alcatraz-island | CA | Find park

View of the Alcatraz Lighthouse and Island from the water

Alcatraz Island

A corridor extends between two rows and three tiers of cells. Skylights let in light from overhead.

Looking down Broadway in the Alcatraz Cellhouse

Alcatraz Rangers and 1934 Diamond T Firetruck

Army Prisoners in the Stockade, 1902

Cook serving Christmas dinner with menu posted above.

An inmate worker distributes trays near the steam table. Bars separate the kitchen from the mess hall. The day’s menu, the Christmas meal, appears on a sign over his head. The menu includes consomme, stuffed celery, green olives and mixed sweet pickles,

Physical Address:

Alcatraz Island

San Francisco Bay, CA 94133

Mailing Address:

Alcatraz Island

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco, CA 94123

contact-details

Phone Number: 415-561-4900 Voice

Email Address: goga_alca_socialmedia@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.

park designation:

Directions:

The Alcatraz Ferry Terminal is located on Pier 33, near the intersection of The Embarcadero and Bay Street. Ferry tickets are required to get to Alcatraz. Purchase tickets through https://www.alcatrazcitycruises.com/ Commercial parking lots are available near Pier 33, but it is recommended to use public transportation. Visit Transit.511.org for more information on getting to Pier 33 and be sure to check the hours for parking garages.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Alcatraz Island

Access to Alcatraz Island is via commercial ferry service. For ticket reservation and schedule call (415) 981-7625 or go to www.alcatrazcitycruises.com. The ferry schedule changes seasonally. Alcatraz is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Once on the island you can stay up to the last ferry. Be aware that tickets sell out quickly and reservations are recommended. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving (November 27, 2025 - November 27, 2025)

Christmas (December 25, 2025 - December 25, 2025)

New Year's (January 1, 2026 - January 1, 2026)

Weather Information:

The climate on Alcatraz is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Cold, foggy mornings may give way to sunny afternoons, which in turn can shift quickly back to more fog and blustery winds. The most pleasant weather usually occurs in spring and fall. Summers tend to be cool and foggy, winter is our rainy season. Temperatures on Alcatraz seldom rise above 75°F (24°C) or fall below 38°