Alcatraz Island (affiliated area)
Alcatraz Island, referred to as "The Rock," is the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary now off-limits to the public, and the 18-month occupation by Indians of All Tribes that saved the tribes. Along with the rich history of the island, there is also a natural side with gardens, tide pools, bird colonies and magical bay views.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Brian O'NeilEntrance Fees: Free
Sights: Old Point Loma Lighthouse; Point Pinos Lighthouse
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 18.00Highest Point: (130 feet)
Annual Visitation: 13,486,824 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.801028 / -122.438360 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: San Francisco, CA
Gateway Communities: San Francisco, CA
Nearby Airports: San Francisco International Airport (SFO); Oakland International Airport (OAK)
Green Features
Has Volunteer Program? : YesIn Detail
Activities & Programs Things To Do 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 fre ... read more.
History People While the people most often associated with Alcatraz Island are the infamous inmates of the United States Bureau of Prisons (1934 to 1963), many others - before and after the well known penit ... read more.
Just For Kids For Kids Many families planning a visit to Alcatraz worry about bringing children to a former penitentiary - they often ask us if it is appropriate for them. Our answer is a definite yes! Our experi ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging There is no lodging available on Alcatraz Island. Lodging is available in the City of San Francisco, and the surrounding Bay Area. The ferry terminal is located near the Fisherman's Wharf ar ... read more.
Natural World Nature & Science Many visitors to the island have no idea that Alcatraz is a premiere spot for viewing colonial nesting seabirds. Most seabirds nest on inaccessible offshore rocks. The determined bi ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Management The U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service administers Alcatraz Island as a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GOGA). GOGA is part of the Central California Coa ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Plan Your Visit The most important thing to know when planning a trip to Alcatraz is that all access to the island is through a private ferry company under contract with the National Park Service, A ... read more.
Preservation Support Your Park If you are interested in opportunities to help support Alcatraz Island in our efforts to preserve and protect these cultural and natural resources, we recommend the following ways ... read more.
Sights to See Places In 1850 Alcatraz was declared a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore, and by 1859 troops were permanently garrisoned at the post on Alcatraces for the defense of the Bay Area. C ... read more.
Visitor Services Maps ALCATRAZ ISLAND MAP This is a general map of the island showing various structures. For your safety, please listen to the announcements at the dock, since various areas of the island are closed ... read more.
Who's Who at the Park Bookstore The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy operates several shops on Alcatraz. In addition they have an online store featuring books, videos, and many other items related to the island. Fo ... read more.
Alcatraz In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
