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Alcatraz Island Description
The former penitentiary of Alcatraz, located 1.5mi/2.5km northeast in San Francisco Bay, is one of the most fascinating places to visit. The first Spaniard to land there, Ayala, named it Isla de los Alcatraces ("Islands of the Pelicans"), because he found vast numbers of these birds nesting on the sandstone island.

As this rocky island, covering an area of some 12acres/5hectares and rising to a height of 135ft/41m, has no springs, it remained uninhabited for years. In 1853, during the California gold-rush when the number of ships visiting the foggy bay increased considerably, a lighthouse was erected. Soon afterwards the island was fortified and became a military prison during the Civil War (1861-65). From 1933 to 1963 it became
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Hobbies & Activities category: Historic site;  National park;  Police or criminal museum;  National Register of Buildings
Address
Alcatraz Island
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123
United States
Phone 1 (415) 561-4900
Fax 1 (415) 705-1050
http://www.nps.gov/alca/
Hours
May 15 to October 7
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open10:4510:4510:4510:4510:4510:4510:45
Closed16:1516:1516:1516:1516:1516:1516:15
October 8 to May 14
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Open9:309:309:309:309:309:309:30
Closed14:1514:1514:1514:1514:1514:1514:15
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Cost
Adult$13.25
Senior over 62$11.50
Child 18 & under$13.25
Child 11 & under$8.00
Tips
These rates include the round trip ferry and audio tour.
Closing times refer to the last ferry departure.
No food service is available. There is a picnic area at the dock and food, drinks and smoking are only allowed on the dock.
As the island is frequently shrouded in mist and the wind is almost always strong, visitors are recommended to wear warm clothes.
Book tickets 2-4 weeks in advance May to September; 2 days advance for the rest of the year. Orders can be taken over the phone for a $2 fee.
Guides
Audio-visual presentations available.
Guided tour included with admission.
Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
Facilities
Gift shop
Transit
Pier 41 (Fisherman's Wharf)
Do-It-Yourself Tours
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