Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
Facts and practical information
Alcatraz Island, often known simply as "The Rock," is an iconic landmark in the San Francisco Bay of California. This small island was famously home to a federal prison that once held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, such as Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, Alcatraz is a public museum and one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations, offering a glimpse into the prison life of the mid-20th century.
The island also features the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, which has guided mariners since 1854. The lighthouse stands as a beacon of history, its light still sweeping over the bay. Visitors to Alcatraz can explore the island's rich past, from its early days as a military fortification and prison, to its role in the Native American civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Access to Alcatraz Island is by ferry, with departures from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf. Tours typically include an audio narration that provides an immersive experience of the prison, narrated by former inmates and guards. This gives visitors a vivid sense of the isolation and conditions experienced by those who were incarcerated here.
The island also offers outdoor exhibits, gardens, bird colonies, and breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding bay. It's advisable to book tickets well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as Alcatraz tours are in high demand.
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California