm and sunny in the city and very windy and cool on the island. Summer days can
sometimes be as cool as winter due to thick fog and strong winds. We recommend
dressing in layers.
There is no food service available on the island - only water is available on site. Eating,
drinking and smoking is only allowed at the dock level.
Be aware that Alcatraz is a sanctuary for thousands of seabirds - feeding or disturbing
any wildlife is not permitted.
As Alcatraz has no entrance fee park passes do not apply - charge is for the private
ferry service to and from the island only.
ALCATRAZ CRUISES - PIER 33
The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises, LLC. They are
located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of
Fisherman's Wharf. There is no parking at Pier 33. See map below.
PARKING
On street parking in the area can be difficult to find, especially during peak summer
visitation season, and nearly every street space has a parking meter with a time limit
insufficient for an Alcatraz visit. An "Accessibility Drop Off Zone" is located at the entrance
to Alcatraz Cruises - Pier 33 for visitors with special needs arriving by automobile. There
are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of the Alcatraz Cruises - Pier 33, with
a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. However we recommend public transportation
if at all possible. Be aware that prices for parking in this area can vary greatly, as little as
$8-10 for all day, to as high as $6 an hour. Check before you go for current pricing. As a
visit to Alcatraz can easily take 2 to 3 hours (or more) it can be worth while to shop
around for parking. It is even better to take public transportation when possible.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
When in San Francisco public transportation is the best way to get around. The Muni F
Line runs along Market Street (east) then turns north on The Embarcadero, and runs
right past the ferry terminal (on your right) and then on through Fisherman's Wharf. For
detailed information on mass transit in San Francisco please visit the San Francisco
Municipal Railway web site.
representative who will give you a brief orientation including information on any special
activities available that day.
The evening tour differs from daytime visits in several ways. The evening ferry ride to
Alcatraz circles the island with live narration about Alcatraz’s history. Upon arrival on the
dock, visitors receive a guided tour from the dock to the cellhouse level and also have the
opportunity to participate in a number of other special tours, activities, and cell door
demonstrations offered throughout the evening. Some areas of the island open during
the day are not open in the evening due to safety concerns.
Generally, if you prefer to be on your own to explore you might prefer the day visit, if you
prefer a more guided experience you might prefer the evening program (generally
available Thursday through Monday).
Alcatraz Island frequently sells out - up to a week in advance in summer and near
holidays. It is strongly recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance.
The weather on Alcatraz can be some what unpredictable and can change quickly - it may
be warm and sunny in the city and very windy and cool on the island. Summer days can
sometimes be as cool as winter due to thick fog and strong winds. We recommend
dressing in layers.
There is no food service available on the island - only water is available on site. Eating,
drinking and smoking is only allowed at the dock level.
Be aware that Alcatraz is a sanctuary for thousands of seabirds - feeding or disturbing
any wildlife is not permitted.
As Alcatraz has no entrance fee park passes do not apply - charge is for the private
ferry service to and from the island only.
ALCATRAZ CRUISES - PIER 33
The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises, LLC. They are
located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of
Fisherman's Wharf. There is no parking at Pier 33. See map below.
PARKING
On street parking in the area can be difficult to find, especially during peak summer
visitation season, and nearly every street space has a parking meter with a time limit
insufficient for an Alcatraz visit. An "Accessibility Drop Off Zone" is located at the entrance
to Alcatraz Cruises - Pier 33 for visitors with special needs arriving by automobile. There
are fifteen commercial lots within a five-block radius of the Alcatraz Cruises - Pier 33, with
a total of more than 3,000 parking spaces. However we recommend public transportation
if at all possible. Be aware that prices for parking in this area can vary greatly, as little as
$8-10 for all day, to as high as $6 an hour. Check before you go for current pricing. As a
visit to Alcatraz can easily take 2 to 3 hours (or more) it can be worth while to shop
around for parking. It is even better to take public transportation when possible.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
When in San Francisco public transportation is the best way to get around. The Muni F
Line runs along Market Street (east) then turns north on The Embarcadero, and runs
right past the ferry terminal (on your right) and then on through Fisherman's Wharf. For
detailed information on mass transit in San Francisco please visit the San Francisco
Municipal Railway web site.
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All information is provided as is. Additional research, information verification, and professional consultation should be done before using any
information provided on this site or any site linked to from this site. We make no guaranties as to accuracy, content, truthfulness, quality, or
fitness for a particular purpose of any of the information presented on this site. We do not assume any legal liabi ty or responsibility for any
incorrect, misleading, outdated, or missing information. Additionally, we do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the contents,
offers and/or actions of any off site pages and/or web sites that are referenced in this site or are linked to from this site. All web pages
presented on this site are subject to copyright law protection, whether stated or implied - all rights reserved.
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