Alcatraz Island (/ ˈælkəˌtræz /) is a small island about 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco in San Francisco Bay, California, near the Golden Gate Strait. [1] The island was developed in the mid-19th …

Apr 27, 2021 · Plan on spending at least a few hours on Alcatraz exploring the exhibits, checking out the video presentations or audio tours. Jr. Ranger books and programs are often available, and ranger …

Jan 23, 2026 · Alcatraz Island, also known as ‘The Rock,’ a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, in the United States. From 1934 to 1963, a facility on the island served as a …

Oct 27, 2009 · Today, historic Alcatraz Island, which was also the site of a U.S. military prison from the late 1850s to 1933, is a popular tourist destination.

Whether immersing yourself in history, experiencing arts and culture, spotting wildlife, exploring the historic gardens, or soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we'll help you make the most of your visit to …

From 1909 through 1911, the military prisoners on Alcatraz built the new prison, which was designated the Pacific Branch, U.S. Disciplinary Barracks for the U.S. Army. It was this prison building that later …

Get tickets now to visit Alcatraz prison. Reserve online and save time. Alcatraz Tours depart hourly from Pier 33 in San Francisco, CA.

May 5, 2025 · Why it matters: One of the world's most notorious prisons, Alcatraz has been closed since 1963 because it was expensive to run, and the U.S. government "found that it was more cost …

Features historical narratives and photos that chronicle life inside this historic maximum-security penitentiary. The definitive on-line Alcatraz History Archive.

In 1854, the West Coast’s first lighthouse was built on San Francisco Bay’s Alcatraz Island to guide the ships coming and going through the Golden Gate. Government officials quickly decided that the tiny, …